In previous articles we have described the steps to play an online game both on mobile devices and on the web version. In this article we will describe the steps that a user needs to take in order to place (and accept) a bet.
The mobile users of the iTavli game were able to place (and accept) bets for a very long time. In the article How to Play an Online Backgammon Game, Mobile Version, and in the section “Play an Online Game” we read that on the menu there is the “Bet” button. This button is used to set a bet. Also, on the menu we see the current bet, and the bet that is set from users who are watching the game. They can bet against you or on you. Here we focus only on the Web version.
Facebook Login
Since betting is only available on the online game, the first thing that we need to do is to Login. We offer three different methods for Login:
The first one is the Login with an email and a password. The second one is to Login with your Google account, and the third one is to Login with your Facebook account. In order to be able to place (and accept) a bet, you need to Login with your Facebook account.
Since, the iTavli game is available as a Facebook game, you are automatically logged in, and you can start playing an online game. Note, that when you are Logged in with your Facebook account you can also send an invitation for a game to your friends.
Menu
Once we Log in, the menu at the top of the screen changes, as is depicted in the screen below:
The first three buttons are the same for all logged in users. But, the last two appear only to those users who are logged in with their Facebook account. The “FB Friends” will bring a dialog up to select your friends to send the invitation for a game to. Your friends will see a notification, and when they click on it, they will be navigated either to the web version or the mobile version of the iTavli game. Once they log in, they can challenge you to a game.
The “Coins” button displays how many coins we have available. Please, note, that these are not real coins, and can only be used in the iTavli game. Each user starts with 50 coins, but, if you click on that button you can purchase more coins:
We offer three coins bundles:
- 1000 coins for $1.99
- 3000 coins for $2.99
- 10000 coins for $4.99
The process for purchasing these coins is handled by Facebook. When you click on one of these bundles, a new dialog will open, and it will ask you to select the payment method. Once again, this process is taken care by Facebook, and when the process is completed, you will receive an email from Facebook.
Placing a Bet
During an online game the menu at the top of the screen changes to the following one:
The first three buttons are the same for all logged in users, but, the fourth one is only for the Facebook users. This shows the current bet, and when you click on it, it brings the menu up to set a bet.
With the arrows we can increase (right arrow) or decrease (left arrow) the bet. When we are ready, we hit on the “Set bet” button to send the request to our opponent. Our opponent has the right to accept or reject it. But, if (s)he accepts, then the value that is depicted under the fourth button will be updated to indicate the current bet:
If you like you can increase this bet or your opponent may increase it. As always, you have the right to decline the request to increase the bet.
When the game is over, the winner will collect the bet, and his/her coins will increase by that amount. The looser will see his/her coins decreasing by that same amount.
If a user abandons a game, (s)he will lose half the bet. Similarly, the opponent will get half the bet.