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Backgammon — is one of the oldest board games in the world, with a history spanning several millennia. It remarkably combines simple rules with deep strategic possibilities, which has allowed the game to survive through the centuries and gain popularity in many countries. Backgammon stands out from other logic games thanks to its rare balance between chance, associated with dice rolls, and skill, requiring calculation and tactical thinking. Because of this, the game has taken a special place in the culture of different peoples — from Persian royal courts to modern cafés — and is rightly considered one of the most elegant and intellectual forms of leisure.

History of Backgammon

The earliest origins of the game

Archaeological evidence shows that the predecessors of Backgammon already existed in ancient times. In Iran (ancient Persia), gaming sets about five thousand years old — boards with hollows and dice — have been discovered, belonging to the Jiroft archaeological culture. One of the possible prototypes of the game is the Royal Game of Ur, which was popular in Mesopotamia around 2600 BC. Like Backgammon, it was a contest of chance and skill involving checkers and dice.

Written sources from antiquity mention the Roman game Latrunculi, a strategic game with pieces, as well as the later Byzantine game Tabula, which featured a board of 24 points and 15 pieces per player. The goal of Tabula was already to move one’s pieces across the board and bear them off before the opponent — a principle close to that of modern Backgammon.

The Persian legend about the creation of Backgammon

A game most similar to modern Backgammon appeared in Persia during the Sasanian Empire (3rd–6th centuries AD). The Persian name of the game — Nard (نرد) — is a shortened form of Nardshir, meaning «the game of brave Ardashir.» According to legend, the game was invented by the vizier Buzurgmehr (بزرگمهر) at the court of King Khosrow I Anushirvan (خسرو انوشیروان). The story says that Buzurgmehr created the new game in response to Indian chess to demonstrate Persia’s intellectual superiority.

In the epic poem «Shahnameh» (شاهنامه) by the Persian poet Ferdowsi (فردوسی), this legend is vividly told, linking the invention of the game to the wise vizier’s name. Although there is no historical proof of a specific author, the legend itself points to the Persian origin of Backgammon and its importance at the courts of Persian kings.

The spread of the game in the East and the emergence of long and short Backgammon

From Persia, Backgammon spread widely throughout the Middle East, Central Asia, and beyond. As early as the 7th–8th centuries, it was mentioned in Arabic sources under the name «taht-e-nard.» Through Arab influence reaching Sicily, the game spread to North Africa and the Iberian Peninsula: it is believed that it first reached Europe in the 10th century under the name Tables (— «boards»).

The game was also known in China: historical chronicles mention shuang-lu (雙陸), a game similar to Backgammon, said to have been invented in western India and brought to China during the Wei dynasty (220–265 AD). By the 5th–6th centuries, shuang-lu had become widespread and was a popular form of entertainment. In Japan, a similar game called sugoroku (双六) became so popular that Empress Jitō (持統天皇) issued a ban on it in 689 due to excessive public enthusiasm for gambling. These facts show that by the Middle Ages, Backgammon already had many local versions and names.

Backgammon in medieval Europe

In Europe, games similar to Backgammon were known as Tables. The first written mention of the game appears in an Anglo-Saxon manuscript from 1025 (Codex Exoniensis), which says: «Two sit down to play Tables...». In the 11th century, similar games appeared in France under the name Trictrac and quickly became popular among the aristocracy and gamblers.

King Louis IX the Saint (Louis IX) of France issued a decree in 1254 forbidding his courtiers from playing games of chance, including Tables. Despite the bans, the game continued to spread: in Germany, the first mentions date to the 12th century, and in Iceland to the 13th. In Spain, King Alfonso X the Wise (Alfonso X de Castilla) devoted a section of his famous treatise «Libro de los Juegos» (The Book of Games, 1283) to the game of Tables (Todas Tablas), describing its rules in detail.

