BackgammonDB now has free full match analysis

Today I'm rolling out full match analysis on BackgammonDB. This means that when you open up a file that doesn't contain analysis — like a standard text file or .mat file you might download from Backgammon Galaxy or OpenGammon — you'll be asked if you want the match to be analyzed. This applies to matches already in your library too, not just new imports. If you say yes, then your full match will be analyzed on the server with GNUBG and saved to your library.

Right now, I've restricted this analysis to just "Quick", our name for GNUBG 1-ply (which is equivalent to 2-ply in most other engines, like XG). You'll get 3-ply Book responses for your first three rolls, otherwise it will be Quick. I've done that because I need to monitor the impact on the server with lots of people analyzing files at the same time. If things go smoothly, I will add the option of deeper analysis.

When the analysis is complete, you'll see the results, with PR of both players. This analysis enters your database, so every game and position in the match now shows errors, equity loss and more on every move.

You can still analyze individual positions, and here you can request the deeper Smart analysis for each position. These will also be updated in your local database. So hopefully this strikes a balance between free, quick full match analysis plus the ability to get deeper engine data for key positions.

What's Next for BackgammonDB

It's taken quite a few months, but this completes the feature set I wanted when I first thought about building BackgammonDB. The main features today:

• A database for your backgammon matches which can hold hundreds of matches and tens of thousands of positions. Matches import almost instantly.
• A match browser with saving, tagging and notes for every position.
• A comprehensive position database that understands backgammon, letting you filter on game phase, decision type, error size, position type and more.
• Flashcards, dealt from custom decks, to help you study positions.
• A quick, intuitive position editor with instant analysis.
• And now, full match analysis for matches played on online services such as Backgammon Galaxy and OpenGammon.

All of the above is provided completely for free, and that won't change. There's no account sign-up, and your database of matches stays on your computer (the only time information is sent to the server is if you analyze a match or a position).

I'm calling this version 1 of BackgammonDB complete. If all this goes smoothly, the next step will be version 2. The main things I'm considering are, in no particular order:

• Desktop apps. Watch folders and import matches automatically, and connect to a local GNUBG (or another engine, such as Sage) for local analysis.
• Accounts and cloud sync, so your positions, matches and quizzes are accessible across devices.
• Native mobile apps, and/or a better mobile browser experience.
• Deeper cloud-based GNUBG analysis for positions (3-ply) and full match analysis (2-ply or 3-ply). Possibly server-side rollouts.

The above will probably come with a small optional fee, as I'll need a significant server upgrade to support good cloud sync and deeper server analysis.

Any questions or problems, or any thoughts on the direction of BackgammonDB, please drop me a note on the new contact form or email me directly at hello@backgammondb.com.