How to Play Backgammon Online: A Complete Guide for Beginners
Backgammon is one of the oldest and most popular board games in the world. It is a game of skill, strategy, and luck that can be enjoyed by people of all ages and backgrounds. But did you know that you can also play backgammon online? Playing backgammon online has many advantages, such as convenience, variety, challenge, and fun. In this article, we will show you how to play backgammon online, from setting up the board and the checkers, to moving them and scoring points, to using the doubling cube and increasing the stakes, to applying basic strategies and tactics. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced player, you will find this guide useful and informative. So, let's get started!
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Introduction
What is backgammon and why should you play it online?
Backgammon is a two-player board game that involves moving 15 checkers each around 24 triangular points on a board, according to the roll of two dice. The objective of the game is to move all your checkers into your home board (the quadrant closest to you) and then bear them off (remove them from the board) before your opponent does. Along the way, you can hit (send to the bar) your opponent's checkers if they are exposed (only one on a point), or block their movement by making points (two or more checkers on a point). You can also use a special device called the doubling cube to increase or decrease the value of the game, depending on your confidence level.
Playing backgammon online has many benefits over playing it in person. For one thing, you don't need a physical board, checkers, dice, or doubling cube. You can simply use your computer, tablet, or smartphone to access an online platform that provides everything you need. You can also play anytime and anywhere, as long as you have an internet connection. You can choose from different modes of play, such as against a computer opponent (with adjustable difficulty levels), against another human player (with chat options), or in a tournament (with prizes). You can also learn from watching other players' games, reading tutorials and articles, or joining forums and communities. Playing backgammon online is a great way to have fun, improve your skills, and meet new people.
What do you need to play backgammon online?
To play backgammon online, you need three things: a device, an internet connection, and an online platform. Let's look at each of these in more detail:
A device: You can use any device that has a web browser, such as a laptop, a desktop, a tablet, or a smartphone. You can also download an app that is compatible with your device's operating system, such as iOS, Android, or Windows. Some of the most popular apps for playing backgammon online are Backgammon Live, Backgammon NJ, and Backgammon Galaxy.
An internet connection: You need a stable and fast internet connection to play backgammon online without interruptions or delays. You can use either a wired or a wireless connection, depending on your preference and availability. You can also use your mobile data plan, but be aware of the possible charges and limitations.
An online platform: You need to choose an online platform that suits your needs and preferences. There are many online platforms that offer backgammon games, such as websites, apps, or social media networks. Some of the most popular ones are Backgammon Ace, Backgammon Masters, and Backgammon Gold. You can compare the features, reviews, ratings, and prices of different platforms before making your choice. You can also try them out for free or with a trial period before committing to a subscription or a purchase.
Once you have these three things, you are ready to play backgammon online. All you need to do is sign up for an account (if required), choose a mode of play, and start a game. You can also customize your settings, such as the board design, the sound effects, the timer, and the statistics. You can also invite your friends to play with you, or join a club or a league to compete with other players.
How to Set Up the Board and the Checkers
The backgammon board and its components
The backgammon board is divided into four quadrants, each with six triangular points. The points are numbered from 1 to 24, starting from the point closest to you on your right and going counterclockwise. The quadrants are called:
The home board: This is where you want to bring all your checkers and bear them off. It is the quadrant on your right.
The outer board: This is where you start moving your checkers from. It is the quadrant on your left.
The opponent's home board: This is where your opponent wants to bring all their checkers and bear them off. It is the quadrant on their right (and opposite to your home board).
The opponent's outer board: This is where your opponent starts moving their checkers from. It is the quadrant on their left (and opposite to your outer board).
The board also has a bar in the middle that separates the two sides of the board. This is where the checkers that are hit by the opponent go until they are entered again.
The backgammon checkers and their colors
Each player has 15 checkers of one color, either black or white. The color of the checkers does not affect the gameplay, but it helps to distinguish them from the opponent's checkers. The checkers are also sometimes called stones, men, or pieces.
How to arrange the checkers on the board
The initial position of the checkers on the board is as follows:
Two checkers on point 24 (the point furthest from you on your right).
Five checkers on point 13 (the point in the middle of your outer board).
Three checkers on point 8 (the point closest to you on your outer board).
Five checkers on point 6 (the point furthest from you on your home board).
Your opponent's checkers are arranged in a mirror image of yours, so that they have:
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Two checkers on point 1 (the point furthest from them on their right).
Five checkers on point 12 (the point in the middle of their outer board).
