If backgammon is a race, then the pip count is your stopwatch.
I didn’t used to care about pip count. I figured I could just feel who was ahead. Sometimes I was right. Most of the time, I was wrong—and I’d only realize it after doubling too late, hitting too soon, or bearing off too slow.
Once I started tracking pip count, everything changed. I played tighter races. I doubled smarter. And I stopped leaving decisions to gut instinct alone.
Today, I’m going to show you what pip count is, why it matters, and how to use it like a pro. You don’t need to be a math genius—just a player who wants to see the board clearly.
What Is Pip Count?
In simple terms, pip count tells you who is winning the race.
Pip count is the total number of points (or “pips”) your checkers need to move to be borne off the board. Think of it as your remaining distance to the finish line.
Each pip represents one point on the board. So if you have a checker on your 6-point, it needs 6 pips to reach home and be borne off.
Your pip count = the sum of all your checkers’ distances to the bear-off.
It’s a number that tells you:
- Are you ahead or behind in the race?
- Should you double?
- Should you accept a double?
- Should you run, hold, or build?
Samuel’s Take: Pip count isn’t about numbers—it’s about clarity. It gives you the facts before your feelings mess it all up.
How to Calculate Pip Count (The Simple Way)
Here’s how to count pips manually:
1. Start with each checker’s position
Look at where your checkers are on the board. For each one, count how far it is from the bear-off (your 1-point).
Example:
- A checker on the 24-point is 24 pips away.
- One on the 13-point is 13 pips away.
- One on the 6-point is just 6 pips from bear-off.
2. Multiply by the number of checkers on that point
Let’s say you have:
- 2 checkers on the 24-point → 2 x 24 = 48
- 3 on the 13-point → 3 x 13 = 39
- 2 on the 6-point → 2 x 6 = 12
Add it all up: 48 + 39 + 12 = 99 pip count
That’s your total. Do the same for your opponent, and you’ll know who’s winning the race.
When and Why Pip Count Matters
🚩 1. Doubling Decisions
The number one reason to track pip count is to know when to offer the doubling cube. If you’re ahead by a good margin, you’re in prime position to double. If you’re behind, you might think twice before accepting.
General Rule of Thumb:
If you’re ahead by 8–10 pips or more in a bear-off race with no contact, that’s a strong cue to offer a double.
🧠 2. Accepting or Refusing a Double
If your opponent offers a double, pip count helps you decide. If you’re significantly behind in pips and there’s little hope of contact, you may want to pass.
Samuel’s Tip: Don’t accept a double just to prove a point. Accept it because the math says you still have a shot.
🏃 3. Deciding Whether to Race or Hold
If you’re slightly ahead in pip count, it may be time to run your checkers rather than build more blocks. If you’re behind, holding your ground or creating a trap might be smarter.
🧱 4. Choosing Between Safe and Bold Plays
Let’s say you’re behind by 15 pips. You might want to take a risk—leave a blot, go for a hit, try to swing the tempo. But if you’re up by 15? Don’t get fancy. Just bring it home.
Pip Count in Contact vs. Non-Contact Positions
In Contact Positions:
You and your opponent still have checkers that could hit each other. In this case, pip count helps—but it isn’t everything. You must also factor in:
- Board strength (how many home board points you’ve built)
- Traps and primes
- Who’s more likely to get hit
Pip count is just one tool here—not the only one.
In Non-Contact Positions:
All checkers are past each other—no more hitting. Now pip count is king. It becomes a pure race.
The player with the lower pip count is winning. The one behind should avoid doubling. The one ahead should double before the gap closes.
How to Track Pip Count Quickly (Without Going Crazy)
You don’t need to count every turn like a robot. Try these real-world shortcuts.
🔢 1. Count Only Once Every Few Turns
Keep a mental note. If no major hits or shifts occur, pip counts won’t change drastically in one turn.
🧮 2. Use Checkpoint Math
Some players memorize standard positions:
- 2 checkers on the 24-point = 48 pips
- 5 on the 13-point = 65 pips
- 3 on the 6-point = 18 pips
Add these together quickly for an estimate.
🧠 3. Round and Approximate
You don’t need exact numbers to make good decisions.
If you’re up by 10–15 pips, you’re clearly ahead. If you’re down by 20+, it’s time to get creative.
Samuel’s Take: Pip count isn’t a math contest. It’s a conversation with the board. Listen closely and it’ll tell you what to do.
Tools That Help with Pip Count
📱 1. Online Platforms
Most online backgammon games auto-calculate pip count. Learn to watch it—not just for you, but for your opponent too.
⌨️ 2. Backgammon Apps and Bots
Apps like Backgammon Galaxy and XG Mobile include pip count tracking and analysis. Great for training.
🧠 3. Practice Counting Manually
At home or in casual play, force yourself to count manually for a few turns. You’ll get faster, sharper, and more intuitive.
👉 Practice Pip Count Decisions on Nextgammon (Free)
Free signup • No download • Play real opponents
Frequently Asked Questions
What is pip count in backgammon?
It’s the total number of pips (points) your checkers must move to bear off. Lower pip count means you’re closer to winning.
How do I calculate pip count quickly?
Multiply the number of checkers on each point by the distance from the bear-off, then add it all together. Round if needed.
Why is pip count important in doubling decisions?
It tells you whether you’re winning the race. If you’re ahead significantly, it’s often the right time to double.
Do I need exact pip counts in every game?
Not always. Estimating pip count is fine for casual games. But in close matches or bear-off races, precision helps.
Is pip count more important in contact or non-contact positions?
Pip count is critical in non-contact positions. In contact positions, it’s helpful—but board strength and tactics still matter more.
How do I improve my pip count tracking?
Practice regularly, use online tools, and start with estimation before moving to exact counts.
Do professional players use pip count?
Absolutely. It’s one of the first things a pro player calculates before making strategic decisions.
Conclusion
Pip count is the compass of backgammon. Without it, you’re sailing blind. With it, every decision becomes clearer, sharper, more deliberate.
You don’t need to obsess over every number. Just learn to feel the race—to look at the board and know when it’s time to run, time to hold, or time to double.
So the next time you roll the dice, take a second. Count your pips. Trust the numbers. Then play the move that gets you not just forward—but home.