Author: Orad Reshef

  • Running pip count

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    Orad Reshef

    Instead of pausing to calculate the (relative) pip count multiple times per game, some players prefer to keep a running pip count in their heads throughout the game. The dice and the checker play have all the information you need to keep track of it at every step of the game. As far as techniques…

  • Running Pip Count

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    Orad Reshef

    [16:41] Nick Blasier demonstrates his method for keeping a running pip count.

  • Orad Reshef Backgammon Interview

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    Orad Reshef

    [36:39] An interview with Orad Reshef conducted by Alex Eshaghian about the Backgammon 101 website.

  • It just makes… cents

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    Orad Reshef

    Why on earth do we use millipoints to describe equity? Here, we have a proposal for a new unit, the cent, with some discussion on what makes it better than the de facto standard. How weird would it be to be given directions in lightyears? It would sound something like “continue on that highway for…

  • Mental shift method

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    Orad Reshef

    The mental shift method is a relative count method that is as old as time. It was described in Magriel’s classic Backgammon, and is very simple and intuitive. I don’t know that it’s worth using in every single position, but in some, it’s certainly by far the best tool for the job. Let’s study a…

  • Kangaroo count

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    Orad Reshef

    There are many algorithms to help you get an absolute count for a position. Of the lot, I think the kangaroo count is the easiest. It was invented by Nack Ballard, and follows this poem: First you double the far side men.Add big diagonal, double again.Add small diags, times 3, plus 30,And shifting to the…