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Backgammon glossary · L

Live cube

A cube that can still be re-doubled, as opposed to a "dead cube."

How it works in play

A live cube can still be redoubled later, so owning it lets you double at the best moment. That option is why a taker can accept some positions with less than 25% winning chances. A dead cube can’t be used again, as at double match point.

  • Cube life — The remaining value of cube ownership; quantified by Janowski’s live-cube calculations.
  • Janowski formula — The standard formula for cubeful equity, blending the dead-cube and live-cube extremes.
  • Take point — The minimum winning probability at which taking a double breaks even — about 25% in money play; score-dependent in matches.
  • Redouble — A subsequent double by the current cube owner.

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