THE PLAYBOOK · QCYANGCHU
The essentials of playing Backgammon
Try Backgammon at your own pace and keep its objective in view. Bear off all fifteen pieces before the opponent. Look at what changes after your first action. Treat the first round as a chance to learn the controls. Use the example below to understand a decision.
Local two players; no doubling cube, stakes or remote matching.
A small practice goal
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. Use the example to check your reasoning.
Your goal
Bear off all fifteen pieces before the opponent. Keep that objective in view throughout the round. Return to the instructions when a step is unclear.
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.
How to use the controls
Click or tap a piece and destination; use the turn indicator and legal-move feedback. A careful first action helps you become familiar with the layout. Avoid pressing the same control repeatedly while a move is being processed.
Learn from a sample situation
When only one die can be used and either is individually playable, use the larger die. Focus on why the action is allowed, not only its outcome. Keep the controls nearby.
Where a round can go wrong
An oversized bear-off requires no piece farther from the exit. A different version of the game may use a different rule. Read one step at a time and try it on the playing area. Match the instruction to the control you use.
Answers about the rules and controls
Before I begin, what is the goal of Backgammon?
Bear off all fifteen pieces before the opponent.
On this playing page, 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.
For this browser game, 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.
As a new player, what should I watch out for in Backgammon?
Keep this in mind: An oversized bear-off requires no piece farther from the exit.
For a quick reminder, what format does Backgammon offer?
Keep this in mind: Local two players; no doubling cube, stakes or remote matching.
For my first round, which play mode does Backgammon use?
For clarity: The mode on this page is Local players. Same-device play uses one screen; this game library does not provide internet matchmaking.