Mean Spirited? No, It's Just Backgammon

We've all been there. We've all played against friends or strangers in our beloved backgammon circles and run across the opponent who - by what seems any means or any opportunity possible — knocks you up onto the bar in what feels like a deliberate forsaking of "normal etiquette" for the "I'm going to hit you as many times as I can" strategy.

Never mind that this strategy usually results in a loss of game for that player, since such single-mindedness often abandons common sense or forethought in coming moves that would more insure victory.

It's just the brash attitude that we bristle at. But, when we stop to cool off or shrug off the emotional choice of our opponent, we realize that this is just part of the game - at least for most. The inescapable fact is that we are playing another human, and we all know what "human" means: we are dealing with an almost unlimited supply of personalities and emotions. So don't take it personally the next time it feels like you are having to forever bear off the bar as your opponent repeatedly "goes for the gusto" and drills you every chance he or she gets. Again, it IS part of the game.

But the fun part is: you get to duplicate such bravado if you choose! That's right; knock 'em into next Thursday! Just joking.