A Quick Guide to Backgammon Rules

Backgammon rules are easy-to-follow once youThe number of the dice is the number of points,
have read a good set of them and have played aalso referred to as pips, that a player can move
beginner game against an opponent. Backgammonhis checkers. The checkers are always positioned
rules can be found throughout the Internet, asforward, sticking to a lower-numbered digit.
well as in a variety of game books that can beBackgammon Rules
found at the library or bookstore. To start offRules for this game include:
with an understanding of the game, backgammon1) A player may move their checker only to a
rules usually begin with the object of the game.point that is open, meaning two or more opposing
The object of backgammon is to move all ofcheckers cannot occupy the space.
your pieces into you home board area and then2) The numbers that are shown on the two dice
bear them off. You may be thinking, "what themake up two separate moves. If a player rolls a
heck does 'bear off' mean?" Bearing off your6 and a 2, then they can move one checker six
pieces simply means that you are moving yourspaces to an open point and another checker two
piece or checker off of the board. Backgammonspaces to a point that is open. The player may
rules also state that there is a stage within thealso choose to move one checker a total of eight
game where a player has all of their checkers inspaces to an open point. Backgammon rules state
the inner area of the board and can begin thethat this move can only be done when three or
process of eliminating all of their pieces off of thefive spaces are open from the starting point.
board. This refers to the bearing off phase of the3) When rolling a double, a player is supposed to
game. The rules of backgammon state that theplay double the number that is shown on the dice.
first person to bear off all of their pieces, winsFor example, if two 3's were rolled, then the
the game.player could move three spaces for a total of 4
So how do you play? Below you will find a list ofdifferent times. Backgammon rules state that this
some of the backgammon rules that are usuallymove can be accomplished in any way they see
adhered to when one wishes to engage in thisfit using the numbers that were tossed.
entertaining game.4) When tossing the dice, a player must play both
Moving the Piecesof the numbers that are shown on that roll. All
At the start of a game, backgammon rules statepossible legal moves must be used. In the event
that each player throws a single dice. Whoeverthat only one number can be played, it must be
rolls the highest number will move first.taken. If either number can be used, but not both
Backgammon rules say if both players toss theof them, the larger number must be used. A
same number on the dice, they are instructed toplayer loses their turn when neither number can
roll again until different numbers are shown. Thebe played. Backgammon rules state that in the
player with the highest number will move thatcase of doubles, as many numbers as possible
amount of spaces on the board. After the firstthat can be played should be played at the time
roll has passed, the opponents will throw two diceof that turn.
for the rest of the game and alternate turns.