Backgammon Pip Counting

Pip Counting

Mental shift

From:   Stephen Turner
Address:   sret1@statslab.cam.ac.uk
Date:   3 October 1996
Subject:   Re: Help On Pip Counting Methods
Forum:   rec.games.backgammon
Google:   32538352.1AC0@statslab.cam.ac.uk

NYCGuy wrote: > [how to count pips] > I would like to know, from experienced tournament players, which method(s) > they employ, which are easiest to learn and use, and any other thoughts > and/or observations they have on this subject. TIA. Well, I'm not sure whether I count as an "experienced tournament player", but for what it's worth (and I don't think you're going to like this), I vary. Out of preference I slide the pieces around in my head, adding and subtracting the number of pips moved, until the pieces all match up. (Is that what Magriel calls "mental shift"?). It's important when using this method to make sure that you don't add when you mean to subtract or vice versa! There are circumstances in which I just count them, however. These are broadly 1) When the positions are sufficiently dissimilar that "mental shift" turns into "mental contortion"; 2) When the cube decision is sufficiently close that you need to check the length of the race (you then need to count at least the leader's side); 3) When I want to do a Thorpe count (let's leave that for another day). Top tips for doing a direct count. * Start at the high end; it's easier to do 3 times 23 and then add on 4 times 4 than do 4 times 4 and then add on 3 times 23. * Count one side, and then store the answer on your fingers in your lap to save having to remember it while counting the other side. It's really easy to do this. Record the 10s on your left hand, one finger down for 10, 2 for 20 etc.; one down curled up for 60, 2 for 70, etc. Same for the units on your right hand. Ignore the 100s; you know them. [Computer scientists might prefer to store up to 1024 on their fingers by representing the number in binary]. Hope at least some of that helps. -- Stephen Turner sret1@cam.ac.uk http://www.statslab.cam.ac.uk/~sret1/ Stochastic Networks Group, Statistical Laboratory, 16 Mill Lane, Cambridge, CB2 1SB, England Tel.: +44 1223 337955 "Collection of rent is subject to Compulsive Competitive Tendering" Cam. City

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