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05MC

RULES & PRACTICE

How to Play Backgammon

Play Backgammon ↗

Game guide · 05MC

Learn the rules of Backgammon

Read the aim of Backgammon, then make your first move. Bear off all fifteen pieces before the opponent. Use the example below to understand a decision. Check the rule that explains your first action. Look at what changes after your first action.

Local two players; no doubling cube, stakes or remote matching.

One thing to notice as you play

Locate the buttons and input area before beginning a long round. Use the on-screen labels to avoid an accidental restart. Make the next step deliberately.

What you need to achieve

Bear off all fifteen pieces before the opponent. Read that aim before choosing your first action. Notice how the game responds to your input.

Step by step

  1. Roll and use the maximum legal number of dice; doubles give four moves.
  2. Enter barred pieces first.
  3. Points with at least two enemies are blocked; a lone enemy is hit.
  4. Bear off only after all pieces reach home.

Controls

Click or tap a piece and destination; use the turn indicator and legal-move feedback. Use the control method described here for this activity. Avoid pressing the same control repeatedly while a move is being processed.

An example to follow

When only one die can be used and either is individually playable, use the larger die. Apply the same reasoning to the position in your own round. Read the matching step again.

Avoid this misunderstanding

An oversized bear-off requires no piece farther from the exit. A different version of the game may use a different rule. When a decision goes wrong, compare it with the common mistake described below. Start again only when you intend to leave the current round.

Game-specific help

While reading the Guide, what is the goal of Backgammon?

For clarity: Bear off all fifteen pieces before the opponent.

For a quick reminder, how do I control Backgammon?

Keep this in mind: Click or tap a piece and destination; use the turn indicator and legal-move feedback.

While learning, what example helps explain Backgammon?

The key detail is this: When only one die can be used and either is individually playable, use the larger die.

Before I begin, 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?

Here is the relevant explanation: Local two players; no doubling cube, stakes or remote matching.

For my first round, 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.

For a quick reminder, where should I start with Backgammon?

Here is the relevant explanation: Roll and use the maximum legal number of dice; doubles give four moves.

For a quick reminder, do I need an account or a payment for Backgammon?

No player account or payment is needed. Game scores are recreational results, not cash prizes.

For a quick reminder, how can I find Backgammon again?

For clarity: Use the Games list or save this game page in your browser bookmarks. The Guide is linked from the playing page.

For a quick reminder, how do I report an issue with Backgammon?

Keep this in mind: Use the contact form and include the game name, browser, device and the actions that led to the issue. Do not send passwords or payment details.

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