THE PLAYBOOK · SJZYCGG
How to play Backgammon
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. Read the objective before making your first input. Check the relevant rule before repeating a move.
Local two players; no doubling cube, stakes or remote matching.
Keep the aim in sight
Keep the stated aim separate from side details such as animation or appearance. Progress is measured by the game’s own completion or scoring rules. Use the example to check your reasoning.
Your goal
Bear off all fifteen pieces before the opponent. Use the instructions to see which actions move you towards it. The example below illustrates a decision.
Step by step
- 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.
Controls
Click or tap a piece and destination; use the turn indicator and legal-move feedback. On a smaller screen, keep the active part of the board within view. Check any mode label before starting.
A useful example
When only one die can be used and either is individually playable, use the larger die. Use the example as a guide rather than a substitute for reading your board. Choose a deliberate next step.
Watch out for this
An oversized bear-off requires no piece farther from the exit. A different version of the game may use a different rule. After a move, check what changed. Decide which rule explains the new state before acting again.
Common questions
For my first round, what is the goal of Backgammon?
Bear off all fifteen pieces before the opponent.
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 my first round, what example helps explain Backgammon?
When only one die can be used and either is individually playable, use the larger die.
Before I begin, what should I watch out for in Backgammon?
Keep this in mind: An oversized bear-off requires no piece farther from the exit.
On this playing page, what format does Backgammon offer?
Keep this in mind: Local two players; no doubling cube, stakes or remote matching.
For this browser game, which play mode does Backgammon use?
The mode on this page is Local players. Same-device play uses one screen; this game library does not provide internet matchmaking.