Don’t talk while another player is making his move. Distracting your opponent is rude and will undoubtedly put you at a disadvantage; no one wants to play against a spoilsport. A game of backgammon is never the appropriate setting to catch up on emails or phone calls, and it’s certainly not the place to try out your newest stand-up comedy material.Avoid distracting the other player in other ways, as well, especially when it is his turn to make a move. Don’t shake your dice while your opponent is thinking, and be careful not to fidget with the game board or its accessories – such as the doubling cube – unless it is your turn to play and you plan to incorporate them your actions. Don’t make excuses about luck or chance, regardless of the game’s outcome. If you win, you may risk offending the other player if you comment on the final score, and anyone who has ever participated in any kind of competition – in the UK or elsewhere – knows that there’s nothing more annoying than a sore loser, so, by all means, avoid blaming your failures and mishaps on luck or destiny. Don’t take too long to make your move when it’s your turn. Although making thoughtful decisions in the course of game play is advisable, waiting too long for your opponent to take action is no one’s idea of a good time. This rule is especially important when playing UK online backgammon, so make sure that you are always focused on the game.