Backgammon

In this beginner's guide, we'll show you how to play backgammon in just five easy steps so you can enjoy this classic game with friends and family in no time.

Step 1: Understand the board layout

An online backgammon board has 24 triangles (points), divided into four quadrants. Two players control 15 checkers each, with point 1 being the farthest and point 24 the closest. The board setup is automated, so your checkers will be ready to play.

Step 2: Roll dice and move checkers

Players roll two dice, determining checker movements. They can move two separate checkers or one checker for the combined total of both dice if legal. A legal move involves open points, either unoccupied, occupied by your checkers, or with only one opponent's checker (blot). Landing on a blot sends it to the bar.

Step 3: Bearing off

Move checkers to your home quadrant (points 1-6 for you, 19-24 for the opponent). When all checkers are in your home quadrant, start bearing off (removing checkers from the board). Roll a number equal to or greater than the point on which a checker resides to bear off. No legal moves? You lose your turn.

Step 4: The doubling cube

Before rolling, a player can offer to double the stakes with a doubling cube (2, 4, 8, 16, 32, 64). If the opponent accepts, the stakes are doubled. If they refuse, they forfeit the game. The cube can be used multiple times for high-stakes gameplay.

Step 5: Winning the Game

Bear off all checkers to win. The loser loses the value of the doubling cube, or twice the value in a "gammon" (no checkers borne off), or three times the value in a "backgammon" (checkers in the winner's home quadrant or on the bar).

With these quick steps, you're ready to embark on your online backgammon journey. Good luck and have fun!