[ View Thread ] [ Post Response ] [ Return to Index ] [ Read Prev Msg ] [ Read Next Msg ]

BGonline.org Forums

a better way to pick the giants(assuming the giants are the best)

Posted By: Stick
Date: Thursday, 21 June 2012, at 4:39 p.m.

In Response To: a better way to pick the giants(assuming the giants are the best) (Timothy Chow)

I never did get around to replying to one of your questions in a thread about why my PR was higher at whatever tournament then my recorded matches online. I didn't get around to it because to fully answer it is a long answer but I can give an abbreviated version at least. When I play online (Gridgammon) even against people where there's a tangible PR difference I still try to make the correct bot v. bot play. I do not alter my play because I want to look at the match afterwards and know I know what the correct theoretical play is. When I play live I can make adjustments but I can only make these adjustments if I know what the right play is to begin with so that's how I practice.

Now, that will only make up for part of the difference, a few checker players here and there and a fair amount of cube decisions. Another small factor should be fatigue in some sense. You try to keep your focus and concentration match after match after match but it's a long weekend and one can slip up easily. It's also easier to slip up when you don't have the pip count staring you in the face and who knows, you could even make an illegal play that wouldn't happen online. (and it's more effort to pay attention to your opp's plays to make sure he is playing legally)

There are also the live "durrrr" plays. Everyone has these. After a match if you show someone they made a play and ask why they're like "I really made that play?!" My 61 play where I hit and made the bar point instead of making the 5 point was one such play. A terrible play I can't even imagine making but it's there plain as day, on video, so I must have made it.

A lot of other small factors may come in to play too, even if not for me for some people. Noise for example. It bothers some people and it doesn't seem to affect others. A backgammon room is a busy place esp. for the rock stars (yea, I said it lol) who may have people coming up and talking to them or asking them questions in the middle of their matches. Even if the question is as simple as "Stick, can I use your laptop?" that may bother some people to take them out of the game, out of the moment, out of the flow, and it may not bother others.

David issued this challenge and Falafel issued a challenge much the same. I've said it before, there are plenty of reasons these challenges don't get taken up and it has nothing to do with the strength of the players. Falafel is one of the best around, for sure. I voted him #1 on my Giants list this year and I'd still love to play his challenge. Why don't I? Because I'd be playing Falafel and all the discussion and chit chat ā la Falafelfish would get to me.

Stick

Messages In This Thread

 

Post Response
Your Name:
Your E-Mail Address:
Subject:
Message:

If necessary, enter your password below:

Password:
 

 

[ View Thread ] [ Post Response ] [ Return to Index ] [ Read Prev Msg ] [ Read Next Msg ]

BGonline.org Forums is maintained by Stick with WebBBS 5.12.