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backgammon with 16 checkers

View Poll Results: Would you like to play backgammon with 16 checkers?

yes

0 0%

8 100.00%

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02-24-2015 , 03:15 AM

yogiman

adept

Join Date: Jun 2012 Posts: 784

Would you appreciate a new version of backgammon that is adapted to our modern era, that is, with 16 checkers, and that is played alongside our traditional (18th century) backgammon?

16 checkers (name: backgammon+ ?) will increase the difficulty of the game with the welcome byproduct that variance will be reduced in a playful way. Another extra will probably be that we have to return to the oldfashioned handrollout, as the bot will not be able to handle the degree of complexity. As a consequence we will have to rely very much on our own judgements.

The only downside will be that we become more dependent on backgammon gurus.

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02-24-2015 , 10:06 AM

bleep69

grinder

Join Date: Sep 2008 Posts: 483

I struggle enough with good old backgammon. The thought of making it different in any way and diluting what little skill I am able to bring to bear just flattens me.

On a separate note, would the backgammon programs really struggle? Wouldn't the same program apply to the game regardless of the number of checkers?

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02-24-2015 , 10:29 AM

yogiman

adept

Join Date: Jun 2012 Posts: 784

My presumption is that it will generate many more (semi-)backgames. And even with 15 checkers backgames give the bot a hard time.

In order to experiment at home, take a piece of cardboard and cut it round. Glue a white and black paper over it, and put the fake piece at the bottom of the pile at the 6-point.

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02-24-2015 , 10:58 AM

peachpie

centurion

Join Date: Aug 2014 Posts: 182

I would be willing to try it.

How it changes the game would depend a lot on where you put that extra checker in the starting position. 24 point? Midpoint? Maybe an outfield blot, or on the bar? These are all very different scenarios.

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02-24-2015 , 12:52 PM

_Z_

adept

Join Date: Jul 2004 Posts: 720

Several years ago I played 1 point matches where I started with a 16th checker on my 24 point. Other player had 15 checkers. It played pretty normal except viscerally it seemed I had extra control of the board. I'm pretty sure the 16 checker side has an edge. I might favor the other side if gammons counted, but we didn't play that.

It was a nice diversion for a few hours, but I'm just going to stick with backgammon. Though I will play nackgammon on occasion if someone asks.

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02-24-2015 , 04:22 PM

Fllecha

journeyman

Join Date: Mar 2010 Posts: 321

Simply play nackgammon with 15 checkers, there you can find many backgames but as you can see its not so popular

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02-24-2015 , 11:48 PM

yogiman

adept

Join Date: Jun 2012 Posts: 784

It's not only about backgames. The number of positions that are really interesting should be increased in my opinion, and the extra checker will create that complexity.

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02-25-2015 , 01:49 AM

Fllecha

journeyman

Join Date: Mar 2010 Posts: 321

Quote:

Originally Posted by yogiman

It's not only about backgames. The number of positions that are really interesting should be increased in my opinion, and the extra checker will create that complexity.

Not that much. Bg is played by the bot using neural Nets and not brute force so adding two checkers doesnt change much on time calculations and dont increase complexity by much.

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02-25-2015 , 03:33 AM

yogiman

adept

Join Date: Jun 2012 Posts: 784

You are amazing me. This is no attack. How can an italian girl be surprisingly knowledgeable about chess, go, poker, backgammon, and neural nets. Perhaps because you are not blond.

In anyway, you are no neural net programmer

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02-25-2015 , 02:08 PM

#10

uberkuber

veteran

Join Date: Jul 2009 Posts: 3,032

Yogi, are you done with those non sense remarks?

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02-25-2015 , 05:24 PM

#11

Fllecha

journeyman

Join Date: Mar 2010 Posts: 321

Quote:

Originally Posted by yogiman

You are amazing me. This is no attack. How can an italian girl be surprisingly knowledgeable about chess, go, poker, backgammon, and neural nets. Perhaps because you are not blond.

In anyway, you are no neural net programmer

Oh boy my avatar is not me Lol, im just nerdy thats all

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02-26-2015 , 01:57 AM

#12

yogiman

adept

Join Date: Jun 2012 Posts: 784

Quote:

Oh boy my avatar is not me

Not everyone finds it funny.

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im just nerdy thats all

Dedicate yourself to chess

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02-26-2015 , 09:59 AM

#13

yogiman

adept

Join Date: Jun 2012 Posts: 784

The poll is not going according to plan. Did anyone try it, or is it a matter of stubborn resistance against the new?

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02-26-2015 , 10:50 AM

#14

peachpie

centurion

Join Date: Aug 2014 Posts: 182

Quote:

Originally Posted by yogiman

The poll is not going according to plan.

I like when you make me laugh

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02-26-2015 , 01:49 PM

#15

uberkuber

veteran

Join Date: Jul 2009 Posts: 3,032

Quote:

Originally Posted by yogiman

The poll is not going according to plan. Did anyone try it, or is it a matter of stubborn resistance against the new?

The neighbor's lawn often looks greener, but backgammon is green enough for me as it is.

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