The. Each player has 15 checkers that they aim to move around the board and ultimately bear off. » (p. The quadrants are referred to as a player’s home board and outer board, and the opponent’s home board and outer board. 50. For casual backgammon players, it's easy to forget how to set up the backgammon board, but if you remember the pattern of 5-3-5-2 (going left to right, with the same pattern mirrored on the other side of the board with the opposite pieces), it's a good start. Select "Install New Printer" on the ZSU interface and proceed to steps 12 through 15 in this article to install the driver. Backgammon board starting setup. Backgammon is a mental contest between participants. Backgammon is the first game developed by CardGames. 1. Use high number doubles to move checkers to your side of the board. A board with the checkers in their initial position. 99 8. Both players have their own. 2. Backgammongalaxy. You may plan to be priming, but an initial roll might set up up for an ideal anchoring position. Its mix of skill and luck makes it a fascinating game to play, offering endless. White: Two pieces on point-1, five pieces on point-12, three pieces on point-17 and five pieces on point-19. Looking at the backgammon board, a standard Backgammon board average size is about 21 inches (53 cm) high and. 18" black deluxe backgammon set - Includes high-quality playing pieces. Learn backgammon|Backgammon setup. Details . The triangles alternate in color and are grouped into four quadrants of six triangles each. In some. Backgammon Setup. The outermost point is the twenty-four point, which is also the opponent’s one. An alternate arrangement is the reverse of the one shown here, with the home board on the left and the outer board on the right. The initial backgammon board set up, places all 15 checkers of each player on the opponent’s 1-point. After the initial turn, the players alternate turns and roll two dice each time. Setting Up a Backgammon Board. You can even make your own backgammon board with a piece of cardboard and a marker, 30 chequers and a pair of six-sided dice. 8. Giantex 10-in-1 Multi Game Table, Combo Game Table Set w/Hockey, Foosball Pool Ping-Pong Chess Cards Checkers Bowling, Shuffleboard, Backgammon, Adult Size Foosball Table for Game Room, Family 4. Then, in 1925, a backgammon aficionado came up with the concept of doubling the stakes. Illegal Initial Setup If a game has begun and the checkers did not start out in their proper, initial position, a. Subtotal $ $26. In this guide, we’ll provide you with a simple and easy-to-follow method for setting up a backgammon game that you can use as a reference whenever you need it. How to Play Backgammon. The triangles alternate in color and are grouped into four quadrants of six triangles each. Next, arrange your checkers. The quadrants are referred to as a player's home boardand outer board, and the opponent's home board and outer board. Since it took such a short time for backgammon online to become such a common recreation worldwide, the fact that backgammon – in one variation or. In this backgammon game, there are significantly less options in every move and luck plays a much larger role than in other backgammon games. 4 Simple Steps to Set Up Your Backgammon Board Easy, and to Never Forget Step 1. The fine art of crafting beautifully inlaid backgammon boards goes back centuries. An alternate arrangement is the reverse of the one shown here, with the home board on the left and the outer board on the right. As you play, you'll move your checkers toward your 1-point. The points are numbered for either player starting in that player’s home board. Each player’s home and outer board adjacent each other and isolated by a divider known as the bar and it is where checkers are placed after they are “hit” or “sent back”. Now that you understand the basics of the backgammon board, it’s time to set up the game. Figure here. In the game is used a special board divided into two halves. An alternate arrangement is the reverse of the one shown here, with the home board on the left and the outer board on the right. Lastly, keep in mind that the “& ldquo; 3 & rdquo; is displaced by 1. SETUP. Play the best free games on MSN Games: Solitaire, word games, puzzle, trivia, arcade, poker, casino, and more!Backgammon Setup and Play. How do you get everything set up and ready to play? First, you have to arrange your 15 checkers in their proper starting positions. In future turns, players roll both dice to determine their movement. Elegant style, quality craftmanship, simulated leather - Brown color. Backgammon Setup. The game is believed to be rooted in the Middle East, Greece, or. This video tutorial will teach you how to play the game Backgammon. Plays. com: Amazing Turkish Backgammon Board Game Set - 19'' Board Games for Adults with Polished Wooden & Elegant Mosaic Design- Travel Games for Family,. Nextgammon is a fairly new player in the online backgammon world, but it has some perks that make it stand out of the crowd. Click here if you want to know how to play backgammon. Priming. Backgammon is a game of tactics, but it is also a game of chance. At the start of the game, all your checkers are placed in a determined pattern across the board as follows. 