Game Level Cube Action Strategies

Since you engage an opponent in match play when you compete in backgammon tournaments, the fastest and most efficient way to win match is to get more points in each game you play. There are two ways to do this, first is to win either by a gammon or backgammon or to score more points using the doubling cube.

What we have below are conditions in the game and recommendations when you have to offer a double, and to take or pass the cube. The doubling strategies will relate to the backgammon strategy you're using.

Priming game

Here's your cube strategy when you play a priming game. Before you double you should find either of two conditions on the backgammon board. First is that your opponent should have a prime that has fewer than five points. Second, your back checkers should have escaped from any enemy contact.

Six point prime

However, when you deal with a full prime the doubling strategy changes. If the game is going well for you and it is expected that you will build a six-point prime, then you should offer the cube to your opponent beforehand. If you already have a full prime on the board, your opponent will likely resign if you offer the cube. In that case, you should rather go for a gammon or a backgammon.

Holding Games

A critical key to doubling strategies in holding games is the distance of your anchors from that of your opponent's. If you are leading the game and your anchors are six points away from your opponent's anchors, then you may offer the cube but with a certain precaution. However, if the distance narrows down to less than six points then things become more favorable for the leading player. If that is the case then the leading player should offer the cube.

Back Game

If you are leading in a back game you should offer to double if you have a full prime and your opponent's timing is bad. The trailing player should consider his chances of hitting and his anchor positions. Trailing players in a back game should pass if they have anchors on 5-4, 5-3, 5-1, and 2-1.

Blitz

If you are the attacker in a blitz you should offer to double when you have made at least three home board points. That and coupled with your opponent's failure to enter is excellent for offering the cube.

End Game Doubling If you are at a race to bear off checkers, you should double if you are around four points ahead in the pip count. If you own the cube with the above condition then you should offer to redouble.

These are fundamental doubling strategies in a backgammon tournament. The cube action is important to win a match without playing too many games. Master the cube strategies then you win matches quickly.