Backgammon rules

Backgammon Rules

Backgammon rules - Variety doubling cube

Automatic doubling

This is random and outside the will of the players. Sometimes it even starts before the actual game: when the players throw a single die to decide who will play first. If they roll the same number (two fours, for instance) the stakes are automatically doubled, and whenever the same double appears - and in some circles whenever any double appears - the doubling happens automatically! Thankfully this convention is not a rule of the game and we recommend that you ask for clarification of this point before you sit down to play. Automatic doubling may push the stakes so high that both players may be unable to meet them! You should state that this is not a rule of the game and anyway you do not play automatic doubling. If you have to make a concession, though, you may agree that you will accept only one automatic doubling, when the first double is rolled.

Voluntary doubling

This has become a part of the game and need not be restricted, within reasonable limits. You may double when it is your turn to play and before you roll the dice. You should say "I double" and place the doubling cube on the bar, in front of your opponent, with the appropriate number up. For example, if you double first in a particular game, you should turn up 2, place it on the bar close to your opponent and wait for his answer. If he says "I accept" the game continues with double stakes. If he says "no", the game is over and you win a single stake. The most important rule of voluntary doubling, which makes it widely acceptable to the vast majority of backgammon players, is that once you double (or re-double) you have no right to double again until your opponent has done so.
DOUBLING IS A RIGHT THAT ALTERNATES BETWEEN THE PLAYERS. This is a safety valve that should keep the gambling within reasonable limits. On the other hand, once you accept a doubling, you are not allowed to resign in the course of the game. You have to finish it, and if you lose it double or triple, you will have to pay the increased stakes multiplied by two or three, as the case may be.

Site Map