Know the Do's and Dont's of Backgammon Play
There may not be any definite written rules of conduct for playing backgammon but it sure is badly needed. Why do we need these ethical considerations? Well, first you may be facing an opponent who does not have manners or courtesy when playing. Some people may even be pitiless or ill mannered during the play and these people make backgammon play not enjoyable which should not be the case when playing any kind of game. Therefore, this is why this article targets the very culprit of making backgammon a nuisance. You will read some simple rules, especially the do's and don'ts of backgammon play.
These rules apply to any backgammon game, whether it is a live match or an online match. First, we will start with the don'ts so that you get the picture of what not to do in a match.
Do not point or emphasize the luck of your opponent.
Be it a lucky roll during a match or just after the game. You may mean it or not, but emphasizing out loud that your opponent is lucky paints a picture that he is winning not due to his skill but only due to sheer luck. He may actually be lucky during the backgammon play, but emphasizing this luck shows that you are not a true sportsman and is actually underestimating his abilities.
What usually happens is some players focus too much on the lucky or unlucky rolls of the opponent that they cannot see their own luck or bad luck during the game. In addition, they dismiss the fact that the better they play, the more likely they seem lucky because they get to call good rolls.
Do not emphasize your opponent's bad rolls.
In the same manner that you must avoid pointing their lucky rolls, even more should you not point their bad luck. It is actually more irritating to play with someone who stress too much on your mistakes. This means that laughing, snorting or giggling when your antagonist makes a bad call is included in this rule. So apply the golden rule, if you do not want your opponent pointing your bad rolls then do otherwise.
Avoid saying "good game" after every good roll.
Related to the previous two rules is this third rule. Do not say aloud "good game or roll" because this shows that you are emphasizing your antagonist's luck. You should compliment him only after the match and unless if it is a well played game. If otherwise, keep your comments to yourself.
Do not distract your opponent intentionally or unintentionally.
When it is not your turn, avoid engaging in a conversation with people sitting on the table next to you. Neither should you use your cell phone nor do anything other than playing backgammon. This will distract your opponent and it will show you are not taking this match seriously. Just give this play your full attention.
Avoid rolling the dice when it is not time to roll it.
This rule means that you should wait until the opponent has distinctly picked up the dice. If you rolled too soon, then this may create misunderstanding whether to count the roll or not. Moreover, you may be rushing your opponents roll when he sees that you are ready to roll again.
Do not waste time by taking too long to decide a play.
It is wise to think about the move that you want play in a backgammon match, but do not take too long to make a decision. More often than not, it takes the fun out of a good match and it does not become a fair play.
Now that you know the dont's of how to play backgammon<, let us now discuss the do's of a good match.
Before starting the backgammon match, be courteous enough to greet your opponent.
What you can do is to shake his hand, wish him good luck, wave your hand or you can just say hello. Even a nod would be appropriate to acknowledge his presence.
After the match, bid your opponent farewell.
You can show your gratitude by saying "thank you" or "nice game" depending on your mood at that time. You may have lost to him and not feel like talking to him after the game but remember to at least give a reasonable response to the ending of the match. Do not just walk away as if no game occurred. This gesture also shows you are not a good sportsman.
Always check your score as well as your opponents score.
You should always tally your score and your opponent's so that there would be no reason to call anyone cheating. You must also acknowledge the announcement of the score after the backgammon game. In fact, in the Crawford game, you must announce the score at the beginning and then take the cube and roll it.
Shake your dice three times.
Remember that shaking your dice may actually help in making your game a good one so shake three times and roll them dice. Avoid shaking the dice when your opponent is thinking during a backgammon play.
Be still when your opponent is playing.
This is a gesture of sportsmanship and that you respect your opponent while he is playing or thinking of a play.
You may have experienced an opponent who was rude to you but do not use that memory against your new opponent. Alternatively, maybe you yourself have done something bad to your opponent once and did not realize your mistake. Offending your opponent will not get you anywhere and will just end a good backgammon play prematurely.
You have the option to follow or not follow all the rules specified in this article. However, do make sure that you present yourself well when playing backgammon. Remember that this game should be fun and not be taken too seriously even if money is involved. At the end of the day, you could gain a new friend and actually win some pot money. That is why you must always respect your opponent and surely, you will gain the same respect from him.