4 ms·

I love playing Backgammon, I find it to be an almost perfect blend of skill and luck, while also being much more accessible than something like chess. It's easy

by mstade 7y ago

I love playing Backgammon, I find it to be an almost perfect blend of skill and luck, while also being much more accessible than something like chess. It's easy enough to learn on the fly, and after only a few games you start recognizing patterns and strategies and it really motivates you to get better. I find it's a pretty good way to get a more intuitive grasp on probability as well. It's also easy to teach other how to play and get hooked. I have lunch at the same spot almost every day, and I bring a backgammon rollup travel set with me so I can play with whomever might be interested in a game. Most often it'll be the owner or her staff (I've taught six of them how to play, so far!) but sometimes random people will come up and say "what's that game" and we're off to the races. Great conversation starter!

misja111 7y ago
Backgammon has gained some new popularity since computer programs appeared that were able to beat humans and more importantly, analyze the games afterwards. The game is now played more as a game of skill than of luck: there are some backgammon sites that rate your play according to computer analysis, e.g. https://backgammongalaxy.com/ https://backgammongalaxy.com/. If you're interested you should give it a try.
- mstade 7y ago
  I have tried it actually, but thanks for the tip anyway! :o) I'm curious about this surge in popularity though. Where I am (Sweden) most people seem to know about backgammon, but not many know how to play so can't say I recognize that surge. Regardless, people mostly seem keen to learn which is great fun for me since I love to teach, and it's a great feeling when they win without any help on strategy or moves. :o)
  - misja111 7y ago
    If you'd like to see some good players in action: there are a few backgammon tournaments in Sweden with some world class participants. For instance https://dubbel5.se/tournaments/SO2109.html https://dubbel5.se/tournaments/SO2109.html

by mstade 7y ago

misja111 7y ago

Backgammon has gained some new popularity since computer programs appeared that were able to beat humans and more importantly, analyze the games afterwards. The game is now played more as a game of skill than of luck: there are some backgammon sites that rate your play according to computer analysis, e.g. https://backgammongalaxy.com/ https://backgammongalaxy.com/. If you're interested you should give it a try.

mstade 7y ago
I have tried it actually, but thanks for the tip anyway! :o) I'm curious about this surge in popularity though. Where I am (Sweden) most people seem to know about backgammon, but not many know how to play so can't say I recognize that surge. Regardless, people mostly seem keen to learn which is great fun for me since I love to teach, and it's a great feeling when they win without any help on strategy or moves. :o)
- misja111 7y ago
  If you'd like to see some good players in action: there are a few backgammon tournaments in Sweden with some world class participants. For instance https://dubbel5.se/tournaments/SO2109.html https://dubbel5.se/tournaments/SO2109.html