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Plan or Perish
Without a plan, you might as well be playing with your eyes closed. Even if your plan changes three or four times in a match, you should always be aware of what you need to do in order to win the game. Even the most cursory examination of the pieces will tell you what’s likely to give you trouble and also, if any, where your advantage lays. Backgammon is so similar to chess in that often players are thinking about moves five or six turns down the road. It’s always a good idea to trust your instincts and play with your gut, but discipline and awareness is also a key part of the game.
Get Friendly With Match Equity Tables
The match equity tables can help you make the correct doubling decisions, including when to offer. Learn how to use them and you will be confident what to do in those difficult situations. Since most online players play relatively short matches, there are a limited number of distinct situations that will arise. A mastery of the correct doubling strategy for each score can make a big difference in your win-loss record.
Concentrate on Winning Matches
One of the most common questions asked is “How do I increase my rating?” Most players want to know some special trick for identifying which opponents to play or at what match lengths, however it’s must better to just win more matches. Winning just 5% more of your 3-point matches will increase your rating about 100 points.
Think About What Woolsey Said
What was it again? Oh yeah, something along the lines of “Put yourself in your opponent’s shoes. If you would even think of dropping if doubled, then it must be a good double.” Try not to worry that your opponent will take, even when you are not confident in your decision. Remember you have the advantage, and the majority of the time you will go on to win the game.
Also, don’t forget about the corollary to Woolsey’s Law: “If you never turn the cube, you never give your opponent a chance to make a mistake.” Backgammon is not won by making consistently brilliant plays, but rather, and slightly less glamorous, by the player who makes the fewest mistakes.
Options and Alternatives
Too many good players get cocky and rush into what they think they know is the only move. You should never make a move until you have identified at least one or two viable alternatives. The worst checker play mistakes are not made by choosing the second or third best option, but rather they are made by not even seeing the best move.
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