Doesn't doubling when you're ahead and a move or two away from the end of a close game help to keep your opponent from getting a lucky win with doubles, which increases the skill factor in the game and reduce the luck factor?
Thad: It does if he has a mathematical chance to win, and it is a very good reason to double. I was speaking of situations where the opponent has no chance to win, but for one reason or another chooses not to resign.
alanback: There's quit a few that just take the gamble in an even game, that you will not accept a double and forget that the next roll could be double 6's and they could and usually do get counter doubled. Then there looking at losing 4 instead of sneaking one.