Suggestion: Add Training / Tutor Mode for Bot Matches
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Karl Simpson 🇬🇧 (coldfusion)
I’d like to suggest adding a training or tutor mode to the bot matches. I usually play the bot at World Class level, but what I’d find most valuable is being able to review the match afterwards and see my blunders, errors, and missed opportunities directly within BackgammonHub.
Something similar to XG’s training mode would be ideal — where you can step through each move, view suggested alternatives, and understand why a particular move was stronger. Unfortunately, XG doesn’t run properly on Android anymore, so having this function built into BackgammonHub would make it the perfect tool for study and improvement.
I’m not sure which analysis depth your bot currently uses after the match (e.g., 1-ply, 2-ply, or deeper), but I’ve noticed that sometimes moves marked as “wrong” under 2-ply turn out correct when re-analyzed at higher depth in XG. A training mode that either allows users to recheck key positions at higher ply or focus on blunders and major errors only would make the feedback far more useful.
This feature would make BackgammonHub not only a place to play, but also an excellent learning platform for improving skill level and decision quality.
Kind regards,
Karl Simpson
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Trish H 🇿🇼 (trish)
I think that sounds amazing. I love playing a bot game especially when one is pressed for time and just wants to have a few minutes break. I always review.
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Karl Simpson 🇬🇧 (coldfusion)
Thanks Alfie, that's good news. I should have mentioned that I really appreciate all the work you have done so far thanks
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Alfie Kirkpatrick [Developer]
Hi Karl Simpson 🇬🇧 (coldfusion), a tutor mode is something I've got on my list of things to do. In my head this would work similar to Backgammon NJ which is an app I've used for years. It works like this...
Pick a checker error threshold: any, doubtful, bad, very bad:
-> Hint button glows if you are about to submit a wrong move
Pick a cube error threshold: any, doubtful, bad, very bad:
-> Message pops up if you're about to do an incorrect roll/double/pass
Cube visual hint option:
-> Cube glows when you should double
-> Take/Pass buttons glow as appropriate
It could be made better than Backgammon NJ, as it could show the full analysis (equity, game winning chances, gammon chances, etc) for incorrect and correct moves which can really help understanding. Lots of ideas, too little time!
I like the idea of higher ply analysis on review too, but that would probably come later as a separate feature (and not just for bot matches). GNUBG is slow on 4-ply, and I think big discrepancies with XG are quite rare.