THE PLAYBOOK · GLSFW
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. Treat the first round as a chance to learn the controls. 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. Notice the feedback after each input.
Your goal
Bear off all fifteen pieces before the opponent. Use the instructions to see which actions move you towards it. Start with a deliberate move.
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. A new-round button replaces the current round.
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. Check the stated objective.
Watch out for this
An oversized bear-off requires no piece farther from the exit. Read the feedback to see why an action did not have the expected result. When a decision goes wrong, compare it with the common mistake described below. Start again only when you intend to leave the current round.
Common questions
For my first round, what is the goal of Backgammon?
Keep this in mind: Bear off all fifteen pieces before the opponent.
While learning, how do I control Backgammon?
Click or tap a piece and destination; use the turn indicator and legal-move feedback.
For this browser game, what example helps explain Backgammon?
For clarity: When only one die can be used and either is individually playable, use the larger die.
When I return, what should I watch out for in Backgammon?
For clarity: An oversized bear-off requires no piece farther from the exit.
On this playing page, what format does Backgammon offer?
Local two players; no doubling cube, stakes or remote matching.
For a quick reminder, 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.