How to play Backgammon
Backgammon is a race game for two players. Each side has 15 checkers that travel around the board in opposite directions. You move your light checkers from the top right, along the top, down the left side and then along the bottom to your home board in the bottom right. The first player to bear off all 15 checkers wins.
- Moving: roll two dice and move checkers by those numbers. You may use one die for one checker and the other die for a different checker, or both for the same one.
- Doubles: rolling the same number on both dice lets you play that number four times.
- Blocked points: you cannot land on a point holding two or more opposing checkers.
- Hitting: landing on a point with a single opposing checker (a blot) sends it to the bar.
- The bar: a checker on the bar must re-enter in the opponent's home board before you can move anything else.
- Bearing off: once all your checkers are in your home board you can remove them with exact rolls, or with a larger roll if nothing is farther back.
- You must use as many dice as you can. If only one die can be played, you must play the larger one if possible.
Tips to win
- Make points (two or more checkers together). They are safe and block your opponent.
- Avoid leaving single checkers within reach of your opponent early on.
- Build a row of points in front of your home board to trap hit checkers.
- Watch the pip count. It tells you who is ahead in the race.