Propositions

Propositions are a subcategory of backgammon game in which the rules for the two sides are not the same. Since one player plays by a different set of rules than his opponent, the rules must favor one side or the other. Part of the fun of this game is trying to figure out which side has the advantage, and by how much.

Since the rules are asymmetrical, both players should take turns playing the two sides so that neither enjoys a long-term advantage. If playing for money, adjust the stakes according to which side seems to have the advantage. Each player independently estimates the odds they consider fair, and the game is then played according to the average between the two estimates. Both players should be pleased with this arrangement as they will be playing at odds more favorable than their own estimate of what is fair.

Handicap Matches: Players play a five-point match with White starting with four points; Black with zero. There is no doubling cube used.

Both players adhere to the normal rules except that whenever White rolls a 1, he doesn't get to play it, but instead his opponent gets to play it. For example, if White rolls 1-1, he loses his turn and Black gets to play the four 1's and then take his normal turn as well.

Two Rolls versus Choice: In this variation, White gets to play any roll he wants except for doubles. He merely announces his roll and then plays it.

Black, on his turn, rolls as normal, but he gets to roll and play every turn twice. The two-rolls-per-turn player (Black) has a huge racing edge, not only because of the extra rolls but also because his doubles count.

The choice-of-roll player (White) always hits any blot he chooses, and rapidly builds blocks and primes.

Ace-Mid Switch: In this variant, White starts with five pieces on the opponents's one-point, and two pieces on the opponent's twelve-point. Despite what players might expect, this is a fairly balanced game and makes good practice in regard to back games and holding games.

Snake: In this version, White starts with fifteen checkers set up in the normal position. Black starts with nine checkers on the bar and two checkers each on White's one-point, two-point, and three point.

The rules are identical to backgammon, but the strategy is quite different because of the unusual nature of Black's position. Snake is intended to give players practice in how to play against an extreme back game.