Variations of Backgammon Rules – Part II

Let us take a look at other areas of backgammon rules that we find variations. For a start, let's consider the backgammon rule of doubling cube. For the moment we will ignore chouettes, which we will treat as a separate subject, and only consider head to head play.

If at the start of the game both players roll the same number you have to decide whether to automatically double the stakes. Usually one automatic is agreed but if both players roll the same number again then the stakes are not increased any further (but by prior agreement the automatic can be carried over to the next game). Unlimited automatics started in the 1970s. Again, make sure you know what the rules are before you sit down to play .

In money play (never in tournaments) it is also common to play beavers. A beaver occurs when you believe that your opponent has doubled you in a position where you believe you are actually the favourite to win the game. In this case you can turn the cube to the next level (if you are being doubled to 2 you beaver to 4) and you keep the cube on your side of the board.
Raccoons are backgammon rules very rarely played but they can certainly add to the excitement! If the original doubler thinks his double was correct and the beaver was wrong he can raccoon the beaver to 8!!

And there is one virtually extinct backgammon rule called aardvark! The person who beavered the original double aardvarks the raccoon to 16!

• 
• 
• Email to a friend
• Print