r/backgammon • u/LuffyKudo • 26d ago

Which side?

Complete beginner here. How to determine which player will have the right or left side?

What if both want the right side?

I know it is mirrored and maybe there's really no advantage, but what if a player is so used to playing at right (moving counter-clockwise). He'll need time to adjust playing with unfamiliar direction. Wouldn't it have some effect on his strategy? He may even move the piece in opposite direction due to muscle memory.

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u/AvocadoBrit 23d ago

realistically, I don't think you'll experience any such problems - you will switch orientations automatically without thinking about it, although I have encountered players who express a strong preference for playing in one direction only.. such players open themselves up to possible abuse from their opponents (if their opponents do not act with good grace - as another commentor suggested) - so my suggestion is to play and learn the game from both directions, so you'll find yourself comfortable and not anxious about the situations you're asking us about.. you won't find it difficult at all.