Gamblers is one of the most exciting strategy classes in UKI agility. Unlike standard runs where you follow a numbered course, Gamblers gives you freedom to choose your own path during the opening period — then tests your distance handling skills with a gamble sequence at the end.
How the Opening Period Works
When the whistle blows, you and your dog have a set amount of time (the opening period) to accumulate as many points as possible by completing obstacles of your choice. Each obstacle has a point value, and you can take obstacles in any order you like.
Typical point values are: jumps and tunnels are worth lower points, while contacts (A-frame, dog walk, see-saw) and weave poles are worth more. You can repeat obstacles, but most obstacles only award full points the first two times they are taken. After that, they may award reduced points or no points at all.
The Gamble Sequence
When the opening period whistle sounds, you must immediately head to the gamble area. The gamble is a short sequence of obstacles (usually 3 to 4) that must be performed in a specific order. The catch? You must handle your dog from behind a line — meaning you stay at a distance while your dog completes the obstacles.
This is where your distance training really pays off. Your dog needs to understand directional commands and be comfortable working away from you.
Gamble Point Options
In UKI Gamblers, the gamble itself can be worth different point values depending on the difficulty level offered by the judge:
- 0 points — No gamble is attempted. You simply stop after the opening period.
- 10 points — A moderate-difficulty gamble sequence, typically with a closer distance line.
- 15 points — A harder gamble sequence with a greater distance requirement.
You decide before the run which gamble option (if any) you want to attempt. This decision adds a layer of strategy — do you play it safe and bank your opening points, or go for the bigger gamble bonus?
How Scoring Works
Gamblers uses points-based scoring. Your total score is the sum of the points earned during the opening period plus any gamble points you successfully earn. The highest total score wins.
If you fail the gamble (your dog faults an obstacle or takes them out of order), you receive zero gamble points but keep whatever you earned in the opening. Faults during the opening period — such as a knocked bar — mean that obstacle does not score.
Strategy Tips for Gamblers
Plan Your Opening Path
Before you step to the line, walk the course and plan a route that hits the highest-value obstacles efficiently. Time is limited, so avoid backtracking. Think about flow — which obstacles connect smoothly?
Know Your Dog's Distance Skills
Be honest about your dog's distance abilities. If your dog is still learning to work away from you, it might be smarter to skip the gamble or choose the 10-point option rather than risk a failed 15-point attempt.
Watch the Clock
Keep an ear out for the whistle. You need enough time to get to the gamble area and set up. If you are too far away when the whistle blows, you might rush and make mistakes.
Practice Distance Handling
The gamble rewards teams that train distance skills regularly. Work on sends to tunnels, distance jumps, and directional cues like “left” and “right” in your training sessions.
Ready to run a Gamblers class at your next trial? Barkloop makes it simple to set up points-based scoring, track opening points and gamble results, and publish placements instantly. Try Barkloop for your next UKI trial.