By the 16th century, dice-based board games had become part of everyday life throughout Europe. However, there were no unified rules: each country and region had its own versions. In France, people played Trictrac, in Italy Tavole Reale, in Spain Tablas Reales, and in Germany Puff. In England, the general name Tables was used for a long time, and only at the beginning of the 17th century did the word «Backgammon» appear. The origin of the term is not certain: one theory derives it from Middle English back («back») and gamen («game»), reflecting the idea of returning pieces «home»; another suggests it comes from Welsh bach («small») and cammaun («battle»). In any case, the term became established to denote the variant with «short» rules, allowing pieces to be hit.

The emergence of long and short Backgammon

In medieval Rus and neighboring lands, the game was known under the Persian name Nard. Through the Caucasus and Central Asia, Backgammon reached Georgia (where from the 17th century it was known as nardii), and later spread to the Kalmyks and other peoples along the Volga and in Siberia. In Russia and other former Soviet countries, Backgammon became widespread in the 20th century, becoming a traditional board game especially popular in urban courtyards and resorts. Over time, two main rule variants developed: long Backgammon and short Backgammon.

Long Backgammon is the older variant, closest to the ancient Persian Nard. In long Backgammon, all pieces start from one position («the head») and move in the same direction for both players; hit pieces are not removed — a point occupied by one piece becomes closed to the opponent. This version is popular in the East and post-Soviet countries and is often regarded as the classical form of Backgammon.

Short Backgammon, on the other hand, is the Western version, with the initial setup distributed across the board, players moving in opposite directions, and pieces that can be «hit» and placed on the bar (the divider in the middle of the board). Short Backgammon spread widely across Europe beginning in the 16th century and by the 17th–18th centuries had become known in America as well. Both variants share the same core principles but differ tactically and evolved in parallel throughout history.

The development of the game in modern times

In the 17th century, the English game Tables underwent changes and effectively transformed into short Backgammon. The term «Backgammon» was first recorded in 1635. English players distinguished the new version from the older one, known as Irish (Irish Backgammon), which was considered more serious, but over time short Backgammon replaced its predecessors. In 1743, the first detailed treatise describing the rules and strategies was published in London — Edmond Hoyle’s «A Short Treatise on the Game of Back-Gammon» (1753, «A Short Treatise on the Game of Backgammon»), which defined the basic rules of short Backgammon at that time. Interestingly, in the 18th century, the game became popular even among clergy, despite the church’s condemnation of gambling.

By the 19th century, the rules of short Backgammon had almost completely taken their modern form. By the middle of the century, the bar (the middle divider) for hit pieces had become standard, and victory in a game could count for one, two, or three points: a single win — when the player bears off all their pieces first; a gammon — a double win if the winner bears off all their pieces while the loser has borne off none; and a backgammon — a triple win if the winner bears off all their pieces while the opponent has borne off none and still has at least one piece on the bar or in the winner’s home board. This scoring system became the basis for the modern rules of short Backgammon.

Recent developments — the doubling cube and the revival of interest

The most significant innovation of the 20th century was the introduction of the doubling cube. In the 1920s, a special Doubling Cube was invented in New York gaming clubs, featuring sides marked 2, 4, 8, 16, 32, and 64, allowing players to raise the stakes during the game. This cube made the game more complex by adding an element of risk assessment: now a player had to not only move the checkers skillfully but also choose the right moment to propose doubling the stake, based on their chances of winning.

With the advent of the doubling cube, Backgammon evolved into an intellectual and exciting game of a new level, which boosted its popularity among the elite. In the 1960s, the game experienced a real boom in the United States and Europe. A key role in this revival was played by Prince Alexis Obolensky — a descendant of Russian aristocrats who settled in America and became known as the «father of modern Backgammon.» In 1963, he founded the International Backgammon Association, developed unified official rules, and organized the first major tournaments. By 1964, an international tournament featuring numerous celebrities was held in New York, and in 1967, the first Backgammon World Championship took place in Las Vegas.

The game quickly became fashionable: Backgammon was played in private clubs, universities, and social gatherings. Tournaments sponsored by major companies were organized, famous champions and authors of strategy books emerged, and all this helped solidify Backgammon’s reputation as an intellectual and prestigious pastime.

By the end of the 20th century, Backgammon remained popular in many countries. In several Eastern Mediterranean nations, Backgammon is still considered a national game: in Greece, Turkey, Lebanon, Cyprus, and Israel it is deeply rooted in popular culture. In the United Kingdom and the United States, national Backgammon federations were established, regularly hosting championships and leagues.

