The Holland rule:This rule applies to match games and states that trailer can only double after both sides have played two rolls. It makes the free drop more valuable to the leader but generally just confuses the issue.
The Jacoby rule:The Jacoby rule is used in money games. It states, that a gammon or backgammon may not be scored as such unless the cube has been passed and accepted. The purpose is to speed up play by eliminating long un-doubled games.
Beaver and raccoon:In money play, if player A doubles, and player B believes that he is a favorite holding the cube, he may turn the cube an extra notch as he takes, and keep the cube on his own side. For example, if A makes an initial double to 2, B may, instead of taking the double and holding a 2 cube, say ``beaver'', turn the cube an extra notch to 4, and continue the game holding a 4 cube.
If A believes that B's beaver was in error, some play that he may then ``raccoon'', turning the cube yet another notch (to 8 in the example). Cube ownership remains with B. B may then if he wishes turn the cube yet another notch, saying ``aardvark'', or ``otter'' or whatever silly animal name he prefers (the correct animal is a matter of controversy), and so forth.
Read our recent articles written by Backgammon players:
[Read All backgammon articles]
What are beavers?
If one player doubles, and the opponent accepts the double and decides his position is good enough, he may immediately redouble while retaining posession of the cube. This immediate redouble without giving up the cube is called a beaver....
Article by Kenny Hunt ( 4/19/2006 9:55:54 AM)
Backgammon Tips
Backgammon is one of those rare games in which skill and chance combine together to make a great game, quite unique in the gambling scene. While it is difficult to offer any tips, other than learning how to play the game well, such as there are we will teach you....
Article by Kenny Hunt ( 4/16/2006 7:13:59 AM)
Hedging Toward Skill
Backgammon is a game of luck and skill. To a casual observer, it may appear to be all luck. As one gains more skill and familiarity with the game, the depth of skill required to play well becomes increasingly clear. The luck is still there, though, much to our joy and frustration....
Article by Douglas Zare ( 4/4/2006 5:54:54 AM)
