Backgammon 🎲

Backgammon is one of the oldest known board games, with a history tracing back over 5,000 years[citation:9]. It is a two-player game where each player has fifteen pieces (checkers) that move between twenty-four triangles (points) according to the roll of two dice[citation:1]. The objective is to be first to bear off, i.e., move all fifteen checkers off the board[citation:7].

While luck plays a role through dice rolls, Backgammon is fundamentally a game of skill, strategy, and probability. Expert players consistently outperform beginners by making superior strategic decisions[citation:2][citation:6]. The game features a unique doubling cube that allows players to raise the stakes during play, adding a significant psychological and financial dimension[citation:7].

Today, Backgammon enjoys worldwide popularity both as a casual pastime and a competitive sport with professional tournaments and world championships. The advent of online and mobile platforms has made the game more accessible than ever, allowing players to compete globally from their homes[citation:1][citation:5].

1. History & Background

Backgammon's origins are ancient, with archaeological evidence suggesting similar games were played in Mesopotamia (modern-day Iraq, Syria, and Turkey) around 3000 BCE. The Roman game "Tabula" is a direct ancestor, mentioned in texts and played throughout the Roman Empire.

The modern name "Backgammon" first appeared in print in 1645 in England. It is believed to derive from the Middle English words "baec" (back) and "gamen" (game), possibly referring to the strategy of bringing pieces "back" home or because pieces can be hit and sent "back" to the bar.

The 20th century saw a major revival, especially after the introduction of the doubling cube in the 1920s, which added a new layer of strategy and made the game more appealing for competitive and money play. The first World Backgammon Championship was held in the Bahamas in 1967.

In the digital age, Backgammon has transitioned successfully to computers, online platforms, and mobile apps, maintaining its status as a beloved classic while reaching new generations of players worldwide[citation:1][citation:5].

2. Rules, Setup & Equipment

2.1 The Board & Initial Setup

The Backgammon board consists of 24 narrow triangles called points, grouped into four quadrants of six points each[citation:9]. The points are numbered from 1 to 24 for each player, with the 24-point being the furthest from the home board and the 1-point being the first point in the home board.

Each player has 15 checkers of their own color (traditionally white and black, or red and white). The initial arrangement is as follows[citation:7][citation:9]:

• White's Checkers: 2 on the 24-point, 5 on the 13-point, 3 on the 8-point, and 5 on the 6-point.
• Black's Checkers: 2 on the 1-point, 5 on the 12-point, 3 on the 17-point, and 5 on the 19-point.

The board is divided by a central bar. Each player's home board is the quadrant closest to them on their right side. Checkers move in opposite directions: White moves clockwise from the 24-point to the 1-point, while Black moves counterclockwise from the 1-point to the 24-point[citation:7].

2.2 Basic Movement & Hits

Players alternate turns rolling two dice. The numbers rolled dictate how many points a checker may move. A checker can move to any point that is:
1. Open: Not occupied by two or more opposing checkers[citation:1][citation:7].
2. Forward: Always towards the player's own home board.

Key movement rules include[citation:7]:

• Using Both Dice: You must use both numbers if possible. If only one number can be played, you must play that number. If neither can be played, you lose your turn.
• Separate Checkers or One Checker: The two numbers can be used to move one checker twice (if the intermediate point is legal) or to move two separate checkers[citation:1].
• Doubles: Rolling doubles allows you to play the number shown on the dice four times[citation:1][citation:7]. For example, a roll of 3-3 means you have four moves of 3 points each to use.

2.3 Bearing Off

Once a player has moved all 15 of their checkers into their own home board (points 1-6 for White, 19-24 for Black), they may begin bearing off[citation:7]. This means removing checkers from the board according to dice rolls.

Rules for bearing off[citation:7]:

• A roll of 1 allows you to bear off a checker from the 1-point, a roll of 2 from the 2-point, and so on.
• You are not required to bear off if you can make a legal move within your home board instead.
• If the number rolled is higher than the highest point occupied by a checker, you may bear off a checker from the highest occupied point.
• You cannot bear off any checkers while you have a checker on the bar or outside your home board.

The first player to bear off all fifteen checkers wins the game[citation:7].

3. The Doubling Cube & Scoring

The doubling cube is a die marked with the numbers 2, 4, 8, 16, 32, and 64. It is not rolled but used to track the current stake of the game. It introduces significant strategic and psychological depth, transforming Backgammon from a simple race into a nuanced battle of risk assessment[citation:7].

3.1 How to Use the Cube

• Starting Value: The game begins with the cube in the middle, showing "64" but representing a value of 1.
• Offering a Double: At the start of your turn, before you roll the dice, you may offer to double the stakes. You turn the cube to "2" and offer it to your opponent.
• Accepting or Refusing: Your opponent may either:
  • Accept: Play continues with the cube now worth 2 points. The accepting player gains possession of the cube and is the only one who may make the next double.
  • Refuse (Drop): The game ends immediately. The player who refused loses the current value of the game (1 point before the double was offered).
• Subsequent Doubles: After a double is accepted, only the player who owns the cube (the one who accepted the last double) may offer the next double. This is called a re-double. The cube values can escalate rapidly (2, 4, 8, 16...).

3.2 Gammons, Backgammons & Match Play

The basic win is worth 1 point (multiplied by the cube value). However, bigger wins are possible[citation:7]:

• Gammon: If you bear off all your checkers before your opponent bears off any, you win a gammon, worth 2 points (multiplied by the cube value).
• Backgammon: If you bear off all your checkers while your opponent still has a checker in your home board (on the bar or on a point 1-6 for White/19-24 for Black) or on the bar, you win a backgammon, worth 3 points (multiplied by the cube value).

Players often compete in matches played to a certain number of points (e.g., 3, 5, 7, or more). Match play introduces advanced cube strategy because the score matters. A key rule in match play is the Crawford Rule[citation:4][citation:7][citation:8]:

• Crawford Rule: When a player first reaches a score one point away from winning the match (e.g., at 6 in a 7-point match), the doubling cube is not allowed for the following game only (the "Crawford game"). This prevents the leading player from using the cube to easily close out the match. After the Crawford game, the cube is back in play[citation:4].

4. Strategy, Tactics & Opening Moves

While dice introduce luck, skillful play dominates in the long run. World champions like Bill Robertie emphasize concepts like efficiency, timing, and understanding racing odds[citation:6][citation:10]. Strategy can be divided into distinct phases and game types.

4.1 Opening Moves & Replies

The first few moves set the tone. The general goals are to: 1) Move safely, 2) Build strong points (make anchors or blockades), and 3) Prepare for future hits.

Here are strong plays for common opening rolls (for the player moving from the 24-point towards 1)[citation:3]:

4.2 Types of Game & Key Concepts

Your strategy must adapt to the position. The three main game types are[citation:3]:

5. Play Online, Download & Apps

5.1 Popular Online Platforms & Apps

The digital age offers numerous ways to play Backgammon, from casual mobile apps to serious competitive sites.

6. Community, Learning & Discussion

7. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)