95 x) $ 99. Now that you understand the basics of the backgammon board, it’s time to set up the game. Please send your correspondence to: Pressman Toy Corporation Dept: Backgammon 121 New England Ave. In the figure you see that the score fields are editable while you’re in edit mode. The backgammon set up is important because it determines how many pieces you can move and where they can move. Backgammon involves two players; the goal of the game is to be the first player to move all 15 of your checkers from their starting position off the board. Before starting any backgammon game, your 15 checkers have to be placed as follows : 5 checkers on your 6 points ; 3 checkers on your 8 points ; 5 checkers on your 13 points ; 2 checkers on your 24 points. Finally, place the doubling cube in the center of the board with the number 64 facing up. We are excited to announce the arrival of the highly anticipated Generation III series of backgammon sets from The Wycliffe Brothers®. Subtotal. The outermost point is the twenty-four point, which is also the opponent’s one. Price ($ 54. Cat in The Box Deluxe Edition Card Game — Our Pick. The points or. Plant the seeds of fun with this ancient game. The backgammon doubling cube is the shape of a regular die, but is usually a little larger. Both players have their own pair of dice. Nearby is the registration desk. An elegant backgammon board signed by Omar Sharif. com: Chronicle Books Pendleton Backgammon: Travel-Ready Roll-Up Game (Camping Games, Gift for Outdoor Enthusiasts) : Pendleton Woolen Mills: Toys & Games. Setup your boardBackgammon is a game for two players, traditionally played on a board consisting of 24 narrow triangles called ‘points’. Insert the desired match score for each player in these fields. Each player has 15 checkers that they aim to move around the board and ultimately bear off. It does not matter whether his opponent has 1 checker off or 14 checkers off, the win is still a single and worth 1 point. Ensure that no checkers overlap. Backgammon Rules. Backgammon layout for the opening rolls. The points are numbered for either player starting in that player’s home board. Each player rolls a die to start the game. For the purposes of describing the starting position, the points will be numbered 1 to 12 on either side of the board starting with the first square of the inner table and finishing with the last square of the outer table. 15 pieces of the same color are placed per person, and the players pawns are arranged symmetrically. A backgammon set up is the initial placement of the pieces on the board. Your home board is the quadrant with your. Initial checkers' arrangement on the board. Various aspects: the initial point for each player ( 13 for X, 1 for O in the setup above ) is called "head". For example, in the screenshot below Yellow (119) leads Red (144). for each individual game is short, backgammon is often played in matches, where, for example, victory is awarded to the player who rst wins ve games. Your opponent has to place his checkers symmetrically to yours. · Place five black checkers on the point labelled 13 in the. The points are numbered for either player starting in that player’s home board. The checkers are laid out on the board so that both sides mirror each other as in the diagram above. Portes is one of three backgammon games popular in Greece. Newbies may discover the set-up to be a little confusing. If you slot your 5 point you are more likely to be hit than in regular backgammon because your opponent has many more chances of hitting with two checkers back on your 1 and 2 points than if he was only set up on your 1 point. Use the 4 to move from thirteen to nine. Each players takes 15 checkers of the same color 2. For the initial Backgammon setup, the checkers should be arranged as follows: two checkers on each player’s number twenty-four 'point', five on each player’s thirteen point, three on each player’s eight point, and five on each player’s six point. 90 (45% off) FREE shipping. There is also a printable board to download. TriGammon A modern backgammon variant for 3 players. Dice flying over a backgammon board. An alternate arrangement is the reverse of the one shown here, with the home board on the left and the outer board on the right. Initial setup. Setting up the Board: Prior to starting the game, arrange the board and checkers as depicted in the provided image. This article provides only an overview of the principles of the beginning of a game. In this backgammon set up picture, the white player’s home is the bottom right hand corner whilst the red. How do you get everything set up and ready to play? First, you have to arrange your. Subtotal $ $99. Although vulnerable for the time being, it lets you start to lay claim to your five point, which is a very important point. Players place checkers on points as follows: Five checkers on your number 6 point Three checkers on your. Pitkin Stearns International, Inc. +. Play Backgammon. When purchased online. Players: x2. It is played with two players (lucky you, we have a computer player to enjoy!). What you’ll need. 95 (was $89. Each player starts with 15 checkers placed on the Backgammon board as shown in the illustration below. The components required for a game of backgammon are as follows. An alternate arrangement is the reverse of the one shown here, with the home board on the left and the outer board on the right. The Backgammon game usually comes in an easily transportable case resembling a small suitcase. 