Since the early 1990s, Backgammon has entered the digital age: software for playing against the computer and analyzing games was developed, and with the rise of the Internet, players gained the ability to compete online with opponents from around the world. Thus, a game that originated in ancient times has managed to adapt to new eras and technologies without losing its intellectual appeal.

Interesting facts about Backgammon

• Royal games and diplomatic boards. Backgammon has long been regarded as a game of the nobility and was often part of diplomatic gifts. In the 1740s, Ottoman Sultan Mahmud I (محمود) presented French King Louis XV (Louis XV) with a luxurious Backgammon set made of wood inlaid with mother-of-pearl — a symbol of sophistication and intellect. Such boards, adorned with gold, ivory, or tortoiseshell, were kept in royal collections as symbols of high status. Eighteenth-century sets are now valued at tens of thousands of dollars at auctions, especially those that once belonged to famous historical figures.
• Prohibitions and players’ ingenuity. Throughout its long history, Backgammon has often faced bans due to its association with gambling. In 1254, French King Louis IX banned the game at court, and in 1526, English Cardinal Thomas Wolsey (Thomas Wolsey) called Backgammon «the devil’s invention» and ordered all boards to be burned. However, inventive craftsmen found a solution: in the 16th century, folding Backgammon boards in the shape of books began to be made in England. From the outside, they looked like a volume on a bookshelf, but inside were the playing field, checkers, and dice. This allowed nobles to secretly play the forbidden game — opening the «book» for a match and quickly closing it again when danger approached. Today, such Backgammon sets are prized as rare antique curiosities.
• Backgammon in art and popular culture. Thanks to its popularity, Backgammon has repeatedly appeared in paintings and literature. For example, the Dutch painter Jan Steen (1626–1679) depicted peasants playing Backgammon in his painting «The Game of Tric-Trac,» capturing the tension of the scene. Another work by Steen, housed in the Hermitage, shows one of the players overturning the board — apparently after a quarrel over a loss. Later, Backgammon also appeared in cinema: in the James Bond film «Octopussy» (1983), the hero plays a Backgammon match with dice, emphasizing the atmosphere of risk and psychological duel. In Eastern literature and poetry, the game often symbolizes the twists of fate and the wisdom of accepting chance.
• Records and achievements. Today, international Backgammon tournaments are held, bringing together the best players from around the world. Since the 1970s, the Backgammon World Championship has been held annually — first in Las Vegas and later in Monte Carlo — attracting professionals from every continent. Some records are linked to the length of games: in 2018, Rustam Bilalov (Rustam Bilalov) from Azerbaijan set a Guinness World Record for the longest Backgammon marathon, lasting 25 hours and 41 minutes. Another curious statistic concerns the theoretical minimum number of dice rolls required to finish a game — just 16 moves, as calculated by mathematicians.

Over the centuries, Backgammon has become an integral part of the cultural heritage of many nations. Born in ancient Persia, the game has survived bans and revivals, conquered both East and West, and retained its appeal to this day. The history of Backgammon is the story of human leisure, where competition and reflection intertwine — from the contests of court scholars to medieval taverns and the refined salons of the 20th century. Today, Backgammon continues to unite people of different generations and cultures, offering a rare blend of chance and calculation. Understanding the path this game has taken reveals its special value — as a cultural phenomenon and as an exercise for the mind.

Having explored the rich history of Backgammon, one inevitably feels the desire to test one’s skills on the board. In the next part, we will examine the rules of this legendary game — from short Backgammon (the modern version) to the long Eastern Backgammon — and share practical advice. Immerse yourself in the atmosphere of wisdom and excitement that Backgammon provides, and discover a world of logical battles and ancient traditions.

Backgammon — is a board game for two players played on a special board using 30 checkers — 15 white and 15 black — and two dice. The board has 24 points (narrow triangles) divided by a central bar into two halves. Each player moves their checkers according to the dice rolls, aiming to move them around the board and bear them off before the opponent. A game of Backgammon usually lasts between 5 and 30 minutes — depending on the dice rolls and the players’ skill levels; only two participants and a standard game set are required.

