Nobody likes a spoilsport. That’s why it’s always important to practice proper gaming etiquette when participating in any competitive activity. Being a positive presence in the game is easy and, once you’ve mastered the rules, you’ll find that these practices feel like common sense:1. Be friendly. Greet your opponent nicely, and follow the golden rule: treat other players in the same manner as you wish to be treated. Don’t be arrogant or snotty whether you win or lose, and politely bid your opponent goodbye at the end of the game.2. Be clear about your intentions and your actions. If you want to double, calmly place the cube in the centre of the board and announce that you’d like to double; the same goes for take and pass actions. 3. Keep score. It’s important for both you and your opponent to keep track of your scores throughout play for obvious reasons and to discuss any variations from standard game rules before you begin to play. 4. Be respectful with your dice. Shake dice three times before rolling them out, and take care not to distract your opponent by shaking your dice during his turn. Now that online backgammon is widely available online and at most of the UK’s most famous online casino websites, British players are able to enjoy playing their favourite board game online. Although playing online does not put you face to face with your opponent, its important to adapt these etiquette guidelines for virtual game play.