THE PLAYBOOK · HONGYIWEN
How to play Backgammon
Take a moment with Backgammon before moving to another game. Bear off all fifteen pieces before the opponent. Check the relevant rule before repeating a move. Begin with the local players mode shown on the page. Check the relevant rule before repeating a move.
Local two players; no doubling cube, stakes or remote matching.
Make the controls familiar
Locate the buttons and input area before beginning a long round. Use the on-screen labels to avoid an accidental restart. Use the example to check your reasoning.
Your goal
Bear off all fifteen pieces before the opponent. The feedback beside the game helps you follow the round. The example below illustrates a decision.
Step by step
- 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.
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. Read the example below alongside these instructions.
A useful 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 game’s format in mind.
Watch out for this
An oversized bear-off requires no piece farther from the exit. Compare the situation with the worked example. When a decision goes wrong, compare it with the common mistake described below. Start again only when you intend to leave the current round.
Common questions
Before I begin, what is the goal of Backgammon?
Keep this in mind: Bear off all fifteen pieces before the opponent.
For this browser game, 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.
Before I begin, what example helps explain Backgammon?
When only one die can be used and either is individually playable, use the larger die.
For a quick reminder, what should I watch out for in Backgammon?
An oversized bear-off requires no piece farther from the exit.
When I return, what format does Backgammon offer?
The key detail is this: Local two players; no doubling cube, stakes or remote matching.
While learning, which play mode does Backgammon use?
Here is the relevant explanation: The mode on this page is Local players. Same-device play uses one screen; this game library does not provide internet matchmaking.