When I first learned to play backgammon many years ago, I spent many hours watching two uncles play. One uncle, who was actually far more likable, kept up a patter throughout the game: He would say, "No one can beat CB at the doubles"; "Look at that, I can't get in with 3 spots open". The other uncle made few comments.
Not entirely sure why, and I recognize it as something of a type of patter that some players engage in, but I have a strong dislike for discussions about the effects of chance in backgammon games. My general disposition is that your results and your rating -- over sufficient time -- will reflect pretty closely what you deserve from your decisions in games. That renders your comments about your bad luck or your opponent's good luck, or rarely the admission of your own good luck or opponent's bad luck, irrelevant.
Personally, I find any such comments disagreeable. I am not exempt from the perceiving that I was treated unfairly by chance, that I did not get the result I believe I deserved from my decisions, but I try not to share those views, and I prefer my opponents do likewise. I believe myself sufficiently aware of the effects of chance that I do not require their observations, and it doesn't really strike me as friendly commentary that is conversational in intent. I assume they feel the same if I make such comments.
So, have I introduced any controversy here?
Re: In the mood for some controversy -- dislike discussions of luck
Think the odd word from someone makes you feel your're really playing a person, Though complaints about the dice you are dealt is useless.. and there's no answer to it.
Re: In the mood for some controversy -- dislike discussions of luck
You raise an interesting point. Wasn't the controversy I imagined, but I'm happy to join in on that one. I do wonder why those individuals who declare (sometimes with pride in so declaring, it appears) that they will not respond, period, do not simply play against software. They can choose their opponent's strength precisely, while also avoiding any conceivable inconveniences of dealing with human opponents.
Re: In the mood for some controversy -- dislike discussions of luck
With referance to your first post tjrm I think we had a contriversal debate last year with T.J. Having a perfectly acceptable theory for the so called 'Bad Luck' or 'Bad Dice' syndrome. If memory serves it was his dads.
Having said that, I have yet to learn of any truly random number generator written for a computer. If you know of one I would be very interested to hear of it. :o)
Re: In the mood for some controversy -- dislike discussions of luck
I do recall TJś comments. My understanding of his point was that perceptions of bad luck are sometimes, and maybe often, not borne out on close examination. The premise in my first post, in contrast, is that luck has some effect on the outcome in nearly every game of backgammon, and indeed can be the dominant factor. (BTW, I doubt that TJ disputes this premise.) Beyond that, I also hold the view (uncontroversial I suspect) that success over the long-haul is a matter primarily of skill. Even imperfect random-number generators do not undermine that view. The controversial piece, if any, is suggesting that this should influence your readiness to complain about luck during a game.
Re: In the mood for some controversy -- dislike discussions of luck
I agree with T.J. that it's simply human nature to observe and comment on luck. While the land of luck is, overall, a flat terrain, that's only true in the sense that the surface of the sea is, overall, uniform. In reality there are all sorts of bumps and dips in the oceans from ripples to waves to hundred mile-long troughs and swells. So it is with luck. It's natural to make comment on the locality no matter how smooth the layout is when viewed from a distance.
I don't think there's any controversy. You've stated a preference and that's fair enough. I have no objection to comments about the luck, and occasionally make them myself. I do dislike dice whingers, though. Not because they talk about the dice but because of the negativity. Sometimes a dice whinge might reflect reality, if a player is suffering the equivalent of a 100 mile-long trough, but that's hard to spot and the misfortune is often enough due to the player sailing along with holes in their sails.
Re: In the mood for some controversy -- dislike discussions of luck
Hard to generate any controversy when the contributors speak so reasonably. Though not used to the term whinging I must be quicker to diagnose it. ;-) As possible digression, I should add that my regular opponents are not whingers(?), ... for obvious reason.
Re: In the mood for some controversy -- dislike discussions of luck
Though it remains a preference, as noted, there are aspects of complaints that can annoy -- perhaps from the 50-foot view. For example, a complaint about bad breaks happening after having been far ahead seems to suggest a view that the previous lead was gained by superior skill that is now not getting its just reward.
Re: In the mood for some controversy -- dislike discussions of luck
Oh, it wasn't my father's theory, it's just he who taught me about it: "neglect of negative instances" (it was this thread).
My understanding is that simulations indicate that luck dominates skill in single games of backgammon, but skill dominates luck over any significnat series of games -- 7, 10, something like that. But I don't have a reference for that.
For my part, I think it's human nature to go "Ack! Why would I get a five now, when that's the *only* thing that would mess me up!" I've certainly done it. ;-)
-- T.J.
Re: In the mood for some controversy -- dislike discussions of luck
Jim, we all have days when we want to let off steam, whinging about bad luck or dice is one way. We English are renowed for moaning about our weather but that doesnt mean it's always bad, we just like something to whine about. Why do you think Australians call us Whinging Poms. Rather than complain about it we smile and think our own thoughts about Australians. LOL. Lighten up my friend, we all need a safety valve.
Re: In the mood for some controversy -- dislike discussions of luck
Glad I've gotten over my hankering for some controversy. I'd have ended by arguing with my boss.
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