The Simborg Rule

[Simborg]

THE SIMBORG RULE

What is the Simborg Rule?
The Simborg rule states that on the opening roll of the game, the player who wins the opening roll is not allowed to make a point. Also, if the opening roll is a 6-5, he may not run one checker from his 24 point to his 13 point. The rest of the game is played the same as traditional backgammon.


Why play the Simborg Rule?
The rule makes the game more interesting, more complex, more fun, and more fair. Using the standard rules of backgammon, the player that is lucky enough to get an opening roll of 3-1, 6-1, 4-2, and 6-5 have gained a significant advantage over their opponent. On just that one roll, their edge in the game can be as high as 10%. And with 5-3 and 6-4 there is still a significant edge. If the player is not allowed to use these rolls to full advantage, the game is about even. Further, because of the ways he is forced to make his opening moves, there are more blots (single checkers) which leads to more hitting in the early stages, more back games, and a more complex game.

Has the Simborg Rule been used?
Many tournaments have run side events using the Simborg Rule, and most of the top tournament players agree that it does make the game more interesting and fun and fair. The rule is not likely to be fully adopted any time soon, as the world resists change, and there are some who argue that anything that makes the game more complicated will keep newer players out of the game. Of course, I, and many others, disagree with that argument. We believe that anything that makes the game fairer and more fun, such as the Jacoby Rule and the Crawford Rule, is a plus for the game. Time will tell.

In the meantime, I suggest you try using this rule in your private games, at your club, and at side events at tournaments and see if you don?t agree with me and many of the top players in the game who also like this rule.

Any questions/suggestions? Email Phil at psimborg@sbcglobal.net