Backgammon and Chess: The Dynamic Duo

admin · Site Admin Joined: 15 May 2007 Posts: 862

Besides the fact that Backgammon and Chess can sometimes be found in the same box, they are both great games that require strategy. Although in ancient times backgammon was once referred to as: "The Battle on Wood" in the modern version of the game there is nothing to suggest that a battle is taking place except that each player is attempting to defeat the other. Chess, on the other hand, especially when the pieces have been designed to look like soldiers, knights or castles, does indeed appear to be a battlefield. An opponent's pieces are captured and many times a player is forced to sacrifice a knight to protect his queen or king. In chess the entire focus of the game is to eliminate the opposite player's king and this can be accomplished leaving more than halve the pieces still on the board. In backgammon one gets the feeling he is participating in a complicated relay race and the all checkers must cross the finish line (be removed from the board) in order to win.

Backgammon and Chess, although different, are both games of skill. While it is true that the dice add an element of unpredictability to the game, this, in the opinion of many, increases the skill involved because it forces the player to change his strategy and adapt to unforeseen situations. Far from being a game were one mindlessly rolls dice and moves around a board, backgammon is a game that utilizes a great deal of mathematics and the doubling cube brings an element of courage and risk to the game that is totally absent in chess.

Although, as mention, Backgammon and Chess can sometimes be found packaged together, it is quite unusual that someone who is a champion in one game is also a champion in the other. In the game of chess very little is left to chance. Both players make their moves based on the available options, but as the game progresses these options become more restricted. A skilled player can "see" moves before they occur and usually can control the outcome of a game. The game become exciting when new tactics are tried or mistakes are made and players are forced to adapt to the new realities.

In conclusion: Both Backgammon and Chess are fun to play and can provide a great deal of satisfaction. If you like long drawn out games then probably chess is your game. If making quick calculations based on ever changing circumstances is more of an attraction, then backgammon is the way to go.