Node:What are "Plies?", Next:What is "noise?", Previous:How do I stop the annoying beeps?", Up:Settings questions
A ply describes how far GNU Backgammon evaluates the position. "0-ply" means, GNU Backgammon estimates the worth of the position as it is. A "1-ply" evaluation looks one step deeper. GNU Backgammon also evaluates positions that may occur one roll further. "2-ply" is another roll further and so on.
The more plies you choose the more you strengthen GNU Backgammon. But keep in mind that it will also decrease her playing speed.
Note also that "0-ply" in GNU Backgammon is equivalent to the "1-ply" evaluation of Snowie.