Tips And Tricks For Playing Backgammon Online

Though backgammon online does not have several of the characteristics of the physical game, you can still apply many of the same tactics to win western backgammon. The rival's 12-point is typically called the comfort station. Blocking the 5-point and the bar point is quite essential in order to win a game. Players may draw checkers from the comfort station if they have to protect those two points. making the 4-point is considered to be the next logical step in lots of games.

Shifting a blot to the bar point or 9-point is often considered to be bad medicine. Blots are very easy to hit when located on this point. Many skilled players will try to move a single stone out of the inner table to an area by their comfort station. They are very easy to strike otherwise. However, a player must not forget to keep the 5-point and bar point blocked. Sometimes that implies that the comfort station will be emptied. Although the choice could be tough to make, establishing points is generally considered a solid strategy.

There are instances where a player might choose a more defensive game. In those occasions, the comfort station may be a bit more packed. It's essential not to fail to remember your blots. They'll otherwise find themselves on the bar. Occupying different points on the home board is an excellent game plan to prevent the rival from having the ability to return to the table from the bar. A player shouldn't do this without due cause, though. Getting so caught up in forcing a shutout position like this could only stall the game.

Calling for a double could sometimes be a blessing in disguise. Doubling laws can be changed slightly from game to game, but one usually gets the points presented on the doubling cube when their competitors reject an offer. This may be a terrific technique to pick up points in a second. Players who use these maneuvers need to move carefully, since they can easily make a poor position much worse. A backgammon game that one was ready to loose can instantly be worth more than it was before hand.

Some opponents might accept curious doubling proposal. Yet, many players might not and they can be forced to retire in this way. Many people rely on this approach even more online. players can't observe each other's facial expressions over the Internet. It means that many people have an instant facial expression which does not reveal any emotion. They might feel a bit more daring and throw out doubling request that probably would not otherwise make sense. Be careful from this style of game, but don't fear to tryout the doubling cube as well. Players that do not frequently apply it, might find themselves in a position, in which they have to deal with such decision, when playing backgammon online.

Play65 is the largest backgammon community on-line. Backgammon funs can play opposing other players around the world, learn how to play backgammon, backgammon rules and backgammon strategies. Visit us at http://www.play65.com/

View the original article here

How to Win Playing Poker - The Top 3 Golden Rules

So you just started playing poker and you understand the rules but you can't seem to win. Let's turn that around so you can start winning. Whether you are playing in home poker games or at the local casino follow these three golden rules and you will set yourself up for success at the tables.

Golden Rule Number One - Quit Seeing so many Flops

A lot of new players see entirely way to many flops. The old saying goes, "you can't win by folding your hands". While this is true it should read like this, "you can't win by folding your GOOD hands". You should play conservative when you are first beginning especially when you first sit down at the table. Many beginners are one dimensional thinkers were they only think how good the cards they have are. Elevate that line of thought to "I wonder how good my card are compared to the other players". The bottom line is tighten up your play. Play pocket pairs and face cards like QJ, AJ, KQ, AK, KJ to start until you get a feel for the other players and what type of game you are in. There's nothing wrong with folding more often, plus you'll appear as a tighter player so other players will think you are only entering flops where you have good cards.

Golden Rule Number Two - Play in Position

What this means is play in hands where you are the last person to act. It's great to be involved in hands when you are either on the button or the button has just passed you. This means that everyone else at the table will have to check, bet or call a raise before you do. This gives you insight as to what the other players holdings are. This is called being in late position. If you are in a hand and the first person to act raises then the next person re-raises, just fold unless you have KK or AA. This is a very strong move that people typically make when they are holding a monster hand. If you were in early position and someone re-raised you will be less reluctant to fold but you should here as well as re-raising before the flop is a very strong move. When playing most of your hands in late position it makes it easier to fold and saves you a lot of money.

Golden Rule Number Three - Don't Chase

I've seen this time and time again where players are waiting to hit the straight or the flush and they keep calling and keep losing money only to never hit. Know your odds. You have about a 38% chance of hitting a straight or flush if you have 4 cards between your hand and the flop to make your hand. Let's go through an example. There is $10 in the pot and you need one more card to hit your flush (38% chance of hitting). The player behind you just bet $10 making it a $20 pot and you have to call $10. You have to call 50% of the pot in order to give yourself a 38% chance of winning. This is a bad bet and overtime you will lose money. On the other hand in that same scenario if there is $10 in the pot and the player behind you bets $4 making the pot $14 and you have to call $4. You have to call 28% of the pot and you have a 38% chance of winning. Call, this is a good bet. There are plenty of free resources online where you can find simple poker math.

View the original article here

Level the Playing Field With a Good Foundation

There is no sports team or individual who plays a sport that can win without having a solid foundation in the sport of choice. If you don't know the basics, then you cannot hope to compete with those who have a better understanding of the game. Group and individual sports are taught from a traditionally young age as younger people have a tendency to learn quicker. This does not mean that older players who want to start off can't learn, but they must start with the basics as well in order to be successful. The following are some tips for keeping the foundation strong:

Work on the Basics - At least once or twice a week a team or individual should spend their training time working on drills. These drills should offer the players the opportunity to work on the skills that are rudimentary in any game or sport. For instance, the defense on a football team can work on tackling or on a baseball team the players can practice catching and throwing.
Generate Teamwork - Even outside of the sport teams should work on their teamwork skills. A team needs to work together in order to have any chance at competing. Have the team hang out together at team functions such as pizza night or other outings that don't involve playing the sport. This builds camaraderie between those players that will show when it's time to get to work.
Do Not Single Out Players - Never single out one player for either praise or rebuke when other team members are around. Speak to the team in general terms about any issues or concerns and then speak to the individuals separately when there is a specific issue with them. This keeps the team from downgrading them and promotes the teamwork you are working so hard to achieve. Also, singling out a specific player can either give them a huge ego which will not stand well later in their career or it can undermine them to the point that they want to quit.

Playing sports should be fun as well as competitive and any great sports team or player knows that the basics are the foundation. Working on the foundation during practice is the best way to have a chance at success in the future. Make sure to promote teamwork and never single out players if you want the team to be cohesive.

Sports Zone Media is your #1 source for all things sports. Here you will find news, articles, updates and more on your favorite sports topics, professional teams, youth coaching, high school sports and health/nutrition.

Lisa Mason has been writing professionally since 1998 with a specialty in Internet content. A youth coach with a passion for a variety of sports, she founded Sports Zone Media to combine her love of sports and writing.

View the original article here