Backgammon Grandmaster analyze a match (great lesson!)

Visit Backgammon Galaxy's youtube channel, for more amazing backgammon videos: bit.ly/2FO8fdy
Analysis video of Marc vs Tenland.
www.BackgammonGalaxy.com

[@joshisaac373]

thought I left a comment for this video but guess not. PLEASE make more videos like this... they are an AMAZING help to anyone who is trying to better their backgammon, especially when you explain why some of the bigger blunders or "beginner mistakes" are in fact mistakes.All too often instructors say "of course we make this move", without explaining why. It is like seeing inside the mind of a pro, which helps us, in turn, think like one. Huge fan of yours.

[@geeselouise]

Blame the wrong move on the dog, as classic as the dog ate my homework. 😂

[@mhughesnyc]

The best video for learning about backgammon strategy I have seen. More like this please!

[@gregorym2472]

What an amazing video. I’ve been playing for a few weeks and learned 100x more in this video than in that whole time lol. Thanks, love it!

[@msudlp]

Excellent instructional video. Lots of useful content that I can apply to improve my game. I'm thirsting for more of this.

[@Marcolino10DK]

Thanks a lot! Check out our new KZbin channel for Backgammon Galaxy: bit.ly/2FO8fdy

[@EmomBerks]

Dito! Great job with this vid, funny how you called all the moves I would make, a 'begginers move'. I am a beginner, but you may have just opened my eyes a bit.

[@MrEdwardCollins]

Marc! Good work! EXCELLENT video! Best of its kind that I've seen in a long time. We need MORE videos like this! There's very few of this type available for the backgammon community. You did a very good job of conveying your thoughts and letting the viewer know the reasons behind your plays. I hope you will take the time to create many more of these types of videos in the future. I know I speak for others as well. HUGE fan of your books too, by the way. Again, thanks.

[@Marcolino10DK]

Thanks Edward Collins! I’ll keep it up, and invite a lot of other grandmasters to make commentary videos as well.

[@Marcolino10DK]

By the way Edward... Check out our new KZbin channel for Backgammon Galaxy: bit.ly/2FO8fdy

[@speedpoker]

@@Marcolino10DK Agree with Edward here Marc - this is excellent and so helpful to have your sketches - even if they are in MS Paint - they are really great to assist with sharing your knowledge - Bravo - Now we will make it look sexy as the next step ;-)

[@sjsphotog]

agree 1000% Ed

[@phineasg7709]

I am brand new to backgammon, and I'm trying to get a grasp on the strategy. This video was an enormous help. Thank you so much.

[@mhughesnyc]

Great and clear explanations. Would love to see more videos like this!

[@JimTConroy]

Just fantastic. Marc 'lifts the veil' on how a grandmaster approaches the 2 or 3 key turning points - and plenty of others - to lift your game from OK to outstanding. It's never simply what's the best move with the throw I just made but always, what will help me win the game eventually - the next 2/3/4/... throws. Play the long game or be prepared to lose more than you win. Awesome... 🥰

[@thomasaquinas2912]

By answering the why, these videos are highly engaging and offer a peak into the mind of a GM. MORE LIKE THIS PLEASE.

[@ingevandendorpel4218]

Thank you so much Marc for this very interesting analysis!!

[@turnerterr]

Marc, I learned a lot, thank you so much for explaining these moves and strategy!

[@happypiper7669]

Thanks for this great and instructive video. Recently picked up Backgammon and started to realize that there's more to this game than just rolling the dice and randomly move your checkers. I'm a chessplayer and not a fan of games depending on luck but in Backgammon there's only luck to a certain amount and strategy plays a huge role.

[@sjsphotog]

backgammon is SO SO much more fun than chess which is very LONG and gets repetitive with certain themes but BG is a different game every time and each game only takes about 10-15 mins to play so quick and easy fun to be had and can be easily learned but takes a lifetime to master just like chess :) BG is my FAVE game

[@electronicpanda7680]

@@sjsphotog I am very good at both Chess and Backgammon, in my opinion, they are both great, but I think BG is more repetitive.

[@arevarevian3724]

Just watched your tutorial and learned a lot..... thank you from Canada!!

[@sjsphotog]

FANTASTIC detailed analysis and commentary of this match Marc. its SO HELPFUL to hear your insights into each move and cube action and helps us learn from a grand master. We need MORE videos like this PLEASE! keep it up. love all you do.

[@kevinf9822]

I am an Open level player. This is an excellent lesson. Highly recommended.

