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Is this a good sign or a bad sign for popularity of bg?

Posted By: Taper_Mike
Date: Thursday, 21 March 2013, at 12:44 p.m.

In Response To: Is this a good sign or a bad sign for popularity of bg? (Bob Koca)

I think using backgammon as an example of applied math is a wonderful idea. Pip counting and probability calculations are just two of the areas you can mine. To get your students hooked on the game, however, I think they need to experience the tension and release that accompanies placing a checker at risk, and then surviving the shot. Even more dramatic are the huge emotional swings that come from taking a blow on the chin, and then replying with the joker that rights your ship. Wager just a token, even a mere 10 cents for a beginner, and even a tyro will begin to care about the action. Now, you’ve got a person who wants to play again. Counting pips just doesn’t communicate the same thrill. You are probably already doing this, but let me suggest setting up a few do-or-die situations, where the game is on the line on the next roll, and see if you can work up some math applications that allow your students to figure out the correct play. Once they have the answer, with a grand flourish, you can pick up a dice cup, pause for effect, and then roll the bones! Mike

Messages In This Thread

• Is this a good sign or a bad sign for popularity of bg?
  Bob Koca -- Wednesday, 20 March 2013, at 5:57 p.m.
  • Is this a good sign or a bad sign for popularity of bg?
    Ken Larsen -- Wednesday, 20 March 2013, at 7:59 p.m.
    • Is this a good sign or a bad sign for popularity of bg?
      Bob Koca -- Thursday, 21 March 2013, at 3:02 a.m.
  • Is this a good sign or a bad sign for popularity of bg?
    Taper_Mike -- Thursday, 21 March 2013, at 12:44 p.m.
    • Is this a good sign or a bad sign for popularity of bg?
      jdg -- Thursday, 21 March 2013, at 2:01 p.m.
    • Is this a good sign or a bad sign for popularity of bg?
      Bob Koca -- Thursday, 21 March 2013, at 5:34 p.m.
      • Is this a good sign or a bad sign for popularity of bg?
        Henrik Bukkjaer -- Thursday, 21 March 2013, at 9:45 p.m.
        • Is this a good sign or a bad sign for popularity of bg?
          Bob koca -- Friday, 22 March 2013, at 2:19 a.m.
  • Is this a good sign or a bad sign for popularity of bg?
    Timothy Chow -- Thursday, 21 March 2013, at 5:23 p.m.
    • Is this a good sign or a bad sign for popularity of bg?
      Bob Koca -- Thursday, 21 March 2013, at 5:30 p.m.
  • Is this a good sign or a bad sign for popularity of bg?
    Phil Simborg -- Friday, 22 March 2013, at 2:27 a.m.
    • Is this a good sign or a bad sign for popularity of bg?
      Stick -- Friday, 22 March 2013, at 2:45 a.m.
      • Is this a good sign or a bad sign for popularity of bg?
        Bob koca -- Friday, 22 March 2013, at 2:34 p.m.