When it comes to board games, Backgammon is one of the oldest games available. These games have endured this long because of how addictive and fun they are. What’s more, the game is pretty much simple to master. The goal of the game is to move all the checkers in your house and take them off the board before your component does.
If you are looking for a simple and fun way to improve your mental calculation and strategic thinking, you should start playing Backgammon as early as now. And the best part is that these games are now available just a click away because, thanks to the advancement of technology in the gaming industry, you can now download these games on your smartphone or tablet.
Even though these games are simple on the surface, if you are not careful, you might end up making mistakes that could cause you to lose the game. In this blog, we look at some of the most common mistakes you should avoid in Backgammon. So, without much ado, let’s delve into them.
- Ignoring the opening moves
One of the most common mistakes people make when it comes to Backgammon is ignoring the opening moves. The opening moves typically set the stage for the rest of the Backgammon game, and making crucial decisions can significantly impact the outcome. If you fail to make optimal opening moves, you will be disadvantaged right from the beginning.
- Neglecting the doubling cube
The doubling cube is an essential element of Backgammon. However, many people usually ignore its potential. It allows players to improve the stakes of the game. But remember that it should be used with caution. If you don’t take advantage of the doubling cube when the position favors you, you can miss opportunities and even lose.
- Playing too safely
There is no doubt that playing it safe can be a great strategy in certain situations. But if you are overly defensive, you may just hinder your chances of winning the game. Remember that Backgammon is a game of reward and risk; sometimes, taking calculated risks is a better move to gain an advantage. So, if you play too safely, you might just end up missing opportunities to hit your opponent’s checkers.
- Focusing only on your own position
Regarding the Backgammon game, you must consider your position and that of your opponent. If you fail to pay attention to your opponent and their moves, you will only end up being blindsided and at a great disadvantage. You need to analyze your opponent’s position so that you can anticipate their moves for you to develop effective counter-strategies.
- Ignoring the timing
Timing is also a crucial aspect of backgammon strategy. You must know when to make certain moves and when to hold back. This can really help you succeed in the game. Some people usually make the mistake of rushing their checkers around the board and ignoring the timing of their moves. This can lead to you getting stuck on particular points and getting hit by your opponent’s checkers.
- Poorly distributing checkers
Another extremely common mistake many people commit when playing Backgammon is poorly distributing checkers across the board. If you distribute your checkers properly on the board, you will enjoy great flexibility and options for making well-planned moves.
On the other hand, if you poorly distribute your checkers, it may lead to awkward positions and limited choices regarding strategic moves. Of course, this will make it quite difficult for you to respond to your opponent’s moves, or you won’t get to enjoy beneficial moves.
- Being reactive rather than proactive
When playing Backgammon, the last thing you should do is find yourself in the trap of playing reactively instead of proactively. You shouldn’t respond to your opponent’s move. Instead, you should plan ahead and think about your long-term strategy. While it is a perfect idea to react to changing situations, you must be proactive and have a well-defined game plan for you to succeed in the game.
- Failing to understand the bear-off phase
The bear-off phase is usually the last stage of Backgammon. It is the stage where players remove their checkers from the board. This stage generally requires a different strategy compared to the earlier stages of Backgammon. You’ll find some players making the mistake of not comprehending the importance of this stage and failing to implement their strategy as they should. You need to prioritize bringing your checkers safely to the home board.
- Lacking patience
One of the crucial things that Backgammon requires from players is the art of patience. This game requires lots of patience to succeed. Sadly, some players usually make the mistake of being impatient and start taking unnecessary risks to increase their stakes and succeed. This huge mistake can cost you a lot in the long run, and you might just end up losing to your opponent. You must remain patient when playing Backgammon. Also, stick to your strategy and wait until the right opportunity arises so that you can turn the game around.
- Failing to learn from mistakes
Finally, another common mistake people make when it comes to Backgammon is not learning from their past mistakes. You will always keep playing Backgammon, as it is a game of continuous improvement. So, you must analyze your games, pinpoint your mistakes, and learn from them to improve your skills. If you identify and rectify your mistakes, you can easily avoid repeating them in your future games and become a great and more strategic player.
Final thoughts
If you are just getting started with Backgammon, you will make some mistakes. But that shouldn’t prevent you from becoming a great player. By understanding and rectifying these common backgammon mistakes, you can easily improve and increase your chances of winning.