From a mechanical point of view, Backgammon is a competitive race with an element of chance. Each player rolls two dice and moves their checkers around the board, deciding which checker to move and how many points. Every roll creates a new situation, and success depends both on luck and skill — on the ability to make optimal use of the rolled combinations. The game is fascinating because it requires a constant balance between risk and safety: one can play cautiously, avoiding exposed checkers that are easy to hit, or play boldly, relying on luck and setting traps for the opponent.

Backgammon is valued for developing logical and combinatorial thinking, the ability to calculate moves ahead, and make decisions under uncertainty. The game also has an aesthetic side: beautifully crafted wooden or inlaid boards, the clicking of dice, the ritual of rolling — all of this creates a unique pleasure in the playing process. It is no wonder that Backgammon has remained a favorite game for friendly interaction and intellectual leisure for centuries.

Rules of Backgammon: how to play

Before starting, let’s look at the main elements of the game. The Backgammon board consists of 24 points (triangles) — 12 on each side. The points are grouped into four quadrants of six: two «home» zones (one for each player) and two outer zones. A bar runs through the center of the board — the divider where «hit» checkers are placed in short Backgammon. Each player has 15 checkers of their color, and movement is determined by two dice showing numbers from 1 to 6. Below are the rules for the two main variants — short Backgammon (modern backgammon) and long Backgammon.

Short Backgammon

• Starting setup. In short Backgammon, each player’s checkers are arranged according to a fixed pattern: 2 checkers on point 24 (the farthest from the opponent’s «home»), 5 checkers on point 13, 3 checkers on point 8, and 5 checkers on point 6. Thus, the checkers are distributed between the home and outer halves of the board. The players sit facing each other, with their home zones in front (points 1–6 for white and mirrored for black). The directions of movement are opposite: white moves counterclockwise, black clockwise. The goal is to move all your checkers around the board and bear them off before your opponent.
• Order of play. At the start of the game, each player rolls one die. The player who rolls the higher number begins the game and uses both values for the first move. If both roll the same number, they roll again until different results appear. Thereafter, each player rolls two dice on their turn and moves their checkers according to the numbers rolled.
• Movement of checkers. The numbers rolled on the two dice indicate how many points one or two checkers can move. Each number counts as a separate move. For example, if a 5 and 3 are rolled, one checker may move 5 points and another 3, or one checker may move a total of 8 points, provided the intermediate point is open. Checkers move only forward — toward their own «home», that is, to lower-numbered points. A checker cannot be placed on a point occupied by two or more of the opponent’s checkers. If a point contains only one opposing checker (a blot), it can be hit — the opponent’s checker is removed from the board and placed on the bar, from where it must re-enter later.
• Double. If both dice show the same number (for example, 6–6 or 3–3), the player may play each number twice, making four moves instead of two. For example, a roll of 6–6 allows moving one or several checkers 6 points four times. Such a result is considered lucky, as it allows rapid advancement and can turn the game in one’s favor.
• Mandatory moves. A player must use both dice values (or all four in the case of a double), if possible according to the rules. If only one move is possible, the higher number must be used. If no moves are possible (for instance, if all paths are blocked by the opponent’s checkers), the turn is forfeited. This situation can occur when all your checkers are on the bar and the entry points are blocked by two or more of the opponent’s checkers.
• Hitting and the bar. In short Backgammon, it is possible to hit an opponent’s checker: if your checker lands on a point occupied by a single opposing checker, that checker is hit and placed on the bar — the divider in the middle of the board. A hit checker is temporarily out of play. Before making other moves, the player must return all checkers from the bar to the board. Re-entry is made according to the dice roll: for example, if 4 and 6 are rolled, the checker may enter at point 4 or 6 in the opponent’s home, provided those points are not occupied by two or more checkers. If all possible points are blocked, the turn is skipped. After all hit checkers are returned, the remaining dice values are played as usual.

