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Start playing Play65™ online backgammon
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What do I need to do in order to start playing Play65™ online backgammon?
To play Play65™ online Backgammon you'll need to download and run our FREE software.You can easily do this by following our step-by-step guide in the 'Getting Started' tab.
If you encounter any problems, please contact our support staff at
support@play65.com
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System requirements
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What are the minimum system requirements for running the Play65™ software?
Our game software's minimum requirements are: Pentium 133Mhz, 32 MB of hard disk space, 64 MB of RAM with either Windows 2000 or XP operating systems. For the most enjoyable gaming experience set your screen resolution to 800X600 or higher and set the screen colors to High Color (16 bit) or more.
Our software does not support Windows versions older than the above aforementioned versions.
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Can Play65™ software run on a Mac or Linux
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Can Play65™ software run on a Mac or Linux?
Sorry, but currently we do not have a Mac or Linux compatible version. However we will have a web/Java no-download version in a couple of months which you could play on your web browser from a Mac, Linux or Pocket PC.
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"Error while connecting to server"
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What should I do if I receive a message “Error while connecting to server, please check your internet connection or firewall settings”?
If you are using a firewall or any other security/antivirus software on your PC such as ZoneAlarm or Norton, it might prevent Play65™ game software to connect to the game server. You will have to disable it: These applications will usually run in the icon tray (lower right of the screen, next to the clock). When the mouse is over an icon, a small message will appear with the name of the program. Right click on the icon and select either "Disable" or "Exit".
Please also make sure that the clock and date in your operating system is synchronized with your local time zone.
For advanced users only: If you prefer not to disable your firewall, you can open ports 6100 - 6107 exclusively for Play65™ software.
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Play65™ icon doesn't appear on desktop
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I don't see the Play65™ icon on my desktop. How can I find it?
Please reinstall the Play65™ software.
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"Can't update while program is open"
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I receive a message “Can't update while program is open”- why does it occur and what should I do?
This may occur when you left the program running and did not log off. When this occurs, simply restart your machine. You will then be able to start the Play65™ software again by double clicking on the Play65™ icon which is placed on your desktop.
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"Username or Password incorrect"
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I received a message "Username or Password incorrect". What's wrong?
If you have forgotten your username or your password, run the software and click on the "Forgot your password?" link.
If you still were not successful at retrieving your password, please contact us at
support@play65.com and send us your name and e-mail under which you have registered. Once your details are authenticated, you will receive a notification to your e-mail containing your username and your password. Make sure you are trying to log in to a game account which was created and registered using Play65™ software and no other versions as might be distributed over the internet.
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Blank cashier page
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What should I do if upon clicking on the cashier icon in the lobby, all I receive is a blank page?
You must have cookies enabled in your web browser. To enable cookies and therefore have our Web Cashier operational, please follow these steps:
1. Run Internet Explorer.
2. From the "Tools" menu, select "Internet Options...".
3. Click on the "Security" tab.
4. Make sure "Internet" is selected in the top box.
5. Click on "Custom Level...".
6. From "Reset custom settings" select "Medium" and then click on "Reset". Click on "Yes" to confirm. Click on "OK".
7. Click on "Default Level".
8. Next select the "Privacy" tab.
9. Move the slider so it is on level "Medium".
10. Click on "Apply" and then on "OK".
You should then be able to use our Web Cashier.
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Dice reliability
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Is it possible for any player to hack the game and control the dice or moves?
All the communication is done through our game server; there is no direct contact at any time between your computer and your opponent's computer.
All the communication is encrypted. There is no way to manipulate the dice as they are generated at the server and sent to both you and your opponent, i.e. the dice results are not calculated on one of the player's machines so they could not manipulate the results as you are connected to the server, not their computer.
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Real players
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How do I know I'm not playing a bot on your site?
Please note that you can chat with your opponents and viewers while playing. You can also match against a friend: we never force you to play against anyone. In any case the site is always impartial as a rake is always collected from each game.
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Moving checkers
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How do I move my checkers? And how do I move the lower dice value first?
To move your checkers either drag & drop the checker in place or click on the checker. Left clicking a checker attempts to play the high dice roll first and plays the low dice roll only if the high dice roll was already made or if playing the low dice roll results in an illegal move. Alternatively, right clicking a checker attempts to play the low dice roll first.
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Saving games
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How do I save my games?
Note that only games for real money are recorded and saved. Once you click on the "game history" button in the game lobby, a "game table" window opens and an "open file" window which directs you automatically to the "saved games" folder in the Play65™ program directory.
If there are no files listed in the "open file" window, close this window and see if the "automatically save all games" check box is checked. It must be enabled so all games will be saved automatically to this directory. All games are being saved in *.gam or *.mat format. This is a known format supported by many Backgammon analyzing software like "Jellyfish", "Snowie" and "GNU Backgammon".
If you see saved files in the "saved games" directory, select one and click open. You'll see a list of all the moves in the game in the "history" window and the checkers set up on the "game table" window.
By clicking on each line in the "history" window or by clicking on the arrows buttons you can see each move made in this particular game.
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Changing game terms
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How do I know if my potential opponent changed the game terms while negotiating?
Please note that in the negotiation window, before entering the game board screen, you must notice the terms for each game/match (especially the initial bet and game limits).
