Don't Be Overwhelmed, Beginners, Just Don't Use the Cube

Some of us started our journey into the wonderful world of backgammon with a certain amount of curiosity at this odd-looking board layout and the strange (we call it "unique" now) starting positions of the blots or checkers – do you remember? Most of us could handle this easily enough after we were coached through a few practice games, but there are several among us that stared at that odd-sized third die sitting to the side. "What the heck is that?" some pondered, even out loud.

This, of course, is the Doubling Cube. This one oversized die (well, oversized compared to the standard set of dice used to move our players) adds a third or fourth dimension to the game – when it is used.

Aren't we required by law to use the Doubling Cube? No, legal beagle, we are not, outside the tournament and pro circles. In fact, in the social and pure amateur venture, not using the Doubling Cube when you are teaching someone new to the game just might be the best strategy for hooking a lifelong player to our sport. Because the Doubling Cube brings with it another layer of strategy (and some say complexity), it can often overwhelm backgammon newbies or rookies. Better that they soak in the basics of the game first before having to stuff their brains with the finer, more advanced game features.

You veteran players might think this is playing backgammon with a lobotomy when you don't use the Doubling Cube, but keep in mind how you felt that first time you played with it versus a savvy, experienced player. A little less in the beginning just might be the trick.