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RULES & PRACTICE

How to Play Backgammon

Play Backgammon ↗

Game guide · XZZHUYUSI

Understand the basics of Backgammon

Try Backgammon at your own pace and keep its objective in view. Bear off all fifteen pieces before the opponent. Keep the game area visible while you use its controls. Check the rule that explains your first action. Look at what changes after your first action.

Local two players; no doubling cube, stakes or remote matching.

One thing to notice as you play

After a move, check what changed. Decide which rule explains the new state before acting again. Keep the objective visible.

The challenge in front of you

Bear off all fifteen pieces before the opponent. Keep that objective in view throughout the round. Check the rules when you are unsure.

How to proceed

  1. Roll and use the maximum legal number of dice; doubles give four moves.
  2. Enter barred pieces first.
  3. Points with at least two enemies are blocked; a lone enemy is hit.
  4. Bear off only after all pieces reach home.

How to interact with the game

Click or tap a piece and destination; use the turn indicator and legal-move feedback. Use the control method described here for this activity. Check any mode label before starting.

Learn from a sample situation

When only one die can be used and either is individually playable, use the larger die. Compare this with the rule that governs the move. Look for the relevant detail.

A common point of confusion

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.

Answers about the rules and controls

What is the goal of Backgammon?

The key detail is this: Bear off all fifteen pieces before the opponent.

For a quick reminder, how do I control Backgammon?

Keep this in mind: Click or tap a piece and destination; use the turn indicator and legal-move feedback.

What example helps explain Backgammon?

Keep this in mind: When only one die can be used and either is individually playable, use the larger die.

For this browser game, what should I watch out for in Backgammon?

Keep this in mind: An oversized bear-off requires no piece farther from the exit.

While learning, what format does Backgammon offer?

The key detail is this: Local two players; no doubling cube, stakes or remote matching.

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.

On this playing page, where should I start with Backgammon?

The key detail is this: Roll and use the maximum legal number of dice; doubles give four moves.

While learning, do I need an account or a payment for Backgammon?

The key detail is this: No player account or payment is needed. Game scores are recreational results, not cash prizes.

On this playing page, how can I find Backgammon again?

Here is the relevant explanation: Use the Games list or save this game page in your browser bookmarks. The Guide is linked from the playing page.

As a new player, how do I report an issue with Backgammon?

For clarity: Use the contact form and include the game name, browser, device and the actions that led to the issue. Do not send passwords or payment details.

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