Three checkers on point 17 (the point closest to them on their outer board).
Five checkers on point 19 (the point furthest from them on their home board).
How to Move the Checkers and Score Points
How to roll the dice and use them to move the checkers
To start the game, each player rolls one die. The player with the higher roll moves first, using the numbers on both dice. If both players roll the same number, they roll again until they get different numbers. The dice are then placed on the bar, with the higher number on the right and the lower number on the left.
To move your checkers, you must use the numbers on both dice, either separately or together. For example, if you roll a 6 and a 4, you can either move one checker 6 points and another checker 4 points, or move one checker 10 points. You can move your checkers in any direction, as long as you move them counterclockwise from your outer board to your home board.
You can only move your checkers to open points, meaning points that are not occupied by two or more of your opponent's checkers. You can also move your checkers to points that are occupied by only one of your opponent's checkers, in which case you hit that checker and send it to the bar. You cannot move your checkers to points that are occupied by two or more of your own checkers, unless you are bearing them off.
If you roll a double (the same number on both dice), you get to move twice as many checkers as usual. For example, if you roll a 5 and a 5, you can move four checkers 5 points each, or two checkers 10 points each, or any combination that adds up to 20 points. You must use all four moves if possible.
If you cannot use both numbers on the dice, you must use the higher number if possible. If you cannot use either number, you lose your turn and pass the dice to your opponent. You must use both numbers if possible, even if it is not to your advantage.
How to hit and enter your opponent's checkers
If you land on a point that is occupied by only one of your opponent's checkers, you hit that checker and send it to the bar. This means that your opponent must enter that checker before they can move any other checkers.
To enter a checker from the bar, your opponent must roll a number that corresponds to an open point in your home board. For example, if they roll a 6 and a 4, they can enter their checker on point 19 or point 21, if they are open. If they roll a double, they can enter two checkers from the bar.
If your opponent cannot enter any checkers from the bar, they lose their turn and pass the dice to you. They must keep trying until they can enter all their checkers from the bar.
If you have more than one checker on the bar, you must enter them one at a time, using the numbers on both dice if possible. You cannot move any other checkers until you have entered all your checkers from the bar.
How to bear off your checkers and win the game
Once you have moved all your checkers into your home board, you can start bearing them off. This means removing them from the board and placing them on a pile next to it.
To bear off a checker, you must roll a number that corresponds to the point where it is located. For example, if you have a checker on point 6 and you roll a 6, you can bear it off. If you have more than one checker on a point, you can bear them off in any order.
If you roll a number that is higher than any point where you have a checker, you can bear off a checker from the highest point where you have a checker. For example, if you have no checkers on point 6 but you have one checker on point 5 and you roll a 6, you can bear off that checker.
If you roll a double, you can bear off twice as many checkers as usual. For example, if you roll a 4 and a 4, you can bear off four checkers from point 4.
You must use both numbers on the dice to bear off if possible. If you cannot use both numbers, you must use the higher number if possible. If you cannot use either number, you must move your checkers within your home board if possible.
The first player to bear off all their checkers wins the game. The game is over as soon as one player bears off their last checker. How to Use the Doubling Cube and Increase the Stakes
What is the doubling cube and how does it work?
The doubling cube is a special device that is used to increase or decrease the value of the game. It is a six-sided die that has the numbers 2, 4, 8, 16, 32, and 64 on its faces. The doubling cube is placed on the bar, with the number 64 facing up, at the beginning of the game. This means that the initial value of the game is 1 point.
During the game, either player can propose to double the value of the game by turning the cube to the next higher number and offering it to their opponent. For example, if the cube shows 4, the player can turn it to 8 and offer it to their opponent. This means that they are willing to play for 8 points instead of 4 points.
The opponent can either accept or decline the double. If they accept, they take the cube and place it on their side of the board, with the new number facing up. This means that they agree to play for the new value of the game, and that they have the right to propose the next double. If they decline, they concede the game and lose the current value of the game. For example, if they decline an 8-point double, they lose 4 points.
When and how to offer a double or accept a double
The decision to offer or accept a double depends on many factors, such as your position on the board, your chances of winning, your confidence level, your risk tolerance, and your opponent's skill level. There is no definitive rule for when and how to use the doubling cube, but here are some general guidelines:
You should offer a double when you have a clear advantage over your opponent and you think you have more than a 75% chance of winning. This way, you can increase your winnings and put pressure on your opponent.
You should accept a double when you think you have more than a 25% chance of winning. This way, you can avoid losing more points and keep your hopes alive.
