Using the Backgammon Dice

Many newcomers to the backgammon tournament arena are unfamiliar with some of the finer rules that govern play. Among them are regulations on how the backgammon dice are used. Many players attach a significant amount of superstition to the dice and may deliberate for some time before choosing them or requesting them to be changed. So how do you change the dice in a backgammon game?

Generally in most tournaments operating under Danish rules, a player can request new backgammon dice to be introduced at the end of the game. Most dice used in competitive environments today are precision dice. It is virtually impossible under tournament conditions to use the dice to cheat or to "rig" the dice beforehand. However, if you feel your game may improve with the use of alternative dice, you are permitted to request them.

If you are playing in a backgammon tournament that is run under U.S. rules, you may be unable to request new backgammon dice after you have started playing. If you are unhappy with a backgammon board or it proves defective, you may request a replacement but barring unforeseen circumstances in which the dice are damaged, you must use the same ones throughout your backgammon game.