How do you use a doubling cube in backgammon?

The doubling cube is placed in the middle of the bar and is not controlled by either player. When a player feels he has the advantage in a game, that player can choose to offer a double before rolling the dice—effectively doubling the value of the game.

When was the doubling cube introduced in backgammon?

1920s
Backgammon is a thrilling blend of luck and skill, which makes it an especially exciting game to gamble on. Many players like to place bets on winning, even if it is with matchsticks or toothpicks, and the doubling cube was introduced in the 1920s to raise the stakes.

What is the 64 dice for in backgammon?

The Backgammon doubling cube is just like a regular die, while a bit bigger, having the numbers 2, 4, 8, 16, 32 and 64 printed on its faces. The doubling cube keeps track of the current stakes in the game.

What is the Crawford rule in backgammon?

Matches are normally played using the Crawford rule. The Crawford rule states that if one player reaches a score one point short of the match, neither player may offer a double in the immediately following game. This one game with no doubling is called the Crawford game.

What is a beaver in backgammon?

A beaver is only allowed in a money game session. To beaver means to redouble, retaining control of the cube, immediately after your opponent doubles. For more information see the glossary at Backgammon Galore.

What is the beaver rule in backgammon?

What does Crawford mean in backgammon?

Why is the 5 point so important in backgammon?

Back in the 1970s, Paul Magriel, in his classic book Backgammon, labeled the 5-point the “Golden Point”, signifying its importance in the opening. While the 5-point is the best point to have in the early going, its power can be mostly neutralized if the opponent then makes the 4-point anchor.