THE PLAYBOOK · 06HC
An introduction to playing Backgammon
Backgammon gives you a focused activity to play in your browser. Bear off all fifteen pieces before the opponent. Look at what changes after your first action. 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.
Build familiarity through play
Compare the worked example with your own position. Use the reasoning, not an answer copied from a different board. Notice the feedback after each input.
What the game asks you to do
Bear off all fifteen pieces before the opponent. The feedback beside the game helps you follow the round. Return to the instructions when a step is unclear.
The order of play
- 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. Use the control method described here for this activity. Read the example below alongside these instructions.
Follow the example
When only one die can be used and either is individually playable, use the larger die. Your next round may have a different position, so inspect it before acting. Check the stated objective.
Check this before moving on
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.
Questions that come up during play
As a new player, what is the goal of Backgammon?
For clarity: Bear off all fifteen pieces before the opponent.
For my first round, how do I control Backgammon?
Here is the relevant explanation: Click or tap a piece and destination; use the turn indicator and legal-move feedback.
When I return, 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 a quick reminder, what should I watch out for in Backgammon?
For clarity: An oversized bear-off requires no piece farther from the exit.
Before I begin, what format does Backgammon offer?
The key detail is this: Local two players; no doubling cube, stakes or remote matching.
While reading the Guide, which play mode does Backgammon use?
Here is the relevant explanation: The mode on this page is Local players. Same-device play uses one screen; this game library does not provide internet matchmaking.