When we think of the subject of backgammon gambling the first thing that comes to mind today is usually the exciting tournaments hosted by a range of Internet backgammon sites. However, it seems likely that the association between the backgammon game and gambling probably goes back to the origins of backgammon thousands of years ago. We know from records of the Roman game of tabula (considered one of the main ancestors of the backgammon we know today), that this game was only played for money rather for entertainment. Certainly it is easy to understand how the use of dice combined with the key element of good playing tactics have made the game an ideal choice for those who want to wager on its outcome.
Prior to the appearance of online backgammon, the biggest boost to backgammon as a popular gambling game came with the introduction of the doubling cube in the United States in the 1920’s. There is no point in using this cube when playing for fun alone, but when playing for money it is seen as adding significantly to the tension and hence the interest of the game. For those who are not so familiar with the backgammon rules, it is worthwhile to point out that the doubling cube is quite different from the standard backgammon dice both in appearance and function. The doubling cube is not numbered from one to six but it displays the numbers 2, 4, 8, 16, 32, and 64. It is placed in a central position between the players and when a player’s turn comes up they may wish to offer this cube to their opponent. To show that they are offering the cube they turn it to the next highest value and present it to the other player. If the cube is accepted they agree to play backgammon for increased stakes, or they can resign from the game at the existing stakes. Obviously the decision to offer or decline the doubling cube depends on a player’s estimation of their chance of winning.
The introduction of backgammon online at the end of the twentieth century has brought a game that was already very popular with the gambling community to a new level of popularity. The offering of the free backgammon download and the creation of so many new opportunities to learn how to play backgammon, have attracted many new players. In addition to all these additional opportunities to find a game at time that suits you and opponents at a skill level you are looking for, the online backgammon sites have also boosted backgammon’s gaming potential by increasing the financial rewards for skilled players. The significant sums that can be won in backgammon tournaments even by players that only make it to the semi-finals has proven to be a great draw. The responsible way the leading backgammon sites have been managed has also encouraged gaming by offering a secure environment for wagers.
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