What to do with droppers

Blitz · Joined: 14 Jun 2007 Posts: 13

The other day I had just accepted an invitation to play a game of online backgammon with a player that I had never played against before. Just after I accepted his invitation and had rolled the opening move of the game I received a “kind” warning from another player that my opponent was a dropper. I didn’t know what to do because had already started playing a three-point match with him and I didn’t want to be a dropper myself. Instead, I played on, but I spent the entire game worried that my opponent would drop. I don’t know what to do in a situation like this, it’s no fun to play through an entire game being nervous. What can I do to avoid the dreaded dropper?

Catalin · Joined: 14 Jun 2007 Posts: 18

Personally, I don’t know why people get so nervous about droppers. I think that everyone just needs to relax—after all, it’s just a game. It’s unfortunate when your opponent drops, especially if you are just about to win, but it isn’t the end of the world. Just relax and have fun. Enjoy each game while it lasts and if your opponent drops just start a new game. Things could be worse.

Pigeon · Joined: 14 Jun 2007 Posts: 13

It’s often a difficult situation if someone tells you that your opponent is a dropper. You have no way of knowing if this information is valid or if the person who is telling you has some sort of ulterior motive or personal vendetta against your opponent. Many online backgammon sites keep a record of the number of games, or sometimes percentage of games, that each player has dropped in the past. Instead of listening to the hearsay of other players, why not check out the profile and statistics about the person you are playing. If you see that your opponent has dropped a lot of games in the past then it is advisable not to play against them. There is no point in being nervous and worrying throughout your whole game that your opponent is going to drop at the last minute.

Stack · Joined: 14 Jun 2007 Posts: 24

Did you think about asking the source of this information that your opponent was a dropper about how he knows this or for more information? Maybe you should have told your opponent that you received this tip from the beginning and that if he was planning on dropping then you would rather not start the game? Either this sort of comment would cause your opponent to drop immediately so you wouldn’t have to waste your time playing the game until he dropped or it would prevent him from dropping at all. If you would rather not start any troubles you can tell your opponent that you received an anonymous tip and you don’t have to mention the name of the player who told you that your opponent is a dropper. I also should say that I think it’s better not to worry about droppers. You will enjoy the game much more if you spend your time enjoying the game and not being so nervous.