Backgammon free play vs. money play -advice needed

joliver · Joined: 14 Jun 2007 Posts: 25

I am thinking about playing backgammon online and I don’t know whether I should play for free or money. What are the main differences between the two that I could factor into my decision?

Maddox · Joined: 14 Jun 2007 Posts: 25

There is one main rule difference between playing backgammon for free and playing for money. This is the Jacoby rule. The Jacoby rule states that in money play gammons and backgammons don’t count for extra points unless the doubling cube has been turned at least once. The reason for this rule is to speed games along so that potential gammon games aren’t dragged out simply because one player thinks his position is “too good to double”. It also encourages much more aggressive checker play as players strive for a position where they can win a gammon after doubling, for four points. Other than that, free play and money play are the same.

Bardi · Joined: 14 Jun 2007 Posts: 22

Aside from the game’s rules, there are a lot of factors that could influence your decision about whether to play for money or for free. The main thing that you have to keep in mind is that players who play for money are much more serious about the game. You may find that when you play for free your opponents will drop out of games more frequently, especially if you are winning. If you are a really good player you may also have a hard time finding a worthwhile opponent in free games because the good players tend to play for money more often. Playing for money can also make the game feel more exciting, which is why a lot of people chose to play for money.