Backgammon is a game that has its own complexities and challenges despite its simple rules.  This is because skill, strategy, and luck all play a role in winning in backgammon.  There are many sides to playing backgammon that makes it exciting and engaging; one of these is the rule of doubling the stakes in the game.  Whether you’re playing for money or you’re playing for fun and points, the aspect of doubling has given the game another facet of difficulty and thrill.  

Basic backgammon rules (casino games and match play)

In backgammon, the objective is simple: clear all your checkers on the board before your opponent does.  Clearing is done by moving your pieces towards your end of the board.  Backgammon consists of a board that has 12 triangles or points, on each side of the board.  These points are numbered one to twenty-four.  Each player is given a pair of dice and 15 checkers which are placed on the board in a fixed manner.  Game starts with each player rolling a die, and the person who gets the higher number takes the first turn.  Game progresses as the pieces are moved closer toward the player’s area of the board until all the pieces can be cleared-off the board.  

Backgammon setup for casino games

The casino game version of backgammon features more excitement as you’re playing for cash, and the rules for casino games encourage fast play and betting action.  This is due to the use of the doubling cube.  The doubling cube is a die that has the numbers 2, 4, 8, 16, 32, and 64 on its sides.  The doubling cube means that you can double the current stakes at play in a game.  Stakes are usually the cash bet on a game.  Doubling can be done by anyone at any time of play; once a double has been raised, the opponent is forced to accept or reject the offer.  Once a double is rejected, the opponent automatically loses the match, but not double the stakes.  If the double is accepted, the match continues with doubled stakes, and the power to offer another double is transferred to the opponent.  There is no limit to the doubles that can be offered, although some limits can be agreed on beforehand.  

Backgammon doubling strategy for casino games

In simple terms, winning a double depends on how well your chances are of winning the game.  Whether you offer, accept, or reject a double is determined by the current board situation and your chances of winning.   But don’t forget that even if you have pretty good chances of winning, that doesn’t ensure you winning the double, since backgammon still has the element of chance—the next roll of the dice can easily make or break your winning situation.  Another thing to note is that if the game situation is obviously lopsided, your offer of a double will just be rejected.  Nobody would accept a losing proposition, right? Another question is, when do you do the offer? Should you take the initiative? Another strategy is bluffing; you can offer the double if you have the slight advantage, or if you have nothing to lose.  There is a strategy where you gamble everything on your skill and luck, and that is by offering the double early.  Just like a card game, victory depends on how well you handle the checkers and luck of the roll.  There really isn’t a foolproof strategy in doubling; but it helps a lot if you’re aware of the essential things involved in it.  As it is with most betting games, offering and accepting a double depends on foresight, timing and your skill at the game.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/online-gambling-articles/play-like-a-pro-with-the-right-backgammon-strategies-897615.html

Olaf Thorson is a person who loves playing casino game, not the least of those is Backgammon.