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🏛️Official — USBGF
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Saving gammon is addressed explicitly (Rule 4.5.3).; The match score must be recorded (Rule 4.6.1) and updated after the completion of each game (Rule 4.6.2).; Errors in scorekeeping are handled by rule (Rule 4.6.3).
— Rule 4.5.3, Rule 4.6.1, Rule 4.6.2, Rule 4.6.3, Rule 1.8.2
Why people argue about this
People often assume that saving a gammon doesn't affect the match score, thinking it's only relevant during individual game scoring, but actually, Rule 4.5.3 clearly states that saving a gammon should be accounted for in calculating the match score, thus adding an extra point to the winner’s total at the end of each game.
Dice requirements are set out in general terms and for selection and use (Rule 3.2.1, Rule 3.2.2).; The number of dice used during play is specified (Rule 3.2.2.1), as is the mixing of dice (Rule 3.2.2.2).; Dice must be produced through an approved randomisation device (Rule 3.2.3, Rule 3.2.3.1).
— Rule 3.2.1, Rule 3.2.2, Rule 3.2.2.1, Rule 3.2.2.2, Rule 3.2.3, Rule 3.2.3.1, Rule 3.2.3.2, Rule 3.2.3.3.2, Rule 3.2.3.3.3, Rule 3.2.3.4, Rule 3.3.1, Rule 3.3.2, Rule 3.4.1, Rule 3.4.2, Rule 3.4.3, Rule 3.5.4, Rule 4.1.4
Why people argue about this
People often assume that any dice will do for Backgammon, which leads them to argue about different types of dice or their suitability. However, the official rules specify exactly what kind of dice are required: they must be produced through an approved randomization device as outlined in Rule 3.2.3, ensuring fairness and consistency across all games.
Errors in the starting position are addressed explicitly (Rule 4.2.1).; The opening roll is governed by rule, including when produced using a baffle box (Rule 4.1.3.2.2).; Dice must be random (Rule 4.1.1) and handled according to rule (Rule 4.1.2).
— Rule 4.2.1, Rule 4.1.3.2.2, Rule 4.1.1, Rule 4.1.2, Rule 4.4.1, Rule 3.4.4.3, Rule 3.4.4.4, Rule 3.4.4.1, Rule 3.4.4.2
Why people argue about this
People often assume that once they've set up their board correctly at the start of a game, they don't need to worry about dice handling or randomness anymore, but actually, these aspects are crucial throughout the entire game and can lead to disputes if not followed strictly according to rules 4.1.1 and 4.1.2.
Players alternate rolling two dice and moving checkers toward their home board. A roll of doubles is played twice.
— Rule 4.1.3, Rule 4.1.3.1.1, Rule 4.1.3.1.2, Rule 4.1.3.3.1, Rule 4.1.3.3.2, Rule 4.1.3.3.3, Rule 4.1.3.4, Rule 4.2.2.1, Rule 4.2.2.2, Rule 4.2.2.3.1, Rule 4.2.2.3.2, Rule 4.2.3, Rule 4.2.3.6, Rule 4.1.6.1, Rule 4.1.6.2, Rule 4.1.6.3, Rule 4.1.7.1, Rule 4.1.7.2, Rule 4.1.7.3
Why people argue about this
People often assume that rolling doubles means you roll the dice again for both values shown, thinking it's a double penalty. Actually, in Backgammon, rolling doubles allows players to repeat the action of their previous turn, which can lead to more complex strategies and confusion if not understood correctly.
A game is won by bearing off all fifteen checkers. The margin determines the value, and the doubling cube multiplies it.
— Rule 4.4.1, Rule 4.4.2, Rule 4.4.3, Rule 4.4.6, Rule 4.4.7, Rule 4.4.9, Rule 4.4.10, Rule 4.4.11, Rule 4.4.8.1, Rule 4.4.8.2, Rule 4.5.3, Rule 4.6.1, Rule 4.6.2, Rule 4.6.3, Rule 1.8.2
Why people argue about this
People often assume that winning a backgammon game solely depends on who bears off their last checker first, forgetting about the doubling cube's role in potentially multiplying the score by two. The misunderstanding arises because they overlook how the doubling cube can dramatically increase the stakes and impact the outcome of the game.
The rules above govern sanctioned tournament play. Several widely used conventions are optional and must be agreed or specified by the event: Automatic doubles, beavers and the Jacoby rule are treated as options rather than defaults (Rule 4.4.11).; Dice on checkers: whether this invalidates a rol...
— Rule 4.4.11, Rule 4.1.3.4, Rule 3.2.3.2, Rule 3.2.3.3.1, Rule 4.2.1
Why people argue about this
People often assume that if dice land on a checker during their roll, it automatically invalidates the move, which isn't entirely true according to USBGF's rules. The confusion arises because some players might interpret this as an immediate game over for that turn, when in fact, they must continue rolling until they either pass or get another checker off the board.
The cube has a defined initial position, current value and current position at any point in the game (Rule 4.4.1, Rule 4.4.2, Rule 4.4.3).; Which actions constitute accepting or rejecting the cube is specified (Rule 4.4.6).; Ambiguous and inappropriate cube handling is addressed (Rule 4.4.7).
— Rule 4.4.1, Rule 4.4.2, Rule 4.4.3, Rule 4.4.6, Rule 4.4.7, Rule 4.4.9, Rule 4.4.10, Rule 4.4.11, Rule 4.4.8.1, Rule 4.4.8.2
Why people argue about this
People often assume that they can only use the doubling cube when their opponent offers it first, leading to misunderstandings about when and how to employ it, whereas in fact, players must offer the cube if they believe their position is advantageous enough to warrant a higher stake.