I Sure Don't Rule at Backgammon

I decided to go online and play some backgammon. Nabisco, the cookie people sponsor some pretty good board games online. I played against the computer, and got shellacked a couple times over. Yes, I did write the rules for backgammon, but it has been a while since I considered myself good at the game.

I usually say that if I win, a game is all skill. If I lose, then the game must have a large component of luck. In fact there is a deal of luck to backgammon, but there is also a wide margin for the skillful player. I think I made a lot of beginner mistakes. Probably, the most aggregious problem was relying too heavily on lagging pieces to try to take off the opposing pieces. Every time this left me vulnerable to having pieces setting on the bar while my opponent filled up her side of the board.

BackGammon Ruler Rules

Okay, I am not so good that I can call myself a ruler. But I did write the rules of backgammon, at least a version of them. I put them together a couple of years ago for InDepthInfo.com. I am somewhat of a game fanatic. I have written websites on all kinds of traditional board games, including, chess, hearts, go, and even the rules of spades.

What is so great about many of the old strategy games, including backgammon, is that the rules are generally simple, while the play is complex. Backgammon requires a certain amount of experience to be played well. Insightful game play can also make a huge difference in scoring. If the game is played for points, the doubling dice can be very important.

I only play for love. Money games make me lose all sense of strategy. I will always take the biggest chances where money is at stake. Having learned this about myself, I won't even buy a lottery ticket, well once in a great while, but not normally.

In any case, this site is going to be about a few thoughts I have about backgammon rules and perhaps a bit of strategy.