Backgammon for Money vs. Fun Gambling

Liss · Joined: 14 Jun 2007 Posts: 30

Hi. I’m new to the game of backgammon. I’ve been hearing conflicting ideas about what constitutes ‘real’ backgammon. Some players tell me that I can’t really appreciate online backgammon without playing for real money, while others say that I can. I’d love to hear some feedback on this subject. Thanks.

Hedge · Joined: 14 Jun 2007 Posts: 18

Ah.. the old money vs. fun debate! As you’ll find along the way, there are many players with differing opinions on this subject. In my years of experience, this is what I feel they are saying:

There are those who feel that you can’t truly be a serious online backgammon player if you aren’t playing for real money. They feel that there is no motivation and no challenge if you don’t have something at stake. This also includes low stake wagers by the way. As long as there is that element of gambling within the game, these players claim that it is 100% more exciting and prompts you to think and play your best. They also claim that match point backgammon is simply the process of moving checkers around the board and that the money adds the necessary pressure that makes backgammon a game of skill.

On the other hand, you have those who say that beginners should stay away from online backgammon play for money unless they want to make others rich. They claim that it is quite possible to play backgammon very seriously without bringing money into the equation. The challenge is always there: Players can play for a better rating. Or they can play online tournaments (which are great fun, btw), or they play in leagues. The list is endless and there are always bound to be players around who are just as keen to enjoy backgammon for fun, without the monetary element involved.

Others are of the opinion that match play backgammon can definitely be played without money (as long as it is kept online), as long as there is that extra challenge because of the added value at stake such as rating points or tournament positions.

And finally, there are still those of the pre-bot days who genuinely appreciate the game of backgammon for what it is – a game of skill between two people of equal standard who are looking for enjoyment in the challenge within the game itself. To these players, winning money at the end is a nice touch but certainly not the only motivation for playing backgammon.

As you are new to backgammon, there is no need to rush things. I would definitely stick to free or low stake backgammon match games until you have built up your ratings (and confidence) to attempt real money online backgammon gambling. Read all you can and improve your games using self-analysis software. I really believe that in the end, only you can decide whether playing backgammon for real money is right for you. However, to get to that point where you can make an educated decision, you need to be sufficiently skilled in backgammon. Good luck.