Long Backgammon

• Starting setup and direction of play. In Long Backgammon (the Eastern variant), all 15 checkers of each player start from a single point — the «head». The head of the white checkers is on the farthest right point of the black player’s home board, and the head of the black checkers is symmetrically placed on the farthest right point of the white player’s home board. In other words, both heads are located in opposite corners along the same diagonal of the board. Players move their checkers in the same direction — counterclockwise (from the white player’s perspective). Unlike Short Backgammon, the paths of the white and black checkers do not meet head-on: they seem to chase each other around the board. White moves from its head through the black home zone, then the black outer zone, then through the white outer zone, and finishes in its own home; black moves the same way — from its head in the white zone to its own home.
• Order of play. The first move in Long Backgammon is determined in the same way as in Short Backgammon: each player rolls one die, and whoever rolls the higher number starts the game, using the sum of both dice for their first move. If both players roll the same number, the dice are rolled again until there is a difference. After the starting player is determined, turns alternate: each turn begins with a roll of two dice. The rolled numbers indicate how many points the checkers may move. A player must use both numbers if possible according to the rules; when a double (identical numbers) is rolled, each number is played twice, resulting in four moves. A turn continues until all possible moves based on the dice roll are made.
• Movement and dice rules. Checker movement follows the same basic principles: a checker leaves the head and moves the number of points shown on the die, provided the destination point is not occupied by an opponent’s checker. In Long Backgammon, placing a checker on a point already occupied by an opponent’s checker is prohibited — there is no hitting in this version, and the point is controlled by the first checker that occupies it. Therefore, there is no bar or hit checkers in this variant. The other dice rules are the same as in Short Backgammon: each number on the two dice gives a separate move (or they may be combined if all intermediate points are open); when a double is rolled, the player makes four moves of that number. Moves must always be made when possible according to the rules. There is an important restriction: only one checker can be moved out from the head per turn. The only exception is the first move of the game: if a double 6–6, 4–4, or 3–3 is rolled, classical rules allow two checkers to be moved out simultaneously («two-checker start»). In all other cases, only one checker may leave the head per turn. This rule makes the opening more strategic: you cannot scatter all checkers immediately, and progress requires planning.
• Blocks and restrictions. In Long Backgammon, even though checkers cannot be hit, blocking the opponent’s movement remains a key strategic element. Two or more checkers on the same point make it closed to the opponent. Players build «primes» — sequences of consecutive occupied points — to slow down the opponent’s progress. For example, closing 4–5 points in a row can delay the opponent’s checkers. However, the rules of Long Backgammon forbid a «full blockade»: a chain of six consecutive closed points that traps all of the opponent’s checkers behind it is not allowed. At least one of the opponent’s checkers must be able to move past the block. If a six-point prime completely blocks all of the opponent’s checkers, the move is illegal. In practice, this means that a six-point block is allowed only if at least one of the opponent’s checkers has already passed it. Otherwise, blocking remains a key tactic: without hitting, victory is achieved through careful maneuvering and the creation of obstacles.
• Bearing off. When all 15 of your checkers have completed the circuit and are in your home zone (the last six points), you begin bearing them off, as in Short Backgammon. The bearing-off rules are the same: the number rolled allows you to remove a checker from the corresponding point; if there is no checker on that point, you may move within the home or remove a checker from a higher occupied point. Since Long Backgammon has no hitting, the bearing-off process is simpler: the goal for each player is to remove all of their checkers as quickly as possible.
• Scoring and victory. In Long Backgammon, games are usually played for one point per match. The player who bears off all checkers first wins. If the winner bears off all checkers while the opponent still has any left, it counts as a single victory — one point. If the opponent has no checkers left, it counts as a double victory. In official matches, play continues to a predetermined number of points. The doubling cube is rarely used in Long Backgammon and appears only in training or gambling games.

Beginners are often advised to start with Short Backgammon, as the ability to hit adds more dynamism and excitement to the game. Long Backgammon is valued for its strategic purity: success depends almost entirely on tactics, and the element of luck appears only in dice rolls, so the risk of losing due to chance is minimal. Mastering both variants will help you understand all the nuances of this fascinating game.

