Understanding Backgammon Match Play

Tournaments may be played in a different style when you participate in one. You can expect the games to be played more formally than you would when playing with friends. You should expect rules on almost every aspect of the tournament, including how spectators should behave. Though that may be true for the most part, the playing style used in backgammon tournaments will still be match play.

Match play is a competition type of play in backgammon, which you might have played but just didn't know what it was called. Match play is not confined only to tournaments but can be used in backgammon clubs, at home, and even on your computer. This is a preferred style of playing the game since raising the stakes in the match will take a toll on a player's doubling skills.

In match play you will be playing not one but a series of games against an opponent. The goal in this style of playing backgammon is to be the first to reach a certain amount of points that has been agreed upon by players (if playing informally with friends) or set by the tournament committee (i.e. when you play backgammon in a tournament).

One game in a match is usually worth one point. So, naturally, if you are in a race to seven points you can expect to be scheduled for at least seven games. But you might be surprised that not all matches will ever reach the natural number of games that should be played. The reason behind this phenomenon is the cube action that usually goes on in a match.

In match play, a player's skill is not exclusive only to standard backgammon strategy. Cube skills also play a significant role in this type of backgammon game. If you do not realize how crucial is it to take or when is it appropriate to decline you'll be surprised to be way behind in points early in the match.

Gammons and backgammons still apply in match play when you enter in backgammon tournaments. Gammons give you two points and backgammons give you three points. The doubling cube doubles whatever points you get accordingly.

The Crawford Rule is applied when you take part in a tournament. As a bit of review, this rule states that when one player is only one point away from winning any particular match, the doubling cube will not be in use for that game. That game where the doubling cube is not put to use is aptly called a Crawford Game.

If no player gains the victory after a Crawford game then the cube is put back into play in the succeeding games. Match play is competition style backgammon. Players should get used to this style of playing backgammon to become familiar with a tournament style of play.