Welcome to GammonSite's Frequently Asked Questions page. GammonSite was designed
to offer you the very latest in unique features and options. Our site includes a
built-in browser, 3D game boards, internal e-mail, live hosted Tournaments
nearly round the clock, a generous sponsor program and much much more. We also
offer leagues, $$$ blitzes and live games with players from around the world. To
make you aware of some of our features, we have compiled this FAQ to assist you.
It is impossible to answer every question here so please know that we offer a
staff of sysops, greeters and hosts who may also assist you.
This page is broken up into separate categories to make your search easier.
Simply scroll down and look at the categories listed. If you do not see your
question listed, please ask a sysop, greeter or host to assist you. Or, you may
send an e-mail to
contact@gammonsite.com
Happy gaming
List of Topics:
GAMES
How do I invite someone to play?
Double left click on their nickname and the invitation will open. Make sure the
player is ‘in green’ (free for invite). If they are in a Tournament, observe
mode, away or playing, the invitation will not open. Choose the variation and match
length and click Send button.
Note: To change match length or game variation, use the down arrows.
What backgammon variations does GammonSite have?
Regular backgammon, LongGammon, NackGammon and HyperGammon.
Can I play unrated games?
Yes, just check the unrated game box in your invitation prior to hitting the
send button.
What is ELO?
The ELO rating system calculates the relative strength of a player. The
inventor, Professor Arpad Elo; a Hungarian born American physics professor
developed this rating system for use in two-player games such as Chess and
Backgammon. It bases your wins vs losses and calculates them to arrive at your
current rating or ELO.
Can I check the ELO change prior to playing a match?
You can see the Elo change in the invitation. It will show you the Elo change
after the game is played. It also indicates your opponent’s current Elo and
experience.
In addition, GammonSite has a built-in Elo calculator button located in the
lower left of your screen. Highlight a player’s nick, then click on the Elo
calculator button. Adjust the match points using the up/down arrows and your Elo
change is automatically displayed.
Can I reject an invitation?
Yes, click on the Decline button.
Someone invited me to play a variation I am unfamiliar with.
If someone invites for a match length or game variation that you don’t want to
play, hit the Counter offer button in their invite and make your change of game
preference. Hit Send button. Or you may simply decline the match.
How can I practice other variations of backgammon?
You can invite eXtremeGammon for unrated matches of HyperGammon, LongGammon,
NackGammon as well as regular BackGammon for unrated practice games. Use the
down arrow in the invitation to select the game variation you would like to
play. eXtremeGammon is available to Guests and Members alike and can be set for
various playing levels.
For further information on Bot play go to
http://www.gammonsite.com/bgbots.asp
Where can I see GammonSite’s Top Players?
Click the Ratings button at the top of your screen (to the left of Exit button).
It will show you the ratings for the top 20 rated players, as well as
your own.
If you would like to search by Experience or Country, press
the appropriate button at the bottom of the screen
What is Crawford Rule?
Invented by John R. Crawford – Used in match play, when one player reaches a
score in the match where he needs just one more point for victory, his opponent
may not double him during the next game. The rule was apparently invented to
reduce the luck factor. If the trailing player wins the Crawford Game, the
doubling cube again becomes available in the following games.
What is Jacoby Rule?
Invented by Oswald Jacoby; this rule states that unless either player has
accepted a double, gammons and backgammons will count only as a single game. The
rule eliminates situations where a player has passed up the opportunity to
double and therefore speeds up play. It actually encourages a player to double
at the right time.
Where can I find information on Match Policy?
For information on unfinished games, our unique Dropper Stopper feature, Match
Controls and more: http://www.gammonsite.com/matchestoreresume.asp
Are all games rated?
No, only regular Backgammon and Nackgammon will affect your elo. LongGammon and HyperGammon are
always unrated unless they are Tourney games.
GAME TABLE OPTIONS
Can I set my dice to auto-roll?
Yes, Click the No double button. Your dice will now roll automatically. However,
if you wish to double, you must turn it off again.
How can I avoid having to click on my dice after every roll?
You can shut the confirmation option off. Click on the Backgammon Game button in
upper part of screen. Then go to Options/Game Settings/Uncheck Confirmation On
box/OK.
Cancellation Delay Options
If you shut your confirmation option off, you may increase your cancellation
delay if you decide not to confirm your move. You will find this feature in the
Preferences button when you have a game table open.
For example: The default setting is 250 ms. Increase the time to 1600 ms. By
doing this you are allowed time to cancel your move and redo it before your turn
ends.
You may also choose to increase your minimum delay between moves from 500 ms to
1200 ms.
How can I customize my game board?
Click on the Backgammon board icon at the top of your screen. Click on the
Options button located inside the window (not the Options button at the top of
your screen). You will get a drop down menu with options to change Board, Sound
and Game settings.
How can I undo a move?
1. You may undo a move by clicking the Cancel Move button
located below your game table. However, please know that
if you have clicked on the dice to confirm your move, it is
to late to undo the move.
