Some Tips on Etiquette at Backgammon Tournaments
Tournaments are a fun way to measure how far you've gone when it comes to playing skills. It is a great way to interact with other players who may not exactly be in your player's circle or club. It may also become a learning experience since you'll be seeing different degrees of skill and talent as you go through each phase of the backgammon tournament.
Unfortunately not everyone you meet will behave properly all the time. So that you won't be the one who lacks social graces at backgammon tournaments here's a list of things you should do and things you should avoid when in such a situation. Remember that where you get to relate mutually with other players, proper etiquette should be observed.
Backgammon tournament etiquette #1 - Congeniality: Before sitting down or starting the match you should greet your opponent in a cordial manner. You may wish them luck if you want. When the match is over you may say goodbye. You also have the option to say good match and congratulate your opponent if they win.
Backgammon tournament etiquette #2 - Your game duties: Don't get over excited when you double. Just plainly say "double" when you offer the cube to your opponent or say "take" or "pass" when it is offered. Remember to put the cube in the correct place on the board.
These rules of etiquette includes keeping score of the whole match and acknowledge the score kept, if there are any discrepancies you may contest your opponent's score keeping (though that may be rare at times).
Shake your dice then roll them when it is your turn to move. Never do this when your opponent is still making his moves or is thinking. Doing so would mean being rude and disruptive in a backgammon tournament.
Backgammon tournament etiquette #3 - Watch your actions and your words: Never say your opponent was just lucky or his luck just ran out during or after the match is over. Don't laugh or giggle when your opponent either makes a bad move or makes a bad roll. This reflects poor etiquette on your part.
Never play too slow nor be too fast as if hurrying your opponent. There are critical times when you really have to take some time to think but don't do it every single time. If your opponent takes time to think, never talk to the guys on the next table or to onlookers.
Don't just copy a board position when you feel like you want to, you should ask your opponent if it's ok.
Practice these rules on backgammon tournament etiquette. Civility is always a rule when we engage others in backgammon tournaments.