In most games, the trend has been toward speed and quick play. Poker players get more action playing online. Casino gamers who like blackjack can play multiple hands at one. Speed, fun and hyperactivity are the keys to success.
Backgammon, a centuries-old game with its roots in Persia, is one of the most popular board games in the world. Like many games, however, it has spawned a quicker, more action oriented hybrid called Hyper-Backgammon.
Here are the differences:
In regular backgammon, a played has 15 pieces to start with. Hyper-backgammon has only three.
Hyper backgammon was developed by Hugh Sconyers, who calculated over 32 million possible moves for the game. So he essentially solved it so that a computer will make the right move every time.
The basics of the game are essentially the same as regular backgammon. Scoring, for instance, works the same: the winner gets one point for a normal win, two points for a gammon, and three points for backgammon. Gammons and backgammons score extra only if a double has been offered and accepted during the game.
As with backgammon, a doubling cube is used, so it is possible to double or redouble.
Both versions of backgammon are now offered on many online pay sites where players can compete for money. Hyper backgammon speeds up the game considerably and players can get in more action.
To review the differences and similarities with real backgammon:
You use just three pieces in hyper backgammon. They are set up on the opponents one-point, two-point and three-point positions. Other than that, there are no differences between the games.
Points are still made the same, and you still try to get your pieces off as you would in backgammon. A doubling cube is used. Also, the Jacoby Rule applies.
You score the same as backgammon.
This is a good way to work on your backgammon skills. You can play more games, get in more action and develop the skill level necessary to play successfully in real backgammon. It allows for more action and more opportunities to play.
Repetition is the key to learning anything. The more you play, the more you learn. Hyper Backgammon gives you a chance to get in more reps and more practice.
What is the future of Hyper backgammon? It is likely to continue to grow in stature for people looking for a quick game or quick action. Traditional backgammon will always have a place, but every game evolves, so it is possible that both will continue to thrive.
Online sites will likely continue to look for more and new ways to creatively offer backgammon. Hyper backgammon is a natural extension of this.
Sconyers calculations are available, the same used by his computer.
The toughest skill decisions in hyper backgammon involve when to double with the Jacoby Rule in effect. In race situations, it is advisable to do so the closer the count is.
The more difficult decisions come in a non-race situation from favorable postion. In this case, caution is often advised because so much can change quickly. Ample study on this will help make you a better backgammon player, because these are where the tough decisions come into play.
Finally, Hyper Backgammon appeals the action-oriented player. It keeps the skill of the original game, but at the same time makes it quicker and more hyper active, as the name would indicate.
It is recommended you learn the rules of real backgammon first and play that extensively before trying hyper backgammon, especially if you are just getting started. A comprehensive understanding of the game itself is necessary.
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