On top of the general doubling rule commonly used in backgammon games and backgammon tournaments, there are additional doubling rules such as the Crawford rule, the Jacoby rule and the Woolsey rule. These doubling rules are often used in live as well as online backgammon backgammon games. Using these rules effects the number of points in the backgammon match. Scroll down to find introductions to the most common doubling rules in backgammon and learn how they can effect the game.
When the Crawford rule is applied, the game following a match whereby one of the players has scored 1 point will not include the doubling cube. This game is called the Crawford Game and in the game followed, the doubling cube will be brought back to the game.
According to the Jacoby rule, when none of the players has suggested a double, gammons and backgammons will count only as a single game. The Jacoby rule is mainly used when playing backgammon for money.
Named after the backgammon expert and former editor of the online backgammon magazine Gammonline Kit Woolsey, the Woolsey rule suggests to double when it is not clear whether a position is a take or a pass.
