Backgammon:

The Lessons of

War

Back Game Bill

Back Games – Rule 1

Do Not Play Back Games

A Back Game Story - I Cube Action?

Correct Play: Double and Take

A Back Game Story - II Cube Action?

Correct Play: No Double and Take

A Back Game Story - III Cube Action? (White on roll)

Correct Play: No Double and Take

A Back Game Story - IV Cube Action?

Correct Play: Double and Take!!

Back Game Basics

It is all about Timing

• Well-Timed

• In the Balance

• Busted

Well-Timed

Super-Timed

Back Game Perfection

In the Balance

Busted

Which Back Game?

• Best Back Games: 1-3 and 2-3 and 1-2 (but only with exceptional timing)

• In general you want the back game points close to each other

• OK Back Games: 2-4, 3-4 • Average Back Games: 1-4 and 2-5

• Poor Back Games: 3-5, 4-5

• Not really a Back Game: 1-5

• For good timing you need to be trailing by a number pips equal to your two anchors (a 1-2 back game requires you to be at least 94 pips behind)

When to Double

The perfect time to double a back game is when you have three points to clear in front of the defenders front anchor.

When to Double? Cube Action?

Correct Play: Double (just) and easy take

When to Double – Variation I Cube Action?

Correct Play: Double and take

When to Double – Variation II Cube Action?

Correct Play: Big Double and Big Drop

Back Game Tactics

• MAKE YOUR HOME BOARD POINTS IN ORDER

• Get spare checkers onto the front anchor and then leap into the outfield

• Do not hit too early – a well timed back game generates multiple shots

• Do not kill any checkers unless you have to (at which point you have probably lost)

A Dozen Back Game Problems

Problem 1

Correct Play: 23/20, 15/11

Money Game. How should Red Play 43?

Lesson: Don’t hit too early

Problem 2

Correct Play: 13/9*, 7/6

Money Game. How should Red Play 41?

Lesson: Gammons count extra!

Problem 3

Correct Play: 6/5, 3/1

Money Game. How should Red Play 21?

Lesson: Don’t give Gratuitous shots

Problem 4

Correct Play: 13/12*, 6/3 or 13/12*/9

Money Game. How should Red Play 31?

Lesson: Destroy your Opponent’s Timing

Problem 5

Correct Play: 8/6, 3/2*

Money Game. How should Red Play 21?

Lesson: Recirculate Checkers Where Appropriate

Problem 6 Money Game. How should Red play 44?

Correct Play: 24/20(2), 10/6

Lesson: Try to Guarantee Your timing

Problem 7 (Cinderella) Money Game. How should Red play 11?

Correct Play: 11/10(2), 7/6(2)

Lesson: Remember the Cinderella Concept

Problem 8

Correct Play: Double and Take

Money Game. Cube Action?

Lesson: Is it really a Back Game?

Problem 9

Correct Play: Double and Take or Drop

Money Game. Cube Action?

Lesson: Think about gammons

Problem 10

Correct Play: Double or No Double and Take

Money Game. Cube Action?

Lesson: Many Different Game Plans

Problem 11

Correct Play: Redouble and Take.

Match Play. Red trails 1-2 to 7. Cube Action?

Lesson: Always Consider the Match Score

Problem 12

Correct Play: Redouble and Take!

Match Play. Red Trails 1-2 to 5. Cube Action?

Lesson: Special Scores Require Special Attention

Lesson Summary Checker Play • Don’t hit too early • Gammons count extra! • Don’t give gratuitous shots • Destroy your opponent’s timing • Recirculate checkers where appropriate • Try to guarantee your timing • Remember the Cinderalla concept

Cube Play • Is it really a back game? • Think about gammons • Many different game plans • Always consider the match score • Special scores require special attention

Warning: There are many more lessons!!

Nemesis for the Tempestuous Turk Money Game.

Summary

• Back Games were misunderstood for years (centuries) • The bots have significantly redefined our Back Game play • Remember the basics of attack and defence • Take your time! Back Games are difficult • Do not play a Back Game by choice!

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Any Questions?