Title:  Traditional versus Digital Backgammon

General Information: 

Backgammon is a board game that incorporates strategy and chance.  Backgammon is a 2-player game, putting players across from each other.  The board consists of 12 spaces on each side of the board.  Each player has 15 checkers that are placed in a particular starting position that is consistent.  The object of the game is for players to move their checkers around to their home area (the 6 spaces in front of them on opposing sides of the board.)  Players roll a pair of die to determine their movements.  (Doubles result in another turn).  Players try to move their checkers around to their home area while at the same time try to “hit” their opponent’s unprotected checkers (Any single checker on a space is unprotected).  A hit checker must be brought back into play when the opponent rolls a number that allows the checker to come back in on one of the 6 “home” spaces of the opponent who hit the checker.  When looking at your side of the board, your home spaces would be numbered 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1.  If you can’t come in (2 checkers on the spaces, then you can’t play yet).  When all of your checkers are in the home area, you can begin taking them off according to numbers rolled.  The first person to remove all 15 checkers is the winner.

Comparison of Two Formats:  Digital vs. non-digital

Comparison 1:  Game Components

Previous Game Definition:  A game is an interactive, rule-dependent, representative,   activity in which players experience motivation, and obstacles along the way.  Games are dynamic and cause emotional responses.

Revised Game Definition:  A game is interactive, rule-dependent, representative,  motivating, and context-embedded.  Games are dynamic and obstacle-ridden.  Games evoke emotional responses and can be competitive or cooperative. 

Component	Traditional Backgammon	Digital Backgammon
Interactive	Yes (Stronger because of social interaction) If I had someone to play with, I would rather have someone to talk to while playing	Yes
Rule-Dependent	Yes	Yes (You can’t miscount on digital version.  Your checker simply won’t mover there)
Representative	Weak	Weak
Context-embedded	Weak	Weak
Motivation	Yes (Advantage is that you can play anytime.  The games go far faster when the computer is the other player)	Yes
Obstacles	Yes	Yes
Dynamic	Yes	Yes
Competitive/Cooperative              Competitive                                    Competitive

Comparison 2:  Interaction

Communication between/among players during the game play:

            I have played online backgammon before.  At the time I played online, I didn’t have anyone to play against.  I used it to fill some lonely times.  (Along with playing Yahtzee against myself---Wow!  Those were some dark days!)  I really think that I choose to play board games and card games because they are fun to play with family and friends.  You can have great conversations and have fun at the same time.  Losing a game of backgammon to the computer or beating the computer was not nearly as exciting/traumatic as playing with a friend.  I liken it to going out to dinner by myself.  I NEVER go out to dinner by myself because half of the reason I enjoy going out to dinner is the social aspect.

Cooperation between/among players:

            Both versions of backgammon require no cooperation.  I did enjoy the articles this week, however, that talked about cooperation using card games.  I particularly liked the study of Taiwanese students and vocabulary.  The poker-like game described was competitive and cooperative.  What I really liked about the game was that they had to describe the vocabulary word as they played.  The table that showed the score improvements was pretty exciting.  My always has so many words to memorize.  I am ready to have a vocabulary poker night at my house when the first test comes around this year.  (He already knows I am a nerd. He’s used to it)

Engagement to the games:

            The digital version does attempt to address the engagement issue.  You can choose your level which gives everyone a chance to be fairly engaged.  It also prompts you to play again right away by giving you a score.  It basically challenges you to give the computer another chance if you win, or challenges you to try again if you lose. 

            I find the traditional game engaging because it doesn’t require my full attention.  I can carry on a conversation while I play.  In addition, the game is generally a quick one.  You can pull the game out while dinner is in the oven or while you are waiting for someone to get ready. 

Motivation to play the games:

            There is motivation to play both games.  I still think that for me the traditional game is more motivating because of the personal connection with the other player.  If I am able to find time to play cards or a board game, I am going to want to play with someone.