Backgammon Rules
Backgammon is one of the oldest known board games, with a history spanning over 5,000 years. The game combines strategy, probability, and skill in a unique way that has captivated players throughout history.
Basic Setup
The backgammon board consists of 24 points (triangles) arranged in alternating colors. Each player has 15 checkers of their own color. The initial setup is as follows:
- 2 checkers on point 24 (your 1-point)
- 5 checkers on point 13 (your 8-point)
- 3 checkers on point 8 (your 13-point)
- 5 checkers on point 6 (your 19-point)
Game Rules
Moving Checkers
Players take turns rolling two dice and moving their checkers according to the numbers rolled. Each number represents a separate move. For example, if you roll a 3 and a 5, you can move one checker 3 spaces and another checker 5 spaces, or move a single checker 8 spaces.
Hitting and Entering
A checker can land on any point that is either empty, occupied by one or more of your own checkers, or occupied by exactly one of your opponent's checkers (which is then "hit" and placed on the bar). A checker on the bar must be entered before any other moves can be made.
Bearing Off
Once all your checkers are in your home board (points 1-6), you can start bearing them off. You must roll the exact number needed to bear off a checker. If you roll a number larger than the highest point containing a checker, you can bear off from the highest available point.
Special Rules
Doubles
When doubles are rolled, the player gets four moves of the number shown. For example, if you roll double 6s, you get four moves of 6 spaces each.
The Doubling Cube
At the start of their turn, before rolling the dice, a player can offer to double the stakes. If the opponent accepts, the game continues with doubled stakes. If they decline, they forfeit the game. The doubling cube can be offered again by the player who accepted the previous double.
Winning the Game
The first player to bear off all their checkers wins the game. If the opponent has borne off at least one checker, the winner scores 1 point. If the opponent hasn't borne off any checkers, it's called a "gammon" and scores 2 points. If the opponent still has checkers on the bar or in the winner's home board, it's called a "backgammon" and scores 3 points.
Tip: While these are the basic rules, backgammon is a game of deep strategy. Understanding when to hit, when to run, and when to offer or accept doubles comes with practice and study.