The Backgammon Doubling Cube
The Backgammon Doubling Cube is used to keep track of the increasing stakes in Backgammon. In the beginning of the game the cube is placed either on the side or on the bar of the board with the number 64 face up indicating that the game is being played for a single unit or point. The Backgammon Doubling Cube has 2, 4, 8, 16, 32, and 64 on its six faces. The rules for the Backgammon Doubling Cube:
- Any player can be the first to use the Backgammon Doubling Cube to double the stakes as long as it is their turn and before they roll the dice.
- To indicate a doubling of the stakes the cube is turned so that the 2 is face up.
- The opposing player may take (accept) the doubling and then is left in control of the Backgammon Doubling Cube and is the only one that can re-double the stakes, this is called a Beaver.
- Should the opposing player pass (decline or drop) on the doubling, then they are actually forfeiting the game automatically.
- Using the Backgammon Doubling Cube, re-doubling the stakes can occur as many times as desired.
Written by: Gary Tenaglia.
