Counting Shots in Backgammon
Shot is the opportunity to hit the opponent's blot. Shot counting is used to estimate the possible number of shots at a given position. Here you will learn how to count direct and direct shots as well as double shots in the backgammon game.Definitions
The term "direct shot" refers to the opportunity to hit a blot using the number on a single die (as opposed to "indirect shot" referring to the opponent's blot with the two numbers appear on both dice).
The term "double shot" refers to a blot that can be hit in two different ways or two blots that can be hit directly the same way (as opposed to a "single shot", one blot that can be directly hit one way).
Dice Combination and Probabilities
Since there are exactly 36 dice combinations, your chances of rolling a single desired number, 6 for example, are 11/36 (0.30555). Your chances of rolling a double that will enable you to play four times the rolled number are 6/36 (0.1666), while your chances to roll a specific double, double 6s for example, is 1/36 (0.02777). Your chances of hitting a blot in an indirect shot with both dice numbers are then 20/36 (0.555).
Obviously, no one is expecting you to start making these calculation when you are sitting in front of the backgammon board. Anyhow, remembering these numbers and memorizing the backgammon probability charts (especially the one with the probability to hit a blot) would help you in getting a better idea on your odds.
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