Welcome to the Wild Animal Kingdom of Backgammon?

In backgammon, our playing pieces often go by many names – men, stones, checkers, and, pieces, to pick a few. Fair enough, we have to call them something. But why in the world would you occasionally hear a player yelling out, "Beaver!" or "Raccoon!"

No, the odds are not that you've just stumbled on a pair of backgammon players enjoying their favorite game out in the great outdoors next to a campfire (although that's a great idea) and one of them just spotted a wild animal approaching. What you have more likely stumbled upon is a money play or professional tournament where the players are using a more advanced cube technique. It can be a trifle confusing to explain, but follow us close here as we do:

Let's say you roll doubles, and your opponent believes, however, that he still is the favorite to win AND holding the cube. Your opponent may turn the cube an extra notch or face as he takes and keeps the cube on his own side. Here's an example: you make an initial double to 2, your opponent may, instead of taking the double and holding a 2 cube, say "Beaver!", then turn the cube an extra notch to 4 and continue the game holding a 4 cube.

However, if you believe that your opponent's "Beaver!" call/move was in error, some players like to allow a continuing sequence or response that he may then "Raccoon!", turning the cube yet another notch (to 8 in this case). Cube ownership remains with your opponent, and he may then (if he wishes) turn the cube yet another notch, saying "Penguin," or "Otter." Or, really, any wild animal he chooses since the origin or sequence of names is a controversy.

Still scratching your head? Well, Beavers and the other animals of the wild kingdom may or may not be used in money play – it's up to the players beforehand. Beavers and his animal buddies are never used in match play.