2. You may also undo a move by right clicking anywhere on the board. Again, if
you have confirmed your move, it is too late to undo the move.
How do I stop watching a game?
To leave a game that you have been watching, click the Stop Watching
button located under the table.
GENERAL OPTIONS
How do I stop the public chat sounds?
Go to Options/Main/Sound/Uncheck Public Message box/Apply
How can I chat privately with a friend?
Right click on their name and select Send a message. Or easily
create a chat button for your friend by right clicking on their name and choose
Create Assigned Chat.
Can I turn off the Tourney Announcements?
Yes, Click on the Tourney button (or Trophy icon). At the bottom of the page you
will see Tourney Announcement Messages. Make your changes there by unchecking
any areas you do not want to receive the announcements. You can always see the
next Tournament by looking at the Tournament Banner above your chat window.
Can I rest my ELO points back to 1600?
Yes, this is permitted once a year for Members only. Click on Options button,
then Reset Rating button. Click Apply/OK.
Where is my password?
Passwords are sent automatically and should arrive
very quickly. If you didn’t receive your password, there is a possibility that
you typed your e-mail incorrectly –OR- have a block on your e-mail. Please check
your bulk or spam folder in your mailbox. If the mail isn’t there, try to
request your password from the connection box. Or you can e-mail
contact@gammonsite.com
How can I find out when my Membership Expires?
Click on Status button in upper right of your screen.
Fill in your account name and password.
You will see your account information, including expiration date, free
time won for tourney prizes and free time earned for sponsoring players.
What is the sponsor program all about?
GammonSite’s sponsor program gives you and your friends FREE playing time.
Even Trial players are eligible.
Your friends merely need to use your name as their sponsor when they
first join. Our server will
automatically award the extra time to your account.
For further information, go to
http://www.gammonsite.com/sponsor.asp
What payment options does GammonSite offer?
We currently accept payment by Visa, MasterCard, Discover, PayPal and
U.S. money order or check.
Can I buy a Gift Membership?
Yes; and you have the option
of buying a gift membership anonymously.
SPECIAL OPTIONS
If I am in Privacy Mode, can I speak to a friend?
Yes. Simply right click on their nickname and click Add to Visible List
If the player is offline, go to Options/Players/Friends.
1. Click on your friend’s nick to highlight. Check the box that says Always
visible to player. The privacy icon should now appear before their nickname.
Click Apply/OK.
2. Send your message as your normally would by right clicking on their nickname
in Community Room and select Send message.
3. To remove the player from your Always visible list, go back to
Options/Players/Friends and highlight their nickname. Uncheck the box that says
Always visible. Click Apply/OK
Can I change my Tool Bar?
We have 2 versions available. To change your current version, right click on
Options button. Select Change Layout. Check the box that says Use button in Tool
Bar. Apply/OK
GammonSite mail
GammonSite e-mail works like your regular e-mail, but is for internal use only.
You may set a timer to check for mail more quickly.
Click Options button (near Exit button).
Click Main and adjust the Check Mail every _ _ minutes. Click
Apply.
How do I send mail to multiple people?
Use a semi-colon between nicknames. No space between semi-colon and next nickname. i.e. hammer;doozy;shrimpy;Hewie
Personal Preferences
Please check the Options button located at the top of your screen. There are
many options to customize your site the way you want it. You will see Main, My
Account, Language, Players and Lists. By clicking on the + sign in front of each
category, you will see the subcategories. Remember to hit Apply when you make
changes.
Can I create a mailing list?
1. Click on Options button
2. Click on Players
3. Click on mail List
4. Click on Create a New Mailing List
5. In small box type friends, joke list, etc
6. In large area type your list following the above instructions (semi-colons
between nicks and no space.
7. Click Apply/OK
8. At the top of your Friends list you will now see a yellow envelope which
contains your mailing list. Double click on it and a blank mail will
automatically open with the list of your friends, joke list pretyped in the addy
line.
What is the Browser button?
GammonSite’s Browser button is one of the most unique tools available anywhere.
It allows you to surf the web without ever leaving our site. Simply type or copy
and paste the web address and click on the second arrow. To close, click on the
blue X.
What is a Web Cruise?
Right click on a friend’s name and then click on ‘Ask for a Web Cruise’. You and
your friend can visit various internet sites together! You or your friend may
change locations at any time by entering a new URL. You may go back and forth
from one website to another by one click of a button. You may play and chat
while using this unique feature. For further information on surfing the net with
a friend go to http://www.gammonsite.com/chatbutton.asp#webcruise
Can I put someone on Ignore?
Yes. If the player is online, right click on their nickname and select Add to
Ignore List. If the player is offline, click on the Options
button/Players/Ignore. Type the nickname in the small white box and check the
box Ignore Public and Invitations. Click on Apply.
You will no longer see public messages, receive e-mail, private messages or game
invitations.
How do I create a Friend’s List?
Right click on a nickname to add someone to your Friend’s List. You may view
your friend’s list by clicking Options/Players/Friends.
My status keeps changing to Away.
How can I fix that?
After a period of inactivity, your status will change to Away.