You should decline a double when you think you have less than a 25% chance of winning. This way, you can minimize your losses and start a new game.
You should be careful not to offer or accept a double too early or too late in the game. If you offer a double too early, you may give your opponent an opportunity to catch up and win. If you offer a double too late, you may miss out on a chance to increase your winnings. Similarly, if you accept a double too early, you may risk losing more points than necessary. If you accept a double too late, you may waste your time and energy on a hopeless game.
Of course, these are only suggestions and not rules. You should always use your own judgment and intuition when using the doubling cube.
How to calculate the value of the game and the points awarded
The value of the game is determined by multiplying the initial value of the game (1 point) by the number on the doubling cube (2, 4, 8, etc.). For example, if the cube shows 16, the value of the game is 16 points.
The points awarded at the end of the game depend on whether the game is a single game, a gammon, or a backgammon. A single game is when one player bears off all their checkers before their opponent bears off any checkers. A gammon is when one player bears off all their checkers before their opponent bears off any checkers and their opponent still has checkers in their home board or on the bar. A backgammon is when one player bears off all their checkers before their opponent bears off any checkers and their opponent still has checkers in their home board or on the opponent's home board or on the bar. The points awarded are as follows:
A single game: The winner gets the value of the game. For example, if the cube shows 16, the winner gets 16 points.
A gammon: The winner gets twice the value of the game. For example, if the cube shows 16, the winner gets 32 points.
A backgammon: The winner gets three times the value of the game. For example, if the cube shows 16, the winner gets 48 points.
The points awarded are also affected by whether the game is a match or a money game. A match is when the players agree to play until one of them reaches a certain number of points, such as 5, 7, or 9. A money game is when the players agree to play for a certain amount of money per point, such as $1, $5, or $10. In a match, the points awarded are added to the player's score, and the first player to reach the agreed number of points wins the match. In a money game, the points awarded are multiplied by the amount of money per point, and the winner gets that amount of money from the loser.
How to Apply Basic Strategies and Tactics
The running game: how to race your checkers to your home board
The running game is a simple and straightforward strategy that involves moving your checkers as fast as possible to your home board and bearing them off. This strategy works best when you have a clear lead over your opponent and you want to avoid any contact or complications. To play a running game, you should:
Use high rolls to move your checkers from your outer board to your home board.
Avoid leaving any blots (single checkers) that can be hit by your opponent.
Accept any reasonable doubles offered by your opponent, as they are unlikely to catch up with you.
Offer a double yourself when you are close to bearing off all your checkers, as your opponent may decline and concede the game.
The running game is a safe and simple strategy, but it can also be boring and predictable. It can also backfire if your opponent rolls well and hits your checkers, or if you roll poorly and get stuck in your home board. Therefore, you should be flexible and ready to switch to another strategy if necessary.
The blitz: how to attack your opponent's checkers and trap them on the bar
The blitz is an aggressive and exciting strategy that involves hitting your opponent's checkers and trapping them on the bar. This strategy works best when you have an early advantage over your opponent and you want to prevent them from developing their position. To play a blitz, you should:
Use low rolls to hit your opponent's checkers in their outer board or in your home board.
Make points in your home board to block your opponent's entry from the bar.
Decline any doubles offered by your opponent, as they are likely to be desperate and hopeful.
Offer a double yourself when you have hit most of your opponent's checkers and closed most of your home board, as your opponent may decline and concede the game.
The blitz is a risky and thrilling strategy, but it can also be exhausting and stressful. It can also backfire if your opponent enters their checkers from the bar and hits yours back, or if you leave too many blots and expose yourself to counterattacks. Therefore, you should be careful and ready to switch to another strategy if necessary.
The priming game: how to build a wall of points and block your opponent's movement
The priming game is a strategic and sophisticated strategy that involves building a wall of points and blocking your opponent's movement. This strategy works best when you have a balanced position and you want to create a positional advantage over your opponent. To play a priming game, you should:
Use medium rolls to make points in your outer board or in the middle of the board.
Try to create a prime (a sequence of six consecutive points) that prevents your opponent from escaping their back checkers.
Accept any doubles offered by your opponent, as they are likely to be trapped and frustrated.
Offer a double yourself when you have completed your prime and your opponent has no chance to escape, as your opponent may decline and concede the game.
The priming game is a smart and elegant strategy, but it can also be challenging and complex. It can also backfire if your opponent breaks your prime and escapes their checkers, or if you leave gaps in your prime and allow your opponent to move. Therefore, you should be skillful and ready to switch to another strategy if necessary.
