Backgammon Clock Instructions

 

Manchester Backgammon Club has bought 2 clocks for use in the club, mainly for members to practice playing with clocks, though when players have got used to them we may use them to speed matches up.

 

Setting up the clocks

 

  1. Turn the clock on at the bottom choosing Sound Off mode (see figure 1).
  2. Use the 4 way control button (up and down direction) to select type 2A (bottom left of display see figure 2).
  3. Press the edit key.
  4. Use the 4 way control button to set the time in the left hand display (hours and minutes) for 2 minutes per point.  See figure 2 for 10 minutes for a 5 point match.
  5. Use the 4 way control button to set the delay (time added) to 12 seconds in the right hand display (see figure 3).
  6. Press the store button.  This will automatically select mode 4A.  You are ready to start the match.

 

 

Figure 1

 

 

Figure 2

 

Figure 3

 

 

 

 

 

Playing Instructions

 

  1. Use 1 pair of dice only.
  2. At the start of the game each player rolls 1 die into their right hand side of the board.
  3. The player who loses the opening roll presses their clock button to start the opponent’s timer.
  4. When the player on roll has made their move (or doubled) then they press the clock button to start the opponent’s timer.  The dice should be left untouched on the board.
  5. The player on roll picks up and shakes the dice, rolls on the right hand side of the board, makes their move and presses the clock button.
  6. If the opponent is closed out on the bar, the clock should still be pressed.  The opponent, however, does not need to pick up the dice, but will immediately press the clock button again (unless cubing first!).
  7. At the end of each game (or if a break is required) the Pause button is pressed while the board is set up again.
  8. At the end of the match holding the Pause button down for about 3 seconds will reset the clock for the next match.

 

Note that a player’s time of 2 minutes per point only starts to expire 12 seconds after the button is pressed.  This allows ample time for the mechanics of picking up the dice, shaking, rolling and moving pieces as well as some thinking time.

 

If a player’s time expires during the match, then the match is lost, unless the position is such that the player must win the final game and match, whatever the dice rolls.

 

The use of clocks is beneficial in removing most of the problems involving premature and disputed rolls.

 

Etiquette

 

If the opponent has clearly finished their play and has forgotten to press their button it is not ethical to sit waiting while their time expires, without pointing out their error.