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- <TITLE>The Probability Of Moving</TITLE>
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- <CENTER><H1>The Probability Of Moving</H1></CENTER>
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- Each move in backgammon is governed by the roll of two dice. As each die has six faces,
- it can land showing any number from 1 to 6. For both dice, this means there are 6 x 6
- or 36 total combinations of dice throws. Some of these are duplicates, for example 1,2
- is the same as 2,1. <b>In total there are 21 different dice combinations.</b>
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- A direct move covers six points or less, that is it can be made with a single die roll.
- An indirect, or combination move, crosses more than six points, and always uses both dice.
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- <center><h3>Movement Probability Table</h3></center>
- The table below shows the relative probability of moving any given distance:<br>
- <center><img src="shots.jpg" width=400 height=100></center><br>
- From the probability table, you can see that you are far more likely to achieve a direct
- move than an indirect one. In fact, there are 17 different ways in which it is possible
- to move a distance of six points, which gives a probability of 17/36 or 47%!
- This means that it is extremely dangerous to leave a blot six points away from your opponent
- - but it will be relatively safe seven points away.
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- When you are playing a game, remember that not all combinations will be available,
- because some points will be held by your opponent.
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- <a href=points.htm>Key Points on the Board</a> <a href=bearoff.htm>Bearing Off</a><hr>
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