Something from Florida

by Mike Corbett
25 September 2008

Mike Corbett

Has anyone else noticed the exceptional quality of the information available on this website? The contributors (Douglas, Walter, Mary, Jay, Jake, Phil, Steve, Bart and everyone else) have produced such valuable material that I am honored to be among them, even if temporarily.

The general level of backgammon commentary is similarly enhanced by the excellent contributions in the Chicago and Flint newsletters. These latter successes are thanks to the efforts of two of backgammons real giants, Carol Joy Cole and Bill Davis, whose prodigious and unselfish efforts must be acknowledged.

The content and format of this website is also a credit to its proprietor and an extremely capable and imaginative staff. Letters from subscribers are of high quality as well, and demonstrate a fluency that produces the challenges we scribblers require.

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Subject: Re: Something from Florida

From: Grant Hoffman

Date: 25 Sep 2008 05:23 EST

Excellent analysis as always

Subject: Re: Something from Florida

From: Stratton

Date: 26 Sep 2008 08:15 EST

excellent, and very droll.

Are we going to have the pleasure of seeing Mr Davis' analysis (or simply the Snowie analysis) of the aformentioned match on GammonVillage?

Subject: Re: Something from Florida

From: PhilSimborg Member has a photo available

Date: 03 Oct 2008 11:54 EST

Mike:

I couldn't agree more about the increase of quality information. The articles, publications, web sites, and books, combined with the bots, has allowed everyone to have access to everything we need to know to become an expert. And it is clear to me that, for many, that has happened. I would venture to say that even though there are fewer people playing backgammon now than 20 or 25 years ago, there are probably 20 times as many people playing as well as the top 10 players back then.

The sad result of that, I am afraid, is that the more players are playing pretty much the same, at the same level, and making the same checker and cube decisions most of the time, the more luck will determine who wins. I truly believe you might as well flip a coin when two world-class players meet each other, the differences are so slight. (That is why I recommend rule changes and format changes for the Championship division to make it not only more skillful, but more exciting to watch.)

But for "the rest of us" that do not play at your level, the articles you and others you mentioned are publishing certainly help give players like me a real edge in playing people around my level. (I exclude my own articles, as everything I write is pretty much aimed at intermediate players.) Just how much can a 2.5 player improve his game? But someone like me, who is a 4 to 5.5 player can gain a significant edge with just one or two improvements.

So while you thank everyone else for their contributions, I want to thank you for your book, articles, lectures, and personal help...you are always unselfish over the board to help when asked, and I for one, will always be willing to pay you 10 cents for your advice any time.

Phil

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