Reading backgammon strategy books written by master players and playing a lot of games are great ways to become a better backgammon player, but there is no faster way to become an advanced-level player than with the help of backgammon training software. The three most popular training programs are Jellyfish, Snowie and GNU Backgammon. The first two are commercially available programs while the third is free. Lets look at what each has to offer.
Jellyfish is a neural net based backgammon program that plays as well as the best humans players when set to its highest playing level. Two-time world champion Bill Robertie says "it's the strongest commercially-available program right now". You can use Jellyfish as a practice opponent, to analyze past matches, or as a backgammon tutor to help improve your game. Perhaps the most useful feature of this software is the running commentary it offers on all your moves and cube decisions. That's a great feature for helping you double-check your play and refine your game strategy.
Another commercial computer program that uses neural network technology is called Snowie. Its developers believe the latest version of Snowie is stronger than the best human player. Like Jellyfish, Snowie can advise you on checker plays and cube decisions. You can also let Snowie analyze your matches and determine your error rate.
Both Jellyfish and Snowie are excellent programs and players that use them do become better players. However, they do cost money. If you don't want spend money to improve your backgammon skills, you might consider a third program, GNU Backgammon.
GNU Backgammon is free software built on the GNU Operating System that, according to its developers, currently plays at the level of a championship flight tournament player, and is gradually improving. You can play against GNU or use it to analyze games and matches. GNU also has a tutor mode that will give you hints on checker plays and cube decisions. GNU Backgammon is a work-in-progress so be prepared to forgive any flaws.
Mark Sanchez writes about backgammon and dominoes for the LearnPlayWin Games Guide.
Source: www.ezinearticles.com
