How to Roll the Dice in Backgammon

Backgammon is a board game that has been around for at least 3,000 years. Playing competitive backgammon in the US is slightly more regulated than playing it overseas. In the US, rolling the die requires rolling cups to ensure a fair and legitimate roll.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Backgammon board
• 4 dice
• 2 rolling cups

1. Find a flat, even surface to place the backgammon board on. Open the board and place the playing pieces around it according to regulation.

2. Decide whether to play by competitive rules. For US competitive rules, take the rolling cups, pick up the dice with one hand and place two dice in each cup. To roll, shake the cup with the opening facing upward. You don't need to shake very long or very hard. Turn the opening to face slightly downward on your right side of the board. Empty the rolling cup onto the board.

3. Try non-competitive play. In non-competitive backgammon, you may share the dice with your opponent and don't need to use rolling cups. First pick up the dice with your hands. To ensure a fair roll, clasp your hands together with the two dice inside to form an enclosed area. Shake your hands as you hear the dice clink together. Open your hands on the right side of the board to release the dice. Some rollers prefer to add a slight flick of the wrist and shoot the dice out.

Tips & Warnings

• One-handed shaking and rolling is possible but lends itself to unfair rolls. For a one-handed roll, put both dice in one hand and close your fist, leaving enough space for the dice to move freely inside. Shake the dice for at least three seconds and open your hand to release.
• Always roll the dice to the right.