1. The object of the game is to move all of. To summarize the steps for setting up your backgammon game, begin by sorting the pieces and placing them in their respective areas. A total of 15 possible combinations that can be made if you omit the doubles when rolling two dice. The 15 white and black checkers are positioned on the points. $59. Setup. [1] Some evidence shows that it was played in the early 1900s aboard U. The setup is also different from the basic backgammon setup as all. They make for some interesting additions to the game play nonetheless. The points are numbered for either player starting in that player’s home board. In Windows 10, open the Start menu and head to Settings > Update and security. Setup of chips. The term, backgammon for money (or ‘money backgammon’), refers to backgammon online games, played for a minimum bid, which is set by the player, who creates the game table. . This guide will step you through the basics of the backgammon board and how to set the board up for play. 247 Backgammon. 5 people found this helpful. The game is believed to be rooted in the Middle East, Greece, or Turkey. Many experts consider this the essential strategy when trying to learn how to win at backgammon. Details . Accessories included: 2 sets of 15 playing pieces, 4 dice, a doubling cube, 2 wooden dice cups. The board is divided into four quadrants: Two outer boards and two home boards. A board with the checkers in their initial position. In this backgammon set up picture, the white player’s home is the bottom right hand corner whilst the red. $219. 前言西洋双陆棋是上世纪很流行的一种棋类游戏,是策略与运气的结合,也是研究博弈论和强化学习的重要案例。笔者之前在rl相关论文中见过,近期又在ucb的cs285中注意到这一棋类游戏,便详细研究了一下。在中文互联网上,有关西洋双陆棋的规则介绍并不清晰,也缺乏相关的策略探讨,笔者便. Item # 4623 $69. A backgammon set up is the initial placement of the pieces on the board. The basic setup for a game of backgammon. exe. Measures 18" x 12" x 2 1/2" when closed. Fans of the Board game backgammon have the opportunity to play together on the server «YellowClub» browser against real players or against a friend. OK, so you have your board and checkers. Set up. Hopefully, these backgammon rules and strategies. Download Share. A competitive game for two players, backgammon has been a popular choice for centuries. Since World War I, it has been a favorite game of the United States Navy, Marine Corps, and Merchant Marine. The objective is to be the first to bear off all your checkers, utilizing calculated moves, strategic blocking, and dice rolls. An alternate arrangement is the reverse of the one shown here, with the home board on the left and the outer board on the right. Newbies may discover the set-up to be a little confusing. Luxurious velour case with leatherette trim. Play with an artificially intellegent opponent or play with a friend with Pass & Play! 247 Backgammon has games in five difficulites, ranging from easy to expert! 2/10/2017 · Learn 15 in each of two colors; Two six sided dice to play the game set up your backgammon board as diagram 1. First in a series of (hopefully!) easy to follow tutorials on playing backgammon, designed for the absolute beginning player. Backgammon is played on a board with 24 triangles, called points, which are divided into four quadrants. 75" in diameter. One half of the board has the home boards for each player, and the other half has the outer boards. Each player should start with two checkers on their 24-point, three checkers on their 8-point, five checkers on their 13-point, and five. Part of the series: Backgammon Rules and Instructions. A “rollout” instructs the program to play that position out so many games with random dice rolls (500 games, 5,000. To move their pieces, the players roll two dice to determine how far they can travel. Does anyone care to conjecture as to why the initial setup is the way it is? "Tradition" is not a suitable answer. It is placed either on the bar or on the side of the board, with the number 64 facing upward. In trigammon, each player confronts both opponents: one in the first half of the board and the other in the second half. 3. Remember the number series 5-3-5-2. There are dozens of moves that can be made when you’re making the opening move in backgammon. The numbers rolled represent two separate moves. Long backgammon is a family backgammon game, and it differs from ordinary backgammon in its initial setting, rules, and strategy. Both players sit on opposite sides of the board. I do recommend sets with checker sizes that are 1. Backgammon – Set Up and Rules of Play. I WOULD LIKE TO SEE AN INITIAL BACKGAMMON GAME SETUP << Back to: Backgammon --- Frequently Asked