The Backgammon Doubling Cube

Often times, players will strategically do a pip count from where his backgammon checkers are placed to see who’s ahead.  If a player has knows he has the lead in the game, he may use the backgammon doubling cube to show when they have doubled the stakes of the game.  A game is initially worth one point, and if a player realizes he is ahead, he can ask to double the stakes.  If his opponent refuses, he is essentially forfeiting the game, and the first player who aksed to double gets one point for the game.  If the player agrees to double the stakes, the backgammon doubling cube is turned and the game becomes worth two points.  Now, the player who agreed to double the stakes is the owner of the backgammon doubling cube, and if the game develops to where he gets ahead, he may ask to double the stakes again, which is called a redouble.  The same rules apply for a redouble as for the first doubling, and players can redouble as many times as they want throughout the game.

While used in backgammon gambling, the backgammon doubling cube can also be used just for fun in counting points and keeping track.  Players use the doubling cube in internet games, real life, and in tournaments.