Competitive backgammon is a thriving global community with tournaments ranging from casual local events to prestigious world championships with significant prize pools. Here’s everything you need to know.
Major World Tournaments
World Backgammon Championship
The most prestigious event in backgammon. Held annually at the Monte Carlo Casino in Monaco since its inception, the World Championship attracts the world’s best players.
- Format: Two-day main event with a 25-point final match
- Entry: Open to all, with entry fees
- Prize pool: Tens of thousands of dollars
- History: First held in 1967 in the Bahamas
US Open Backgammon Championship
One of the largest tournaments in North America, typically held in different US cities.
European Backgammon Championship
Rotates between European cities and draws top players from across the continent.
Nordic Open
One of the largest and most respected tournaments in Scandinavia, known for its high standard of play.
Cyprus Open
A popular tournament combining competitive backgammon with Mediterranean vacation.
Tournament Formats
Single Elimination
The most common format:
- Players are paired randomly or by seeding
- Losers are eliminated; winners advance
- Continues until one player remains
- Fast-paced but can be harsh for early losses
Double Elimination
- Players must lose twice to be eliminated
- Losers drop to a “consolation bracket”
- The main bracket winner faces the consolation winner in the final
- More forgiving than single elimination
Round Robin
- Every player plays every other player
- Best overall record wins
- Most fair but time-consuming
- Used in small, elite events
Swiss System
- Fixed number of rounds (doesn’t require every matchup)
- Players are paired against others with similar records
- Efficient for large fields
- Popular in club tournaments
Match Play Rules
Match Length
Tournament matches are played to a set number of points:
| Round | Typical Match Length |
|---|---|
| Early rounds | 5 or 7 points |
| Middle rounds | 9 or 11 points |
| Semifinals | 13 or 15 points |
| Finals | 21 or 25 points |
The Crawford Rule
Universally used in tournament play:
- When one player is 1 point from winning, the doubling cube is not available for the next game
- After the Crawford game, the cube is available again
- This prevents the trailing player from immediately doubling to create a coin flip
DMP (Double Match Point)
When both players are 1 point from winning, the game is at DMP:
- The doubling cube is irrelevant (every game is decisive)
- Gammons don’t matter (you only need 1 point)
- Strategy shifts significantly — focus on winning the game, not maximizing cube value
Clocks
Many tournaments use clocks to prevent slow play:
- Typical time: 2 minutes per point in the match, plus a reserve
- Clock etiquette: start your opponent’s clock after making your move
- Running out of time forfeits the match
Rating Systems
FIBS Rating
The First Internet Backgammon Server (FIBS) rating system is widely used:
- New players start around 1500
- Average recreational: 1500–1600
- Intermediate: 1600–1750
- Advanced: 1750–1900
- Expert: 1900+
- World class: 2000+
Giant Rating
The BIBA (British Isles Backgammon Association) uses its own system, as do many national federations.
How to Start Competing
Step 1: Join a Local Club
Find a backgammon club near you. Most cities have at least one:
- Search for “[your city] backgammon club”
- Check national backgammon association websites
- Ask at gaming stores or community centers
Step 2: Play Online Tournaments
Online platforms host regular tournaments:
- Free entry events for practice
- Rated tournaments for ranking
- Timed events to practice clock play
Step 3: Enter a Local Tournament
- Start with small, local events
- Entry fees are usually modest ($20-$50)
- Focus on gaining experience, not winning
Step 4: Attend a Major Tournament
- Reserve travel and accommodation early
- Budget for entry fees and side events
- Bring a positive attitude — even pros lose early sometimes
Tips for Tournament Play
- Know the match score — Always be aware of the score and how it affects cube strategy
- Practice with a clock — Time pressure changes everything
- Study reference positions — Key positions appear repeatedly in match play
- Manage your energy — Tournaments can be mentally exhausting; take breaks
- Review your matches — Use software to analyze your play afterward
- Be respectful — Good sportsmanship is valued in the backgammon community
- Have fun — Tournaments are social events as much as competitions
Further Reading
- Strategy Guide — Sharpen your competitive play
- Doubling Cube — Master match play cube decisions
- Play Online — Practice before your first tournament