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BGonline.org Forums
Explaining Ray's Incredible Success
Posted By: Bill Riles In Response To: Explaining Ray's Incredible Success (David)
Date: Tuesday, 5 July 2011, at 3:44 p.m.
I've contended for years, on this forum and elsewhere, that while Ray is not the best technical player he is excellent at many other aspects of the game and, consequently, he is among the very best players of the game of backgammon.
Among those playing in the States, I would put several very successful players into this category -- and this is not to demean their games in any way; in fact, it is to praise their games. I'm doubtlessly overlooking some names but I include Ray, Malcolm Davis, and Stepan Nuniyants in this category. They may not play the ultra-low PR's consistently, but they win consistently. They know how to play winning backgammon. I'm sure there are other similar worthy examples of such here and abroad.
Conversely, there are a number of very great technical players, with consistently low PR's, that do not win consistently. Unfortunately, in my opinion, they know only one way to play the game -- regardless of opponent, circumstance, situation, etc.
I agree with some of the other posters here. I think Ray is better able to adapt his game to various opponents, various circumstances, etc. than anyone else. Again, I've been ridiculed (too strong a word) before for suggesting the importance of creativity, imagination, insight, perception, psychology, and other such factors to success in backgammon; however, I think these factors are critically important. PR's, while certainly indicative of great play, are not the Holy Grail. There is much more to the game -- the player that only chases elusive perfection in his PR neglects other significant aspects of the game, to his detriment (and to his illusion, delusion, and frustration).
Backgammon is a game -- it is not a science. Components of success include much skill, fortuitous dice, and the art of the game.
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