Start the round
Look at the Backgammon game above. If you see a start, play, or new game button, press it first.
Classic Board Game
Backgammon
The ancient game of strategy and skill. Roll the dice, move your checkers, and bear off first to win!
Backgammon
You (White) vs CPU (Black)
Black Off: 0
White Off: 0
Click 'New Game' to start!
Your Statistics
0
Games Played
0
Games Won
0
Pieces Beared Off
How to Play Backgammon
Basic Movement
- ✓Roll two dice each turn
- ✓Move checkers by dice values
- ✓White moves toward point 1
- ✓Can't land on 2+ opponent pieces
Winning
- ★Get all pieces to your home board
- ★Then bear off (remove) all 15
- ★Hit opponent's blots to delay them
- ★First to bear off all wins!
About Backgammon
Backgammon is one of the oldest known board games, with origins dating back nearly 5,000 years to ancient Mesopotamia. The game combines elements of strategy and luck, making every match unique and exciting.
The objective is simple: move all 15 of your checkers around the board and off before your opponent does the same. But the strategy runs deep - knowing when to play safe versus aggressive, when to hit opponent's blots, and how to build effective blocking points.
Our online version features intelligent CPU opponents that will challenge players of all skill levels. Track your statistics, develop your strategies, and experience why this ancient game remains popular worldwide!
Benefits of Playing Backgammon
🎲
Probability Skills
Develop intuition for odds and probability through dice-based decision making.
🧠
Strategic Thinking
Plan multiple moves ahead while adapting to dice rolls and opponent actions.
⚖️
Risk Assessment
Learn to balance risk vs reward in every move you make.
Frequently Asked Questions
Backgammon is one of the oldest known board games. Players move their checkers around the board based on dice rolls, aiming to bear off all 15 pieces first. You must move checkers in your direction, hitting opponents when possible, and navigating strategically.
Roll two dice each turn. You can move checkers by the value of each die separately, or use both dice for one checker. Doubles let you move four times! You must use both dice if possible, using the higher number if only one is playable.
When your checker is 'hit' (landed on by opponent with a single piece), it goes to the bar. You must re-enter from the bar before making other moves. Enter by rolling a number corresponding to an open point in opponent's home board.
Once all 15 of your checkers are in your home board (points 1-6 for white, 19-24 for black), you can start bearing off. Roll dice and remove checkers from corresponding points. The first player to bear off all checkers wins!
A blot is a single checker on a point. Blots are vulnerable - if your opponent lands on them, your checker is hit and sent to the bar. Protect your blots by making 'points' (2+ checkers on same spot).
A point is made by having two or more checkers on the same spot. Points are safe - opponents cannot land on them. Building consecutive points creates a 'prime' that can trap opponent's checkers behind it.
The doubling cube is used in gambling backgammon to raise stakes. Our free version focuses on the core game without the doubling cube, perfect for learning and casual play.
Common strong opens: 3-1 makes your 5-point, 6-1 makes your bar point (7-point), 4-2 makes your 4-point. These secure key positions early. Avoid leaving blots in your opponent's home board.
Yes! Our Backgammon game works great on mobile devices with touch controls. Tap to select and move pieces, with the same strategic gameplay on any screen size.
Absolutely! Play unlimited Backgammon games for free. No downloads, no sign-ups, no hidden costs. Practice your strategy and enjoy this classic board game anytime!
Pro Tips for Backgammon
🎯
Control Key Points
The 5-point and bar-point (7) are crucial. Making these early gives you a strong foundation.
🛡️
Minimize Blots
Single checkers are vulnerable. Try to move in pairs or to safe points when possible.
🏃
Know When to Run
If you're behind in the race, play more aggressively. If ahead, play safe and avoid unnecessary risks.
📊
Count the Pip
Keep track of the total distance (pip count) you and your opponent need to travel to gauge who's ahead.