Here's How:
1. Backgammon can be played as a series of games, with players competing to reach a certain number of points to win. (Or for a set number of games; the player who has the most points at the end wins.)
2. Each game starts with a value of one point. The doubling cube is placed in the middle of the Bar and is not controlled by either player.
3. When a player feels he or she has the advantage, that player can choose -- before he or she rolls the dice -- to offer a double.
4. The opposing player can turn down the offer, but concedes (i.e. loses) the game by doing so.
5. If the opposing player accepts the offer, the value of the game doubles (e.g. from 1 to 2, from 2 to 4, from 4 to 8, etc.).
6. When a player accepts a double, he or she takes control of the doubling cube and is the only player who can make the next offer of a double.
7. Some players use "beavers": when a player is doubled, he or she may immediately redouble (beaver) while maintaining control of the cube. The original doubler can accept or refuse, as with a normal double.
8. Some players use "automatic doubling": if the first roll is doubles, the value of the game becomes 2 points. The cube remains in the middle (no player has control of it).
Tips:
1. Although any particular doubling cube will have a limited number of sides, technically there is no maximum point value for a single game.
2. You don't really need to have a cube to play with doubling rules -- a pencil and paper can be used as a completely effective substitute.
