Beginner Direct Count

Count each point number multiplied by the number of checkers on it, then sum everything up. The most straightforward method.

Example

Suppose White has: 3 checkers on the 6-point, 2 on the 8-point, 5 on the 13-point, 2 on the 24-point, and 3 on the 5-point.

6 x 3 = 18

8 x 2 = 16

13 x 5 = 65

24 x 2 = 48

5 x 3 = 15

Total = 18 + 16 + 65 + 48 + 15 = 162 pips

When to use: This is the foundation. Master this first before learning shortcuts. It is 100% accurate but slow. Use it when you need an exact count and have time.

Intermediate Crossover Method

Count how many times each checker must cross from one quadrant to the next (each crossover = 6 pips), then adjust for position within each quadrant. The fastest over-the-board method.

How it works

The board has 4 quadrants of 6 points each. Each time a checker crosses a quadrant boundary, that is 1 crossover = 6 pips.

Step 1: Count total crossovers for all checkers

Step 2: Multiply crossovers by 6

Step 3: Adjust: within each quadrant, add or subtract the offset from the nearest boundary

Example

White has 2 checkers on point 24 (4th quadrant). Each needs 3 crossovers to reach home.

2 checkers x 3 crossovers = 6 crossovers

6 x 6 = 36 base pips

Point 24 is at the end of its quadrant, so no adjustment needed for these.

Then add adjustments for all other checkers similarly.

Why this is fast: Your eyes scan the board quadrant by quadrant. Multiplying small numbers by 6 is easy mental math. The adjustment step handles the fine-tuning. Most strong players use this method in live play.

Advanced Mental Shift

Compare the current position to a known reference position (e.g., the starting position = 167 pips) and calculate the difference. Best for estimating pip count changes during a game.

Key reference

The starting position for each side is exactly 167 pips.

Each die pip you roll reduces your pip count by that amount.

Getting hit adds pips (distance sent back + re-entry).

Example

Starting position: 167 pips

You rolled 6-3 and 5-2 so far: 167 - 9 - 7 = 151 pips

You got hit and re-entered from the bar on a 4: 151 + (distance lost) = adjusted count

Best for: Tracking your own pip count over the course of a game. Keep a running total in your head. After each roll, subtract the dice total. Adjust for hits and wasted pips (e.g., bearing off with excess). Combine with crossover method for your opponent's count.