Backgammon is one of the oldest board games in history, with origins dating back over 5,000 years. Despite its age, it remains one of the most exciting games you can play — combining strategy, probability, and just enough luck to keep every game unpredictable.

How Backgammon Works

Each player has 15 checkers (pieces) that they move around the board according to dice rolls. The board has 24 narrow triangles called points, numbered 1 through 24. Your goal is to move all your checkers into your home board (points 1-6) and then bear them off (remove them) before your opponent does the same.

Basic Rules

Moving Checkers

  • Roll two dice on your turn. You can move one checker by the total, or move two checkers — one by each die.
  • You can only land on a point that is open, occupied by your own checkers, or occupied by a single opponent checker (a blot).
  • Landing on a blot sends it to the bar (the center of the board). Your opponent must re-enter that checker before making any other move.

Doubles

When you roll doubles (e.g., 4-4), you get four moves of that number instead of two. Doubles can be very powerful — or very frustrating if you’re blocked.

Bearing Off

Once all 15 of your checkers are in your home board, you can start bearing off. Roll a number that matches a point with a checker, and remove it from the board. The first player to bear off all 15 checkers wins.

Winning Strategy

1. Build Your Home Board

A strong home board makes it harder for your opponent to re-enter from the bar. Try to make points (have two or more checkers on a triangle) in your home board, especially the higher-numbered ones (4, 5, 6).

2. Hit When It Helps

Sending an opponent’s checker to the bar gains you tempo, but only if your home board is strong enough to keep them stuck. Hitting with a weak home board just wastes a move.

3. Avoid Leaving Blots

A single checker on a point is vulnerable. When possible, move in ways that stack checkers together (making points) rather than leaving isolated blots your opponent can hit.

4. Control Key Points

The 5-point (both yours and your opponent’s) is the single most valuable point on the board. Making your 5-point early creates a strong foundation for your home board. Making your opponent’s 5-point (their 20-point from your perspective) is called an advanced anchor and gives you a safe landing spot deep in enemy territory.

5. Know When to Run

If you have checkers trapped behind your opponent’s home board, don’t leave them there forever. Look for opportunities to escape, especially when your opponent’s board has gaps.

6. Use the Doubling Cube

In competitive backgammon, the doubling cube lets you raise the stakes. Offer a double when you think you have an advantage — accept when you think you’ll win at least 25% of the time from the current position.

Common Beginner Mistakes

  • Spreading checkers too thin — you want to make points, not leave blots everywhere.
  • Ignoring the 5-point — make it whenever you can.
  • Running too early — don’t race until your position justifies it.
  • Not hitting — if your opponent leaves a blot and your home board is strong, hit it.

Ready to Play?

The best way to learn backgammon is to play. Play Backgammon online — the rules click quickly once you see them in action.