For your convenience, each time your opponent changes the terms, these changes will appear in red.
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Player's rating
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What is a player rating and how is it calculated?
The rating system was made to determine the player's skill, For any match you win you receive rating points. If you lose, you lose rating points.
We use a modified FIBS rating system. You can read more on natural FIBS in:
http://www.fibs.com/ratings.html#explained
http://www.bkgm.com/rgb/rgb.cgi?view+888
Money games (single) are rated as 3pt matches. This is so money games and match play are rated similarly.
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1400* rating
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Why does my opponent have a 1400* rating? What does it mean?
Out of courtesy to players with a low rating level below 1400 points, we present it as 1400*.A player might have a 1300 rating, but all other players will see him as 1400*,and he would need to win a number of games/matches in order to pass the 1400 line and be presented with his precise rating.
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Auto-roll function
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Why do the dice roll automatically although I checked off the auto- roll function?
When Roll is the only possible option, as when Double is not available, then the dice are automatically rolled for you.
The Auto-Roll function, if marked as active, rolls the dice even if Double is available.
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Resign automatically
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How come my opponent managed to resign automatically for a single point, while he was about to lose by Gammon?
In single games, when the stake limit is equal to the original stake (or current doubling state), the game will end automatically without asking your opponent's permission.
Example: Suppose the game has a stake of $2 per point with a limit of $2, resignations will be approved automatically. If the limit is set at either $3 or $4, and the game was doubled, resignations would also be approved immediately.
In series games (a.k.a. match play), it will be possible only when the resigning player has no more points to lose. Example: Supposed you are in a lead of 4-2 in a series up to 5. If your opponent then resigns, his resignation is approved automatically..
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Doubling cube
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When can I double my opponent?
Generally, you can double (both in real money and in fun money games) under the following conditions:
1. The doubling cube is available (as set in the negotiation pop up window before approving the game).
2. The game limit is set higher than the original stake (set in the negotiation window).
3. The auto roll function is disabled (unmarked checkbox in the game board screen).
4. The cube is in the middle (yet unused by any player and is available for either player at that point to initiate the first double).
5. The cube is on your side.
6. When Crawford rule is not applied.
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Crawford Rule
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What is "Crawford Rule"?
Crawford rule means that in a Series of matches (a.k.a. Match Play), if one player is one point below the goal, on the next game the doubling cube is unavailable for one game only.
Example: Suppose 2 players play a match up to 7. If the score is 6-2, then for the next game the doubling cube won't be available.
However if the game is won by the player behind, the score would be 6-3 and on the next game the doubling cube would be available.
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Fun money
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How do I receive more fun money when it's gone?
Each time your fun money balance is below $5, the system will automatically reset your fun balance to $100.
I was playing for fun money and I ran out of time, while I was ahead. How come I lost my stake?
Whenever playing for fun money, the player to disconnect/run out of time suffers a technical loss of the game/match, regardless of the game board state.
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Real money
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I was playing for real money and my game/match got disconnected. How come my opponent received more than me?
Whenever a single game/match is not completed (player disconnects/times out for any reason),our auto resolve system analyzes the game board state and splits the money accordingly.
(In general this analysis determines who was most likely to win the game/match and by which type of victory; single/doubled cube/gammon/backgammon etc.)
Our game auto resolve system is based on BGBlitz software, a leader in backgammon analysis.
The player who caused the disconnection suffers a penalty when splitting the stake. Also, if a player disconnects often, their account will be put on hold automatically, they won't be able to play, until further review. If this happened to you, please contact us at
support@play65.com
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Abuse
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How do you prevent players from abusing others by stalling or disconnecting on purpose?
Whenever a player disconnects/times out (real money mode), he/she automatically pays a penalty by win/lose percentages.
Moreover, our system recognizes and blocks players who frequently disconnect/timeout games.
This means that a player that disconnects often will be risking his account being banned from the site automatically by the system.
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BG School
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Click here for detailed help.
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Tournament questions
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What do I win for winning a satellite tournament?
In a satellite tournament, you win a free entrance to another tournament. Satellite tournaments also sometime carry a cash prize but not always.
How do I enroll to my free tournaments?
First click the proper tab above the main table in the "Game Lobby".
It would be either Swing, Sit & Go or Tournament. You will see the "Enroll free!" pink button – allowing you to enroll for free to one of the tournaments.
Why did I not succeed in entering a "<1600" tournament- what does it mean?
This is a rating limited tournament, which only allows players with a rating below 1600 points to participate.
For example: if you have a 1599- rating level, you will be able to enroll to such a tournament.
What are Stars? How do I gain them and what can I use them for?
"Stars" are used as the buy-in for stars free-roll tournaments.
You receive a Star for each dollar you play for. You gain Stars regardless if you won or lost the match.
Stars are accumulated when playing for real money games only (meaning: there are no Stars in fun money play mode).
Your accumulated Stars are displayed at the right side of the screen.
I was in the middle of a tournament and I got disconnected and couldn't reconnect. Did I forfeit the tournament?
When disconnecting you have 5 minutes to reconnect. Also, you cannot disconnect 3 times during a match. If this happens, you are disqualified from the tournament.
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