Tips for beginner Backgammon players

Backgammon — a game where skill comes with experience. To speed up your progress, it’s important to understand the main tactical techniques and avoid common mistakes. Below, we’ve divided the tips into three groups: general tactical approaches, beginner mistakes, and ideas for more advanced strategy. These recommendations are useful for both Short and Long Backgammon (with respective rule adjustments).

Tactical approaches

• Build your «home» and anchors. Try to occupy points in your home zone as early as possible — especially the 5th point, known as the «golden point». Occupied points in the home make it harder for the opponent’s hit checkers to return in Short Backgammon and make it easier for you to bear off your own checkers. It’s also useful to create an anchor — a point in the opponent’s zone where two of your checkers stand. An anchor (especially on the opponent’s 20th or 21st point) serves as a stronghold: it slows the opponent’s progress and provides a safe haven for your checkers. In Long Backgammon, it’s important to move your checkers forward early and occupy several points ahead to avoid being trapped on the head.
• Don’t leave checkers alone unnecessarily. Lone checkers (blots) are vulnerable: in Short Backgammon, they can be hit; in Long Backgammon, they can get trapped behind a block. Try to move your checkers in pairs to cover each other. Before making a move, assess: will a checker be left alone on an open point? If so — decide whether the risk is worth it or if it’s better to play safely. However, being overly cautious can also be harmful: sometimes it’s worth risking a blot to occupy a key point or slow down the opponent. Balance safety with boldness.
• Focus on building blocks (primes). Several of your checkers in consecutive points create a serious obstacle for the opponent. The ideal prime is six closed points in a row, but even four or five consecutive ones provide a significant advantage. Try to build blocks in your outer zone to slow down the opponent’s advance or in your home zone to facilitate bearing off. In Long Backgammon, you cannot completely block all the opponent’s checkers: at least one must be able to move past. In Short Backgammon, it’s technically possible to block all 15 checkers, but in practice it’s difficult. In any case, the principle is the same: it’s better to secure a point than to try to hit an extra checker, especially if the opponent has checkers on the bar.
• Watch the distribution of checkers on the board. Avoid stacking too many checkers on a single point — the so-called «towers». For example, having five checkers on one triangle is usually excessive: these resources are more efficiently used to control other positions. On the other hand, don’t leave too many lone checkers (blots), as that exposes them to risk. Play flexibly: distribute your checkers so that any dice roll provides a useful move and contributes to your position.
• Consider the phase of the game. Early in the game, it’s important to move checkers off the head and occupy key points; in the middle, strengthen your positions and decide whether to race or slow the opponent; at the end, act carefully or take risks depending on the situation — bear off cautiously if you’re ahead, and make your opponent’s moves harder if you’re behind.

Beginner mistakes

• Playing without a plan. Beginners often play «by circumstance» without a clear strategy. For example, seeing an opportunity to hit an opponent’s checker, they do it immediately without considering the position of their own pieces. Or they rush all their checkers forward, leaving their rear unprotected. Evaluate the position after each roll: which brings more benefit — attacking or strengthening your position? Sometimes it’s better to reinforce your home or move lagging checkers forward than to risk everything for a single hit.
• Overly passive play («home play»). The opposite extreme — playing too safely. Beginners are often afraid to leave any blots and end up wasting turns on meaningless moves. For example, they constantly shuffle checkers within their home instead of advancing them. This leads to falling behind in the race and losing initiative. Don’t be afraid to take small risks, especially at the beginning of the game when even a hit checker can re-enter. In Backgammon, tempo matters — it’s better to move forward with some risk than sit back and let your opponent seize all key points.
• Ignoring the score and doubling (for short Backgammon). In point matches, beginners often forget about doubling strategy. Failure to use the doubling cube or to accept doubles is a mistake that leads to lost opportunities. Remember: if you are clearly ahead, offer a double boldly — otherwise, you risk winning only 1 point where you could have earned 2. Conversely, if you are far behind with no chance to recover — pass when doubled to save points for the next game.
• Incorrect probability calculation. In Backgammon, much depends on the chances of rolling certain numbers. A common mistake — not evaluating the risk of leaving a blot. For example, a beginner might leave an open checker six points away thinking «they probably won’t hit». But the chance is actually quite high — about 17%. Or, on the contrary, they fear a rare double that the opponent needs to win, even though that chance is also about 17%. Gradually learn basic Backgammon probabilities — which rolls are most likely and what the odds are of performing a specific action. This helps decision-making: sometimes it’s fine to leave one blot if the chance of being hit is only 8%, while the potential gain from the move is high.
• Poor timing when switching to the race. In short Backgammon, there are two main styles — contact play (trying to hit and hold) and racing (when both players aim to bring their checkers home while avoiding risks). A common mistake — switching to racing too early when the opponent still has a strong position. For example, a beginner may try to run with all checkers while the opponent has built blocks ahead — they will likely get caught and hit. Or, conversely, staying in contact too long when it’s time to run (if you’re ahead in distance). Here, pip counting is useful — the total number of points each checker must travel to bear off. Learn to estimate who has fewer pips remaining. If you’re well ahead — avoid contact and race home. If you’re far behind — make things difficult for your opponent, as without a lucky hit you won’t win anyway.

