Tools › Pip-count trainer
Pip-count trainer
Counting the race quickly is the most useful habit in backgammon — and the fastest skill to improve. A random position appears below; estimate White's pip count, check it, and see how close you were. A few minutes a day and it becomes second nature.
Estimate White's pip count
Counting faster
Adding the pips one point at a time works, but it is slow. The 13-count groups your checkers into thirteens and multiplies; the cluster count and the mirror trick (opposite points sum to 25) are other shortcuts worth learning. Use this trainer to check your speed and accuracy, then put a count to work in the cube trainer.
Common questions
What is a pip count?
The pip count is the total number of points all your checkers must still travel to come home and bear off. Both players start level on 167. Whoever has the lower count is ahead in the race.
Why train pip counting?
Because almost every racing and doubling decision rests on it. Players who can count the race quickly and accurately make far better cube decisions — and counting is a skill that improves rapidly with a few minutes of practice a day.
How does this trainer work?
It shows a random position. You estimate White's pip count and check your answer; it then reveals the exact counts for both sides, a worked breakdown of White's total, and who leads. Try to get within a few pips, then learn the shortcut in the 13-count guide.