How Doubling Cube works
Many backgammon players have never used a doubling cube. However, all the online backgammon games have this feature and this can change the strategy a lot. If you don't know how to use it, you can lose a lot of money.
What is the Doubling Cube
Doubling Cube is a six-sided die which is not rolled, but is marked with powers of two and used to track the stakes of the current game.
How is the Doubling Cube used
Each backgammon game starts with a one point value. The doubling cube is usually placed in the middle of the bar. On the PartyGammon software you'll see the doubling cube on the left part of the board - Not far from it ( to the left side of your screen) is the button you may use to double the value of the game.
When you or the other player feel that you have an advantage on the board, you may choose to offer a double, so to double the value of the game. This goes not only for the point involved, but also for the money you're playing on. This offer for double can be made only BEFORE you rolled the dice !
Now, the other player has either the option to refuse (and in this case you win the game) or to accept the offer. If he accepts the value of the game value will double - in the first instance it can be from 1 to 2, but afterwards it can raise from 2 to 4, 4 to 8, etc. If you are playing for real money also the stake will double as well.
Until the first double, any of the players can use this option, before they roll the dice. If the other player accepts the double, he will take control of the doubling cube and he is the only one who can make the next double offer.
Beaver option
You can also select in the game the Beaver option - when you are doubled, you can right away redouble (beaver) and still hold the control of the doubling cube. Your opponent can act like in the situation of a normal double - accepts the challenge and rise the stake or refuse the doubling and lose the game
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