Backgammon Rules and Instructions

Presented by Malcolm Davis

Learn how to play backgammon from a professional backgammon player in these free online video lessons, including backgammon rules, instructions, and tips to better your game.

Series Summary

Backgammon, a classic game for two players, is won by rolling dice in order to remove playing pieces from the game board. Luck of the dice plays a large role in winning the race to remove game pieces. Much like checkers or chess, there are tournaments worldwide. Similar games date back to 3000 BC and ancient Mesopotamia. The earliest use of the English word “backgammon” used to describe the game of luck, dates back to 1650.

The first step to learning how to play the game of backgammon is setting up the board correctly. Starting with this step, our expert explains different strategies and moves that can be made during the play of the game. There is a certain vocabulary that backgammon players have identified with different strategies and moves. Learn how to “get off the roof” or “doubling cube.” Get tips on the opening roll and the last quadrant. Learn about hitting and safety and the difference between gammoned and backgammoned. Get expert playing advice on how to re-enter the board and the first and second sequences. In this series of videos, our expert explains the details of backgammon strategy and rolling the dice to win the game.

Listing 1-13 of 13 videos

The Doubling Cube in Backgammon

Up the backgammon stakes instantly. Learn how to play the game of backgammon in this free online video clip, including how to use a doubling cube.

Hitting & Safety in Backgammon

Hit your backgammon opponent. Learn how to play the game of backgammon in this free online video clip, including hitting and getting to safety.

The First Sequence in Backgammon

Make your backgammon move! Learn how to play the game of backgammon in this free online video clip, including how to complete of the first sequence of moves.

Double Rolls in Backgammon Strategy

Advice on backgammon strategy. Learn how to play the game of backgammon in this free online video clip, including strategy tips from a professional player.

Gammoned and Backgammoned

How to become a winner in backgammon. Learn how to play the game of backgammon in this free online video clip, including what happens when a player is gammoned or backgammoned.

Backgammon Strategy

Outsmart your backgammon opponent. Learn how to play backgammon in this free online video clip, including strategy and tips to improve your game.

Opening Dice Roll in Backgammon

First roll strategies in backgammon. Learn how to play backgammon in this free video clip, including the opening roll to begin the game.

The Last Quadrant in Backgammon

Your checker is on the backgammon home stretch! Learn how to play backgammon in this free online video clip, including entering the last quadrant of the game.

Getting Off the Roof in Backgammon

Get your backgammon checker back in action! Learn how to play the game of backgammon in this free online video clip, including how to get off the roof.

The Second Sequence in Backgammon

Counter your backgammon opponent's opening move. Learn how to play the game of backgammon in this free online video clip, including the second sequence of moves.

Setting Up a Backgammon Board

Get set up for the big backgammon match. Learn how to set up a backgammon board and the appropriate terms for the playing pieces.

Rolling the Dice for Backgammon

High rollers, backgammon is your game! Learn the proper way to roll the dice in a game of backgammon and a little about the history of the game.

Rolling a Double in Backgammon

Double rolls mean backgammon success. Learn how to play the game of backgammon in this free online video clip, including what to do when you roll a double.

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