Backgammon is a classic board game that has been around for centuries. It’s a two-player game of strategy and chance, with each player rolling dice to move their pieces across the board. But one of its most interesting elements is the doubling cube – an object used to double the stakes of the game in order to make it more exciting and competitive. In this article, we’ll take a look at how backgammon players use the doubling cube as well as some tips on when and how to use it effectively. So if you’re looking for ways to up your backgammon game, read on!
How to play Backgammon with a doubling cube
Once the initial setup is complete, you can begin playing with a doubling cube. The doubling cube is used to increase the stakes of the game and speed up games by allowing players to offer each other a double. It’s an optional rule that speeds up play, though it isn’t necessary for a full game of Backgammon.
The Backgammon doubling cube is usually a large die with numbers 2, 4, 8, 16, 32, and 64 on its faces. This is how you play backgammon with a doubling cube:
- To start off the game, the doubling cube is placed in between you and your opponent in the middle of the board with the number 64 facing up. This indicates that there has been no doubling yet during this game.
- When either player feels they have an advantage or they want to raise the stakes of the game, they can offer a double. This is done by turning the doubling cube toward them so that their opponent now sees the number 2 face up. The player who offered this double must then wait for their opponent to either accept or reject it.
- If accepted, The value of winning the game is twice the points. In addition, if your opponent accepts the doubling offer, he controls the doubling cube and only he can offer another doubling.
- Every time the doubling offer has been accepted the stake of the game is doubled. For example, After the first doubling offer the stake of the game is 2, after another doubling offer the stake of the game is 4, after the third doubling offer the stake of the game is 8, etc…
- If a player rejects a doubling offer, the game is over and the player who offered the double gets 1 point.
- The winner gets points that are equal to the doubling cube value multiplied by the points earned in the game. For example, A gammon win is equal to 2 points, if the doubling cube value is 4, the winner gets 8 points! If you want to know more about the kinds of wins in Backgammon click here.
Jacoby rule
When Talking about the doubling cube in Backgammon, is important to mention the Jacoby rule. The Jacoby rule state that there are no additional points for Gammon and Backgammon if the doubling cube hasn’t been used. The Jacoby rule takes place in almost every match that involves money.
Crawford rule
The Crawford rule states that a doubling cube can’t be used if one of the players is one point from winning the whole match. This game is called the Crawford game. If the match isn’t finished in the Crawford game, the doubling cube can be used again.
You can look at this image for better clarification:
Tips for using the doubling cube in Backgammon
Expert players know how to use the doubling cube in their favor. Check out those tips:
- When you feel the advantage in the game, suggest double, a lot of times the opponent will reject and you will get an easy point.
- The rule of 25% in Backgammon states that you should accept a double offer if you expect to win 25% of the time.
- Learn the equity tables of Backgammon to understand if the chance of winning the match is low and if the doubling cube is worth using.
Using a cube in Backgammon is an excellent way to increase the stakes of the game and speed up play. Once you understand how it works, you can use it strategically to your advantage. By learning when and how to offer doubles, accepting offers wisely, and following the Jacoby rule and Crawford rule, you’ll be able to make better decisions in your games. With practice and dedication, anyone can become an expert at using the doubling cube!
