Things to Avoid in a Backgammon Tournament
A tournament setting is the epitome of competitive backgammon. If you want to gain the edge in this game, you should participate in backgammon tournaments as much as you can. You will find yourself at your very best when you participate in these tournaments. However, sometimes people also display their worst during these tournaments. That is why we have some guidelines for proper demeanor during such tournaments.
Backgammon etiquette is important and is more emphasized in a tournament setting. Since everything you do in a tournament can influence the outcome or may very well cost you the match then such rules on proper decorum becomes vital. You will avoid disputes, disrepute, and a host of a lot of things that follow after bad sportsmanship.
A huge part of backgammon etiquette has to do with what we say during an actual game. For instance, telling your opponent that they are remarkably lucky can connote many things. It can be interpreted that you are accusing your opponent of cheating or that you are insulting. Whatever it is that you insinuate when you say such thing can be misconstrued by anyone.
Any form of insult whether it was meant or not will be terribly frowned at. Any form of insult is totally against backgammon etiquette. Taunting or goading will definitely have the same effect. Doing so will result only in your disrepute in the community of players.
Just to be safe, never comment on any of your opponent's moves. You may think that commenting on your opponent's excellent move is quite alright, but you can never really tell how your opponent will take it. If you really don't know your opponent very well, then just keep your comments to yourself.
Our next guideline on backgammon etiquette is to never roll your dice if your opponent hasn't picked up his. Rolling your dice too early may result in a dispute or a challenge to the legality of your roll. To avoid problems associated with this, simply follow this guideline on backgammon etiquette to save you from a lot of trouble.
Related to the previous guideline is never handle the cube if you don't intend to use it. Those who handle the cube without any intention use it may be charged with cheating. Handling the cube prematurely can be used to check your opponent's reactions and thus gain the advantage.
Never play too slow during a tournament. Players are allowed to spend some time during the really crucial stages of the game. But if you are still in the opening stages of the game, taking too long to make a move will have some consequences. A clock might be brought in just to make sure you are using the right amount of time or you could be penalized.
Remember these guidelines on backgammon etiquette and decorum when you play in tournaments. Breaking any of these guidelines will have consequences in your match.
