Backagmmon rules | Tavli

Backgammon Rules

Tavli - Gioul

Gioul is a light-hearted game in which chance plays the most important role. It is highly recommended for the end of a strenuous evening of other backgammon games. Gioul serves the same role as a light liqueur in the aftermath of a heavy but delicious dinner. It is also a great favorite with the younger generation.

How to play

Gioul is played with the same original setup as Fevga. In fact, the same clauses as were described in the previous section. The only difference is that the two last unique clauses do not apply here. You do not have to bring your first piece inside your opponent's inner table at the start of the game. Furthermore, you can occupy all of your inner table points if you wish, and so can your opponent. There are two lauses in gioul that give it its unique zany flavor.
If a player throws a doublet, he is obligated to play not only this doublet, but also all other doublets higher than the one thrown. Thus, if you throw (1,1), you are obligated to play the (1,1), as well as, (2,2), (3,3), (4,4), etc. This rule is usually in effect after the first three turns of each player.
If a player is unable to execute all or part of his throw, then his opponent must do so, if he can. Thus, if you throw (2,2), and you cannot play it, then your opponent must play it in accordance to the previous clause.
Simple and advanced strategies for gioul follow similar lines as in Fevga. Clearly, a shutout coup is impossible in this game. Grand coups are possible only if the first clause described above, is in effect immediately at the start of the game.
if the first clause is in effect after the first three turns by each player, then each player uses his first three throws to ensure that no grand coup is made against him. This means that he captures most of the points in his inner and outer tables. The two clauses described make this game completely unpredictable. Quite obviously, if you are behind but you have a small coup against your opponent, then a throw of small doublets by you or your opponent (assuming he is unable to play it) will enable you to catch up. Playing a low doublet can be quite difficult and frustrating. You must figure out how to play it in advance, so that you can complete the entire throw. Otherwise your opponent will take over and utilize the remainder of the throw to improve his own position. Planning ahead is very important and sometimes quite difficult when you throw very low doublets.
Considering the importance of luck in this game, most strategies that can be developed are mainly academic. The game of gioul is often played with the initial positions as in the game of plakoto.

Portes
Plakoto
Fevga

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