[@10bc-tenerifebackgammonclub]

Such an amazing understanding of the game.

[@dochmbi]

Wonderful video, more of these please

[@jgsalon]

Great video. Keep them coming. I've been in a slump lately and maybe this could help. Thanks

[@Marcolino10DK]

John Gabriel thanks a lot! Keep up the spirit bro, the backgammon community is so wonderful with lots of love going around. We’ll continue to make high quality videos on Backgammon Galaxy!

[@invertedreality4473]

Excellent video I know this will improve my game! Thank you Marc!

[@TransformsIntoAGuitar]

I swear my game has just gone up a few levels, mostly due to the part at the end where you talk about keeping a distance to increase attack possibilities. Thank you.

[@steveterry1686]

Great information Marc. I'm currently rated as an Advanced player and immediately purchased your three books. I can't wait for them to arrive. I can't thank you enough. Steve Terry, Peterborough, On.

[@davidsmith7541]

Fantastic video for those learning the game

[@ALocalRealtor]

I love this video .. please make more .. You make it look so easy ..

[@93linked]

Recently start playing Backgammon, more then addicted game, this video and the way you’re explaining i’m in love lol. You get a new subscriber, just wish and hope will be another similar videos like this one, ty one more time!!

[@Marcolino10DK]

Thanks a lot buddy! We are producing a lot of high quality backgammon videos on Backgammon Galaxy youtube channel... remember to subscribe! kzbin.info/door/ovx8f8FctT8rQr0WNL9MQA

[@93linked]

Marc Olsen Ty so much i’ll check it out right now subscribe there as well!!

[@Joa8n]

Let's play online 😉💓 contact me. My email is fancy7prince@Gmail

[@chocksaway100]

Excellent analysis thank you for the video.

[@erkesurer4443]

Thank you very much for your time, effort and all the information. Beautiful explanations

[@GregoryKearney]

Very good analisis for us intermediate players, Gregory in Costa Rica

[@justgivemethetruth]

59:07 - I just learned something about clearing that 7 point, that is a good idea to null out the 6s. Thank you.

[@dwaynesmith5029]

Great video! You do a superb job explaining the game in perfect detail. I'm just beginning to get into backgammon. What a great game. Thank you so much.

[@DM-pc1hb]

I agree with what Edward is saying .I am a somewhat beginner and I would like to improve my game. I find your analytical input extremely helpful Marc,and I hope to see more of you in the near future. Thank you.

[@aquaecoloratum]

Very useful for learning! Thank you so much

[@derlambach3407]

Very good explanations!

[@Marcolino10DK]

Thanks! Check out our new KZbin channel for Backgammon Galaxy: bit.ly/2FO8fdy

[@amiek9269]

Thank you so much. This was the most helpful video I've seen. Plan to watch it several more times!!

[@teeb571]

Thank you for all this insight. I've learned a ton!

[@Chesscolin883]

Great video. I have your Basics to Badass and Pure Strategy, which has really improved my game.

[@Marcolino10DK]

Chesscolin883 thanks a lot buddy! Are you a chess player more than a backgammon player? Remember to subscribe to the Backgammon Galaxy youtube channel!

[@Marcolino10DK]

kzbin.info/door/ovx8f8FctT8rQr0WNL9MQA

[@Chesscolin883]

Marc Olsen hi Marc, my years ago I played chess, I just keep the username. I run a backgammon club in Yorkshire, England.

[@itsmejp75]

Thank you for the explanations.

[@joDad18]

thank you. I am a beginner and learned a lot. I love this game.

[@naftalibendavid]

I love the themes. Really helps.

[@andreaspetrou120]

Great vid

[@jibarra9383]

Thanks for you insight!

[@kenbraithwaite9998]

Explaining why that 6 to 1 would have been correct would be very interesting.

[@callasmar]

Thanks... I´m an avid learner and that helped a lot!

