Backgammon

What Is Backgammon?

Backgammon is one of the oldest board games in the world, with roots stretching back over 5,000 years to ancient Mesopotamia. Two players move their 15 checkers (pieces) around a board of 24 triangular points based on dice rolls. The goal is to be the first to move all your checkers off the board (bearing off). It blends the luck of dice with deep strategic decision-making about which checkers to move, when to play safe, and when to take risks.

How to Play Backgammon

1. Click 'Roll Dice' to roll two dice at the start of your turn.
2. Click one of your white checkers (pieces) to select it.
3. Click a destination point to move the checker by the dice value.
4. You must use both dice values if possible (they can apply to different checkers).
5. If you roll doubles, you get four moves of that value.
6. Move all your checkers to the home board (points 0-5), then bear them off to win.

Basic Rules

• White checkers move from high-numbered points toward point 0. Black moves toward point 23.
• A point with 2+ opposing checkers is blocked — you can't land there.
• Landing on a single opposing checker sends it to the bar (it must re-enter before other moves).
• Bearing off begins only when all 15 of your checkers are in your home board.
• You must use both dice if possible. If only one works, you must use the higher.
• First player to bear off all 15 checkers wins.

Strategy Tips for Beginners

• Build 'primes' — consecutive points with 2+ checkers to block your opponent.
• Avoid leaving single checkers (blots) where your opponent can hit them.
• Control your home board to make it harder for hit checkers to re-enter.
• Use dice efficiently — don't waste high rolls moving checkers that are already safe.
• Balance offense (hitting opponents) with defense (protecting your own checkers).

Real Examples of Gameplay

Variations of Backgammon

• Standard Backgammon: Classic rules for two players.
• Acey-Deucey: Rolling 1-2 gives special bonus moves.
• Nackgammon: Modified starting position with more strategic depth.

Why People Love Backgammon

• Backgammon perfectly blends luck and strategy. The dice add excitement and ensure no two games play alike.
• Strategic choices give skilled players a consistent edge.
• It's social, fast-paced, and has a depth that rewards years of study.

Play Backgammon Online for Free

Play Backgammon free in your browser against the computer. Roll dice, move your checkers, and race to bear off. No downloads or accounts needed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Start Playing Now

Backgammon has entertained humans for millennia — and for good reason. Roll the dice, plan your moves, and race your opponent in one of the most perfectly designed board games ever created.