THE PLAYBOOK · LYSTDQ
Making your first moves in Backgammon
Read the aim of Backgammon, then make your first move. Bear off all fifteen pieces before the opponent. Choose a clear next step rather than rushing through the instructions. Read the objective before making your first input. Look at what changes after your first action.
Local two players; no doubling cube, stakes or remote matching.
Give this approach a try
Take enough time to read a new position. If a game has a timer, learn its controls first rather than searching for them during the round. Refer to the controls when needed.
Aim for this result
Bear off all fifteen pieces before the opponent. The feedback beside the game helps you follow the round. Try to explain the aim in your own words.
A walkthrough of the rules
- 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.
Using the playing area
Click or tap a piece and destination; use the turn indicator and legal-move feedback. Keep the playing area visible while using these controls. Return to the rules if the result is unexpected.
Put the rules into context
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. Keep the controls nearby.
An important reminder
An oversized bear-off requires no piece farther from the exit. Take a moment to reassess the position before continuing. Take enough time to read a new position. If a game has a timer, learn its controls first rather than searching for them during the round.
Game-specific help
For my first round, what is the goal of Backgammon?
For clarity: Bear off all fifteen pieces before the opponent.
On this playing page, how do I control Backgammon?
Click or tap a piece and destination; use the turn indicator and legal-move feedback.
When I return, what example helps explain Backgammon?
Here is the relevant explanation: When only one die can be used and either is individually playable, use the larger die.
For my first round, what should I watch out for in Backgammon?
For clarity: An oversized bear-off requires no piece farther from the exit.
While reading the Guide, what format does Backgammon offer?
Keep this in mind: Local two players; no doubling cube, stakes or remote matching.
For this browser game, which play mode does Backgammon use?
Keep this in mind: The mode on this page is Local players. Same-device play uses one screen; this game library does not provide internet matchmaking.