Online Backgammon Tournament Rules

Almost all backgammon sites have tournaments that are held all year round. You can easily log on to these sites to take part in the tournament. But all backgammon tournaments that are held online stick to rigid rules that are very strict. The same rules apply as that of regular backgammon but online backgammon has an additional set of rules that apply online to online play.

1. Backgammon tournaments have rules which state that you cannot note down any information or use mechanical aids to record moves and use them to keep score. The same rule also applies to online backgammon. You cannot use headphones to help you play in the game too.

2. Timing is very rigid. You will have to follow strict rules about the start of the game and you can have five minute breaks between games. There is a time bank that you can use to take up extra time. Once you exceed the time bank, you will have to lose a turn to make up for the time loss. Point reduction is also possible as a penalty for taking up too much time. The first point penalty is for a 15 minute delay.

3. Online backgammon rules also need you to be 18 years and more to be eligible for entry. A few of the sites are also not open to certain geographical areas and the pots you win will not be encashable if you are located in these geographical areas. You will however be able to use the money to play more games on the site

4. Entry fees may vary from place to place and from tournament and level of playing expected on the game. Please ensure that you are eligible for the game before you pay any money.

5. Scoring for online tournaments is done automatically and that ensures that the players have their scores updated accurately.

6. Several sites also have live backgammon sites where you can play the game online with several people watching the game. These games are timed and have a particularly different rule set.

7. On the computer all the moves that are done are legal but the same moves may not be legal if they are done at live tournaments. Find out the moves that are acceptable at online gaming sites before you start playing.

Please remember that different sites have different rules about online gaming that are applicable only to their websites and the geographical location they are based in. Ensure that you read the rules properly and then sign up.