THE PLAYBOOK · 373GS
How to play Backgammon
Take a moment with Backgammon before moving to another game. Bear off all fifteen pieces before the opponent. Keep the game area visible while you use its controls. Treat the first round as a chance to learn the controls. Use the example below to understand a decision.
Local two players; no doubling cube, stakes or remote matching.
Make the controls familiar
Locate the buttons and input area before beginning a long round. Use the on-screen labels to avoid an accidental restart. Refer to the controls when needed.
Your goal
Bear off all fifteen pieces before the opponent. Keep that objective in view throughout the round. Follow this game’s rules rather than another version’s.
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. Use the visible help when you are unsure of the next input.
A useful example
When only one die can be used and either is individually playable, use the larger die. Focus on why the action is allowed, not only its outcome. Look for the relevant detail.
Watch out for this
An oversized bear-off requires no piece farther from the exit. Take a moment to reassess the position before continuing. Take enough time to read a new position. If a game has a timer, learn its controls first rather than searching for them during the round.
Common questions
As a new player, what is the goal of Backgammon?
The key detail is this: Bear off all fifteen pieces before the opponent.
For a quick reminder, how do I control Backgammon?
The key detail is this: Click or tap a piece and destination; use the turn indicator and legal-move feedback.
As a new player, what example helps explain Backgammon?
For clarity: When only one die can be used and either is individually playable, use the larger die.
As a new player, what should I watch out for in Backgammon?
For clarity: An oversized bear-off requires no piece farther from the exit.
Before I begin, what format does Backgammon offer?
Here is the relevant explanation: Local two players; no doubling cube, stakes or remote matching.
When I return, which play mode does Backgammon use?
For clarity: The mode on this page is Local players. Same-device play uses one screen; this game library does not provide internet matchmaking.
