Guide for Advanced Players

Always have a plan. The plan may change from one roll to the next, but always be focusing on how you can win the game, or if a loss is very likely, how to save the gammon. Identify the main thing(s) you need to do. Do you need to escape your one back checker? Then run if you can, even if into a double shot. Are you trailing badly in the race and need to contain your one opponent’s straggler? Then slot, or hit, aggressively. Don’t let yourself just drift into untenable positions.

Learn how to use match equity tables and make your match doubling and taking decisions based on them. Since most players on the Zone play relatively short matches, there are a limited number of distinct situations that will arise. Learning the proper doubling strategy for each score can make a HUGE difference in your won-loss record. One of the most common questions asked is “How do I increase my rating?” Most players want to know some secret trick for what opponents to play or what match lengths – but – 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.

When you must leave a shot, put your checkers where they will do the most good if not hit.

Woolsey’s Law for doubling: “Put yourself in your opponent’s shoes. If you would even think of dropping if doubled, then it must be a good double.” Don’t be worried that he will take. If it’s a good double, you’re happy to play with the cube on 2. Corrolary 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 brilliant plays. It is won by the player who makes the fewest mistakes.

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 from the list of the best 3. They are made by not even seeing the best move.