XG2Anki
Anki is a freely available (open source) digital flashcard programme that can be downloaded for various platforms here:
https://apps.ankiweb.net/
Your desktop and mobile Anki apps can be synchronised very easily via a free Anki account:
https://ankiweb.net/account/register
The XG2Anki method developed by Rainer Birkle allows the fully automated creation of Anki decks from XG match and position files.
You can order several free decks via this website. In addition, many particularly valuable decks, such as theme decks from Dirk Schiemann's position database, are offered for sale. In addition, you can purchase anki card packages with an attractive discount scale, which you can then use to create anki cards from your XG match and position files.
Free Decks
Select the decks that you would like to receive
Michy's Quiz Cyprus 2022
Michihito Kageyama was kind enough to allow me to share with you the Anki deck I created from the eight difficult problems of his quiz at the 9th Merit Open in Cyprus 2022.
Dirk's Bar Split
This is an example of several theme decks that have been created from Dirk Schiemann's personal position database and are available for purchase. It contains 25 checker play problems where one of the options is splitting to opponent's bar point. Each card contains a link to a short video explanation by Dirk Schiemann.
Rainer's Blunders & Opening Errors
This is Rainer's personal working deck. Rainer creates an Anki card for each of his
- cube blunders (200+ millipoints)
- checker play blunders (100+ millipoints)
- and all of his opening mistakes (50+ millipoints)
in order to learn from his mistakes.
Backgammon Match Theory
This deck contains a card for each gammon value and take point in a 7-point match. For all those who, like Rainer, think that gammon values and take points are very important during a match, but don't want to calculate anything at the board, this is the optimal tool to memorize this important data.
Neil's Numbers
You need a backup plan for the match scores for which you have not (yet) memorised the gammon values and take points. With Neil's Numbers you can derive the match winning chances for any match score and then calculate important metrics like gammon value and take point.
UBC Final 2022
This Anki deck was created from the 12 UBC finals match files that Marc Brockmann Olsen was kind enough to share with the backgammon community via the Backgammon Galaxy Discord server. The deck contains all the blunders made by Sander Lylloff and Masayuki Mochizuki in the 12 matches of the UBC final 2022. Quiz yourself with this Anki deck and find out on which of the 40 problems you would have done better than the champions.
Individual Decks
Select your package
Basic Card = 1 Credit / De Luxe Card = 2 Credits
You can use Rainer’s service to get an Anki deck from your XG match and/or position files!
Each cards contains:
De Luxe Features
Configuration Options / Special Features
You can influence the way this deck works via the following parameters, which you can specify in square brackets at the end of the deck name (by renaming your deck):
a = display the match score as absolute instead of relative
b = display the match score as absolute AND relative (instead of just relative)
c = hide the extra data for checker play decisions (Money Game, Double Match Point, Gammon-Save & Gammon-Go)
d = always show dice distribution information for cube decisions (instead of via button)
e = always show comparable situation(s) (instead of via button)
g = don't repeat original position in section with comparable position(s)
l = always large XG result graphics (instead of via clicking/tapping on the graphics)
m = show money game info
n = show names of the players below the position diagram
p = turn on the pipcount trainer
q = hide the multiple choice list
r = show roll in title
s = scroll down to results automatically when showing the answer
t = hide title
u = use player names instead of Black & White
v = autoplay video
znn = zoom position diagram (e.g. "z50" = shrink position diagram to 50% of the screen width)
You can set several parameters by separating them with a semicolon.
Examples:
My Deck Name [p]
My Deck Name [p;c]
Dirk's Theory of Backgammon
Dirk Schiemann has offered 217 positions from his book "The Theory of Backgammon" for download on his homepage
https://www.dirk-schiemann.de
This Anki deck was created from these 217 positions and will certainly support you in studying his monumental masterpiece. If you don't have his book yet, you should buy it NOW! It is currently available in German and English.
Nick Blasier - Adjusting to Match Play
Nick Blasier was kind enough to send me 456 XG position files from his great new book "Adjusting to Match Play" to create an Anki deck from. It is the perfect companion when studying his book! Of course, Nick's explanations are very educational and a must read, so visit his website
https://nickblasier.weebly.com/
and buy his great book if you don't already have it!
Against Backgame
Playing against a backgame is difficult. The positions from this deck deal with the most common problems like: “Should I hit additional checkers? Should I try to get hit in order to destroy my opponent’s timing? Should I keep my prime in front of my opponent’s anchors or should I start breaking it?”
3rd roll 1
It is very important to find the correct moves in the very early stages of the game simply because these positions come up over and over again. The positions in this deck deal with typical problems in the opening, for instance: ”Should I hit or rather make an important point? Should I escape with one of my back checkers or play for contact? Should I split my back checkers or should I rather try to improve my front position?”
Hit Loose
One of the most common decisions in backgammon is whether to hit loose in your homeboard. When the play works, you can often improve your position significantly. However, by hitting loose you expose yourself at least to a direct shot. After a return hit you will lose a lot of ground in the race and your position will deteriorate. The positions of this deck should give you a feel when taking the risk is warranted and when it is not.
Leaving the Anchor 1
Establishing an advanced anchor is among the top priorities in the early game. At some point in the game, however, you will have to break your anchor and try to get your checkers home. This usually involves considerable risks, and thus makes it difficult to find the right time for abandoning the anchor. The positions in this deck illustrate the factors that influence the decision.
One Back Step Up
Getting your lone back checker to safe territory is usually your top priority, especially when you are leading in the race. Stepping up in your opponent’s home board gets the checker closer to home but comes with the risk of it being attacked. Whether you should expose yourself to the attack or whether you should stay back is the topic of this deck.