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THE FOUR G'S

You could be forgiven for thinking that the 'Three G's' was the name of a country style mid American Good O'le Boys band, but that would be wrong. For the only sort of sound that these 'boys' make is legal noise, because these three G's represent the three different aspects of life for Mid Americans, moreover they also represent the three most important issues of their lives Guns, God and Gays, the three hottest potatoes in the fires of political opinion and division.

Now, another member of the band has joined them, another G, Gambling, to form the Four G's. This quartet of religious dogma and civilized behaviour, spans right across the great divisions of American politics.

As the days draw closer to the vote for the Mid-Term elections, these Four G's will take centre stage, with the newest member under the spotlight ; Gambling and the Unlawful Internet Bill, recently signed by President Bush will become a central issue that could well impact upon the vote.

It is unknown just how many people played online games from poker to blackjack, now these games though not banned, are severely crippled by the ability to transact online. Consequently skill games like backgammon so long the understudy to poker are now being used to placate the gamblers, who have had their games curtailed by the passing of this law.

Unfortunately backgammon won't affect the outcome of the vote; if anything it may fuel the arguments, being held up as the only option to play online, which is not a bad thing. For some gamers it is like having your ball taken away, and being replaced with another one that looks the same but just isn't.

Revenge is a dish best served cold and in the cold light of a congress that is enveloped on several fronts against various conflicts both of domestic or of international standings, the ability to get one's own back is likely to happen with the vote of the on-liners. Registering their disapproval of such a draconian law will be the only weapon that these oppressed gamers can use.

Against that will be the crusaders of truth justice and the American way providing that is their way. In the end it will come down to a matter of what is right.

It will become a battle of liberty with the freedom of expression and the right to decide for one's self, against that of the moralists whose influence on knowing what s best for oneself, outweighs that of any liberalization of the communities that it serves. The aftermath of which will be felt all the way through the drafty halls of congress.

The Four G's will no doubt be putting together their repertoire the tune that they will be playing will be heard by the majority, for some it might just be too loud and someone could well pull the plug to silence them.

THE NEW POKER

Today, more so than at any other time in the games history, clarification is necessary as to the characterization of backgammon, in that backgammon is a game of skill.

The reason that this definition is so important is that the online gaming industry stands on a precipice of a decision that will impact upon not only this industry, but across a whole spectrum of entertainment and finance industries.

The recent US decision to outlaw online payments for games of chance is set to cripple and disable the American online gaming industry.

The repercussions of which will affect those associated in and around the industry both web and non web organizations.

Whilst Horse Racing, Bingo and lottery are exempt, casino games such as Poker, Roulette, and Blackjack will be hit and hit hard. Poker players are unlikely to want to take up the horses or bingo, so what's left?

This is where backgammon and online backgammon can now take over the mantle from Poker, offering a realistic and legal alternative to the player who wants to play online.

There is no doubting that backgammon has evolved into one of the most challenging and effective games on the web, when played to its full capacity in tournament play, players can win big money. Backgammon's popularity is increasing with every day as more and more players sign up to play.

Partygaming has sponsored the first one million dollar tournament in January 2007, more and more operators are offering the big prizes www.play65.com has its own $50,000 dollar tournament out this month and so it goes on.

Playing a game of backgammon requires skill and not just the luck of a throw or the turn of a card, Indeed players need to be able to look one step ahead of the other players. Given the unpredictability of the dice, there are numerous possibilities a person can make while thinking of the future moves. This decision process makes players develop and culture different skills that lead to a bias in the player's ability to win games. This is skill developed through experience, not through chance but rather through an analytical process that involves mathematics and the psychology of the game, is probably why the Barr decision in 1982 in Oregon confirmed backgammon as a game of skill. The Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement bill defines Bets & Wagers

Under Section 5362 (A) Subsection 215) : (means the staking or risking b any persons of something of value upon the outcome of a contest of others, a sporting event, or a game subject to chance),

There is no reference to games of skill, in which case by its own definition backgammon is exempt from this Act, I suggest. Given this argument is valid there is a now a genuine opportunity for Poker Players and Casino players to enjoy the rich thrills and excitement that backgammon offers. And still be able to bet on the outcome of their skills. In keeping this momentum flowing, backgammon programs are being created that are proprietary and genetic algorithm based technology recreating as near as possible the human traits of game play.

If as is expected the bill passes into law, then the internet online gaming business is set to suffer, alongside the people who work in the industry.

For those people who are looking for a way out of this mess and a new future in online gaming, backgammon could be the answer, as it has increased its stake in online gaming. Once this bill goes through, backgammon could possibly become the new poker.

BACKGAMMON RESOURCES - BOOKS & LINKS

We can all do with a little help from time to time especially when we are first learning the game or wanting to better ourselves. Online tutorials and backgammon schools are great and very helpful, but they are something you can’t just pick up regardless of where you are. That’s why one of the best learning tools (as it has always been) is a book and there are a vast number of books on backgammon which range from the pure beginner through to the Masters themselves.

Here are a few recommendations to get you running to the nearest bookshop.

For beginners: Backgammon For Winners– Bill Robertie. (Price: $7.96) A book for beginners, so if you’re rating is under 1600, it will probably be ok. This book deals with the simple ands the more complicated moves such as 'Try to hop my checkers home safely and don’t worry about the doubling cube until I’m doubled' to the next stage of intelligent game play.

The intermediate Players: Backgammon for Serious Players – Bill Robertie. (Price: $11.96) Double World Champion Bill Robertie, explains in his own inimitable way how to win, a book which some aficionados love others hate told, but makes a good alternative to the more expensively priced Magriel’s book, if you don’t want to spend a lot of money.

Backgammon – Paul Magriel. (Price $52.00) The classic backgammon book for any player who wants to be great at the game. About 400 pages long and covering every aspect of the game, with an almost biblical reverence to the game on every page. A must for players of a certain standard or those aspiring to reach it.

Advanced Backgammon players: Once you have achieved the highest levels it is important to maintain the standard, these books are therefore not for amateur, if you excuse the analogy. They do not require a Doctorate either to understand them, but they do require a certain focused attention to make the moves that they describe not just comprehensible but executable.

Advanced Backgammon – Volume 1 (Positional play) – Bill Robertie (Price $40.00) Advanced Backgammon – Volume 2 (Technical play) – Bill Robertie (Price $40.00) Both of these books are excellent and contain about 180 positions outlining nearly all of the game plays. Including rules for how to play certain positions, doubling formulas for races, and such important concepts as the 'addition principle.' Memorising some of these illustrated moves can greatly improve your logic in the game and your whole thought process.

New Ideas In Backgammon – Kit Woolsey and Hal Heinrich. (Price $40.00) A book of 104 difficult checker play problems carefully crafted, so that the reader has to figure out the solution, another great way to stimulate the gray matter.

Winning With The Doubling Cube – Peter Bell (Price about $35.00). This is an excellent book that covers all the essentials of the doubling cube. It is a well recommended tutorial covering one of the most fascinating and mystifying subjects of the game.