Backgammon Doubling
When you are playing for stakes in a game of backgammon, the doubling cube is used to determine what the stakes are at the end of the game. A typical game of backgammon begins with one stake, however during the course of the game these stakes can be raised (doubled) once or several times, depending on the players. A doubling cube reflects the numbers 2, 4, 8, 16, 32 and 64. When the stakes are doubled, the die is changed to 2. When and if the stakes are redoubled, it is shown as 4, and so on. Theoretically, there is no limit to the number of times stakes that can be redoubled during a game, although some sites limit it to 64.
When a player feels confident enough to double the stakes in the game, he does so before his throw. If the other player accepts the offer, the stakes are doubled, the cube is turned to reflect the present stakes and the ‘ownership’ of the cube reverts to the opponent. If the opponent chooses not to accept the offer, he forfeits the game and loses all that was at stake.
Questions to Ask yourself Before Offering or Declining a Double?
How are the Checkers Spread across the Board?
A player that has his checkers strategically spread across the board and has created key points, anchors and blocks, obviously has a major advantage over the opponent. In this case, it would be in the player’s best interest to offer a double and it may be necessary for the opponent to decline and forfeit the game.
Can I win a Gammon or Backgammon?
Backgammon doubling is not always recommended, especially when a gammon or backgammon could be won. If the opponent turns down the doubling offer, the points will not count in the backgammon match.
What is the Pip Count?
A player who is ahead in the pip count of his game should seriously consider doubling. Pip counting is a strategy that is usually done automatically at online backgammon sites but needs to be mastered when playing offline backgammon. There are several methods for players to count pips in the game to see whether they are ahead or not and whether it is worth their while to double the stakes. If players double early on in the game, statistically they stand a better chance of the opponent accepting the double offer.
How Many Single Checkers are there?
Naturally, the more single checkers that the opponent has situated in the points, the more chance that he has of having his checkers hit and the greater edge the player has in the game. For this reason, it is important to see how many single targets for potential hits the opponent has before making a double offer. In the same vein, if a player feels that he has too many single checkers occupying points and has a larger chance of getting hit, he may consider forfeiting the game and declining a double offer.
