Backgammon is a gentlemen's game, so manners count. If you treat your opponent the way you’d like to be treated, then you will always be able to find an opponent willing to play with you. If you act scornfully towards your backgammon 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 online 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. Most players would consider using outside software cheating. If they wanted to play against the software, they wouldn't be playing against you. It's very rude to 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. Do your best to be patient when the other player takes time for a move. When you're playing in real life, it's especially important to be polite and let your opponent clear his dice off of the board before you make your next move.

Finally, even when you're online, 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.