Tips for Backgammon Tournaments

Before the Tournament Starts:

Talk to the tournament director ahead of time, and find out exactly what division and events you should be playing in. Generally, you want to play in the lowest division for which you are eligible…but if you are a reasonably good player, do not play in Novice (beginner) as it will not be challenging for you.
Bring a board to the tournament. Even if you need to borrow one. And be sure you have “precision” dice and cups. (Rounded dice.)
Practice playing backgammon. Learn how to play in both directions and colors.
Read the rules of play before you start. Diferent tournaments might have diferent rules about ending a turn, doubling, dice rolling and more.
Learn how to count pips. There are many on-line guide to help you find the shortcuts. Knowing how to count pipes can be the difference between wining and loosing the backgammon match.
Know about match equity and cube strategy. In backgammon tournaments, equity a critical strategy to win.
Get a copy of the tournament entry form and information and read it carefully. Arrive on time and make sure you know when the break areas are. If there are lectures and other side events, be sure to participate.Taking the time to participate in all those events, might enrich the backgammon tournament experience.

During the Backgammon Event:

Remember, the tournament staff are there to help you. Ask questions any time you have one. .
Learn from the draw sheet, how many points each match is to be played to. . Match length can change every round in some tournaments.
Always write down the score, and say the score out loud to make sure your opponent has the same score you do.
As soon as you finish a match, weather you win or lose, make sure it is reported immediately.
Just have fun. Don't worry if you make mistakes. Everybody might makes some minor mistakes, like illegal moves, forgeting to double or forgeting to pick up a checker when they are hit. Don't beat yourself up if you make some errors. It's only a game.

Players who have only recently started to play in backgammon tournaments, should do some of the following, to make it a little easier.