THE HALF ROLL METHOD

The half roll count is to determine the equity in a race and is not an accurate pip count; nonetheless it is effective for determining who is leading in the race.

 

Since the average roll is about 8.3 or thereabouts, once could say that any checkers on the 7- to 10-points are half a roll from coming in. Checkers on the 11- to 14-points are a roll each from coming in. Checkers on the 15- to 18-points are a roll and a half from coming in. Checkers on the 19- to 22-points are two rolls from coming in and a checker on the 23-, 24- or the bar-points is two and a half rolls from reaching home. It is a much quicker calculation as to who has more half rolls to get home. Having determined the race to home by this method, then one has only to consider the distribution in the home board. Also take a half roll from your opponent's count if he is on roll (if he were doubling, that is).