Doubling Cube

The nature of the game of backgammon attracts those who love to gamble, although many players enjoy a game with no money involved. The invention of the doubling cube by Grand Duke Dmitri of Russia and its introduction into the game in the 1920's  has significantly spiced up the game, and added one more element of skill to be mastered. The propositions behind the action of doubling (administered by the Doubling Cube) are these:

1. The Doubling Cube is a cube with the numbers from 2 through 64 printed on its six sides, in the sequence of powers of two.

2. The game starts with the cube turned to the figure of "64" and kept at the center, between your opponent and you..The number indicates that no doubling has taken place, and the position indicates that both players have access to the cube.

3. On your turn to throw, you may opt to double the stakes (in money or points score) provided the cube is in the center or on your side. How does the cube come to be on your side? We'll see in a moment.

   Your opponent may decide to accept the double, in which case she turns the cube (either from 64 to 2, or doubling the current number displayed).The cube moves to her side of the table, and is in her possession.You cannot regain possession until she offers a double at a later point in the game and you decide to accept.

   On the other hand, your opponent may decide not to accept the double, in which case the game ends with the point score (or the stakes) being awarded in your favor.

   The point to note that you can double only before you throw, and if you have access to the cube. Your opponent can "beaver" (redouble) the stakes before you throw and still retain possession of the cube.