You may click on the Change Status button at the bottom of your screen
and select Observing or Free to be Invited.
If you would like to set this automatic status change to a
longer period of time, click Options button/Main and adjust the time in Set as
away after _ _ minutes. Click Apply.
If you would like to set an Away message, type it in the
white box under ‘Message to be sent when set as Away’.
Click Apply. Anyone trying to
contact you by personal message will receive your away message.
PERSONAL INFORMATION
How can I post my image?
You must be a Member to post your picture. (This is an option not available to
Guests or Trial Members).
1. Go to Options/My Account/Image
2. Click on Choose Picture button
3. Type file name of picture you want to display
4. Click Open button
5. Apply/OK
Please note that the maximum picture size cannot exceed 30 KB. If you were
successful, your image will now say that it is waiting to be approved by
GammonSite. Once you have received approval, your picture will be displayed in
your info card.
To change your picture, click the Remove Picture button and repeat previous
instructions.
Can I change my nickname?
This is permitted once a year for Members only. Click on Options button, click
on Rename. Enter your new nickname. Click Apply/OK.
TOURNAMENT INFORMATION
Who can play in Tournaments?
Members and Trial Members are permitted to play in tourneys.
How do I join a Tournament?
Click Tourney button in upper left of screen.
Right click on the Tourney and
select Sign-Up. Watch Personal chat
button for pairings.
Is there a list of upcoming Tournaments?
Click Tournament button in upper left of screen.
You may also look at the Tourney banner above the chat window to show you
the next schedule Tournament.
I have trouble locating my opponent for a Tourney match
If you look at the list of Players, click on the word ‘Name’ above that
list. It will put all names in
alphabetical order, making it much easier to locate your opponents.
How much FREE time can I win by playing Tournaments?
You can earn free time equal to the length of membership you purchased.
If you purchased a one year membership, you can earn one free year.
What are the Tournament Rules?
Please refer to the following page for complete rules and guidelines
http://www.gammonsite.com/tourneyguidelines.asp
What
Tourney formats does GammonSite have?
-
SINGLE ELIMINATION
– You continue to play until you lose a match.
-
DOUBLE ELIMINATION
– This format is 2 Tourneys in one. There is a Main
Tourney and a Consolation Tourney. You play in the
Main Tourney until you lose a match. Then you
move to the Consolation Tourney.
You must lose 2 games to be out of the Tourney.
-
SWISS
– You will play a number of rounds whether you won or lost
previous matches. The Tourney host will announce the
number of rounds at the beginning of the tourney. That is
the number of matches you will play (win or lose). If you
leave the Tourney for any reason, you will forfeit any unplayed matches.
In Swiss format only, if you time out on a match you are still expected
to play the remaining rounds. The winner will be the
player that won the most matches and has the highest SB.
-
ROUND ROBIN
- You will play every player that has registered for
the Tourney. Win or lose, you continue playing until you
have played everyone once. If you leave the Tourney for
any reason, you will forfeit any unplayed matches. The winner will be the
player that won the most matches and has the highest SB.
-
MULTI
- This Tournament includes all GammonSite’s backgammon variations
(NackGammon, LongGammon, HyperGammon and Regular Backgammon).
It is a Single Elimination format (you play until you
lose a round).
NOTE: Please pay attention when a host is advertising an upcoming Tournament.
You will see information as to the format, # of rounds, game variation, etc. You
may also get this information by holding your mouse over the Tournament Banner
at the top of the chat window. You may also click on the Tourney button in upper
left of screen; click on any Tourney and click on Details button.
What Tie-breaking systems does GS use?
Swiss Tourneys: Ties are solved using the Bluchholz system. It is the sum of all
the points of the players you played; the idea is that the same score is more
valuable if achieved against players with better performances in a given
tournament.
Round Robin: Ties are solved using the Sonneborrn-Berger system. It is the sum
of the points you won against each opponent you defeated. If you beat a player
with a higher Elo and more experience, you win more SB points.
How can I check current standings in a Tourney that is running now?
Click on Tourney Button/Click on Tourney to highlight/Details
Can I review Tourney results in a recently finished tourney?
Yes, click on Tourney Button/Finished Button/Click on Tourney to
highlight/Details
Monthly Play-Off Tournament
When you win points in a Tourney, those points accumulate for the month.
Members and Trial Members may participate. The top 16 players at the end of the
month compete in the
Monthly Play-Off Tournament. The winner receives 2 FREE weeks and carries a
trophy for the month. The monthly Play-Off Tourney is held on the first Sunday
of the following month at 2:30 pm EST. To check current standings, click on
Tourney button/Standings button.
Battle of The Sexes Tournament
A monthly Tournament where the ladies battle the men! The men play in their
tournament and the ladies play in theirs. The top lady and the top man compete
in a play-off. The winner receives 1 FREE week and carries a Trophy for the
month. It’s a fun and very competitive event in which many players are eligible
to participate. It’s open to Members and Trial Members. Battle of The Sexes is
held on the third Sunday of every month at 2:30 pm EST.