The holding game: how to maintain an anchor point in your opponent's home board
The holding game is a defensive and cautious strategy that involves maintaining an anchor point (a point with two or more checkers) in your opponent's home board. This strategy works best when you are behind in the race and you want to wait for an opportunity to hit your opponent or escape your back checkers. To play a holding game, you should:
Use any rolls to keep your anchor point as long as possible, preferably on point 20 or 21.
Try to avoid being hit by your opponent or leaving any blots in their home board.
Decline any doubles offered by your opponent, as they are likely to be ahead and confident.
Offer a double yourself when you have hit your opponent's checkers or escaped your back checkers, as your opponent may decline and concede the game.
The holding game is a safe and steady strategy, but it can also be passive and boring. It can also backfire if your opponent builds their home board and bears off their checkers, or if you lose your anchor point and get stuck in their home board. Therefore, you should be patient and ready to switch to another strategy if necessary.
The back game: how to use a defensive position and wait for a chance to counterattack
The back game is an advanced and risky strategy that involves using a defensive position (two or more anchor points in your opponent's home board) and waiting for a chance to counterattack. This strategy works best when you are far behind in the race and you have no other option but to hope for a miracle. To play a back game, you should:
Use any rolls to keep your anchor points as long as possible, preferably on point 22 or 23.
Try to hit your opponent's checkers when they leave blots in their home board or on the bar.
Accept any doubles offered by your opponent, as they are likely to be overconfident and careless.
Offer a double yourself when you have hit many of your opponent's checkers and created chaos on the board, as your opponent may decline and concede the game.
The back game is a desperate and exciting strategy, but it can also be stressful and hopeless. It can also backfire if your opponent avoids leaving blots or hits yours back, or if you lose your anchor points and get gammoned or backgammoned. Therefore, you should be brave and ready to switch to another strategy if necessary.
Conclusion
Summary of the main points and benefits of playing backgammon online
In this article, we have shown you how to play backgammon online, from setting up the board and the checkers, to moving them and scoring points, to using the doubling cube and increasing the stakes, to applying basic strategies and tactics. We have also explained the benefits of playing backgammon online, such as convenience, variety, challenge, and fun. Playing backgammon online is a great way to have fun, improve your skills, and meet new people.
Recommendations for further learning and improvement
If you want to learn more about backgammon online and improve your game, we recommend that you:
Read more articles and books about backgammon online, such as .
Watch more videos and tutorials about backgammon online, such as .
Practice more games and puzzles about backgammon online, such as .
Join more clubs and communities about backgammon online, such as .
By following these recommendations, you will be able to learn more about backgammon online and improve your game.
FAQs
Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about backgammon online:
What are the rules of backgammon online?
The rules of backgammon online are the same as the rules of backgammon in person, except for some minor differences in the settings and the interface. You can find the rules of backgammon online in the help section of the online platform that you are using, or in the articles and books that we have recommended.
How do I find an opponent to play backgammon online?
You can find an opponent to play backgammon online in different ways, depending on the mode of play that you choose. You can play against a computer opponent, which is usually adjustable in difficulty level. You can play against another human player, which can be either a random player or a friend that you invite. You can also play in a tournament, which can be either a single-elimination or a round-robin format.
How do I chat with my opponent while playing backgammon online?
You can chat with your opponent while playing backgammon online by using the chat option that is available on most online platforms. You can type your messages in a chat box, or use emojis or stickers to express yourself. You can also use voice or video chat, if the online platform supports it. However, you should always be polite and respectful when chatting with your opponent, and avoid any rude or abusive language.
How do I deal with cheating or unfair play while playing backgammon online?
You can deal with cheating or unfair play while playing backgammon online by reporting it to the online platform that you are using, or by leaving a negative feedback or rating for your opponent. Most online platforms have anti-cheating measures and policies that prevent or punish any cheating or unfair play, such as using bots, manipulating the dice, or quitting the game prematurely. You can also avoid playing with cheaters or unfair players by checking their profiles, reviews, ratings, and statistics before starting a game.
How do I improve my skills and strategies while playing backgammon online?
You can improve your skills and strategies while playing backgammon online by following the recommendations that we have given in this article, such as reading more articles and books, watching more videos and tutorials, practicing more games and puzzles, and joining more clubs and communities. You can also learn from your own mistakes and successes, by analyzing your games and moves, and by seeking feedback and advice from other players.
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