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Backgammon

Roll the dice and race your 15 checkers home in this classic board game. Play the computer or a friend.

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Tap a checker to see where it can go. When your dice are used, tap Done. Your game is saved if you leave.

Full rules and how to play →

Backgammon rules

  • The board has 24 points. White and Red each have 15 checkers and move in opposite directions. You (White) move from point 24 toward point 1; points 1–6 are your home board.
  • To start, each player rolls one die. The higher roll moves first, using both of those numbers (ties are re-rolled).
  • Roll two dice and move checkers by the numbers shown. You can move one checker by both numbers or two checkers by one each. Doubles are played four times.
  • If you can use both dice, you must. If only one can be used, you must use the higher one when possible.
  • You can't land on a point held by two or more opposing checkers. Landing on a single opposing checker (a blot) hits it and sends it to the bar.
  • Checkers on the bar must re-enter into the opponent's home board before you move anything else. If the entry point is blocked, that number can't be used.
  • Once all 15 of your checkers are in your home board, you can bear them off: with the exact number, or with a higher number if no checker of yours sits on a higher point.
  • The first to bear off all 15 wins. If the loser hasn't borne off any, it's a gammon (2 points); if the loser also still has a checker on the bar or in the winner's home board, it's a backgammon (3 points).

Tips to win more

A single checker on a point (a blot) can be hit. Be careful when it's within 6 pips of an opposing checker.

Making points (two or more checkers) in your home board blocks your opponent. Consecutive points form a strong prime.

If you're well ahead in the pip count, break contact and race home.

Some opening moves are standard. With 3-1, moving from the 8 and 6 points to make your 5 point is the classic play.

FAQ

Is there a doubling cube?

No. The size of each win (single 1, gammon 2, backgammon 3) is added to the points in your per-level stats.

How do the computer levels differ?

There are five levels from Beginner to Expert. The top two look at their most promising moves and check all 21 possible replies of the opponent's dice before choosing. Dice luck means you can still beat the strongest level.

Can two people play?

Yes. Choose "2 players" as the opponent to take turns on one screen.

How are the dice rolled?

On your device, with a fresh random number every roll.

What if I close the page?

Your game is saved. On the same device and browser, it continues where you left off.

Is there a leaderboard?

No. With dice luck and computer opponents, records can't be compared fairly. Your per-level stats (wins, points) stay on this device.

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