THE PLAYBOOK · RHEFM
How to play Backgammon
Choose a round of Backgammon and settle into its rules. Bear off all fifteen pieces before the opponent. Choose a clear next step rather than rushing through the instructions. Treat the first round as a chance to learn the controls. Choose a clear next step rather than rushing through the instructions.
Local two players; no doubling cube, stakes or remote matching.
Focus on one rule
Choose one rule to keep in mind for this round. Apply it consistently rather than guessing what another version might allow. Notice the feedback after each input.
Your goal
Bear off all fifteen pieces before the opponent. Read that aim before choosing your first action. Return to the instructions when a step is unclear.
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. 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. Use the example as a guide rather than a substitute for reading your board. Keep the game’s format in mind.
Watch out for this
An oversized bear-off requires no piece farther from the exit. Read the feedback to see why an action did not have the expected result. 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
On this playing page, what is the goal of Backgammon?
Here is the relevant explanation: Bear off all fifteen pieces before the opponent.
On this playing page, how do I control Backgammon?
Keep this in mind: Click or tap a piece and destination; use the turn indicator and legal-move feedback.
For a quick reminder, what example helps explain Backgammon?
When only one die can be used and either is individually playable, use the larger die.
When I return, what should I watch out for in Backgammon?
The key detail is this: An oversized bear-off requires no piece farther from the exit.
What format does Backgammon offer?
For clarity: Local two players; no doubling cube, stakes or remote matching.
On this playing page, which play mode does Backgammon use?
The key detail is this: The mode on this page is Local players. Same-device play uses one screen; this game library does not provide internet matchmaking.