[@Mainswitch55]

4:02 hard for me... 60/40 for blue 10% gammon...? 31:20 about 20/80 with 20% gammon (takes something to take this cube tough at 0:4 down, WOW) 36:20 looks like 50/50 to me now 52:00 like 65/35 for white - gammon 20% (3,4,6 hits) 1:02:00 Wow just wow, i can imagine your intentions about cubing and getting to crawford, BUT loosing means he´s at crawford and loosing gammon even wins the match for him so there is no point in cubing right? Guess it´s close to 90% for blue BTW your opponent played a great game! Great Video, thank you for your time and your great analysis. I personally learned that backgammon is much, much about timing and it takes indeed deep understanding of positions and theoretical knowledge to know what to do and of course WHEN! :-) Your books helped me a lot and i recommend everybody who wants to make progress to learn from you. I apprechiate your videos as an additional and invaluable source of knowledge to learn! Kind regards and good games! ♥

[@maxx_thor]

Congrats Mark for the site, very good one. one thing that bothers me though is the opportunity to put a black outline to the checkers, so they feel like checkers and not just coloured blobs. has currently an unfinished look

[@awligon]

Great video. Thanks

[@ueyustick5635]

Great job mate - sorry about the dog !

[@Marcolino10DK]

Haha, yeah... Check out our new KZbin channel for Backgammon Galaxy: bit.ly/2FO8fdy

[@helenandersson5097]

Fantastic! More like this!!!

[@bingo1232]

THANK YOU. This is super cool.... easily understandable & instructive (& well-paced) . This is veeeery helpful to my game (stuck here in the house) as I play Me vs. Croonavirus (and I'm gonna win)!!!!!! Heck, we're all gonna win!!!!!!!

[@benjaminhfuller]

Wow, really helpful lesson!

[@jonnyhatter35]

Marc, 13:11 reminds me of the proverb Phil Simborg mentioned to you when you two were commentating the Mochy vs Sander match. He said, "Offense-offense, defense-defense." very useful in a position like the one in 13:11 where both the defensive and offensive plays seem super appealing.

[@eldraev]

Thank you so much for this!

[@p0ssesst]

Don’t forget to SMASH that like button!

[@JustinNowellPlaysBG]

Good Stuff!

[@macleadg]

Great video; I learned a lot. I do feel good about one thing, though: I found the right move on the double twos at around 42:00.

[@justgivemethetruth]

42:11 - I think grabbing your 4 point and then moving from the 13 to the 9 point makes sense rather than leaving that 1 open on the 11, because you still have little to worry about in the back game even if you do not double up. Or move from the 24 and 22 to the 20 and then put that guy open on the 11, so that if you do get hit you can be assured that eventually you will escape instead of getting stuck back there.

[@shanebuckley6923]

Wow, thank you, big eye opener

[@gregparmer7522]

Thank you Marc!

[@bennemann]

At 36:50 white has 58% wins and 13% gammons and the cube is a borderline take/pass. Then at 54:20 the opponent has more advantages in 3 fronts: 1- his wins is higher at 63%; his gammons chances are twice higher; 3- He has a higher score in the match (now 2 against the previous 0). So the cube should be even more of a pass, but now it's a total take? What gives?

[@jcf20010]

Would someone please explain to me how to interpret the numbers associated with the checker and cube play in the DETAIL view. Example 1 for checker play: What do the numbers -0.672, (-0.100) and (-0.201) mean? Do the ()'s have any special meaning? Bar/23 8/3* -0.672 Bar/23 21/16 (-0.100) Bar/23 9/6 (-0.201) Example 2 for cube play: What do the numbers +0.771, +0.678, +0.771, and +1.000 mean Double +0.771 No Double +0.678 Double/Take +0.771 Double/Pass +1.000

[@kevinf9822]

In example 1, the .672 is the equity (from the standpoint of the player making the move) that results from making the correct play (which is Bar/23 8/3*). The numbers in parentheses for the other two plays show how much worse those plays are than the correct play. Thus, for example, playing Bar/23 9/6 would result in -(.672 + .100), or -.772 equity for that position. In example 2, the numbers presented are simply the equities for each cube decision, given the position. [I am not sure why there is a separate line for 'Double', since 'Double' implies a take and that is also shown in the 'Double/Take' line; the presentation here seems redundant. Typically in most backgammon software packages there are only three lines shown: 'No Double', 'Double/Take', 'Double/Pass'; I suppose Backgammon Galaxy is slightly more verbose in this respect but it makes no difference. Concentrate on 'Double/Take', 'No Double', and 'Double/Pass'.] With this information one can determine what the correct decision is for both the doubler and the taker. In example 2, the best decision for the doubler is to double since a 'No Double' results in an equity of .678 instead of .771, which is almost a loss of.100 equity, a large error. For the taker, the correct decision is to take which results in equity of .771 (remember that these numbers are presented from the standpoint of the doubler, so the real equity to the taker is -.771); by passing, the taker would give up an entire point (shown on the 'Double/Pass' line), which is 1 - .771 = .229 worse for the taker. Passing therefore would be an extremely large error. I hope this helps.

