Backgammon
I have been trying to
find some things to take my mind off of class and still keep my mind
working. I used to play chess when I had more friends that
were really in to the game but now I don't really know anyone here that
plays. That is why now I have gotten really in to to backgammon.
I have been exploring all of the different types of online backgammon
and even trying to explore the history of the game to add a little
extra interest. I have been sticking to the four big
variations of the game that are most used in online and regular play.
Though they are all played with the same pieces and the same game
board, because of the almost three thousand year old history of the
game, many variations on the rules have emerged. The first version I
really like to play is called Tric Trac. This version was
invented in France in the sixteenth century. It starts out
with all fifteen checkers on the opponents ace point and the points are
scored by reaching different specific positions and achieving certain
moves. The game is really won like a tennis match with twelve
points per match and twelve games to decide the winner. The
game is a little more out there from the mainstream versions of
backgammon that I think most people would play, but that's probably why
I like it. The next version is called Plakoto.
This game has a flow that is similar to typical backgammon, but
there is one big difference. When a hit occurs a blot does not become
captured and go to the bar, instead here it becomes frozen in that
position until the opposing checker is moved from that point.
The next version is called Moultezem. This version is all
about the race around the board. There are twenty-four pips
for each side and blots cannot be hit here. I like this
version because the games go fast and it reminds me a lot of when I
used to play speed chess. The last version that I play the
least of is called Acey-Deucy. This game is really only
unique in its handling of a two to one roll in which players get a big
advantage and an extra roll.