Learn to Play like the Backgammon Pros

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

You may have reached the point in your backgammon career where you know how to move your checkers to the most strategic areas on the board and you know how to compete in backgammon tournaments. Maybe now you're looking to improve your game and play like the backgammon pros? If so, then you need to advance your game and start playing against more experienced opponents.

This can seem daunting to the new player for two reasons. One is that many players
feel uncomfortable or anxious about using the doubling cube in a game of backgammon. Knowing when to use the cube is half the problem. However, it is crucial to be fully familiar with how the cube works and to recognize when it can assist your game if you want to play backgammon like the backgammon pros.

The easiest way to improve your use of the doubling cube is to study up on cube technique. You can find many resources online at player forums and in backgammon books about when to offer the cube in a game. A common rule recommended by backgammon pros is that the doubling cube should come into play on the third or fourth move. You should offer the cube to your opponent if you consider that the game is slightly in your advantage.

You also need to learn how to play the opening rolls. Backgammon pros will memorize the best possible moves for each dice combination. You should write these down and learn them as best you can. If you're planning to play against more experienced players, you will need to find every way possible to bring a new edge into your game.