Backgammon may be known as the game of kings, but unfortunately not all backgammon players display an aristocratic sense of chivalry at the table. Gambling seldom improves manners, while online backgammon players rarely know the basic traditions of real-world table play. For these reasons and more, a short lesson in backgammon etiquette seems appropriate.
Talking and Rolling
Most rules of backgammon etiquette are related to conversation and dice.
Talking
Civil conversation is rule number one of backgammon etiquette. Backgammon is not a game in which trash talking or taunting are welcome.
It's best to avoid speaking while an opponent is considering a play. Some wily players will engage in "coffeehouse," the term for chatter meant to trick a player into making a move he or she might not have made. Coffeehouse is frowned upon by backgammon etiquette. If your opponent tries to influence your move, ignore them.
Rolling
Backgammon is typically played with two sets of dice, but sometimes only one is used when playing for money. A play is not complete until your opponent has picked up the other set of dice. Tailgate is the backgammon etiquette term for rolling your dice before your opponent has finished a move. If you tailgate, you must re-roll.
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The use of backgammon dice cups is expected to ensure fair rolling. Dice should be rolled onto the backgammon table on the half of the board to the rolling player's right. Dice must land flat and flush to be counted. If a dice lands on a checker or outside the board it must be re-rolled.
Illegal Moves
Some backgammon players cheat and others make mistakes. Illegal moves do occur, and there are backgammon etiquette rules to deal with them. It is highly recommended that both players remain attentive to the luxury backgammon board at all times to avoid illegal plays, be they intentional or accidental. An illegal play does not stand so long as the other player spots it before they next roll the dice. Remember that if one checker is used to play both dice, each move must be permitted and not merely the aggregate, i.e. a rolled 6 and 4 equaling 10.
