Advanced Rules

Beavers

A beaver is when a player, after being doubled, can immediately re-double the stake but retain possession of the cube.

Raccoons

Doubling the beaver immediately.

The Crawford rule

The Crawford Rule dictates that the doubling cube cannot be used in the next game if a player is one point away from winning a match. Doubling is available as normal after this 'Crawford game'.

The Jacoby rule

In a single game, the Jacoby rule means gammons and backgammons will only count as one point if the doubling cube has not been used at least once.

Tournaments, Matches and Games

Single Games

A single game is played for a pre-defined stake with the usage of the doubling cube. After each game, any of the players can decide to finish the session, or to play another game for the same stake. Options such as automatic doubles, beavers, raccoons, or the Jacoby Rule may apply to single games.

Matches

A match is won by the first player to accumulate a predetermined number of points. This total can be reached in one or more games, depending on the value of the cube during a game. Points are awarded in the usual manner: One for a single game, two for a gammon, and three for a backgammon. The doubling cube is used, so the winner receives the value of the game multiplied by the final value of the doubling cube.

Matches are always played using the Crawford rule. Automatic doubles, beavers, raccoons, and the Jacoby rule cannot be used in match play.

Tournaments

Tournaments are usually composed of matches, where pairs play a series of games to find a winner, who then progresses to the next round. All games are randomly assigned. At PartyGammon.net there are two types of tournaments:

Regular tournaments

These are pre-arranged, with a fixed starting time, which is announced on the site. If the total number of players is not 2, 4, 8, 16, 32, 64, 128, 256, 512, etc., byes are randomly given to players to skip the first round.

Sit & Go tournaments

These are available 24/7, and just need the required number of players to register in order to begin.

Click here to visit our Tournament section.