Some backgammon players sometimes cheat. Sad, but true.
Many backgammon players sometimes make mistakes about plays. We all know this is so.
According to our website, ‘Version 2.1 of the WBGF rules, published in August 2023, have been adopted for UKBGF-sanctioned backgammon tournaments in the UK’. These rules contain the following;
4.2 Checkers and moves
(i) MOVES – Players must move clearly and use only one hand to move the checkers.
This rule is simple, it’s unequivocal. It’s designed to help address the two points made at the opening of this post. Two-handed play can be a way of disguising sleight-of-hand manipulation of checkers. It could also, even when done innocently, lead to a failure to spot unintentional illegal moves.
Playing checkers with two hands, therefore, is a bad thing and shouldn’t be done. In fact, it’s illegal.
“It’s difficult to enforce”, some say. But laws, in the main, aren’t ‘enforced’ anyway. Not in the sense of an authority figure ‘making’ people adhere to them. In society at large, laws have an effect because the mass of people choose to follow them. They know the laws, they understand them and they stick to them.
“There are more important things to address”, say some. To the extent that we disrespect one rule in our rulebook, we undermine respect for all those rules. I maintain that respecting and adhering to the rules means just that. Our legislators really should appreciate this.
“Top players do it. You see them doing it online in big tournaments.” Well, they just shouldn’t. (See above.) And their doing so doesn’t make it right. I’m old-fashioned in believing that the rules apply equally to all, no matter who you are.
If we love our game and respect its rulebook we need to highlight this issue. Say it loud, say it clear, say it often. I call on club organisers and TDs to emphasise this at their events.
Playing checkers with two hands is illegal, it’s bad for the game. Don’t do it.
– Simon Hopper (writing on his own behalf)
Is the rule really saying you cant change hands?? I dont see where it says this.
4.2(i) is pretty clear although many overlook 4.3(i)
I agree that it isn’t clear whether “Players must move clearly and use only one hand to move the checkers” means one hand at a time, or one hand per turn, or indeed one hand for the entire game or match! I’ve always interpreted it to mean one hand per turn.
Rule 4.3 (i), as currently written, doesn’t really make sense if more than one hand may be used during the course of a turn:
“during a game, players must activate the game clock with the same hand used for moving the checkers.”
I think more clarity is needed.
Much work needs to be done, and club organisers up and down the land should be nipping this in the bud, but it isn’t happening. I politely mention my opponents misdemeanours when they happen but not sure it has much impact.
Another bete noire is getting electronic help during a match. This includes looking at positions on XG that have occurred in the match during a break.
Seen Mochi and many top players do both.
Nice 1 Simon,
You said: “I call on club organisers and TDs to emphasise this at their events.”
In my view this is the key to change and real improvement regarding compliance with the rules.
In my experience, in all pursuits in life, good people will generally do what is generally understood to be acceptable. Acceptable to the relevant community for the relevant activity. Two handed play is commonplace and usually passes without being mentioned, even at high profile events with some of the world’s best players. ie: this seems to be currently acceptable behaviour (also see Mark Calderbank’s recent experience in his comment). This is what we are up against as the saying goes.
Nonetheless I believe that you have hit on something big regarding driving change. It has to be led by TDs.
I suggest before an event starts TDs pick a ‘Topic of the day/weekend’, in this case ‘two handed play’. Announce that players are encouraged to politely highlight transgressions to their opponent. Also announce that the TD does not want to see any examples of the aforementioned and will be actively on the look out. I am confident that this will shift the needle regarding two handed play. Let’s not stop there though. There are many candidates regarding non compliance with the rules for ‘Topic of the day’. Let’s work through them, ‘offset when shuffling’, ‘fast rolling’, non vigorous shaking, the list goes on. Slowly, slowly improvement will come.
Note that Martin is pictured demonstrating only the worst offence under this rule—using both hands on one’s own checkers simultaneously. This is rarely seen in my experience, but other illegal two‐handed actions are quite common. Some players use both hands alternately during the course of a move, or lift their opponent’s blot with one hand while moving their own checker with the other. You’re also supposed to use the same hand to activate the clock that you used for moving the checkers. I faced opponents breaking the rule in all three of these ways over the weekend.
Agree absolutely 100%
If we want to grow this game we have to be honest about it, it’s a great game and can teach young people about life , the good the bad and the ugly, but we can at least be honest.
All matches / tournaments should be played legal moves etc only . Is it really a lot to ask ! Lead youngsters into the game by example
Well said Simon, it disappoints me seeing top players playing with two hands on the rare occasion it occurs. I hope that is something that I don’t do, if anyone sees me doing it please mention it and I will pay a one drink fine.
If I witness you do it, can it be a double hopped IPA? 🙂