Game guide · MY2171
Backgammon: instructions and practice
Start Backgammon by looking at the playing area and its controls. Bear off all fifteen pieces before the opponent. Look at what changes after your first action. Check the rule that explains your first action. Use the example below to understand a decision.
Local two players; no doubling cube, stakes or remote matching.
Take a closer look while playing
Compare the worked example with your own position. Use the reasoning, not an answer copied from a different board. Use the example to check your reasoning.
What you need to achieve
Bear off all fifteen pieces before the opponent. Keep that objective in view throughout the round. Notice how the game responds to your input.
From the start of a round
- Roll and use the maximum legal number of dice; doubles give four moves.
- Enter barred pieces first.
- Points with at least two enemies are blocked; a lone enemy is hit.
- Bear off only after all pieces reach home.
Keyboard and screen controls
Click or tap a piece and destination; use the turn indicator and legal-move feedback. Use the control method described here for this activity. Make sure you are interacting with the game rather than the surrounding page.
See the idea in action
When only one die can be used and either is individually playable, use the larger die. Apply the same reasoning to the position in your own round. Notice the change in the playing area.
Keep this in mind
An oversized bear-off requires no piece farther from the exit. Compare the situation with the worked example. After a move, check what changed. Decide which rule explains the new state before acting again.
Read these answers for extra help
When I return, what is the goal of Backgammon?
Keep this in mind: Bear off all fifteen pieces before the opponent.
As a new player, how do I control Backgammon?
Keep this in mind: Click or tap a piece and destination; use the turn indicator and legal-move feedback.
For this browser game, what example helps explain Backgammon?
Here is the relevant explanation: When only one die can be used and either is individually playable, use the larger die.
For my first round, what should I watch out for in Backgammon?
For clarity: An oversized bear-off requires no piece farther from the exit.
As a new player, what format does Backgammon offer?
The key detail is this: Local two players; no doubling cube, stakes or remote matching.
For this browser game, which play mode does Backgammon use?
For clarity: The mode on this page is Local players. Same-device play uses one screen; this game library does not provide internet matchmaking.
While learning, where should I start with Backgammon?
The key detail is this: Roll and use the maximum legal number of dice; doubles give four moves.
For my first round, do I need an account or a payment for Backgammon?
Here is the relevant explanation: No player account or payment is needed. Game scores are recreational results, not cash prizes.
How can I find Backgammon again?
For clarity: Use the Games list or save this game page in your browser bookmarks. The Guide is linked from the playing page.
On this playing page, how do I report an issue with Backgammon?
The key detail is this: Use the contact form and include the game name, browser, device and the actions that led to the issue. Do not send passwords or payment details.
