Backgammon Online

27-Jan-2010
12:48 PST

Perhaps, as there is some division over the use of the doubling cube, you could introduce the option in preferences to play/not play with it. Therefore, those who are not happy to use it could just play normal games, but where BOTH players are happy to play with the option of a doubling cube they could play that type of game?

27-Jan-2010
13:03 PST

The question is whether or not there's enough interest in using the doubling cube to make it worth the implementation time and cost. Encourage your fellow players to vote in the survey!

27-Jan-2010
17:59 PST

I like it, just voted yes on the surveys  

27-Jan-2010
18:52 PST

Shortly after finding this great site, I looked at several other sites because i wanted the cube so bad. But, everything i found was either too gambling oriented, too expensive, too big a download, or (most common) not so compatible with macs.

This site is better organized; it has a much better feel in general; and compared to the couple I played a few games on, the interface is superior here. So i came back to ZE. Also, i am enjoying the community feel this site has due to its smallish number (comparatively) of players. Not that I don't want ZE to grow and be as successful as they want 

I guess the point of this is, the cube might bring more players or prevent some from leaving cause they are so used to it.

I suppose the vote weighs more than anecdotes. Oh well, that is good too 

27-Jan-2010
19:40 PST

that was my vote but only because I've only ever played 'basic' before. But I like Bev's suggestion to have the option to use it or not. But from what other players have told me via messages many of them would love the cube option....

Bev's got my vote  

27-Jan-2010
22:10 PST

I voted not sure, because quite simply I am not sure how it would help in an online (non-gambling environment). There is no advantage to doubling, no disadvantage in rejecting or accepting. Unless it affects ranking or (and I like this idea personally) tournament rounds are based not on win/loss, but on number of points won using the cube.

28-Jan-2010
00:46 PST

manutis is right about the effect of the doubling cube on non-money games unless the points count. However, then there can be manipulation by sending the cube to 64 easily to boost a players rating. The cube only works for 3 pts and up matchs and then u need the crawford and maybe holland rule to be programmed in. Since this site is based on one move per days, I suggest the doubling cube might have a choice of 3pt or 5pt matchs as it could take forever with 3pt matchs being the default option when cube is in use. A win in 1 pt match vs win in a 3pt match. Are they same rating system?

28-Jan-2010
05:58 PST

By the way, yeah, I agree that 3 or 5 pt per match (or even more)

28-Jan-2010
14:21 PST

Forgive me if I sound stupid, but since I have some experience in playing BG at YahooGames, I don't like doubling feature that much.
It results in producing players with insanely high ratings without proportionate skills. It causes a great deal of meaningless discrepancy.
On the other hand, I do advocate adding the feature of doubling just for once, only for the purpose of making your opponent to resign an absolutely losing game.

Thanks ZE staff for making this site the best of its kind.

28-Jan-2010
14:58 PST

So those that like it can use it, and those that prefer to not have it, can take that option.

For me, I don't really care how it affects the rating. I pretty much just play for fun. Whenever I play over the board with friends, we always pick a match number and use the D. cube. And there are no ratings there. I would still play if we had no rating system at all; it is the game experience that matters the most to me.