An Overview of Backgammon Play

Backgammon is an enjoyable, fast-paced game that’s easy to learn yet challenging. In this article, we’ll present some basic information on how to play backgammon. These directions for playing backgammon cover only the rudiments of the game. Here’s how to get started playing backgammon.

Backgammon is a game that depends on both strategy and luck. To win a game of backgammon, a player moves his pieces around the board and removes them from play (called bearing off) before his opponent. Players roll dice to determine their moves on the board. Here are some pointers for playing backgammon.

To start to play backgammon, each player arranges his 15 playing pieces, called stones, on the board in a specific position. Play proceeds counter-clockwise around the board. According to the rules for playing backgammon, each player must move his stones onto his home board, which is the last quadrant of the playing surface. Once the stones are on the home board, a player can begin to remove them from play.

When a player rolls the dice, the roll determines how many points, called pips, he can move his stones. Since both players are moving counter-clockwise, from one player’s perspective, his opponent is moving clockwise. Put another way, according to the instructions for playing backgammon, the stones of each player are always moving in opposite directions.

An important aspect of backgammon is the doubling cube. If you’re playing backgammon for money, the doubling cube can significantly increase the amount you win. To use the doubling cube, pick it up and offer it to your opponent with the desired number showing face up. For example, if you hand the cube to your opponent with the 2 facing up, you are offering to double the stakes of the game. Backgammon instructions specify that your opponent can either accept the double or resign from the game. After the first double, the player who accepted the last double maintains control of the cube.

For more complete backgammon directions and in-depth tips for playing backgammon, visit one of the many Internet websites dedicated to this ancient and venerable game.