Yes, you roll again immediately after rolling doubles in backgammon, and you use both dice for that bonus roll to take your turn.
Do you get another turn when you roll doubles in backgammon?
Yes—rolling doubles grants you an extra turn: you roll the dice again and move both numbers.
You might keep rolling doubles and earning extra turns until you finally roll non-doubles, which ends your streak. Most rule sets also give you an extra turn after rolling a 1-2. Even if you roll three doubles in a row, you still get to roll again on the fourth turn—unless the doubling cube changes things.
How many doubles in a row can you roll in backgammon?
Theoretically, there’s no hard limit to consecutive doubles; you simply keep getting extra turns.
In reality, the odds drop fast: four doubles in a row happen only once every 1,296 rolls. The doubling cube doesn’t stop the streak—it just changes the stakes. And if the losing player has already borne off at least one checker, they only pay the cube’s current value.
What happens when you roll doubles?
You roll again using the same double value and continue your turn; this repeats until you roll non-doubles.
Say you roll double-3s. You move four checkers three spaces each, then roll again. Each re-roll counts as part of the same turn. The streak ends the moment one die shows a different number, and your opponent takes over.
What happens if you roll three doubles in backgammon?
You still roll again on the fourth sequence—there is no penalty or special rule that stops the streak.
The chance of three doubles in a row is about 1 in 216, while four in a row drops to 1 in 1,296. The doubling cube can climb during the streak, but the dice themselves don’t flip the cube. Once the streak breaks, normal play resumes.
What does doubling in backgammon mean?
The doubling cube is used to raise the stakes; a player may offer to double the game’s value before rolling.
The cube sits in the center until someone uses it. Your opponent can accept (taking the cube) or refuse (losing the current stakes). After acceptance, only the player who accepted can redouble later. The cube starts at 1 and climbs through 2, 4, 8, 16, 32, or 64.
How do you roll a double?
Roll two identical numbers on the two dice, such as two fours.
Set both dice on the board to confirm the value. In backgammon, doubles grant an extra turn; in Monopoly, doubles let you roll again and move the total. If you roll doubles in jail in Monopoly, you exit and act on the sum. You can also try playing Vietnamese egg rolls while you play.
Why is the 5 point so important in backgammon?
Paul Magriel’s “Golden Point” strategy highlights the 5-point as the most strategic early anchor.
Locking down the 5-point blocks your opponent’s runners and secures a prime home-board point. If they later claim the 4-point anchor, a lot of that power disappears, giving them strong counterplay. Top players often fight hard to grab the 5-point on their first move. You might also want to consider wearing a helmet if you’re playing sports like rollerblading afterward.
What is the chance of rolling doubles?
There is a 1 in 6 chance of rolling doubles with two dice.
With 36 possible outcomes (6 × 6), six are doubles: (1,1) through (6,6). That’s 6/36, or about 16.67%. The odds stay the same no matter how many doubles you’ve already rolled.
Can you roll doubles games?
Yes—“Roll Doubles” is a fast family game where players fill a board with words starting with a chosen letter before someone rolls doubles.
The board has categories like “Animal,” “Country,” and “Food.” When doubles appear, that player steals the board if others haven’t finished. It’s a fun way to practice vocabulary and quick thinking. Check current availability—it might have changed since launch. You can also explore other dice-based games like Acey Deucey.
When should you accept a double in backgammon?
Accept when you have a clear advantage in two of three areas—position, pip count, and potential volatility.
If you lead in all three, your opponent should probably pass. Cube decisions shift every roll, so keep reassessing. Beginners often accept too early with just a pip-count lead. Pros use equity calculators and match equity tables to sharpen their calls. You might also want to learn about managing payroll with third-party payroll services.
When can you not double in backgammon?
You cannot double after you’ve already rolled the dice on your turn—the offer must come before rolling.
The doubling cube can only be offered at the start of your turn. If your opponent refuses, they forfeit the current stakes. Once you roll, the right to double passes to your opponent—unless the cube hasn’t been used yet. You can also learn how to handle payroll in QuickBooks for better financial management.
Do you have to roll the exact number to bear off in backgammon?
No—you must use both numbers if possible, but you can move within your home board instead of bearing off.
If one number matches a checker exactly on the bar or in the home board, you can bear off that checker and ignore the other number. If neither number allows bearing off, you must make moves within the home board using either or both numbers. You can’t skip both numbers.
What does roll a double mean?
It means both dice show the same number, such as double-2s or double-6s.
Other terms include “doublets” or “double-six.” These rolls grant bonus actions in backgammon and special movement in Monopoly. The phrase stays consistent across games that use two six-sided dice. You can also explore doubles in sports like mixed doubles tennis.
Do you go again if you roll doubles in Monopoly?
Yes—you roll again and move the total of the double.
If you roll double-3s in jail, you exit and move six spaces, then act on that space. Rolling doubles three times in a row is called “speeding,” and it doesn’t carry penalties. You keep rolling as long as the doubles keep coming. You might also enjoy playing doubles-based games like doubles badminton.
