Golf Games: Backgammon

The doubling cube in backgammon is one of the most interesting parts of the game. A backgammon wager begins with a value of one point, but players may double the stakes during the game by rotating the doubling cube: 2, 4, 8, 16, 32, 64. The player challenged by the double may refuse, but in doing so concedes the game and pays the stake at the current value of the doubling cube. While the cube stops at 64, there’s actually no limit to the stakes.

Golf Backgammon is played in either a match or skins format.

The match format begins with a single wager, which a player may double at the beginning of any hole. The opponent may then accept, accept and offer a double of his own, or pay out at the current value.

In the skins format, each hole is worth a set amount, with the low score taking the prize. As with the board game, whenever a player thinks he has the advantage, he can double the current bet. The opponent then may either accept the new bet, accept and double, or concede at the hole’s current value.

Either of these is dangerous, so it is probably best for the players to figure out beforehand just how far they’re willing to go. Small initial stakes are probably best.

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