Doubling & Re Doubling
2:21 AM
When calling a double while playing backgammon it increases the value of the stake two folds and if a re-double is presented then it would increase the stakes four-fold.
When to call a double?
There are some basic rules to learn as to when to call a double but what it comes down to is if you are highly confident that you have an advantage in the game, then call a double.
How to call a double?
To call a double, simply turn the doubling cube which should already be placed on the bar. When calling a double and if the opponent accepts the double, then the game points or stakes are doubled. For example, if the game is played for 1 point it will become 2, 2 will become 4, 3 will become 6 and so on. Remember that if a double is called and the opponent refuses to accept the double, then the game is over immediately and the opponent forfeits the game.
When a double is called by the first player and the second player (opponent) accepts the double, the doubling cube is given to the second player who now has possession of the doubling cube. This rule was put into place in order to try to keep things even as the player, who accepts the double, now has complete control of the cube and the possibility of calling another double. If the player decided to double again, this implies a “re-double”, which means the stake has been further doubled. However, the same strategy implies here as well and the second player will only call a double if he feels that he has the upper hand. If a re-double is called, then the first player must abide by the same rules as mentioned above. If the first player refuses to take the re-double, then he will forfeit the game. A re-double simply quadruples the original value of the stake, for example 1 will become 4, 2 will become 8, 3 will become 12.
When doubling and re-doubling there is no limit. Players only alternate the exclusivity possession on the doubling cube, as well as the value of the stake increasing following the arithmetic rules. The double and re-double was introduced into the game of backgammon to increase the stakes and speed up the game.
There is another term related to doubling called: “Beavers”. During normal play, when the doubling cube is put to use the opponent accepts, the first player forfeits the exclusive right of the doubling cube. If the first player does not want to lose possession of the doubling cube, he will immediately call for a re-double or beaver. When a beaver occurs, the decision is pushed back to the opponent’s, for acceptance or conceding a defeat of that game by refusal. This rule however is mostly used in money play, not in matches or tournaments.
What is the doubling cube:
The doubling cube has the numbers 2, 4, 8, 16, 32, 64 printed on its faces. Its shape is slightly larger than the original dice. The doubling cube is used to keep track of the increased value of the stake. At the beginning of the game, the cube is placed on the bar to signify its neutrality, meaning that neither player controls the cube. The cube is placed with the face showing 64 at the top, which represents the initial status of the stake as 1, and then it is switched between the players with the face showing increased value depending upon the progress of the game.
Doubling cubes come in many shapes or sizes and it is customary to place the cube in the middle of the board to indicate the statues. As much as players like the vivid colors and shapes of the doubling cube it is not mandatory. A pen and paper will get the job done as well.
