How to Play Backgammon
Backgammon is one of the oldest board games in history — over 5,000 years old. Two players race 15 checkers each across a 24-point board using dice, combining racing, blocking, and hitting in one of the richest classical games ever devised.
Complete rules
Setup
Each player has 15 checkers placed on specific points: 2 on the 24-point, 5 on the 13-point, 3 on the 8-point, 5 on the 6-point. Goal: move all checkers to your home board (points 1–6) and bear them off.
First move
Each player rolls one die — higher roll goes first, using both dice values. Thereafter each player rolls two dice per turn. Rolling doubles means each die is played twice (4 moves total).
Moving checkers
Checkers move in opposite directions toward each player's home board. You may move to an open point — one that is empty, has your checkers, or has exactly one opponent checker (a blot).
Hitting and the bar
Landing on a blot sends that checker to the bar. A player with checkers on the bar must re-enter them into the opponent's home board (points 1–6) before making any other move.
Bearing off
Once all 15 of your checkers are in your home board, you bear them off using the dice values. If no checker is on the exact point, you bear off from the highest occupied point.
Winning
First player to bear off all checkers wins. If the loser hasn't borne off any checkers: a gammon (double points). If the loser still has checkers on the bar or in your home board: a backgammon (triple points).
4 key strategies
Build your home board
Points with 2+ checkers are "made" — your opponent cannot land there. Closing points 5 and 4 creates a powerful blockade. The 5-point is considered the most valuable point on the board.
Hit loose blots
Sending opponent checkers to the bar costs them time. Each turn on the bar is a wasted move — especially valuable when your opponent is ahead in the race.
Build a prime
Six consecutive made points form a prime — an impenetrable wall. Trapping your opponent's checkers behind a prime while you race home is the most powerful positional strategy in backgammon.
Use the doubling cube wisely
Offer to double when you have a clear advantage. Accept a double when your winning chances exceed ~25%. Refusing a double loses only 1 point; accepting a losing position can cost far more.
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Download Board Game BattlesFrequently asked questions
How long does a backgammon game take?
A single game takes 5–20 minutes. Backgammon is typically played as a match (first to reach a target score), which may take 30–60 minutes. The doubling cube can end games quickly when one player has a decisive advantage.
What is the doubling cube in backgammon?
The doubling cube is an optional die showing values 2, 4, 8, 16, 32, 64. Either player may offer to double the stakes at the start of their turn. The opponent can accept (the cube turns to 2×, 4×, etc.) or decline and lose 1 point.
Is backgammon a game of luck or skill?
Both — but skill dominates over time. Dice add randomness, but experienced players consistently make better decisions with the same rolls. In long matches, the more skilled player almost always wins.
What is a gammon vs a backgammon?
A gammon occurs when you bear off all your checkers while your opponent hasn't borne off any (worth double points). A backgammon occurs when your opponent still has checkers on the bar or in your home board when you finish (triple points).