One way to learn the game.

The scale of backgammon rewards essential detail and terrier effort and kiai — a robust fighting spirit. Playing well means to play the game with fervor, focus on the big picture, yet demand each small detail add to the team. And to do so dripping with enthusiasm.

Then the details take front stage. Each detail applies fighting spirit to probe for an edge over the opponent. Lace a shot count with questions about who is better than whom in this position? How to squeeze out an extra shot or two? How to reduce the chances of an unfortunate hit? Ask and answer one counting question with each roll of the dice. Rain or shine. Money game or bot practice. Ask a specific question that matters to the situation on every roll. Then count it.

And fighting spirit pervades throughout. It wafts across and within each game like galaxy clusters. Each session. Each match. Never absent. Unashamed, fighting spirit saturates every quiet decision in any game plan, however boring or thrilling. Suddenly, a shout of kiai concentrates a thrust of effort onto a decision about whether to blitz or hold back. Esprit de corps soon propels effort up a ladder of detected advantages. To do the shot count, and not merely speculate about it. To do the home point count, and avoid shedding valuable coins like virus particles. To count the number of exposed blots, number of builders, number of runners or slotted points or spares. Estimate the number of market losers and the number of gammons. Tally even the awkward rolls, those contrary innocent tosses of fickle dice that crack a brittle structure like chalk and begin a new odyssey.

During a grinding progression to gain the upper hand, effort finally returns to the spotlight. Details are ready. Kiai more than ready. Effort is now needed. A stick-to-it pledge to assemble the details, assess the risk and rev up the troops, then to courageously act as the big picture needs.

It all depends on details. On numbers. Examine one detail during every checker play. Decide what to count and that clarifies what is important. Double and redouble efforts.

Kiai.

And victory becomes an ally.