THE PLAYBOOK · SJBOB
How to play Backgammon
Bring your attention to one round of Backgammon. Bear off all fifteen pieces before the opponent. Use the example below to understand a decision. Identify the playing area and the controls you need. Look at what changes after your first action.
Local two players; no doubling cube, stakes or remote matching.
Keep the aim in sight
Keep the stated aim separate from side details such as animation or appearance. Progress is measured by the game’s own completion or scoring rules. Make the next step deliberately.
Your goal
Bear off all fifteen pieces before the opponent. The feedback beside the game helps you follow the round. Notice how the game responds to your input.
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. Keep the playing area visible while using these controls. Make sure you are interacting with the game rather than the surrounding page.
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. Check the rule before repeating the action. Before your first action, say what you are trying to achieve. Then compare the result with the goal.
Common questions
For this browser game, what is the goal of Backgammon?
For clarity: Bear off all fifteen pieces before the opponent.
How do I control Backgammon?
The key detail is this: Click or tap a piece and destination; use the turn indicator and legal-move feedback.
For my first round, what example helps explain Backgammon?
Here is the relevant explanation: 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?
Keep this in mind: An oversized bear-off requires no piece farther from the exit.
For this browser game, 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?
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.
