Herlock Sholmes:  Unfortunately, I can't think of a chess equivalent for the kind of cube handling decision one often must make in backgammon:  is my position too good to double?  (i.e., should I simply play on without doubling, because I have sufficient gammon chances?)

This is not to say that I don't like the idea of using the doubling cube in other contests...I DO like it, even if I can't always clearly state optimal rules or scoring implications.

Once, while at the curling club, I was a spectator watching games through the glass as a friend began playing.  His team suddenly found itself in a difficult, dangerous position.  I knocked on the glass, smiled, and held up a doubling cube with the "2" facing him.  (I ordinarily keep my backgammon set at the club; my friend and I both play backgammon as well as curl.)

He completely understood my mocking cube gesture.  He smiled back, and "gave me the finger"...in a friendly sort of way.