EVANS ON CHESS, CHESS LIFE, MAY 2005 (PAGE 46)

THE DOUBLING CUBE

Don Meyer
Simi Valley, California

Q. I have an idea that I guarantee would reduce the number of draws
and want to know what you think of it. At the same time it would
increase sportsmanship since the opponent wouldn't dare hang around in
a clearly lost position or annoy you with other stalling tactics.

The idea combines chess and the doubling cube of backgammon. Here's
how it works. When a player feels he is clearly winning, he can
"double" the opponent. However, there's a catch. You'd better be darn
sure when you double because you get a big fat zero if the game is
drawn! That's the price you pay for being rash. And if you lose after
doubling it's even worse. By the way, only one person owns the
doubling cube, and the same person can't double twice in a row (see
backgammon rules for details).

In a seesaw battle, I'd consider allowing doubling up to three times
per game. So what happens is this: whenever there is a double there is
no draw. Therefore, less draws. A player won't double without
justification without paying a steep price if wrong. Another benefit
would be more clear winners in tournaments instead of multiple ties
for first.

Suggested Doubling Summary Chart

A standard win is still 1, a standard loss is still 0, and a draw ½.

1st Double: Winner 1½ Loser -½
Draw (doubler) 0 Draw (non-doubler) 1

2nd Double: Winner 1¾ Loser -¾
Draw (doubler) 0 Draw (non-doubler) 1

3rd Double: Winner 2 Loser -1
Draw (doubler) 0 Draw (non-doubler) 1

A. I'm not too familiar with backgammon, but something like this sort
of gambling on the outcome already is used in informal blitz. The
point system seems confusing enough to cause players to need a slide
rule to figure out standings in a tournament, but I like your idea of
thinking outside the box and wonder what would happen if your
experiment was actually tried in a tournament. One obvious drawback is
that cheaters could manipulate results in the last round with the
doubling cube.



Rich Hutnik wrote:
On Sep 21, 4:37 pm, "David Kane" wrote:
"David Richerby" wrote in message

...

Rich Hutnik wrote:
This idea deals with the draw issues with chess, and adds another
element that would be interested to people watching chess who
normally don't play. This game will have you doubling when you
think you can win, and challenge you to go for a win, even if
challenged, because you get more points.

This doesn't work, for a number of reasons.

It works in backgammon because there is no possibility of a game being
drawn. However, draws in chess mean that doubling doesn't work.

The doubling idea makes some sense is if
the person who proposes the double gives draw
odds to his opponent.

What you do, is if you double the way I describe it, is that it
pressures you to win or you get no points. If you draw, your opponent
gets half the amount of points they would normally get for a win.
Anyone who has questions about draws and doubling cube, please read
what I wrote in the first thread. I am using the doubling cube as a
way to resolve the draw issue with chess.

There is a good chance doubling won't be used as much as it would in
backgammon, but it does provide an option for the game for players to
use it. If, for example, someone is short on time, their opponent
could end up doubling to get them to resign if their opponent feels
they don't have enough time to get off a win or a draw before the time
runs out.

- Rich