When playing any game, and that includes backgammon, manners count. If you treat your opponent the way you’d like to be treated, then chances are you will always be able to find an opponent willing to face you. If you act scornfully towards your opponent or patronize him, he will probably not return for a rematch. That means that you shouldn't act self-satisfied when you like your roll, or when your opponent rolls an unfortunate roll.

You should never make comments about how lucky your opponent is, since that implies that he is only lucky, and not skillful. In backgammon, luck is simply not enough to win. The more skillful player sets up situations in which he is protected against “unlucky” rolls and can take better advantage of "lucky" rolls.

When you are playing backgammon, you should give the game your full attention and not expect your opponent to hang around while you take phone calls, chat with spectators online, or look up best responses in backgammon software programs such as Jellyfish or Snowie (that’s cheating!). You must never discuss the game with a third party while the game is in progress. If you delay in making a move, your opponent might think that you are cheating! And even if he gives you the benefit of the doubt, it's terribly boring to wait and watch a backgammon board on the screen when nothing is happening.

Remember that when you are playing online backgammon, there is a real person behind the board, even if he is thousands of miles away, in another continent, or a different time zone. He wants to enjoy the game, just as you do, and he wants a fair and equitable game. Let him concentrate when he needs to, and wait for him to finish his move before you throw your dice.

Take a moment at the end of the game to say "thanks" just like you would in real life. It doesn't cost a cent.