The Doubling cube

In backgammon the doubling cube is used to increase the stakes during the game. The doubling cube is a relatively new addition to backgammon but it elevates the game to a new level in terms of strategy. It is important that you know the concept and strategy elements related to the doubling cube because it might be your key to great success.

Using the doubling cube
You normally play backgammon in Match play, i.e. the winner is the player who first reaches a predetermined number of points. Every game is worth one point in the beginning of the game, so in a normal win the winner gets one point.

In the beginning each game is worth one point. On his turn before a player rolls the dice he may decide to offer the doubling cube to the opponent. If the opponent accepts the cube it is turned with number 2 facing up and the opponent takes the cube into possession, meaning that only he can initiate the next doubling. But now that the doubling cube has been used once the game is worth two points. Should the doubling cube used a second time and the opponent would accept the game would now be worth 4 points.

If a player to whom the doubling was offered...