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BGonline.org Forums
Handicap options (when teaching kids)
Posted By: Phil Simborg In Response To: Handicap options (when teaching kids) (leobueno)
Date: Sunday, 19 June 2016, at 4:26 a.m.
1. Until they are reasonably skilled, forget the cube.
2. Until they know the game pretty well, start off playing only no-contact races. No reason to give them a handicap.
3. When they are ready to play regular backgammon, I would give them no handicap except the following: a) if you see they make a play you think is not a good one, you tell them and give them the chance to correct it...this way it will be a learning experience as well as a playing experience....and only let them correct, say, 2 or 3 moves;
4. Let them have one "do-over" (roll over) per game.
I also like starting kids playing hypergammon where you each start with 3 checkers on opponent's 24 point. That way they learn about blocking and hitting and leaving shots and moving the checkers.
Now, I know it's "wrong" to teach kids to gamble (at least some people think it is wrong but I personally don't, as life is nothing but a gamble and every life decision is a matter of weighing risk and reward and I believe gambling teaches kids valuable lessons) however, it is more fun and exciting and realistic to put something on the game. It could be chores, like washing the dishes or mowing the lawn, or it could be if they win you pay then a dollar or two and if they lose they pay you $ .25. Or if they win enough games or points they get some kind of treat.
They will try harder and concentrate harder and enjoy it more if they win if they win something. And if they lose something, well, they will learn that you can't always win and if you are going to gamble and take chances, you need to be a good sport and take your lumps....just like life.
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