[@djtopinambur]

Great vid! I have a question regarding the takepoint (that 16% was quite easy to come up with as it was 'for the match' but it's not always like that) and MET memorization. Did you just commit it to the memory or do you use sth like neil numbers? How do you manage it over the board when there is a clock? I tend to make many mistakes in the process over the board I believe only hard-core remembering is the way...or isn't it? :)

[@Marcolino10DK]

I do use "Neil's numbers" for more specific match scores, in longer matches. There is a section about it in my book, "Backgammon - From Basics to Badass", to anyone interested. But I learned something very useful, from a friend of mine, who learned this tip from Mochy: Your memory is a useful tool! If you remember it, then you do have to think or calculate!!! :) So the 1-away Crawford scores, I simply just remember: 50-31-25-19-16-11-9... That's the numbers from 1-away to 7-away for the opponent.

[@djtopinambur]

@@Marcolino10DK I obviously have both your books, ther're great :) Thanks for the reply!

[@markrander3497]

@Marc Olsen 13:02 if he were to move both pieces to 22 what would he then do with his last piece to move one more space? Thank You

[@LucaSiljeFerrall]

Double 2 40:27 min in. I would have used 3 of them to build an anchor at the 20 point and then 6/4 even though you've said the 4 point is slightly better than the 20 point, but in this case I wouldn't be so afraid of getting hit because he is stacked and stripped in his prime position...

[@zoranjovanovic3486]

Thank you so much!

[@jackkatz4110]

He talks more than my grandmother.

[@ryank6978]

great video

[@maherarabi7054]

Great Video thanks. Could you please tell me about the program you are using ? Thank you

[@imansoleimani8988]

this was the best video on game thanks master

[@timpalmer1337]

Great vid… don’t understand why Marc avoided making the golden point, or even discussing making the golden point in his home board on the game 3. Weird. Would have been nice to understand why as he got hit here a few minutes later.

[@alexmerz3113]

Hi, what is the difference between checkers error and blunder?

[@willgregory9848]

Where is the best spot to play competitve ranked backgammon?

[@hungrymon7887]

The rating system of Backgammon Galaxy is bullshit. For about the sixth or seventh time I beat a 2100+ rated player (I am in the 1500s) in a 7-point match and my rating did NOT CHANGE. The idea that the luck factor should figure into the rating is crap because luck is inherent in backgammon. It's a dice game for crying out loud. Thus, treating luck as an anomaly that must be taken out of the rating equation is not justified in any way. In fact, a good player sometimes gambles on luck to win. That is not irrational in a dice game of chance. Moreover, the BG program is not random. Anyone ever notice the high probability of your blot on your 5-point getting hit on a roll-in from the bar? The probability is higher than 50% that your opponent will roll a five (not a 3-2 or 4-1).

[@justgivemethetruth]

I see his two checkers on your 5 as the staging point for an easy escape, that is why I don't think you should have doubled ... except I guess you expected him to fold, but with those two fives that was not very likely, you got the catastrophic victory. Good game and very interesting video to watch. If you roll a four then you are very likely to hit him. It's like Clint Eastwood says ... do you feel lucky?

[@inuktittussen2164]

Now, I play backgammon, but all these stats are new to me, also some terms. Do you have any video about them?

[@NickeyT24]

Great video! 56:02-56:52. Regarding the back game, why is it correct to play 9/8 6/1? Was there another video that goes into more detail as to why this play was correct?

[@bingo1232]

Great video; (at the first pause 3:52)… Please excuse my "chutzpah'" (if needed)… I don't fool with the doubling cube (!); it is a recent invention (1920's), and is not applicable for the last 2900 years. In my life here's how I play: Each game (EACH AND EVERY GAME) is a contest for the for the Supremacy of the Universe. Each game is do-or-die. Call me naïve, but I'm only gambling on my ability to win... the other player could be a Devil or could be a God... I don't care. Their thoughts about the game are immaterial to me. I only know that, for me, Winning is EVERYTHING and that losing is just another excuse to play again tomorrow. I may never be in a tournament, but my enthusiasm for the game is as ardent and enthusiastic as anybody's.

[@Marcolino10DK]

Bingo123 thank you! Please come to www.BackgammonGalaxy.com and play and compete!

