What not to do?

Jennifer · Joined: 14 Jun 2007 Posts: 17

I am a beginner at backgammon and am looking for some tips about how to improve my game. However, instead of sending me to articles online about what I should do to improve I was wondering if anyone could tell me the opposite. What are some things I should NOT do? Are there any common beginner mistakes that I should avoid?

Catalin · Joined: 14 Jun 2007 Posts: 18

You have asked a very good question. There are a lot of common mistakes that beginners make. The main beginners mistake is to not understand the difference between safe and bold play. Most beginners move safely around the board, making sure all of their checkers are covered and not open to attack, not making any moves that will put them in any sort of danger. With this strategy it is nearly impossible to win the game. On the contrary, you need to be bold and take risks rather than play it safe if you want to win at backgammon. Forge your checkers ahead to the finish—don’t forget that the game of backgammon is a race. If you play it safe you will be much more open to blockades by your opponent and it will be difficult for you to finish first. Don’t worry about leaving checkers exposed because if you are hit you can change your strategy to a backgame and it isn’t a huge loss.

Another big mistake that beginners often make is running their back checkers when they are behind in the race and breaking contact too soon. Once you have broken contact it will be very hard for you to win if you are too far behind in the pip count. It is better to leave checkers back and wait for an opportunity to hit your opponent so that you can give yourself and edge and build time to bring all your checkers home.

I have also seen a lot of beginners pile up a lot of checkers on one point. There is really no need to have a load of checkers on one point, unless the checkers are on your 1-point and you are bearing off. You should spread these checkers out to create blockades and then they will be more useful.

Pigeon · Joined: 14 Jun 2007 Posts: 13

I would like to add that I think that beginners should be more aware of game equity, pip counting and the doubling cube. I know that these are said to be more advanced strategies, but I think they are extremely important as they can help you to make decisions throughout most of the game.

Stack · Joined: 14 Jun 2007 Posts: 24

I think that the biggest beginner blunder is not thinking! Oftentimes beginners get frazzled, especially when they are playing against more experienced players, because they feel like they are taking too much time to think about their moves. Therefore they move the first checkers they see without weighing all of their options. There is nothing worse than making your play and then seeing the amazing play that was available that you didn’t take two seconds later. Don’t worry about how long it is taking you to make each play—speed will come with time. But it’s extremely important to check out all of your options.