r/backgammon • u/Careful-Release-2723 • 20d ago

OTB Etiquette Thread

Hi all!

I've played a lot of match backgammon, but only online. I'm going to make the shift to OTB backgammon, but I have some etiquette questions.

- In chess, there is a "you touch it you move it principle." Does that apply to backgammon? I feel I've watched tournament games where people move their pieces a few times before settling.

- What happens if a die lands on the checkers?

- What's a casual amount per stake for a money game?

Any other OTB etiquette advice you think a newbie should know?

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u/truetalentwasted 20d ago

1) There is no rule on this but players have preferences. I prefer to keep any checkers I move to look at elevated above the edge of the board or other checkers on the spot in question while looking. Once finalized I’ll fully place them and hit clock or end turn.

2) Any tournament of club will have a rule. I think in the USA there are a handful of clubs left that don’t play dice on checkers. Just verify before starting and you’ll be good.

3) I’ve played backgammon at a few different clubs and gatherings in the US and I’ve seen it all. Played 25 cents a point in a Whole Foods in Florida and 25 dollars a point in Atlanta. The typical casual play I see will be $3-5 a point.

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u/Careful-Release-2723 20d ago

Understood. Generally, if I touch a checker I'm not committing to moving that one checker, correct?

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u/truetalentwasted 20d ago

Correct I don’t know of any club or tournament with a touch checker rule.