THE PLAYBOOK · W3CHACK
How to play Backgammon
Choose a round of Backgammon and settle into its rules. Bear off all fifteen pieces before the opponent. Keep the game area visible while you use its controls. Make your first input carefully and watch the result. Choose a clear next step rather than rushing through the instructions.
Local two players; no doubling cube, stakes or remote matching.
Focus on one rule
Choose one rule to keep in mind for this round. Apply it consistently rather than guessing what another version might allow. Refer to the controls when needed.
Your goal
Bear off all fifteen pieces before the opponent. Keep that objective in view throughout the round. 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. Use the control method described here for this activity. Return to the rules if the result is unexpected.
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. Take a moment to reassess the position before continuing. Locate the buttons and input area before beginning a long round. Use the on-screen labels to avoid an accidental restart.
Common questions
As a new player, what is the goal of Backgammon?
For clarity: Bear off all fifteen pieces before the opponent.
Before I begin, 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?
For clarity: When only one die can be used and either is individually playable, use the larger die.
As a new player, what should I watch out for in Backgammon?
For clarity: An oversized bear-off requires no piece farther from the exit.
For this browser game, what format does Backgammon offer?
The key detail is this: Local two players; no doubling cube, stakes or remote matching.
For my first round, which play mode does Backgammon use?
The key detail is this: The mode on this page is Local players. Same-device play uses one screen; this game library does not provide internet matchmaking.
