FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions

Technical Questions
Questions About Money
General Questions

Technical Questions
How do I start to download the software?
  • Click on the Download Button and follow the instructions that appear on your screen.
  • For step-by-step instructions on downloading and installing the BackgammonMasters software, see How to Download and Install.
I downloaded the software, and it's running. How do I join a game?
  • First, decide whether you want to play backgammon just for fun or for real money. There is a big oval button on the bottom of the screen that lets you switch from fun money to real money.
  • Then, check how much money you have in the cashier. If you're playing for fun, you'll have some money there to play with. If you want to play for cash, you'll have to deposit some cash with the Cashier.

  • After you deposit your money and you're ready to play, you'll need to look for a room that you want to play in. You'll see two numbers, a stake and a limit. The stake is the value of each point, while the limit is the maximum value of the game. For example, a game with a stake/limit pattern of 2.5/10 would mean that the winner would win $2.50 if there was no doubling and no gammon or backgammon. If, on the other hand, the game were doubled twice, and the winner got a backgammon, the winner would still only get $10.00. We recommend that you choose a room with a high limit so that when you win, you'll get a lot of money, but always remember not to bet more than you can afford to lose.
  • Now that you've selected the amount that you'd like to wager on your game, just click on the numbers, and you'll be able to see who is in the room. If you want to be assigned randomly, just click Auto-Select Player, and you'll be matched up with someone who wants to play at your price level.
  • If you want to play a match, then just choose the number of games you want to play, and the amount of money you want to wager. With match games, the prize is fixed, so there's less to think about.
  • If you're looking at the possibilities and you can't find a game that's right for you, you can always create your own, using the Open Table tab. With our Open Table options, high rollers can really enjoy making their own games. The games can get very exciting with doubling cube values as high as 32!
How long do I have to make each move?
  • Generally, a move should take well under 45 seconds, but BackgammonMasters allots you 45 seconds. During your regular play time, you'll see a bar filling up with green:

    Green Bar

  • If you have your sound on, you'll hear a ticking sound when your time is halfway over.
  • When the 45 seconds run out, your global time starts running. At this point, you will see a red bar, which will empty out:

    Red Bar

  • The red bar is the global timer, and when it runs out, the game is over. The global timer for each game is ten minutes per player. The global timer protects you from players who walk away from the computer during the game, hoping that they will avoid losing that way. If a player allows the global timer to run out, then the other player wins as a backgammon in single-game mode, and as a gammon in match-game mode.
What happens if I am in the middle of a game and my Internet connection fails?
  • If you are disconnected, log back on and continue playing as quickly as possible. You will have 90 seconds to reconnect. If you do not reconnect in time, in a single game, your opponent will win with a backgammon. If you do not log back in in time while in match play, your opponent will receive twice as many points as the value of the doubling cube. If you experience disconnection problems frequently, contact your Internet Service Provider to examine the best way to prevent being disconnected.
  • If the BackgammonMasters server disconnects you, then your account will be returned to its pre-game state.  Since we operate several backup servers at all times, we do not expect this to happen.  
I forgot my password. What should I do?
  • If you can't remember your password, simply click on the reminder link in the login screen, and our customer service will help you right away.
Who can I contact to get help?
How long does the download process take?
  • Depending on your connection, download time is between ten seconds and ten minutes.
What are the minimum system requirements for my computer?
  • The minimum system requirements needed to run the BackgammonMasters software are:
    • Windows NT, 2000, or XP
    • 400MHz Pentium or faster CPU with at least 64MB of RAM
    • Minimum screen resolution 800 by 600 pixels with 256 colors
    • 20MB of free disk space
  • Most computers purchased within the past 5 years will meet these requirements. At the moment we do not support non-windows platforms. If you are a Macintosh or Unix user, please check back for future versions.
How do I uninstall the BackgammonMasters software?
  • Click Start > Programs > BackgammonMasters > Uninstall.
Questions About Money
How Do I Make a Deposit to My Account?
  • In order to make a Deposit you must first download the BackgammonMasters software. For more details, see the Real Money section on this site.
What Deposit Methods Can I Use?
  • You can deposit funds in your new account using any of the following electronic payment methods:
    • Visa offers direct deposits using your credit card.
    • MasterCard offers direct deposits using your credit card.
    • Diners offers direct deposits using your credit card.
    • NETeller is an online payment service which provides an instant, secure, and easy way to deposit money into your BackgammonMasters account.
    • Wire Transfers allow you to deposit money directly from any bank account in the world.
    • Click And Buy
    • PayPal
What will show up on my credit card bill if I deposit by credit card?
  • Your credit card bill will show payment to JD Lucky Skill Ltd., Nicosia.
    We recommend that you print out your receipt for your records.
If I deposit by credit card, when will the card be charged?
  • Your credit card will be charged as soon as your transaction is approved.
How do I cash out my winnings?
  • To withdraw money from your account, simply click on the Cashier button in the lobby and then click on the Withdraw button. For more details, go to Real Money.
How long does it take to receive my winnings?
  • Cashing out your winnings takes 7-21 business days, depending upon your location.
Can I have more than one account?
  • No. This is to protect you from scams.
What happens if I run out of money?
  • The cashier will alert you that you have run out of funds. You will be unable to play games that you do not have adequate funds for.
What are the 2 types of Real Money Accounts?
  • Real Money Account  - (RMA)
    Account opened with initial deposit made by player
  • Real Money Bonus Account   - (RMBA) Account opened with Free Money Bonus deposit given FREE by BackgammonMasters.
How do I administer my Account?
  • Deposit and CashOut

