Proper Backgammon Etiquette

1. Greet your opponent in a pleasant manner by shaking hands and wishing them luck.

2. Once the match is finished always say goodbye or thank your opponent for playing, whether you win or lose.

3. When you double, put the cube in the center, and say “double” as clearly as possible. If you take up the cube, place it on your side and say "take" in a distinct voice. If you decide to drop, put the cube in its proper place and say "drop" or "pass" as clearly as possible.

4. Both you and your opponent should keep score, and announce the score or acknowledge your opponent’s announcement of the score, after each game.

5. If you are playing a Crawford game, announce it as such at the start and take the cube off the board.

6. Shake your dice at least three times and roll them out. but do not shake while your opponent is playing.

7. Be silent and do not fidget while your opponent is playing or contemplating a move.

8. Do not point out your opponent’s luck, or lucky rolls, either during or after a match, as this suggests he has won or is winning due to luck, not skill.

9. Do not comment on your opponent’s bad rolls, or your good ones.

10. Do not handle the doubling cube unless you intend to double, as this is a form of cheating.

11. Do not roll until your opponent has picked up his dice. Rolling too soon or just as an opponent is picking up his dice, can only create conflict as to whether or not the roll counted.

12. Do not celebrate when your opponent gets a really bad roll, and do not rejoice when you get a really good one.

13. While it is acceptable to sit and think about a really tough play or cube decision, but taking more than a few seconds if you have a simple choice between two plays early in the game is bad form.

14. Do not engage in conversations with people in the audience or at the next table, talk on your cell phone, or listen to headphones, or do anything else but give your full attention to the match at hand.

15. If you would like to stop and copy a board position for later analysis, ask your opponent if they mind, then do it quickly.

Etiquette for Online Backgammon Play

Never drop out of a game without finishing, unless you absolutely have to, and even then explain why to your opponent.

Never complain about too many doubles being rolled. It's simply part of the game and beyond your opponent's control.

Be gracious in both victory and defeat. Before the game fully ends make sure to say "good game" (gg) or thank you. Wishing your opponent good luck at the start is always a nice touch.

If your opponent is barely responding to your comments, don't chat non-stop during a match. Some players prefer to concentrate while they play. They aren't being rude; it's merely a question of playing style.

Don't get up from the game to get a sandwich or hit the john without informing your opponent that you need a minute to do something.

It's good to occasionally play with people ranked lower than yourself. It allows people learn to from an expert and thereby raises the global level of play.

If someone invites you to a game and you don't want to play them, a simple "No thanks" is better than simply no reply at all. It is frustrating to invite 3 or 4 people and not get any responses.

If you're away from your computer or more interested in watching and don't want to play, remember to toggle "ready", so people won't invite you to play.

Never offer to resign a single game in a position where you can still be gammoned! It is best to wait to resign a single game only when you have clearly reached an ungammonable position.

Don't use your chat function to taunt, swear at or berate your opponents during play. Just because your opponent has no physical means of reaching through your computer screen and smashing your nose like a pinata doesn't excuse boorish behavior.