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Running pip counts

Posted By: Stick
Date: Sunday, 22 March 2026, at 6:59 p.m.

In Response To: Running pip counts (Steve)

You keep a running count by using a +/- system. The length of the race is not involved in the count. - equates to being ahead in the race whereas + is losing the race. In other words, if I roll an opening [65] in my head I'm -11. If my opponent replies with a [62] I'm now -3.

I can't comment on how long it took for me to use a running pip count successful without issue because I went in with a cheat code. I already counted for blackjack which is the same system. While it's true that most BJ counting systems max out at +/- 2 it's still the process that takes getting used to, not the math. Also, once you're comfortable with regular counting in blackjack you'll do sweeping counts of all the cards that were just dealt so you will get higher numbers.

Also, I hardly ever use this skill. I can recall using it a couple times either in important matches or if I happened to be super low on time. Maybe I'll keep it in a chouette from time to time to not get bored or so when someone asks I can obnoxiously give them the answer without hesitation and people will be amazed. Truth is, it's not that hard. Truth is, it's also not really worth it. It is a fun way to keep yourself entertained at times OtB but don't get so into it it distracts you from actually playing backgammon. (I often cluster count OtB also as a form of keeping myself entertained)

The hardest part for people I'd guess is when hitting is involved. If I open with a [63] and split (count -9) and my opponent responds with a [63/54] and hits in the outfield how do we account for the pips gained/lost from hitting? It's actually still pretty simple. From the roll alone the count would be even. To account for the hit we have to add the number of pips from the point we were hit on from our opponent's perspective. In this example the opponent hit on our 10pt which is his 15pt so we add 15 pips and the running count is +15.

Stick

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