🎲 Play backgammon online
Backgammon is an ancient game of dice and strategy. Play against the computer or a friend, and read the short rules below if you are just starting.
📜 Backgammon rules in brief
What you need
A board with 24 triangles (points), 15 pieces per player in two colors, and two dice.
Setting up
Each player has 2 pieces on point 24, 5 on point 13, 3 on point 8 and 5 on point 6 (counted from that player side). Points 1-6 are the player home.
Who starts
Each player rolls one die. The higher number starts and plays both numbers.
How to move
Each turn you roll two dice and move pieces forward by those numbers. Each die is a separate move. You may move one piece twice or two different pieces.
If you roll doubles, you play that number four times.
You must play both dice if you can. If you can play only one, play the higher.
Blocked points
You cannot land on a point holding 2 or more opponent pieces.
Hitting and the bar
A single piece on a point is vulnerable. If the opponent lands on it, it is hit and goes to the bar, the strip in the middle of the board.
A player with a piece on the bar must enter it before any other move. If every entry point is blocked, the turn is lost.
Bearing off and winning
When all 15 of your pieces are in your home, start taking them off the board with your dice.
The first player to bear off all pieces wins. If the opponent has borne off none, it is a gammon, a double win.
Tips for beginners
- Try to make points with two or more pieces; they block your opponent and keep your pieces safe.
- Avoid leaving single pieces where the opponent can hit them.
- Count your pips: the player with fewer steps left is ahead in the race.
Questions and answers
What is a gammon in backgammon?
A gammon is a win where the opponent has not yet borne off any piece. It counts as a double win.
What happens when I roll doubles?
You play that number four times. With 5 and 5, you make four moves of 5.
What age can children learn backgammon?
From about age 7, once they can count with confidence. At Easy the computer plays without strategy.
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