Jacoby question

Kleinman · Joined: 14 Jun 2007 Posts: 14

I am pretty new to playing backgammon for money and I have just been introduced to the Jacoby rule. The Jacoby rule states that in money play gammons and backgammons don’t count unless the cube has been turned. First of all, I don’t really understand the point of this rule. Besides that, I don’t understand why the rule is used in one-on-one money play but not in backgammon tournaments. Can anyone advise?

Also, because gammons and backgammons only count if the cube has been turned does this mean that a gammon only counts for 2 points if the cube is on 2 or does a 2-point gammon get skipped and a gammon is worth 4 points if the cube is on 2?

Fiona · Joined: 14 Jun 2007 Posts: 16

I’m not sure why the Jacoby rule is used in money play but not in tournaments, but I can answer the second part of your question. If you are playing with the Jacoby rule and you win a gammon when the cube is on 2 then the gammon is worth 4 points. Although backgammons and gammons don’t count when the cube is not turned, they count double as if they had stood when the cube is turned. Hope someone can answer your first question… I’m pretty curious about the answer to that now too.

leonardo · Joined: 14 Jun 2007 Posts: 17

Well, the reason for the Jacoby rule is to create more “action” in money games. The purpose is to give cause to the raise of stakes in the game and therefore move the game along so more cash can be earned. If a player sees a chance of winning a gammon he will double and if his opponent forfeits then he wins one point and the players can move on to the next game without wasting time finishing the game to see if a gammon will be won or not. It makes time for more games and, therefore, the chance to win more money. Because of the Jacoby rule you may have the chance to play a couple of extra games that you wouldn’t have had time for without it.

In tournament play, however, there is a set prize at the end of the game and games are not played based on stakes that offer a certain amount of money for point. There is also a set number of games played. Therefore, there is no need for the Jacoby rule in tournament play. Hope this answers your question!