[@makisantzoulatos1145]

This video was great. Question: In the 2nd game when you rolled double 6's, why not make the 7 point, and then go 13 to 1 for the lose hit?

[@WISSPORTS16]

Win chance Marc: 71% Ten: 29% Gammon: Marc: 18% Ten: 5%

[@gr3yh47]

Hi Marc, awesome video and I've really enjoyed reading your book so far - still have the equity chapters left but have read everything else. At 19:00 in this video, you make a small error that you don't discuss because it's too technical. I'm pretty certain that it is bear off distribution related - and I am really struggling to understand these decisions in my game currently. when i have my opponent closed out and am bringing checkers home, i never know how i should be aiming to line them up! can you point me to any resources about this situation? thanks! edit: also I'm looking to read either 'Book A' or 'Backgammon' next - which one should I read first?

[@armelleetsebastienfricker2136]

Thanks, excellent explanations you make it sound almost simple! One thing I didn't understand is the 11 move at 58:23. Why is it bad to clear the 8-point instead of the 7-point? I understand that it doesn't kill the sixes, but by clearing the 7-point you create a gap so how did you decide what's best?

[@Daniel-fv1ff]

At 5:55 why not move from the 13 to the 9 and 8?

[@michaelpines1021]

Great video, Marc! Does anyone have the XG file which goes with this video so it can be imported into XG??? Or, where it's located. Any help would be greatly appreciated! Michael

[@larsprins3200]

So Marc made more blunders and errors but still plays on an international master level 3.81 versus super human 1.49 for Tenland. How does that work?

[@canadian3684]

I have to disagree that 16:50 was a mistake. But ya, he screwed himself at 13:10.

[@macleadg]

How can you estimate winning chances and gammon chances during a game, especially when considering a double or accepting a double?

[@gulfbreeze76]

Marc or anyone, can you tell me what the symbols me on Gammon Galaxy when I am in the "log" screen after a match. There are orange circles and orange boxes...yellow circles and yellow boxes etc.

[@FearScared]

On what platform can i play backgammon like you did?

[@draganrajkovic6075]

Where to play backammon online ?

[@tourajtayebi2189]

They ruined the game by the introduction of the cube. They made it from an enjoyable pastime into a mere gambling and data crunch hurdle.

[@immabreakaleg]

where can I find more information about the analysis algorithm/software?

[@kevinf9822]

I am not familiar with Backgammon Galaxy but the industry standard software for serious backgammon players is Xtreme Gammon. It does cost a little so if you don't want to invest in that you can download GNU Backgammon for free, which is also very good software although not quite as fully featured or user friendly as XG.

[@sjsphotog]

get a copy of XG software which is what ALL the pros use to analyze every match after they play. you can also play against the computer and have it in tutor mode so it shows you your errors after every move so you get immediate feedback. here is the site. its $60 USD for the software www.extremegammon.com/ they have a free app as well to play on your phone or buy the pro grade app for $7 where you can play longer than 3 point matches. but the computer XG software is the one you want to do all the heavy duty treainimg/learning on

[@squirrelpatrick3670]

quiz 3: blue 50% gammons 10% white 50% gammons 15%

[@user-in9xo6zo9p]

im pretty good at BG what tournament would you recommend me to join? Im happy to take you on also.

[@sjsphotog]

join / become a member of USBGF backgammon federation and then find all the local / worldwide tournaments. you can play online tournaments for "fun (no $) at SafeHarborGames and GammonSite for two options.

[@artemiusb8772]

Хороший урок! Привет из России

[@Joa8n]

Who said 61 should been played like that? Some times its better to go 13to7 and 6to5

[@FleischerFamilyFun]

What software are you using?

[@drewjohn6847]

How do you offer a double?

[@robmunro1065]

hello, i have a question, how do you start to calculate the winning % and gammon % in the first place? anywhere i can find this in a video? I have noticed improvement in my game, thx for your videos! my gridgammon rating is rising!

[@yeldayedgar5938]

At video time 1:10 the white dice was 5:4, Tenland has three choices to play you only mentioned two moves.

[@nicpaps1311]

14.58 the 5s was the wrong move you should have moved to inner 5

[@leand6200]

19:03 "I make a small error that I won't be discussing because it is too technical" I lol'd pretty hard at that, takes 3 seconds to check if you're double 5 and 6's play correctly. If I had a dollar for every time I'd lost a game that way I'd be a millionaire. Shouldn't gloss over such a move without addressing it.

[@roumi123]

what software is that ?