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

BGonline.org Forums

Backgammon and psychology

Posted By: Henrik Bukkjaer
Date: Tuesday, 25 September 2012, at 6:41 a.m.

In Response To: Backgammon and psychology (Bob Koca)

Yes, indeed. That was also one of the reasons why I wanted Stick to elaborate on his thoughts.

It's always a tradeoff when you "play the opponent", no matter how strong that opponent is. Big mistakes with a low frequency or minor mistakes with a higher frequency.

I personally think Stick's idea here is flawed. For some position types I agree, you'd want the cube to be taken. But for the majority of positions, when playing an inferior opponent, one should be happy if you can squeeze a drop out of a position that is a take, put a point on the scoresheet, and set up the checkers for a new game. That way, you get more play in the match (eg. more advantage for you), at a low risk (variance), and in positions where the opponent is even more prone to err (with the cube in the center).

BTW: The same kind of trade-off exists if you delay your cube at post-Crawford play, to offer your opponent a tough double, instead of an automatic take. How deep are you prepared to go? Risk of own missed doubles when you suddenly joker, vs. chance of opponent err.

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.