Backgammon is an ancient board game that requires strategic thinking, tactics and risk-taking. These are all abilities which can be acquired to give you a competitive advantage. In this Deluxe Backgammon post for beginners, we ask the question: What are the skills of a great backgammon player?
Strategic thinking
Great backgammon players can think ahead several moves and plan accordingly. This ability to look at the bigger picture and anticipate potential scenarios allows them to make informed decisions about their next move. By analysing a position from multiple angles, it becomes easier to determine how to move forward with confidence and success. Backgammon involves the element of luck. However, it is still possible to structure plans based on the most likely outcomes of the dice.
Tactics
Backgammon involves tactical planning. All great backgammon players understand how each checker can interact with the other checkers on the board. In addition, they are aware of possible traps or opportunities set by opponents’ positions. This requires an understanding of the mechanics of the game. How do the checkers move? What are the key points? Where do you leave a blot? Aggressive versus defensive play, which is the right option? Where do I leave a builder?
Risk taking
Risk taking is an integral part of backgammon. Players must consider probabilities before making their move in order to maximise gains while minimising losses. All great backgammon players have a good understanding of probability. Understanding the mechanics of the dice and the likelihood of a specific set of numbers occurring is crucial for making correct decisions in the game.
Reference points
A reference point is a known position value that serves as a standard by which other similar positions may be measured or assessed. Having experienced a specific reference point a great player can recall the best play and apply it to a similar position. All great backgammon players have a huge library of reference points committed to memory. Having such a library requires not only an excellent memory, but also an understanding of which options will provide the better result according to the state of the game. The reference point must be analysed and then committed to memory. Software programs, such as XG Mobile Backgammon, provide excellent tools for analysis. Unfortunately, it is up to the individual to commit the reference points to memory!
One of the most critical sets of reference positions is knowing the correct way to play the opening moves. After learning the rules and the mechanics of backgammon, this is the next set of reference points that every backgammon beginner should commit to memory.
Study
All great backgammon players have studied the game. It doesn’t matter if an individual is blessed with great intellect or mathematical genius. In order to be a great player there are some key backgammon concepts and strategies that simply must studied and memorised. There are no shortcuts. It takes time and concentrated effort to accumulate the knowledge to become a great backgammon player.
Summary
Acquiring the skills to become a great backgammon player takes time and effort. Backgammon is an easy game to learn but takes years to master. You can be continually learning and improving your backgammon in every game you play. It is also a pastime you can enjoy for your entire life. Studies have proven that playing backgammon has cognitive benefits which help keep the brain sharp later in life. It is also a great social event to keep you in touch with friends and family. As a backgammon beginner work your way through the Deluxe Backgammon Playing Guides. Start with the basics, learn the opening moves and progress through the intermediate guides. It takes time, but it is worth the effort to see your backgammon skills improve.
Related content
Reference positions at Backgammon Galore.