Questions. Obviously, people have started to play backgammon online ever since internet gaming appeared in cyber space. An alternate arrangement is the reverse of the one shown here, with the home board on the left and the outer board on the right. This board had 20 slots on each side and five pieces for each player, similar to the modern backgammon setup. Each player starts with two checkers on the opponent's one. 99. Report. Plakoto has no ‘hitting’ option. Show details. for each individual game is short, backgammon is often played in matches, where, for example, victory is awarded to the player who rst wins ve games. Get set up for the big backgammon match. The results of the initial dice rolls determine how many points you may move your checkers. Backgammon setup. The person who rolled highest gets to move first, but they must use the results of both dice to move their pieces. While we know that some of the backgammon opening rolls are easy to play, such as the obvious ones of 3-1, 4-2, 5-3 and 6-1, rollouts help us to learn how to play those more difficult rolls, such as 6-2, 6-3, 5-4, 5-2, 5-1, 4-3, 4-1, etc. Players begin with two checkers on their 24 point, three checkers on their 8 point, and five checkers each on their 13 and 6 point. The player who starts is chosen randomly at the beginning of each game. For a complete guide to standard backgammon game play, check out our video illustrated guide to backgammon set up, rules, and game play here! Other Optional Rules: Players have developed some additional rules that they like to play with over the years. The second option only works in pass and play style, though. By doing so, the network • The steps from 1–4 are repeated for second inputs. Backgammon starting position. The points are numbered for either player starting in that player’s home board. It was a unique and extra enjoyable backgammon race that has reached its finishing line in the final tournament, held last Wednesday on May 2nd, 2012, with an initial prize pool of $10,000. Each player’s home and outer board adjacent each other and divided by a divider known as the bar. io's two new full time employees, Kjartan and Alexandra! Winning a single game can take a long time, so we decided to just make the simplest version, without the doubling dice and tracking wins over many games. in this web. The initial arrangement of checkers is: two on each player’s twenty-four point, five on each player’s thirteen point, three on each player’s eight point, and five on each player’s six point. Before you can start playing Backgammon, you need to set up the game. $3995. 3. 1 Setup. Backgammon is a game for two players, played on a board consisting of twenty-four narrow triangles called points. Example 1 - Initial set up on a backgammon board The points on the board are numbered from 1 to 24, starting in the player's home board. Be the first player to move all of your checkers off the game board. Probably it evolved over time as mentioned above. Setup. LongGammon This backgammon variant is very similar to the standard backgammon game. boom. The points are numbered for any player starting on that player's home board. The backgammon starting position for your checkers is as follows; five checkers are placed on each players 6 and 13 points, three checkers are placed on. Instead there is a concept of obstructing the opponent. The points usually alternate between two contrasting colours. S. December 22, 2018 Casino Online Gambling Players Leave a comment. Learn how to set up a backgammon board with this guide from wikiHow: Follow our social media channels to find more interesting, easy, and helpful guides. A board with the checkers in their initial position. A board with the checkers in their initial position. A board with the checkers in their initial position. To start, setting up the board, provide each player with a set of 15 checkers and a pair of dice. Backgammon is a timeless and highly strategic board game that has been enjoyed by players for centuries. 05 26. You each start with 15 checkers: 2 on your 24-point, 5 each on your 13-point and 6-point, and 3 on your 8-point. A board with the checkers in their initial position. Using a backgame as an initial strategy is usually. : 342 It is the most widely played casino banking game in the world. Block — 6 points occupied by checkers hindering the opponent’s progress. However, in the backgammon opening rolls, this is reduced to 15 possible combinations as doubles are. Movement. Randgammon–1 – placement option. The initial arrangement of checkers is: two on each player's twenty-four point, five on each player's thirteen point, three on each player's eight point, and five on each player's six point. A HandiCrafts 7206 views 18 comments Backgammon is one of the oldest board games, dating back to 3000 BC. Backgammon has been enjoyed for centuries, with origins dating back thousands of years. Fevga is similar to the Turkish game Moultezim and the Russian game Narde. An alternate arrangement is the reverse of the one shown here, with the home board on the left and the outer board on the right. Backgammon Board Set