Posted in |
Playing Internet Backgammon: The Human Factor
When you're playing Internet backgammon against other people, the human factor concerning predictability often comes about. Let's say you're playing a match to three and you're ahead at 1-0. During the current match your opponent seems to be ignoring your vulnerable blots in their path. The human factor implied by "not hitting so you wouldn't hit them back" can become an impasse. Do you then make the best move that requires you to hit their blot? Or do you opt to take the hint and make the less than desirable move so you can avoid hitting them as well?
If you've developed a friendly relationship with the other player, it seems that granting them a favor is more than OK. But when you feel that you're being taken for granted and your ratings are suffering in the process, it's about time you use their predictability to your benefit.
Of course, when you're playing Internet backgammon, it depends on whether or not you think you're the better player in this circumstance. And it also depends on the type of match that you're playing for.
When it comes to money play, the human factor should always be considered. But rather than returning the favor, you should ignore this implied plea and stay focused. You must keep your eye on the prize without owing them any favors.
And in the case of a match play where ratings are marginally affected by the current game, the human factor may come about in order to enhance a friendly relationship with that opponent. In this case, playing Internet backgammon comes down to considering the fact that since the other player saved you from being sent to the bar, you can do the same and just go about it by turning it in to a pure race. There's no harm and no foul but just a pleasant and relaxing match without pressure or cause to hold any resentment at all.
The human factor of "the opponent not hitting you so you'd return the favor" tends to come up when playing Internet backgammon. Depending on how better you think your skills are against this opponent and the kind of match you've agreed to take part in, there are two ways to go about it. In money play, ignore it and play to win. In a marginal match play where you only want to play a pleasant game, you may accept the proposition and just go about it as a pure race without any hassle.