Online vs. face to face backgammon

Maverick · Joined: 14 Jun 2007 Posts: 15

I have been playing backgammon online for a few years now. I used to play a little bit of backgammon with friends before I started playing online but I haven’t touched a real backgammon board in years. I’m thinking about joining a backgammon club and participating in tournaments but I’m a little nervous. I’m pretty good when I play online, but I’m worried about playing face to face. Can anyone tell me what some of the differences are between playing online and face to face and what I should work on? Thanks in advance…

Jade · Joined: 14 Jun 2007 Posts: 27

The main thing that you need for face to face backgammon that isn’t necessary online is the ability to count pips. When you play online you usually have an automated pip count available throughout the entire game. When you play in a live match you don’t have this luxury and if you don’t know how to count pips well then you could be stuck not knowing whether or not to accept or drop a double and not realizing opportunities that you should double yourself. If you want to work on your pip counting you can research all sorts of techniques online. Aside from that, practice by covering up the pip count on your screen (you can use a post-it) and then guess at the current count and uncover the count on your screen to see how close you came.

yendi · Joined: 14 Jun 2007 Posts: 16

The nice thing about playing on the computer is that you can drop a match that isn’t going well (not that your opponent will be too thrilled with you, but it’s possible). In a live match this is not an option, you will have to play each match to the finish. Aside from this I would have to agree that learning to count pips effectively is the best thing you can do to prepare.

The real dice is another thing you’ll have to get used to. In tournament play a lot of folks like to show off their fancy dice moves. Also, you’ll have to show up with enough cash to settle when you are playing for money. Playing face to face can also be much more fulfilling—nothing is sweeter than seeing your opponent start to sweat, shake or see the corners of his mouth turn down as he realizes that he is losing to you. Enjoy!