Up. Chris Bray This beginner’s guide to backgammon will help get you started and play with confidence. The points are numbered for either player starting in that player’s home board. Includes initial monthly payment and selected options. Setup Figure 1: Initial setup of Backgammon As gure1 shows, each side of the boardhas a track of twelve adjacent spaces, called points, usually represented by long tri-angles of alternating color. To get the board in starting position, both players must place two checkers at their 24 point. Throws of numbers that are two apart from each other – 1 & 3, 2 & 4, 3 & 5, 4 & 6 – can easily make secure points in one’s home, to impede the opponent’s movement both in (from ‘prison. Backgammon is a game for two players, played on a board consisting of twenty-four narrow triangles called points. Backgammon set up. This bypass is the easiest option right now, as it requires just a few steps during setup to skip the Microsoft account creation. This setup is symmetrical: the dark checkers are directly opposite the light checkers and in the same numbers. What you can do here is to observe how your initial couple of games turn out and then alter video games if you feel that you are dropping. The earliest evidence of a game resembling backgammon dates back to about 5,200 years ago, when a board with playing pieces made of agate and turquoise stone was discovered in the Burnt City of southeastern Iran. Backgammon is played by two people sitting opposite each other. Setting Up. 12. The 17-inch set folds neatly in half with all backgammon pieces and accessories stored inside for compact storage and easy transportation. Navy ships. There is also a menu entry GNU Backgammon Command Line Interface. Backgammon Variants Portes. Once the initial roll has been made, each player will throw two dice and take turns. Includes initial monthly payment and selected options. Place two red checkers in the top right corner and two checkers of the other color in the bottom right. A point occupied over ampere single checker for either color will called a blot. Before you can start playing Backgammon, you must first learn how to set up the Backgammon board properly. Equipment: Backgammon board, 15 checkers for each player, 2 pairs of dice (we play it with 1 pair, but let's keep it to bg as close to possible). An alternate arrangement is the reverse of the one shown here, with the home board on the left and the outer board on the right. 95) + Free Shipping. 3. The outermost point is the twenty-four point, which is also the opponent’s one. The points are numbered for either player starting in that player’s home board. A checker is entered by moving it to an open point corresponding to one of the. Each quadrant is divided into six points making a total of 24 points. Features. The lining of the suitcase serves as the game board and the inside contents include 30 checker pieces, 2 sets of dice, and 2 shakers. Instead of moving the first move with the initial roll, which determines the starting player, Tavli rolls the dice again; Backgammon set up & playing equipment. 99. 4 – 1. Any time a player has one or more checkers on the bar, his first obligation is to enter those checker(s) into the opposing home board. Chess Forum 21” Vinyl Backgammon Set. Monogrammed Wood Backgammon Set Personalized Initial 15" x 9 1/2" Backgammon Game for Bride and Groom With Checkers, Dice, Cup Father's Day (424) $ 44. After watching, you will know the basics of how to play the classic. Backgammon is a classic board game for two players. All you need to know for how to win at backgammon or you want to know all the pros and cons of playing backgammon online,. The P-40 website will allow you to customize the look of your own board. The initial bet is the agreed upon amount each. Setup – initial placement in backgammon. If your start point is 24, and your destination is 1, pieces are placed as follows: 2 pieces on the 24 points, 5 on the 6 points, 3 on the 8 points, and 5 on the 13 points, for a total of 15. Shop Target for backgammon board you will love at great low prices. 00 99. com FREE DELIVERY possible on eligible purchases. Backgammon Setup. This setup is crucial, as it determines the initial strategic options and openings for both players. Backgammon is a game for two players,. Buy SPIN MASTER GAMES Legacy Deluxe Wooden Backgammon Classic 2-Player Original Board Game Set with Cups and Dice, for Kids and Adults Aged 8 and up: Board Games. Includes initial monthly payment and selected options. The outermost point is the twenty-four point, which is also the opponent’s one. Backgammon setup. 