Using the Doubling Cube in Backgammon
When it comes to Backgammon strategies, the implementation of the doubling cube should always be included in your plans. The fact, however, is that a lot of players do not use it properly, leading to poor results. If you want to be a great Backgammon player, learning the cube is vital.
The doubling cube has six sides, with the numbers doubling in value, starting from 2 up to 64, and is placed between the players at the game onset. The first player to utilize the cube is decided before the game.
At any point during the game, the player can pick up the cube and announce double. That is, the stakes that they are playing for (be it points, money or both) should be doubled. If the other player refuses, he forfeits the game and the points currently at stake. If you accept the challenge, you will now own the doubling cube until it is next used.
Another option, often used in Backgammon strategies, is to redouble. If player 1 offers the doubling cube at 2, the other player can redouble it at 4. This is called the beaver, and if the offer is doubled again to 16, it is called a raccoon. Although the number is only at 64, there is no limitation on the doubles allowed.
When using the doubling cube in Backgammon, you should keep certain things in mind, chief of which is that gammons and backgammons can increase the number of points at stake more than what the cube is offering. If you win a gammon, that means you earn twice the points on the cube. With a backgammons, you win the points three times over.
For instance, if you win a gammon with a doubling cube of 2, you win 4 points. If you win a backgammon with the cube on 4 you earn 12 points. Of course the same points and rules apply if you lose.
However, this can only happen if the doubling cube is used; in Backgammon tournament plays this option is always on, that is, you do not need to use the cube to have gammons and backgammons. Keep in mind also that beavers and raccoons, while part and parcel of money play, are usually not allowed in Backgammon tourneys.
There are a lot of ways to use the doubling cube in Backgammon, but in general, it is advisable to use it when you have a sizable lead. That way, you will not risk losing if the stakes are doubled.
However, this is only general advice, and the more you study, the more you will find ways to use the doubling cube in your Backgammon strategies and tactics.