Avoiding Disputes in a Tournament

Disputes may arise in backgammon tournaments regardless of well-written rules, policies, and regulations. Like every uncomfortable situation, it will be better to avoid any dispute in a tournament rather than go through the process of settling one. Unfortunately, disputes may arise even if both players are honest enough in their intentions. Chances are, even well meaning and honest players can also make blunders from which disputes may arise.

Here are a few things you might want to do to avoid disputes in tournaments.

First thing that any backgammon player should do is to check the equipment. Check the dice before hand and the dice cups as well. You should inspect the equipment for its quality. If you notice that the backgammon board isn't flat you can either request that the equipment be replaced or you can settle with your opponent on the terms of getting cocked dice.

Next thing you should do is to agree on the match length. A good idea is to write down the agreed match length, perhaps on the score sheet, to keep track of what has been agreed upon.

You should also check if the board is set up correctly. Make it a policy not to start a game with the wrong set up on the backgammon board. You should be particular not only about the position of the checkers but also with the doubling cube. It only takes a quick check to resolve this problem in a tournament.

Next thing you should do is to keep score of the match. Other than being your responsibility, this is also a good way to avoid any possible dispute in any tournament. You should verify the score with your opponent before any cube action or at the start of a new game.

If you're playing the opening roll, you should make your move before picking up your die. Leave your die on the backgammon board if your opponent plays the opening roll.

Avoid any form of irregularity as mentioned in any of the tournament rules. For example, never shake your dice when your opponent is making moves. Never roll your dice prematurely, which means to wait for your opponent to pick up his dice. Never go for the cube or act like you're going to pick it up if you have no intention of doubling. When you do double, pick up the doubling cube, turn it, and let it remain on the center.

Honest mistakes can happen in backgammon tournaments even for well meaning players. It is better to avoid any form of dispute in a backgammon match rather than go through the process of resolving a dispute.