Improve my FIBS ranking

October 24, 2007 4:09 AM

What are the best resources or techniques for improving my backgammon skills?

I've read a couple of books by Bill Robertie and Paul Magriel, and I've played 1000s of games against BGBlitz, and yet my FIBS ranking is still only 1550-1600ish. I feel (perhaps wrongly) like I have the analytical ability to rate much higher than that, but I don't know how I should best apply myself.

(incidentally if any MeFites fancy a game my FIBS login is also roofus)

posted by roofus to sports, hobbies, & recreation (7 comments total)

Well, seeing as how it's a game with a heavy dose of luck involved, it might just be that you have bad luck...
posted by Grither at 5:27 AM on October 24, 2007

invest in snowy or jellyfish. They play at a world class level and offer features to analyze your game.
posted by bashos_frog at 6:11 AM on October 24, 2007

Are Snowy and Jellyfish substantially better than BGBlitz or GNUBG? They are substantially more expensive, but as far as I can see probably play slightly worse.
posted by roofus at 6:29 AM on October 24, 2007

Grither, there certainly is plenty of luck in backgammon, but there is probably more skill than you think. I assume that FIBS' (automatic) assessment of roofus's skill is accurate.
posted by dfan at 10:02 AM on October 24, 2007

boardgamegeek.com's backgammon page lists a number of online play venues. At the bottom of the page ("Geeklists") are lists of automated tutorials and programs with AI opponents. Those Geeklists have a bit of description of the different programs that might help you decide on one to try.
posted by LobsterMitten at 2:50 PM on October 24, 2007

The FIBS rankings run on an Elo system like chess, so you get ranked according to your wins and losses against other players. I'm not really looking for another AI opponent, I love BGBlitz, I was more thinking of book recommendations, and strategies for home study.
posted by roofus at 4:24 PM on October 24, 2007

Ah, sorry. You might try joining BGG and posting this question in their forums (linked at top of page). They might have better book rec's or advice about play.
posted by LobsterMitten at 4:27 PM on October 24, 2007