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The Doubling Cube in Backgammon
The doubling cube is a vital component in the game of backgammon, used to increase the stakes as the game progresses. Although it is a relatively new addition to backgammon, it elevates the game to a new level of strategy and competitiveness. Understanding the concept and strategy surrounding the doubling cube can be key to achieving success at the backgammon table.
Using the Doubling Cube
Backgammon is typically played in match play format, where the winner is the player who first reaches a predetermined number of points. At the start of each game, it is worth one point. Before a player rolls the dice on their turn, they have the option to offer the doubling cube to their opponent.
If the opponent accepts the doubling cube, it is turned to show the number 2 facing up, and they take possession of the cube, meaning that they can initiate the next doubling. At this point, the game is now worth two points. If the doubling cube is offered again and accepted, the game value increases to four points, and so on.
If a player declines the doubling offer, they can resign from the game, which concludes the match and awards the current value of the game before the doubling was offered.
The Structure of the Doubling Cube
The doubling cube itself is a special die marked with the numbers 2, 4, 8, 16, 32, and 64. Each number represents a multiplier that can always be doubled. For example, if the doubling cube has been used four times, a straightforward win would now be worth 16 points. Although theoretically, doubling can continue indefinitely, in practice it rarely goes beyond four times.
To keep players alert and engaged during the game, several optional rules related to the doubling cube have been introduced. One such rule is “beavering.” When a player beavers, they are offered the doubling cube but choose to accept it while also re-doubling to the next number. By doing so, they retain control of the doubling cube. This can create a challenging scenario for the opponent if they misjudge the game, as the player who beavers can potentially turn the tide in their favor.
Another rule worth noting is the Crawford rule, which aims to limit the use of the doubling cube in critical situations. This optional rule states that if one player is within one point of winning the match, the following game is played without the doubling cube. If the losing player wins this game, the doubling cube can be reintroduced. For example, in a match that is 4-3 in a five-point game, without the Crawford rule, the losing player could indiscriminately double their first turn, as they have little to lose. The Crawford rule prevents such potentially unfair doubling actions.
Scoring with the Doubling Cube
Initially, each game is worth 1 point, and this value can increase with the use of the doubling cube. For instance, if the doubling cube has been used twice and shows the number 4 facing up, a single win would earn the player four points. However, if the player wins with a gammon (worth 2 points), the game’s value is multiplied by two, and if they achieve a backgammon win, it is multiplied by three.
For example, if a player wins with a gammon while the doubling cube shows four, they score 4 x 2 = 8 points. This scoring mechanism adds another layer of strategy and excitement to the game, emphasizing the importance of the doubling cube in backgammon.