15 checkers for each player (traditionally, one set is tan and the other is brown) Two or four 6-sided dice (traditionally. Both players have their own set of dice and the dice cup. BASIC RULES OF BACKGAMMON Page 16 E. 1. Win a bracket of 32, and you will receive a Gammon Stuff FTH backgammon board and travel bag. " Its name notwithstanding, Irish was one of the most international forms of tables games, the. When the cube has been used in a game that results in a gammon or backgammon, the winner gets twice (gammon) or three times (backgammon) common the number of points showing on the cube. Set up the board with the 5 remaining checkers on 6-point. Cat in The Box Deluxe Edition Card Game — Our Pick. Gather Together Games US Backgammon Federation Backgammon Basics: How to Play. 94. Each player. An alternate arrangement is the reverse of the one shown here, with the home board on the left and the outer board on the right. To set up the board, each player takes 15 checkers of the same color. That means it's not possible to roll doubles as the first roll of a game. If your first throw is 4-2: make point number 4 of your home board. All this for $75 in person, or $85 including shipping within the. At. The Backgammon Board Completing a backgammon set up is easy once you have learned the important parts of the board. The backgammon board has 2 halves separated by the bar in the middle. Three checkers on your 8-point. A board with the checkers in their initial position. If your first pitch is 5-3: make the number 3 deck of your home board. The board setup and backgammon starting position is the same for most backgammon versions, whether online or offline. This configuration is commonly referred to as the Starting Position in Backgammon. Programs (also known as bots) such as Snowie or GNUBG, allow you to set up a backgammon starting position, and for that matter, any other possible position thereafter, and perform what is called a “rollout” of the position. Equal numbers will mean the die will need to be rolled again until different numbers are achieved. Order yours online now! #backgammon #luxurybackgammon #maison825 #gifts #homedecor #homeaccessories #rainbow #rainbowgifts #fypシ #fypシ゚viral. 4. Backgammon board is made up of 24 triangles, called points. If you slot your 5 point you are more likely to be hit than in regular backgammon because your opponent has many more chances of hitting with two checkers back on your 1 and 2 points than if he was only set up on your 1 point. The checkers are then placed on the board according to the following numbering system: 15-inch Backgammon Set with Inlaid Velvet Field. Each player has 15 checkers (or men) that he needs to bring home faster than his opponent. Backgammon standard Setup: Black: Two pieces on point-24, five pieces on point-13, three pieces on point-8 and five pieces on point-6. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a beginner looking to learn the ropes, understanding the backgammon set up is crucial. You can therefore adjust the match length and the score of each player while you’re in edit mode. To start the game, each player rolls a single die and the player with the higher number moves first using both numbers rolled. Color matching sewn in points velor interior. The player that rolls the higher number moves first, using the numbers on the two dice already rolled. Includes initial monthly payment and selected options. Setup for backgammon board 13-point with five checkers. 30 game pieces (checkers) divided into two distinct colors. . exe in GNU Backgammons install directory or open the MS Windows menu Run… and type c: [path-to-your-gnubg]gnubg-no-gui. Download Backgammon Legends APK: The Ultimate Online Board Game Do you love playing board games with your friends and family? Do you enjoy challenging your mind and testing your luck with dice? If so, you should download backgammon legends apk, the most social and fun online backgammon game ever. Here’s an example of what a typical backgammon set looks like. To set up the board follow these directions:This is the original version of the game that is the most common way to play backgammon, and is also the way most tournaments and online platforms will be played. Positioning the Checkers. In fact, the earliest known mention of backgammon was in a letter dated 1635, when it was emerging as a variant of the popular mediaeval Anglo-Scottish game of Irish; the latter. The points are numbered for either player starting in that player’s home board. Shop Backgammon boards on Amazon: video w. Exact Bearoff: When bearing off, you must roll the exact point number of a checker to be able to take it off. The goal is to move your pieces to the correct part of the board then remove them from the board before your opponent. The outermost point is the twenty-four point, which is also the opponent’s one. The points are considered to be connected across one edge of the board,. The points are ordered from white's perspective: the rightmost point in white's inner court is the first, with the rest ordered clockwise therefrom. To start the game each player rolls 1 die, whoever got the higher number will do the move first. 58) Source : Parlett, David, "Parlett's History. This configuration is commonly referred to. The points are numbered for either player starting in that player’s home board. This lead can be as small as 3 ( opening roll of 2-1) or 11 ( opening roll of 6-5 ). Its unique combination of strategy, luck, and skill makes it a favorite among players of all ages. Backgammon is played on a board with 24 triangles, called points, which are divided into four quadrants.