Using the Clock in Backgammon Tournaments

If you haven't played against the clock before, it is recommended that you do so before participating in live backgammon tournaments. Timed games at backgammon tournaments are becoming more common so you should always try finding ways of using the clock to your advantage in a backgammon game.

There are many ways to do so. Firstly, if you have time left on your clock but your opponent does not, you can use it to move your backgammon checkers into more complex positions and so draw out the length of the game. You may also turn down the option of doubling in order to use up a few more minutes. Use your imagination and you will probably come up with several other ways to ensure that time is on your side in a backgammon game.

If you find that you are a fast and accurate player and regularly perform well under time constraints at backgammon tournaments, you may wish to try your hand at speedgammon. This fast and entertaining form of backgammon features the usual rules, however players must try to make five points in nine minutes each. If you go beyond the allotted time, you instantly lose the backgammon game. Speedgammon games can usually be found at most backgammon tournaments and are an entertaining spectator sport as well as being highly enjoyable to play.