Backgammon is a gentleman's game, whether it's played over small cups of black coffee, tumblers of whiskey, or from the privacy of a home computer. It's important to remember your manners. In backgammon, for example, it's important not to make too many comments about your opponent's luck. That would imply that you think that the opponent is only lucky and doesn't have any skill.

When you're playing online backgammon, it's important to keep the game moving. Since the other player is always waiting during your turn, it's important not to take too long to make your move. If you take too long, your opponent will get bored. Worse, he or she might think that you're getting help from someone else or consulting some kind of backgammon software. If they think that you're cheating, then they certainly won't play with you again, and they might report you to the online staff.

If you're playing live, then obviously you can't cheat that way, but it's still important to keep the game moving. While you should certainly think through each move carefully, don't take longer than you need. In backgammon tournaments, you're generally not allowed to speak anyway, so there's very little to do other than make your moves.

Even when you're playing in a less formal setting than a tournament, it's rude to talk about the game either with spectators or with your opponent. In addition, it's important not to distract your opponent during their move. Don't handle your dice while its your opponent's turn. Don't touch the board, or count out loud. Just give them the same space you expect them to give you.

When you finish a game, it's important to congratulate the other player if he wins. If you won, say thank you, even if the other player doesn't congratulate you. Most importantly, remember to use clean, polite language, whether you're playing backgammon online or offline.