Backgammon Pip Counting

Pip Counting

Running pip count

From:   Rodrigo Andrade
Address:   candrade@wt.net
Date:   25 April 1998
Subject:   Re: quick way to get rough pip count?
Forum:   rec.games.backgammon
Google:   3542588E.15C24EE@_R_E_M_O_V_E_wt.net

This morning I just found out a MUCH easier way to keeep track of pips!!!!!!!! See, you start w/ 167 pips. Each time you roll the dice, sum the numbers of both dice and subtract from the pip count number. When you roll doublets, make sure you also double the result. It's as easy as 123. Example: you begin w/ 167. You roll 52 on the opening roll (yuk!!), and your pip count now is 160 -- (167 - 5 + 2 = 160). On your next roll, you roll 31, and your pip count now is 156 -- (160 - 3 + 1). Now, on your third roll you get 55 and your pip count drops to 136 -- (156 - 2(5+5)). And so on and so forth... Easy, huh??? Rodrigo

Patti Beadles writes:

I've attempted to keep a running pip count in the past, and find that it's just too much trouble most of the time. The problem is that it gets complicated when blots start getting hit willy-nilly, and it distracts me from other considerations. I can count crossovers if necessary to get a very rough ballpark "who's ahead" sort of count, and do a complete accurate count in under five seconds. So I don't find it's worth much mental energy to keep a running count. -Patti -- Patti Beadles | Not just your average pattib@netcom.com/pattib@gammon.com | degenerate gambling adrenaline http://www.gammon.com/ | junkie software geek leatherbyke or just yell, "Hey, Patti!" | nethead biker.

Did you find the information in this article useful?

Do you have any comments you'd like to add?