4 ms·

Doesn't backgammon lose a lot of its appeal if you're not playing for money? Kinda like poker.

• LargeWu 6y ago
  Not really. There are a lot of strategic decisions to make, and those decisions aren't about money. In poker, almost all of the important decisions are directly about wagering. When wagering has no real value, neither do the decisions. Also, in backgammon, you still need to actually win. Contrast this with poker, where oftentimes when playing for money, you don't actually want to reach the end of the hand (i.e. showdown). Which, again, is pointless if there's no money involved since always calling is your optimal strategy.
  • dfan 6y ago
    You do lose all the strategic decisions involving the doubling cube, though.
    • LargeWu 6y ago
      Assuming you are playing individual games, yes. But, if you are playing a series of games up to X points, the cube does come into play somewhat.
• philshem 6y ago
  Are you thinking about blackjack?
  • Tiltowait-- 6y ago
    Backgammon is primarily a gambling game. People who get good at it always play for money. Kind of like pool. It's a hustler's game, too. You can play backgammon without any money on the line, but the game loses its zip and tension (what gamblers call "action") and you won't be able to play anyone but your friends and family.