Is backgammon gamesmanship considered cheating?

Backgammon gamesmanship refers to the acts by backgammon players who purposely bend the backgammon rules and etiquette of play in dubious ways to their own advantage. There is a fine and blurred line between backgammon gamesmanship and cheating.

Backgammon gamesmanship can involve a number of acts which opponents attempt on each other for their own advantage. These can involve activities that distract, interfere and confuse an opponent. While these acts are generally not totally outside the margin of backgammon rules, their purpose is unethical and intended to dupe the opponent into some form of disadvantage. When this occurs, such gamesmanship becomes close acts of cheating.

Nevertheless, there are forms of backgammon gamesmanship which are considered ethical strategy and do not incriminate the player performing them. In such cases, gamesmanship becomes part of the technicalities of the game itself. They can be used to propel an opponent into a disadvantaged position, or, in order to maintain a friendly atmosphere during the game, gamesmanship can be applied to help an opponent see a move that they may have missed.

Gamesmanship requires that players need to concentrate on the game. An opponent is not incumbent to reveal to his or her rival a move or mistake that was not noticed or taken in time. However, in order to raise the atmosphere of the game, it is recommended to start off by playing as fairly as possible and illuminating potential mistakes for the opposing player.