Before match play dominated the competitive scene, backgammon was almost exclusively a money game. In a money game, each point played is worth a set stake — and the doubling cube means a single game can be worth many times the opening bet. Money games remain the dominant format in clubs, casinos, and casual play worldwide. Here is how they work.
Key Takeaways
- In a money game, each game is played for a fixed stake per point — no match score, no target total
- The Jacoby Rule (common in money games) means gammons only count double if the cube has been turned
- Beavers allow an immediate re-double when offered a double — taken by the player who was doubled
- Money game strategy differs from match play: gammon threats and cube decisions work differently
- Chouettes are the multiplayer extension of the money game format
- The best money game players are aggressive with the cube and precise about gammon equity
What Is a Money Game?
A money game is backgammon played for a stake per point, with no overall match score. Each game is independent:
- Win a single: +1 unit
- Win a gammon: +2 units
- Win a backgammon: +3 units
- All values multiplied by the current cube level
Example: Stakes are $5 per point. You win a gammon with the cube at 2. You collect $5 × 2 × 2 = $20.
Unlike match play, there is no target score and no Crawford Rule. You simply play game after game, with a running tally of points won or lost.
Key Rules Unique to Money Games
The Jacoby Rule
The most widely-used money game rule:
Gammons and backgammons only score double/triple points if the doubling cube has been turned at least once.
Effect: If neither player doubles, a gammon scores as a single win. This prevents players from playing conservatively — trying to win gammons without ever doubling.
Why it matters: The Jacoby Rule significantly affects cube decisions. In positions where you have a gammon threat, it’s often worth doubling just to activate gammon value.
Note: The Jacoby Rule does NOT apply in match play. Gammons always count full value in tournaments.
Beavers
When you’re doubled, you have the normal options: take or drop. But in many money games, you can also beaver:
A beaver is an immediate re-double by the player who was doubled, keeping the cube.
How it works:
- Opponent doubles to 2. Instead of taking normally, you say “beaver” and immediately re-double to 4.
- You now own the cube at 4. The original doubler may take or drop at 4.
Beavers are used when you believe the double was wrong and you’re actually the favourite. Beavers are aggressive and fun — but require accurate position assessment.
Raccoons
An extension of the beaver: when you’re beavered, you can raccoon by re-doubling again to 8. Then the original beaver-er decides at 8. These multi-level re-doubles are rare but exist in some club formats.
Automatic Doubles
Some money games use automatic doubles: if both players roll the same number to start, the cube automatically advances to 2 (or doubles again). Usually capped at 2 or 4 depending on house rules.
How Money Game Strategy Differs from Match Play
Gammon Value Is Constant
In match play, the value of a gammon changes depending on the score. In a money game, a gammon is always worth double — simple and consistent.
Implication: You can use a fixed approach to gammon probability in money games. Every gammon wins exactly double. Every gammon loss costs exactly double.
No Crawford Adjustments
Match play strategy constantly adjusts for the score (Crawford games, post-Crawford desperate doubles, match equity). In money games, none of this applies. You always play for maximum expected value per game.
Cube Aggression
Money game experts are generally more aggressive with the cube than match play experts. In money play:
- Double when you have even a moderate edge
- Take aggressively — gammon losses hurt but single wins accumulate
- Never give away free checkers (unnecessary blots)
The Importance of Gammon Equity
In money games, gammon threats are always relevant. A position where you win 50% of games but win a gammon 40% of those wins is worth significantly more than it appears:
- 50% × 60% single = 30% single wins (worth 1 each)
- 50% × 40% gammon = 20% gammon wins (worth 2 each)
- Expected value per game: 30% × 1 + 20% × 2 − 50% × 1 = +0.30 per game
Always include gammon probabilities in money game position assessments.
Practical Money Game Setup
Setting Stakes
Agree on stakes before playing:
- Point value: How much is one point worth? (e.g., $1, $5, $10)
- Maximum cube: Is there a cap on how high the cube can go?
- Jacoby Rule: Used or not? (usually yes)
- Beavers: Allowed or not?
- Automatic doubles: Used or not?
Tip for beginners: Start with very low stakes or play for points only. The cube can escalate game value rapidly.
Running a Session
Money games are typically played as a session — an agreed number of games or time limit. After the session, tally total points and settle.
Doubling Cube Etiquette
In money games:
- Once you double, you cannot take it back
- The opponent has time to consider the double before deciding
- Never “tempo double” (offer a double knowing the game is essentially over) — this is poor sportsmanship
Money Games vs Match Play
| Aspect | Money Game | Match Play |
|---|---|---|
| Game independence | Each game independent | Score accumulates |
| Gammon value | Always double | Score-dependent |
| Crawford Rule | No | Yes |
| Jacoby Rule | Usually yes | No |
| Beavers | Often allowed | Not used |
| Strategy adjustment | Fixed approach | Score-adjusted constantly |
Popular Money Game Formats
Head-to-Head
Two players, one on one. The classic money game. Simple, clean, fast.
Chouette
3–6 players. One player (the box) plays against all others simultaneously. Each team member has their own financial stake. See our full Chouette guide →
Casino Backgammon
Some casinos offer house-banked backgammon, where you play against the house rather than another player. The house typically has an edge through rules adjustments.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a money game in backgammon?
A money game is backgammon played for a financial stake per point, with no overall match score. Each game is independent, and points won/lost are multiplied by the cube value and gammon/backgammon modifiers.
What is the Jacoby Rule?
The Jacoby Rule says gammons and backgammons only count double/triple if the cube has been used at least once. Without it, players might play for gammons without ever doubling.
What is a beaver in backgammon?
A beaver is an immediate re-double by the player who was doubled. The beaver-er keeps the cube (re-doubling to 4 when doubled to 2) and the original doubler must take or drop at the new level.
How is money game strategy different from match play?
In money games, gammon value is constant (always double), there are no score adjustments, and no Crawford Rule. Strategy is simpler but cube handling and gammon equity still require precision.
Is backgammon played for money legal?
In most jurisdictions, backgammon is classified as a game of skill and playing for money between consenting adults in private settings is legal. Always check local regulations. Tournament backgammon (money prizes) has been ruled legal in multiple U.S. states.
What stakes should beginners use?
Start with very low stakes (pennies per point) or play for points only. The doubling cube means even low-stakes games can escalate quickly.
Further Reading
- Backgammon Chouette — Multiplayer money game format
- Doubling Cube Guide — How the cube works in money games
- Backgammon Gammon Guide — Gammon scoring and the Jacoby Rule
- Is Backgammon Luck or Skill? — The case for money play as skill-based
- Match Play Rules — The competitive alternative