An Overview of Gambling in Backgammon
Written by Benjamin Sami
31 August 2008
The possibility of gambling in backgammon is built into the game via the doubling cube. This doesn’t mean that you have to wager money in backgammon – simply don’t use the doubling cube for a gambling-free game. Having said that, risking money in backgammon takes the game to a new level. Although this article presents an overview of backgammon wagering, players should remember that they can play for anything – not just money – poker chips, buttons, pennies, etc. Or you can just keep score of the points with a pencil and paper.
“Money” backgammon is played for an agreed-upon stake per point. Let’s assume 2 players agree on a stake of $1.00 per point for their wagering in backgammon. At any time after the first turn, either player has the option of offering to double the backgammon betting stake before rolling the dice. The other player has the option to accept the double or to forfeit the game (and the existing stake) if he declines this backgammon money risk. If he accepts, he gains control of the doubling cube – his opponent cannot initiate a double for betting in backgammon after that. The doubling cube is marked with the numbers 2, 4, 8, 16, 32 and 64. On the first double, the stake is increased by a power of two. In our example, the stake would be raised to $2.00. On the next double, it would go up to $4.00, then to $8.00, etc.
If the doubling cube is not used in a game, when a player bears off (removes) all his stones from the board, he wins the game and receives 1 point if his opponent has borne off at least one stone. If the doubling cube is used, the stake won in backgammon gambling can be substantial.
If the losing player has not borne off any stones in the game, the winner gets double the amount shown on the cube. This is called a gammon.
If the losing player has not been able to move his stones out of the winner’s home board, the winner gets 3 times the amount shown on the cube. This is called a backgammon.
If the losing player has not managed to get all of his checkers out of the winner’s home board, the winner gains three times the number of points determined by the cube. This situation is known as a backgammon.
Having a good playing strategy is only part of winning at backgammon. Judicious use of the doubling cube is also a critical skill to have if you intend to risk money in backgammon.
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An Overview of Gambling in Backgammon
The possibility of gambling in backgammon is built into the game via the doubling cube. This doesn’t mean that you have to wager money in backgammon – simply don’t use the doubling cube for a gambling-free game….
Written by Benjamin Sami – 31 August 2008
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