Advanced strategies

• Risk management and move planning. Experienced players calculate the consequences of their actions, assess possible rolls of the opponent, and visualize how the position will change afterward. They consider where they’ve left single checkers, which points are open, and what moves the opponent can use against them. They think like chess players: not only about their next move but also about the potential counter-moves of their rival.
• The «safe or bold» principle. Every position offers both an aggressive and a cautious move. The aggressive one might leave a blot, attempt to hit an opponent’s checker, or intensify the position; the cautious one strengthens your home, closes points, and minimizes risk. The skill lies in knowing when to apply each approach: if you’re behind, play boldly to change the game’s course; if you’re ahead — play safely, giving no chances to your opponent. Board configuration always matters: sometimes even a leading player should take a calculated risk to accelerate the win, while a trailing one should wait for the opponent’s mistake.
• Match score management. In match play (for example, to 5 or 7 points), tactics vary depending on the current score — this is known as match strategy. For example, if you need only 1 point to win and your opponent needs 3, you should be more cautious with doubling, as a loss isn’t critical; in such cases, the Crawford rule applies, which limits doubling in a particular game. Knowing the fundamentals of match strategy is very useful in tournaments, though a full study of it goes beyond basic recommendations.
• Technical endings and checker bearing off. During bearing off, experienced players consider many nuances. For example, the «25% rule»: even if you’re behind but have roughly a quarter chance to win if the opponent makes mistakes, it’s worth continuing. It’s also important to keep checkers on outer home points as long as possible if the opponent can still block you, increasing the chance for an accidental backgammon. In long Backgammon, the key — don’t linger too long on the head, or your opponent will form a block and drastically reduce your chances of winning.

The main advice — play and analyze. After each game, it’s useful to review your moves: where you made mistakes and what could have been done better. Practice and close observation of your opponent’s play will gradually improve your skill. Backgammon — a game you can learn in minutes but master over a lifetime, enjoying every bit of progress.

Backgammon — an amazing game that combines luck and strategy, simplicity and depth. Once you learn the rules and grasp the first tactical techniques, you’ll discover an entire world of intellectual entertainment tested by time. Even if luck is fickle at first — every match teaches something new: patience, calculation, the ability to accept losses, and joy in victory. This game is wonderful because there’s always room to grow: from a casual home player to a tournament master.

When you try your hand at the board, you’ll feel how captivating Backgammon is: you’ll want a rematch, to apply a new technique, or to test a strategy you’ve observed. And most importantly — the game brings people together. A Backgammon session over a cup of tea can unite people of different generations and cultures, as the language of dice and checkers needs no words. The intellectual rivalry, friendly jokes, and excitement of lucky rolls — all this creates the unique charm of Backgammon.

We hope these rules and tips help you play Backgammon with confidence and develop your skills. Even a little experience will help you better understand strategy, calculate moves, and enjoy the process. Try to apply what you’ve learned, observe your opponent, and gradually develop your own style — this way the game will become both engaging and enlightening. Ready to test yourself? Play Backgammon online now — free and without registration!