The object of the game is move all your checkers into your own home board and then bear them off. The first player to bear off all of their checkers wins the game.
The roll of the dice indicates how many points, or pips, the player is to move his checkers. The checkers are always moved forward, to a lower-numbered point.
A checker may be moved only to an open point, one that is not occupied by two or more opposing checkers. The numbers on the two dice constitute separate moves. For example, if a player rolls 5 and 3, he may move one checker five spaces to an open point and another checker three spaces to an open point, or he may move the one checker a total of eight spaces to an open point.
A player who rolls doubles plays the numbers shown on the dice twice. A player must use both numbers of a roll if this is legally possible (or all four numbers of a double). When only one number can be played, the player must play that number. When neither number can be used, the player loses his turn.
At the end of the game, if the losing player has borne off at least one checker, he loses only the value showing on the doubling cube (one point, if there have been no doubles). However, if the loser has not borne off any of his checkers, he is gammoned and loses twice the value of the doubling cube. Or, worse, if the loser has not borne off any of his checkers and still has a checker on the bar or in the winner's home board, he is backgammoned and loses three times the value of the doubling cube.
At first all these rules may be tricky and pretty hard to remember so if you get confused just take the instructions and read them again. Anyway the more you play you'll see that it will be really easy to remember all the rules.
In fact, we can't wait for all our friends to share in the same happiness we've found and frequently can't help playing the "Good Samaritan" or should I say Cupid.
But playing matchmaker for someone or someones you care about can be a risky challenge, especially if things don't work out (as planned).
1. Define Your Motives: Ask yourself "why" you want to set the couple up. Do you really think they'd be a good match or is it that you want to keep your girlfriend around for company (but she doesn't feel comfortable as the "third wheel") or that you secretly have an attraction to the guy/gal and want a convenient way of keeping them frequently hanging around.
2. Use Their Judgment NOT (necessarily) Yours: Before introducing your two associates or friends, put yourself inside their minds and shoes. Determine beforehand and before getting either of their hopes up if THEY will feel they are compatible. Do they like the same things, do you think they'll be physically attracted to one another, do they have the same set of ethics or sense of humor. While nothing is "perfect", you should at least get a good sense about their compatibility.
3. Keep Some Things To Yourself: Allow for some "intrigue" and "mystery" and eliminate any potential for "negativity". While it's important to be specific about some things, like the fact that your friend is a vegetarian or that he's short and has an earring, there's no need to reveal intimate details that may damage their chances before they have a chance to meet.
4. Offer Your Support: Whether you suggest hosting a dinner or having you and your date or mate join then to ease the tension and break the ice, let each know you are there "IF" they want you to be. But, if they are more comfortable on their own, respect their wishes. Remember, your enthusiasm combined with your presence may only serve to make the situation more tense and awkward.
5. Call It A Night: If you "do" join your friends and things (seem) to be going well, know that after dinner is your cue to leave. After all, three can be a crowd. And, remember, once you do your part let "nature" takes it's course, so avoid acting as the go-between.
6. Be Prepared: Chances are you are more excited about this than either of your friends. In fact, unless they already know and have hinted at liking each other, they are entering the date with caution and trepidation. Expect things NOT to work out, and if they do you'll be in for a pleasant surprise. And, don't forget to NOT let this affect your efforts or your relationship with either of them.
Both Nicky Pilkington & Jason Flintstone are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.