Backgammon Problem: What Am I doing Wrong?

FlyShot · Joined: 14 Jun 2007 Posts: 7

Greetings. I don’t know whether anyone can help me as my problem seems a little broad, but I thought I’d throw my frustrations out there and see where it leads. I’m a relatively new player of backgammon and I am at the stage where I am reading all that I can get my hands on. I first read “Backgammon for Winners” (Robertie) and I’m presently studying Paul Magriel’s 12 chapter book. When I started the second book, I noticed an improvement in my game and my Fibs rating went up from 1200 to just under 1400. And then suddenly, my rating started dropping and it seemed that the more I read and applied, the worse I was doing. Has anyone else come across this kind of problem before?

Reenter · Joined: 14 Jun 2007 Posts: 7

Hi there. I share your frustrations! I’d dare to go as far as to say that most of us at one time or another reached the kind of situation that you are describing. Learning to play backgammon is quite a dynamic process. Contrary to what many think, it is not all smooth sailing and you will have your down days as well as your better ones. I’ve put together a couple of pointers that I have picked up in my years of experience.

• Recognize the fact that we all have streaks of good luck and streaks of bad luck. It just may well be that you are experiencing the latter. What is important is that you look at the overall picture and consider your progress in the long run. Even top players experience times where their ratings fluctuate by 100 points in each direction.
• Consider getting someone better than you to tutor you. He or she may be able to pick out a problem that you are overlooking because of your lack of experience in the game.
• Download the backgammon software program GNUbg. It’s free and a great tool for beginners. This program allows you to analyze your games and pick out your mistakes. Analysis is an invaluable tool that will give you an honest picture of where your problems lie. If you manage to identify a position that you play poorly, you will then be able to go back to your resource books, study what the experts have to say and work on that area.
• Keep reading. Keep studying. Keep playing. However, try not to overdo it. A common mistake made by new backgammon players is that they are so keen to apply whatever they learn that they don’t stop to think whether they are applying their information in the right context. Take some time to absorb what you are reading and perhaps play a few games with GNUbg instead of live players, armed with your new information. The information is sometimes complex and difficult to comprehend, and you’ll want to let it sink in.
• Relax. Be a conscientious student but remember that you’re out to have fun and a temporarily declining Fibs rating isn’t a good reason to throw in the towel. Good luck..