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Backgammon Guide For Advanced Players
Quick Game Tips for Backgammon:
The key to backgammon is having the doubling cube. You will never win in this game if you only drop a cube; let us say you are behind in the game already - you can't take the cubes. Before making the doubling move consider these four simple rules:
1) If your opponent wants to double after you make a move, find the play that will push your opponent not to double anymore.
2) If you must pass a cube after your move is done, find the play that will make your position strong.
3) If you know that you should not double after your move is done, find the play that will correct your double.
4) After your move is done, and you think that your opponent will take, find the play that will make your opponent drop.
After considering the rules on doubling, here are some tips for a more advanced player in backgammon:
In the game of backgammon, you should never play without a plan. Make a game plan. Your plan may vary from your first roll to your next roll, but your focus should be on winning the game, whether you change your plan, or not. Be aware of what must be considered, first. Do your best to avoid checkers landing on untenable positions.
Match doubling with the equity of the table; if you learn this your decision must be based on these matches. You should know the proper strategy for doubling, and how it could create a better chance of winning your game.
Place your checkers on the best point on the board, if they have no good point, hit. This is if you should leave a shot.
Law of doubling: "Put yourself in your opponent's position. If you think that, if doubled, you will drop, you must consider it as a good double after all". If your opponent takes it, do not worry. It is a good double. Second law on doubling: "If you never have the chance to turn the cube, you will never give your opponent the chance to commit a mistake - let him".
Remember, backgammon is not a game that requires genius; it is for players who've learned to make the fewest mistakes; these are the ones who win.
Stay low; identify one or two viable alternatives before you make a move. The worst player is not the one who took the second best option or the third best option; it is the one who didn't see the best move on the board.