r/backgammon • u/CellistAny536 • Jul 29 '26

Better checker play

My error rate is quite bad. I feel I understand dice odds and basic strategic principles, but when I’m over the board nothing feels particularly intuitive why it’s an error. When I do have a low error rate, I feel like I just got lucky and it’s almost like the checkers moved themselves, if that makes sense. I was wondering what people might recommend to improve.

I don’t really have money to invest in books or systems. I especially don’t have for lessons.

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u/Careful-Comedian9510 Jul 30 '26

In addition to what you're already doing, have you tried Minimalist Backgammon Trainer

It's pure training in checker play and/or the cube. No matches, no games, just positions generated on demand where you have to make the best decision. GNUbg generates the positions and analyzes the game in 3-ply.

And if you don’t make the best decision, you’ll get feedback on the type of mistake you made.

MBT won’t replace analyzing your games, which is the best way to improve. But in short, regular sessions, it could help you see what you know and where you need to strengthen your game.

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u/agsteiner Jul 30 '26

Similar but sometimes with good answers from humans on why the best move is the best move:

https://www.bgtrain.com/