What does 64 mean in backgammon?

The 64 means that the stakes have not been doubled yet. (Most doubling cubes do not have a 1, so the number 64 is understood to represent 1). The position of the cube, halfway between the players, indicates that both players have access to it. That is, either player can make the first double.

What do the numbers mean 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 dice that has a 64 on it for?

The doubling cube is a die included in backgammon sets used to raise the stakes of the game. Instead of pips, it has the Arabic numbers 2, 4, 8, 16, 32 and 64 written on it and is usually larger than the other dice. When the game starts, the game is placed on the bar with 64 facing up.

What is the 25% rule in backgammon?

What is the 25% rule in backgammon? The basic rule of doubling: If you expect to win at least 25% of the time, then you can (and should) accept a double. A player who is offered a double may refuse to accept it, in which case they concede the game and pay one point.

What does x2 mean 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.

Backgammon Doubling Cube, explained by Grandmaster Marc Olsen

What does 1 and 2 mean in backgammon?

[Also spelled "Acey-Deucy" or "Acey-Ducey".] The roll of 1 and 2 with two dice. A backgammon variant in which the roll of 1 and 2 gives the player extra turns. See: How to Play Acey-Deucey.

What is the 8 9 12 rule in backgammon?

Backgammon Glossary/8-9-12 Doubling Rule. A guideline for cube handling in pure race positions. You should double if the opponent's pip count exceeds yours by 8% or more, and redouble if it exceeds yours by 9% or more. Your opponent should accept the double if his pip count exceeds yours by no more than 12%.

What is the raccoon rule in backgammon?

A variant of the doubling cube "beaver" is the "raccoon". Players who doubled their opponent, seeing the opponent beaver the cube, may in turn then double the stakes once again ("raccoon") as part of that cube phase before any dice are rolled. The opponent retains the doubling cube.

What is the Jacoby rule in backgammon?

Backgammon Glossary/Jacoby Rule. [Named for Oswald Jacoby, who proposed the rule.] A rule popular in money play which says that gammons and backgammons (2) count only as a single game if neither player has offered a double during the game.

What is the best strategy in backgammon?

Can you stack more than 5 pieces in backgammon?

There is no limit to the number of checkers that can be on one point. In fact, it is possible to have all fifteen of your checkers on one point at the same time (though this is very rare). When you have more than five checkers on a point, it is usually a good idea to stack some of the checkers on top of others.

When should you double in backgammon?

A player may double any time it is his turn and he has not yet rolled the dice. A player who is offered a double may refuse, in which case he concedes the game and pays one point. Otherwise, he must accept the double and play on for the new higher stake.

What are the 2 to 64 dice in backgammon?

A doubling cube is a cubical block, a little larger than a regular die, with the numbers 2, 4, 8, 16, 32, and 64 printed on its faces. It is sometimes simply called the cube. The purpose is to allow players to bet on the game as they are playing.

Why is backgammon forbidden in Islam?

Thus, it is a game of chance, and it is forbidden to play. It is reported on the authority of Abu Musa Al-Ashari that the Prophet (peace be upon him) said: “Whoever plays backgammon disobeys God and His Messenger.” (Related by Ahmad, Al-Bukhari in Al-Adab Al-Mufrad, Ibn Majah and others).

Why did the Catholic Church ban backgammon?

The game continued to be played throughout the latter stages of the last millennium but it had constant battles with authorities and the church who wanted to ban it because of the gambling element. Its popularity continued through Victorian times and it was very popular at country house weekend parties.

Why is the 5 point so important in backgammon?

The 5-point is deep in your home board and along with the 6-point provides an effective barrier to entry when your opponent is trying re-enter from the bar. If your opponent rolls high (6 or 5), for instance, they will fail to re-enter and as a result, will waste a significant number of pips.

What is the 13 point commonly referred to as in backgammon?

Q: What is the mid-point? That is the name of the point on your opponent's side of the board where you have a stack of five checkers at the start of the game. It is also called your "13-point" because the checkers on that point are 13 spaces away from being borne off. The opponent's mid-point is your 12-point.

Is backgammon more luck or skill?

Backgammon is a game of skill, and the more skill you have, the more likely you are to win. That is proven time and time again in tournaments and match results. But it is proven only in the long run. In the short run, just about anyone can beat anyone given enough luck, and when you have dice, you have luck.

What is an illegal move in backgammon?

A move that does not conform to the roll of the dice as defined by the rules of backgammon. An illegal move must be corrected if requested by the opponent before the opponent rolls the dice to begin his own turn.

What is the longest game of backgammon?

The longest marathon playing backgammon is 25 hrs 41 mins and was achieved by Rustam Bilalov (Russian Federation) in Agstafa, Azerbaijan, on 8 July 2018.

What are the best first moves in backgammon?

What is snake eyes in backgammon?

A roll of double ones is known as snake eyes. The roll often causes problems in backgammon because there are likely to be many possible reasonable plays. That is true even of this position where two of the aces are forced, bar/24(2).