How to Play a Game of Backgammon

By eHow Hobbies, Games & Toys Editor

Rate: (8 Ratings)

Dating back to ancient Egypt and Mesopotamia, backgammon (like chess) is one of the most ancient and revered parlor games. And, like chess, it is a game of strategy. There is some room for luck, as it is dice based, but skilled players tend to prevail. If you have never learned or are interested in a refresher, here’s how to play backgammon.

Flag Article

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

Backgammon board

Step1

Set up the board. Count in a counterclockwise direction from the point close on your left. Place five of your checkers on the six point, three on the eight point, five on the 13 point, and two on the 24 point. Have your opponent do the same.

Step2

Determine who goes first. You can do this any way you like, but traditionally, each player rolls one die and the high roll goes first.

Step3

Roll your dice and move your checkers counter-clockwise along the points or "pips" as they are called. You can only move your checker to an open point which is one not occupied by two or more opposing checkers.

Step4

Move all the pips that you roll on the dice if it is legally possible. If you can only play one of the dice, you have to play the larger one.

Step5

Land your checker on a pip with an opponents checker on it. Such a pip is referred to as a "blot." When this happens, place the opponents checker on the bar in the middle.

Step6

Keep rolling and moving your checkers counter clockwise along the pips until you have gotten them all on your home side of the board.

Step7

Bear off to win the game. That is to say, when you have gotten all your checkers on your home board, roll the numbers of the pips your checkers reside on to remove them.

Step8

Double when appropriate. You can use the doubling die (sitting on the bar) to double the stakes of the game when you think you’re ahead enough.

Tips & Warnings

You can double the amount of moves you get by rolling doubles. So, for example, if you roll double twos, you really get to move 8 pips.
If no player offers a double during the round, then the game only counts for one point.
Do not double unless you’re sure you should as your opponent can redouble when and if things change and you fall behind.
Dice have to land flat and on the board to count.