How to play Backgammon

The objective

Your goal is simple: move all fifteen checkers around the board and bear them off before your opponent. This guide uses the most common beginner-friendly rules. Families and groups may agree on variations before starting.

What you need

A backgammon board, 30 checkers, two pairs of dice, and a doubling cube.

How to set up

1. Each player places fifteen checkers in the standard starting formation.
2. Roll one die each; the higher roll moves first using both numbers.

How to play: step by step

1. Roll two dice and move checkers toward your home board.
2. Land only on open points or points occupied by one opposing checker.
3. Hit a lone opposing checker and send it to the bar.
4. Bring all checkers home, then bear them off; first to remove all fifteen wins.

Beginner strategies

• Build points with two or more checkers to block your opponent.
• Bring checkers off the bar before making another move.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Moving in the wrong direction.
• Leaving too many single checkers exposed.

Frequently asked questions