When is appropriate to offer doubling cube in backgammon?

Question

i was told it is rude to offer it towards the end when it's obvious you're going to win. but it is appropriate to do it in the beginning of game. what is your take on this? thank you

Answer 1

from my understanding, doubling is really only used in a tournement structure, in which case you want to win.

near the end can be seen as pompous cause your going to win so instead of playing it out you force a retire.

a good double time is when you know you won it (or have a good chance) but there is still a chance for them to win (which sorta defeats the point)

Good luck!

Answer 2

Your best bet is to offer it when you're slightly ahead so your opponent is more inclined to accept.  Then you have to be luckier than them.

Another way is to offer it when you're very much ahead (but not near the end, which is rude).  This gives your opponent the opportunity to end the game by declining and the two of you can start over.