    • RMA – Deposit and Cash Out easily!  You have already registered, deposited and become a verified user!
    • RMBA - User may withdraw twice the amount of what they deposit.

    ***Please note, account status does not change to RMA if user deposits less than the entire balance of their RMBA.

    Example: You receive $25 Free Money Bonus
    You increase your winnings and your RMBA balance is $100
    In order to cash out you must deposit at least $20 (which entitles you to withdraw $40).

    In order to cash out $100 you must deposit at least $50.
    If you deposit less than $100, your account remains RMBA.
    If you deposit at least $100 your account status changes to RMA.

Why would I want to change my account status from RMBA to RMA?
  • User makes a deposit equal to the amount of their RMBA balance.
  • User’s details are verified by BackgammonMasters. Account status changes from RMBA to RMA.
  • Once you change the status of your account, you become a verified user, making deposits and all other money transactions quick and easy!
General Questions
How do I join a game?
  • After downloading the software, double click on the icon on your desktop. In the lobby, select a room and then double-click on the name of the player you wish to play with
What is HyperBackgammon?
  • HyperBackgammon is a special super-fast, super-fun version of backgammon offered by BackgammonMasters and its partners. It's played exactly like regular backgammon, but with only 3 pieces for each side. As a result, the strategy is different and the game is faster, for a welcome change that backgammon players will love! to learn more.
What is a rake?
  • The "rake" is the commission paid to BackgammonMasters.com for each real money game. It is paid by the winner of the game and is calculated according to the final amount won.
Sometimes the doubling cube is disabled. Why?
  • The doubling cube is disabled whenever the game has reached its limit.
  • During the Crawford Game of a match, you are not allowed to double. The Crawford game is the first game in a match in which one opponent is a single point from winning
Sometimes I go into a room and I can't see my own name. Why?
  • If you do not have enough funds to play in that room, your name will not be visible to you or to other users. You can still watch other games, though.
What happens if a dispute arises?
  • If there is any dispute, contact our support team for a quick settlement. Our support team will provide you with the most equitable solution, including, if necessary, refunds, as deemed appropriate by our support team, based on our records and any records you send us.
What does the "resign" feature do?
  • If you feel that you are losing, then you may resign in order to shorten the game. In addition, if you are concerned that the other player may gammon or backgammon you, you can try to resign for a single to avoid the gammon or backgammon. Your opponent may reject a resignation unless it is for a backgammon or the complete match.
While playing online, may I use other software programs to evaluate my position and help my game?
  • No. That is considered cheating and you could have your privileges revoked.
Is it legal to play online backgammon for money on this site from my jurisdiction?
  • Backgammon is a skill game. In some countries and regions, online skill games for money are not allowed. We recommend you check with your local authorities before you play. If skill-gaming is not legal in your region, we will not be held responsible for any damages you incur. We urge you to verify the legality in your region or country before you make your first deposit.
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