Luck at the Cast of the Dice
Backgammon has always been known as a brain game. So, how does luck enter the picture? Well, like chess, backgammon has the reputation of being a game of logic. But unlike chess, it bears an element of luck, that's luck at the cast of the dice.
Luck, in this case, is success by way of chance. The dice represents randomness in backgammon. The players' moves depend on the numbers that face up from the dice throw. Also, the cast of the dice represents fairness in the game. Any of the six numbers on a die may face up, at any roll.
Given the irregularity of the dice throw, a player can now understand the tactics that are possible with each roll. Now, since there are only the numbers one to six on each die and only six ways of how each die will fall, you should know the ideal moves with whatever number faces up at each roll.
For instance, you start the game with a 3-6 roll. Any move on that dice will mean leaving a blot on the board. But which move is less risky? That is answered by what chances your opponent has to hit your blot. And those chances depend on what combination is most likely to come up on that throw.
By now, you understand that one can't predict the pair of numbers the other player will get because of the randomness of the dice throw. But one may be able to determine the possibility of a combination with each roll. Simply put, there's a greater chance of rolling the numbers two, three, four, five and six than it is to roll a one. A one (1) can only come up on a die or both. But a five can come up on a single die, both, or a combination 4-1 or 3-2.
So, with you starting the game with a three on one die and six on the other, there's no doubt that if (that's a big "if"!) your opponent rolls a 3-6 too, you will take a hit. So, the less risky move is to leave only one blot rather than two. Take a checker from your midpoint (your 12th point) and move nine pips. Now you only have one blot to take a hit and your opponent will need to roll a three to do it - on either both or on a die, or a 2-1. But in that case, the other player will be risking two blots and it's doubtful that your opponent will leave that exposure on your inner board just so one of your checkers would go to the bar.
Since the cast of the dice allows for randomness and fairness in backgammon, it paves the way for luck to make its mark. A lucky throw will give a player much advantage, and adjunct with a player's learned skill in strategy and tactic. Luck will offer a leg up, but it must not be counted upon every time to win. The cast of the dice leaves more to randomness but is open to figuring out possibilities and likelihood of combinations. So bear in mind, hope for the lucky throw but what you do with it is all on you.
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