What is the best opening move in backgammon?
The 3-1 roll is statistically the best common opening, enabling a strong point and flexible development.
It lets you make the 8-point or split your back checkers effectively. Other strong options include 4-2 (making the 6-point) or 6-1 (hitting the bar). Beginners often memorize a few top opening rolls to avoid early mistakes.
What does Pip mean in backgammon?
A pip is the unit of distance a checker must travel—each pip equals one space on the board.
The pip count is the total number of pips all your checkers need to reach home and bear off. For example, five checkers on the 4-point add up to 20 pips (5 × 4). Tracking pips helps you judge position and doubling decisions.
What is the beaver rule in backgammon?
A beaver is a redouble taken immediately by the opponent who just doubled, retaining control of the cube in money games.
The beaver only works in money-game sessions, not match play. It has to happen right after the opponent’s double, before any rolling. The original doubler can accept the beaver (leaving the cube at +2) or refuse and lose the game.
What’s the odds of rolling 3 doubles in a row?
The probability is 1 in 216 (6 × 6 × 6 = 216).
Each double has a 1/6 chance, so three in a row is (1/6)^3 = 1/216. That’s why long streaks feel so rare and memorable in casual games.
What are the chances of rolling double sixes?
There is a 1 in 36 chance of rolling double-sixes with two standard dice.
Out of 36 possible outcomes, only one is (6,6). This roll is sometimes called “boxcars” or “midnight.” Players either cheer or groan when it appears because of its big impact in games like backgammon and Monopoly.
What are the odds of rolling a 7?
The probability is 6 in 36, or 1 in 6—the most common two-dice total.
Roll
Outcomes
Probability
2
(1,1)
1/36
3
(1,2), (2,1)
2/36
4
(1,3), (2,2), (3,1)
3/36
5
(1,4), (2,3), (3,2), (4,1)
4/36
6
(1,5), (2,4), (3,3), (4,2), (5,1)
5/36
7
(1,6), (2,5), (3,4), (4,3), (5,2), (6,1)
6/36
Seven shows up most often because it has the most combinations. That makes it a key target in craps and a common escape route in backgammon.
What are the rules for double the game?
Double the Game is a dice game where rolling doubles lets you continue rolling and score points—the goal is to reach a set target before opponents.
Players take turns rolling two dice; on doubles, they score the value and roll again. First to 100 or 200 points wins. House rules can vary, so check scoring before you start. It’s like Pig but with a focus on doubling sequences. You can also explore other dice games like Yahtzee.
What is a double in a board game?
A double occurs when two dice show the same number, triggering special rules in many games.
In backgammon, it grants extra turns; in Monopoly, it lets you roll again; in Yahtzee, it can help fill straights or full houses. The exact effect depends on each game’s rulebook. Doubles often create momentum or tough risk-reward choices.
How long does it take to roll doubles?
Statistically, expect to roll about six times before seeing doubles—the probability is 1/6 per roll.
In practice, streaks vary wildly. Some players roll doubles three times in a row early on, while others go dozens of rolls without one. The average run is short, which is why doubles feel like such an exciting event.
What is the Crawford rule?
The Crawford rule suspends the doubling cube in the next game if one player reaches match score—it resumes after that game.
Named after John Crawford, this rule stops a losing player from doubling aggressively in the final game. It’s standard in match play but not in money games. After the Crawford game, the cube comes back for all remaining games.
What are the basic rules of backgammon?
Backgammon is a race and blockade game for two players using 15 checkers, a doubling cube, and two dice—the goal is to bear off all your checkers before your opponent.
Players take turns moving checkers based on dice rolls, aiming to control key points and hit opponent blots. The doubling cube raises the stakes. The game blends strategy, tactics, and luck, making it easy to learn but hard to master.
What are the rules for Acey Deucey?
Acey Deucey is a backgammon variant where the roll of 1-2 gives special powers—it allows moving one checker 24 spaces, splitting, or reentering a blot.
This roll acts like a “free move,” letting you dramatically reshape the board. The cube is usually unused. The game moves faster and plays more aggressively, focusing on early strikes and long-range tactics.
What are the rules of backgammon?
Backgammon rules include setup, movement, hitting blots, bearing off, and doubling cube etiquette—all players must follow the official sequence and use both dice values.
Each player starts with 15 checkers arranged on a 24-point board. Movement follows dice rolls; hitting sends blots to the bar; bearing off requires exact or flexible use of dice. Doubles grant extra turns until non-doubles appear.
What is the best strategy for backgammon?
The best strategy balances blocking, hitting, and racing—control key points, attack blots, and prioritize bearing off when ahead.
Advanced players use “primes”—consecutive points to trap runners. Positional equity and cube handling are crucial. Study classic books like Backgammon by Paul Magriel and practice with online tools or apps to sharpen your skills.
Edited and fact-checked by the FixAnswer editorial team.
