Game guide · 2COPE
Making your first moves in Backgammon
Try Backgammon at your own pace and keep its objective in view. Bear off all fifteen pieces before the opponent. Check the relevant rule before repeating a move. 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.
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. Make the next step deliberately.
What you are aiming for
Bear off all fifteen pieces before the opponent. The feedback beside the game helps you follow the round. Take a moment to understand the current position.
From the start of a round
- 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 interact with the game
Click or tap a piece and destination; use the turn indicator and legal-move feedback. On a smaller screen, keep the active part of the board within view. Contact us with the game and device if a control does not respond.
Try this example
When only one die can be used and either is individually playable, use the larger die. Compare this with the rule that governs the move. Keep the controls nearby.
A mistake to avoid
An oversized bear-off requires no piece farther from the exit. A different version of the game may use a different rule. Locate the buttons and input area before beginning a long round. Use the on-screen labels to avoid an accidental restart.
More answers before you play
On this playing page, what is the goal of Backgammon?
The key detail is this: Bear off all fifteen pieces before the opponent.
When I return, 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.
As a new player, 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.
While learning, what should I watch out for in Backgammon?
Here is the relevant explanation: 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 this browser game, 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.
As a new player, where should I start with Backgammon?
Roll and use the maximum legal number of dice; doubles give four moves.
As a new player, do I need an account or a payment for Backgammon?
For clarity: 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?
Use the Games list or save this game page in your browser bookmarks. The Guide is linked from the playing page.
While reading the Guide, how do I report an issue with Backgammon?
The key detail is this: 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.