Backgammon Online

25-Jul-2013
05:50 PST

This post was deleted by abriscoe on 25-Jul-2013, 05:51 PST

25-Jul-2013
05:52 PST

I think I may be getting some kind of grasp on the speed of play issue. Not only do we have a Time Zone issue such as with Capricorn17 above, we may also have a learning curve issue with the cube. To me, the cube represents a totally new element (but a very cool element), that most of us are not used to here on Zoo Escape, as most of the games here are 1 point affairs. You can set up your own individual matches such as I am doing right now with someone where we are playing to 21 points using the cube, but for the most part most of us on the ladder and elsewhere are used to these 1 point games without the cube.

Consequently, some of us are more cautious than others in using the cube, which may explain why some of our matches are going to 4-7 games (or more), when with the proper use of the cube, the match could have been finished after 2-3 games (I really hope we haven't had any matches in this tournament that went to 9 games). I had 1 match in TC2 that was over after 1 game because of the cube.

At the risk of losing any competitive advantage I may have, here are some of my thoughts on using the cube. Honestly, 1 of the joys for me with this tournament was reading the reporting of the scores and seeing how many competitive 5-4, 5-3 matches we have had. So, if what I share makes us all more competitive, then so be it!

And remember, this is coming from a self-taught guy who is NOT claiming to be some kind of expert, so take it or leave it, or just use it against me, I don't care.

My personal strategy with the cube is what I call the Sweat Test. It usually makes me sweat when I offer it, but what I am thinking when I offer the cube to my opponent is that it will make them sweat more. You know how you have that 1 moment in a game where you know this is where the game most likely will be decided? If the odds with the dice at that particular moment are in your favor, maybe 70/30% or even 60/40, that might be when I would offer the cube. It's one of those situations where your opponent is saying to themselves,"man, I really want to keep playing, but I really wish he hadn't offered that cube right now". To me, waiting to offer the cube until things are obvious is too late. And don't offer the cube (like some have in this tournament to me), if you still have a shot at a gammon and 2 points, when by declining the cube I only lose by 1 point. However, in the interest of saving time, once you know the gammon is no longer in play, by all means offer the cube, have them decline it, and go on to the next game!

Anyone else care to share their thoughts on this? And please, don't feel you have to be some kind of "expert".

25-Jul-2013
07:37 PST

When your opponent is on the point next to match point (4), and you are behind in a non-Crawford game, you should always double immediately. If you are behind in the match and wait until you are ahead in the game the leader of the match may decline the cube and live to fight another game. You have nothing to lose by doubling your opponent immediately when they sit on the point next to match point. If they win that game, they win the match anyway. If you win you get 2 pts,, if you gammon you get 4 pts. and would win the match 5-4 if you we're down 4-1! Doubling your opponent immediately also institutes Abriscoe's 'sweat theorum'. Try it. You have nothing to lose  

25-Jul-2013
09:09 PST

Require ruling Dead Cube

CURRENT POINTS:
Itisme 3
Other player 2

GAME PLAY UNDERSTAND QUESTION:
My points 3 - I toss the cube 2 points other player accepts the cube IF I WIN game over

Other player current points is 2 accepted the cube ... then throws the cube again value of 4 .

QUESTION:
1. Is the cube dead when other player accepted at 2
2. ORrrrr Cube still alive where other player can throw the cube where I am forced to accept or reject it .... cube value is 4 .

I hope all this made sense =)

Thank you !

25-Jul-2013
09:22 PST

...if I understand correctly the other player can redouble you in the instance you describe. The only time the dead cube comes into play is when a player already has enough points to win the match without the cube. In this case, your opponent does not because they only have 2 pts with the cube at 2. Now that they have redoubled you the cube is now 'dead' for both players because whoever wins this game will have enough pts to win the match. Again get the official ruling from Abriscoe. Sounds like a great match!

25-Jul-2013
09:59 PST

Thank you ... that is also what I had researched.... appreciate your time to address the subject matter =)

25-Jul-2013
11:36 PST

Thanks Uahskr for responding to itisme quickly. Good explanation and I also liked your cube lesson. Very good points. Sounds like another great match for this tournament. The cube can be dead for one player, but not dead for the other, or dead for both.

We just had another great result announced at 5-4, but it went to 9 games. That is my point with the cube, it probably should never have gotten that far in terms of games had the cube been used. I would be willing to bet there were some very opportune moments in those 9 games to offer the cube and put pressure on the opponent. I am not picking on anyone, just using this as a teachable moment.

Any more good lessons?

25-Jul-2013
13:45 PST

After my loss to Abe we have played 189 matches and have 189 to go.

25-Jul-2013
15:39 PST

...just wanted to thank Abriscoe and the KK again for a great T! Wonderful, friendly, fun competition. Thank also to my fellow players. Glancing at the board, it looks like I may once again be on the cusp of making it to the final 8. It will depend on how the remainder of the games go and which results get eliminated due to players not finishing by Aug 18. Whatever the case T3 has been fun and cordial! Looking forward to T4! Cheers!  

25-Jul-2013
19:51 PST

I totally agree with uahskr with all hard work and efforts with Abriscoe and KK ... BRAVO... well done.... ! fun... no drama that I can tell... GREAT HUMOR with players... Looking forward to T4 =)

Behalf of all Thank you !