Backgammon Doubling Cube Strategies
Whether it is land based or online Backgammon, the importance of the doubling cube to winning cannot be overstated. If you are new to the game or just learning how to double, then you may want to keep the following tactics in mind.
Quite often the playing style of an individual can have a say on whether he takes or drops a cube. Some Backgammon players feel it is a "cop out" if they drop a double, so they accept it regardless of the game situation. This is poor Backgammon strategy, similar to gamblers who call out in Poker just to be a part of the action.
There is nothing wrong with dropping a cube if the situation calls for it. It is very important to consider the situation, whether you are in a money or match play. If you cannot possibly salvage the game, then you should consider dropping and moving on to the next game.
Of course it can be difficult during a Backgammon game to keep track of the percentages, but the following rule should be easy enough to remember: if you are a game away from losing the match, be it a race to five or seven, accept.
In similar fashion, if you are holding the doubling cube and you are ahead by one, and your opponent wins, do not double, as this could give him the lead or even win the match outright. The point to remember here is that when you are ahead, be conservative and hold on to the cube. If you are trailing, be aggressive and be willing to take.
Of course you should also consider gammons in your Backgammon doubling strategies, as they amplify the points you are fighting for. As a rule of thumb, it is generally best to offer the cube when ahead by at least ten points. With that lead, the worst that can happen is that your lead will be cut, but you will still maintain it. Anything less than that and you will be courting risks.
Another thing that Backgammon players fail to take into account is the situation on the board. If your checkers are evenly distributed, then you have more flexibility and room to maneuver, If your pieces are clustered together and you are trailing, then the best option may be to take the double.
The important thing about Backgammon doubling strategies is that they are always open to modification. And that is what you should do: always look for ways to improve your tactics, and you will find several ways to win.