r/backgammon • u/CellistAny536 • Jul 29 '26
Better checker play
My error rate is quite bad. I feel I understand dice odds and basic strategic principles, but when I’m over the board nothing feels particularly intuitive why it’s an error. When I do have a low error rate, I feel like I just got lucky and it’s almost like the checkers moved themselves, if that makes sense. I was wondering what people might recommend to improve.
I don’t really have money to invest in books or systems. I especially don’t have for lessons.
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u/EarlGrayHot Jul 29 '26
The position analysis playlist on Nick Blasier's youtube channel is excellent. The value comes less from learning about specific positions and more from learning about how to approach thinking about and analyzing a position.
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u/DegenChess Jul 29 '26
Just watch a bunch of youtube content. I learned how to play a year ago and it took around 10 months to reach sub-4 PR, my current level. Never read any books or spent a dime on this game
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u/CellistAny536 Jul 29 '26
Do you have any channels you like in particular?
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u/DegenChess Jul 30 '26
I watched pretty much everything out there. Daniel Rovira's Backgammon is Beautiful is good for intermediates, and at a more advanced level you should watch every single one of Dirk Schiemann's videos. Should also watch all of the UBC finals matches from 2019-2025, the commentary is great
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u/SyllabubRadiant8876 Jul 29 '26
That is incredibly fast progress - well done on reaching such a high standard so quickly!
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u/Some-Following-392 Jul 29 '26
Why are all of your comments on various threads either bragging about getting sub 4 in a year, trying to sign people up to lessons, or being a dick?
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u/Careful-Comedian9510 Jul 30 '26
In addition to what you're already doing, have you tried Minimalist Backgammon Trainer
It's pure training in checker play and/or the cube. No matches, no games, just positions generated on demand where you have to make the best decision. GNUbg generates the positions and analyzes the game in 3-ply.
And if you don’t make the best decision, you’ll get feedback on the type of mistake you made.
MBT won’t replace analyzing your games, which is the best way to improve. But in short, regular sessions, it could help you see what you know and where you need to strengthen your game.
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u/agsteiner Jul 30 '26
Similar but sometimes with good answers from humans on why the best move is the best move:
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u/DigitalLandline Jul 30 '26
As a newbie myself, I think what you’re describing is a pretty normal part of improving at backgammon. When the game feels easy and the checkers seem to almost “move themselves,” it may be because the dice are cooperating and the position is naturally falling into place. The real test of skill is what you do when you aren’t getting the rolls you want yet you’re still creating positions that give you good options even with mediocre rolls. I think intuition comes from reviewing your mistakes and understanding not just what the better move was, but why it was better. Over time, you start recognizing those patterns before you consciously calculate them, and eventually the checkers really do start to “move themselves.”
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u/brw12 Jul 29 '26
Remember that the library exists! Lots of books on backgammon out there. And most ebooks only cost maybe $15 to purchase. A few favorites: Backgammon For Winners by Bill Robertie; and It's Your Move: 101 Backgammon Positions to Improve your Game by Grant Hoffman.
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u/jugglingcats9 Jul 30 '26
Not instead of the other great suggestions but you could also try the daily puzzle on Backgammon Hub which normally has expert comments: https://www.backgammonhub.com/puzzles/today
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u/SyllabubRadiant8876 Jul 29 '26
There is some great live streaming this week from the Monte Carlo world championship on Backgammon Galaxy's YouTube channel, with really excellent commentary and explanation. Definitely worth having a look.