It’s easy to imagine high stakes poker games, blackjack games, baccarat, you name it. But backgammon?
However, playing backgammon for money is very common, and in fact, often involves high stakes. Famous poker player Gus Hansen is well known as a high stakes backgammon player.
Backgammon, like poker, combines skill with luck. In the long run, a skill player will win most often, but the luck factor gives a lesser player chances to win as well.
Backgammon can be played in person for money or online.
Online sites generally offer three kinds of pay for play backgammon:
1) Money game. This is where you sit down, face an opponent, and simply play until someone gets tired of it. As in poker, the site will take a “rake,” a percentage of the pot from the winner. In money games you can choose your opponent and pick someone at the right skill level for you.
2) Match play. Same as above, you pick your opponent and stakes. The site generally takes a cut of both entries and the players play until someone has it all.
3) Tournament play. This is the most exciting. There is a random draw for who you play. There is an entry fee plus a fee to the site. You play and advance as long as you can and payoffs are based on how high you finish.
Backgammon sites are not as common as poker sites or general casino sites. The two-player nature makes it less appealing for some gamblers. But ample opportunities exist for players.
For instance, sites like Gammon Empire and play65.com offer numerous opportunities for online backgammon play for money.
Before playing one of these sites, take some time to learn the basic strategies of the game and hone your skills on a free site. You can win money with basic knowledge, but you will always be better off getting as much practice in as possible.
The appeal of backgammon is it is a one-on-one game. You do not have to spend hours learning several different opponents, as is the case in poker.
Backgammon is still not offered in many real casinos, so online is generally the best place to play. With online sites, take some time to learn the rake, how to get money in and out, and the legalities of the game wherever you live.
Hansen, The Great Dane at the poker table, might be the most famous gambler who also plays backgammon. Hansen is a multiple World Poker Tour winner and is famous for his aggressive play at the poker table.
However, most backgammon rankings have him as one of the top 25 players in the world in that game, too.
Backgammon involves dice, checkers and a board. The basic objective is to get your checkers around the board and off before your opponent does.
There are many basic strategies you can learn to help accomplish this. Many of the sites have schools and tutorials to help teach you the best techniques and when to use them.
Unlike many gambling games, skill does come into play, so the more you can learn, the better off you will be.
Playing backgammon for money is the ultimate one on one test. Poker players with heads up skils would do well to learn the intricacies of playing backgammon for money.
The proliferation of online play helps make this a game that a skilled player can make money at on a regular basis.
Take your time to learn the best sites, shop around, and then take your game online.
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