What should you do to keep your relationship with your backgammon opponent at a professional, sportsmanship level despite the tensed competition? Whether you are playing online backgammon or in a real-life backgammon league, continue reading the do’s and don’ts of backgammon etiquette.
Sportsmanship is as important in backgammon as in other game. Nevertheless, many backgammon players have suffered from their opponent’s intrusive, rude and hostile behavior at the tables. Playing backgammon can be very demanding and stressful for the participating player, as a result tensions run high and hence a code of conduct in the game is desperately needed. When playing backgammon online, players often take advantage of the anonymous, casual interaction between the participants and show their lack of sportsmanship by dropping out of games to avoid reduction of their players’ rating.
Playing Backgammon - Do’s
Say Hello Wave Goodbye
Greet each other before the backgammon game starts, even if you are playing online backgammon and you cannot see your opponent’s face. Greeting each other in a friendly manner creates a sporty ambience in the matches. Instead of starting the game straight away, you can introduce yourself, shake hands (in a real-life backgammon game) and wish your opponent the best success in the matches.
The same thing applies when the match is over; you can say goodbye, compliment your opponent for his play or something like that. After losing a match, you can congratulate the winner and wish him or her all the best in future competitions.
Handle the Cube with Care
When you are playing backgammon live, and it is your turn to offer a double, you must put the cube lightly in the center and announce double. If you were offered a double and you prefer to drop, you should announce drop (or pass) to ensure that your opponent has heard your announcement.
Keeping Score
The score of the game should be kept by both you and your opponent. Additionally, be sure to acknowledge the score at the end of game.
Backgammon Etiquette – Don’ts
- Don’t doubt your opponent skills by implying that he has had a lucky roll because this means doubting the skills of the player.
- Don’t react to your opponent’s bad rolls by laughing or by expressing any other form of rude behavior.
- Don’t handle the doubling cube unless you really mean it; your opponent may consider it as cheating on your part.
- Don’t roll the dice when the opponent is playing his turn or contemplating his next move - it is considered bad sportsmanship.
