Using the doubling cube

PipCount · Joined: 14 Jun 2007 Posts: 16

I have been playing backgammon for awhile now and have spent most of that time trying to figure out how exactly to use the doubling cube. I understand what the cube is used for and how it works in theory, but I still don’t understand how to know when I should double and when I should accept or forfeit a double by my opponent. I have read Magriel and Robertie and done a bit of research online as well and I still need some help.

Catalin · Joined: 14 Jun 2007 Posts: 23

Different books focus on doubling to a different extent. Unfortunately, Magriel and Robertie tend to be a little light in the area of doubling so it’s no surprise that reading these books didn’t help you. I found Paul Lamford’s “Improve Your Game” to be much more helpful when I was trying to learn about doubling strategy.

When I am faced with a doubling opponent or wonder whether or not I should double myself there are a few things I take into account. The first is the pip count (or how many pips each player has to roll in order to bear off all of his checkers). If my opponent doubles and the pip count is close then I usually accept the double, but if my opponent is way ahead in the pip count (12% or more) then I will forfeit. You should also way the positions of yourself and your opponent on the board. If the pip count is relatively close and you have better blockades set up and a stronger board then you may choose to double.

However, you should also keep in mind that there are some instances that are “too good to double”. For instance, if you see that you have the chance of winning a 2-point backgammon and neither player has doubled then you should not double. Doubling will give your opponent the option to forfeit the game to you for 1 point whereas if you continue playing without doubling you have the chance of winning 2 points.

Pigeon · Joined: 14 Jun 2007 Posts: 13

In my opinion, the best way to learn how to use the doubling cube effectively is to learn about game equity. If you can figure out the odds of each player to win the game then it will be simple for you to know whether or not to accept a double or whether or not to double yourself.