Backgammon Math
There are a number of mathematical consideration in backgammon.
For the time being, however, there is only one concept that a beginner should definitely know. He should know how to compute the chances of a blot he is leaving getting hit. Can he put the blot in a safe place, should safety be his concern?
Be aware that there are two ways to roll any combination that is not double. Therefore, one's chances to roll any specific number that is, a 6, a S, or a 1, are exactly 11/36. Thirty¬is the total number of possible combinations that can roll.
If the blot is further away from the opponent's man the odds of its being hit change. Suppose the blot is six spaces away from the opponent's man. Now it can be hit by any combination with
6, which is 11/36 chances; 5-1, which is 2/36 chances; 4-2, which is 2/36 chances; 3-3, which is 1/36 chance; 2-2 which is 1/36 chance; or a total of I7/36 chances determine how often the blot on point 18 can be hit.
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