Backgammon Guide
Unlike many games, backgammon is one of the easiest games to understand without many complex rules. In addition, there are a huge number of books and websites out there that allow players to read about the rules associated to the game of backgammon. Learning the rules and then applying them to real games against opponents will eventually lead to success in this exciting game. So what do players need to know about backgammon in order to start playing? A provide a brief backgammon guide.
The Backgammon Board: Backgammon is played by two people around a board that is set up in a specific format. The board is divided into four quadrants, each containing six narrow triangles known as points. A vertical line divides the board and is known as the bar. Each player gets 15 checkers that are initially placed on specific points on the board.
The Objective of Backgammon: Players need to move their checkers in a certain direction around the board (counter to the other player) and eventually move all the checkers onto his or her home board and off the backgammon board. The first player to do so wins the game.
Starting to Play: Each player throws one die to see who goes first. The highest number wins. Thereafter, players throw two dice on their turn.
Moving Checkers: Players move checkers according to the sum that appears on the dice. They can use the individual numbers on each die or the total sum of the two numbers combined. Checkers need to be moved to points that are empty or contain checkers belonging to the player whose turn it is to move. Alternatively, checkers can be moved onto points that contain one checker belonging to the opponent. This is called ‘hitting’. When this happens, the opponent places his or her checker on the bar and can only resume play once the checker is played back onto the board.
Doubling Cube: When a backgammon game of stakes is being played, players may decide to double the stakes if they feel confident that they can win the game. The opponent either chooses to accept the offer or refuses and the game ends (with the opponent losing all stakes in the game). If the opponent accepts, he or she gains control over the doubling cube and can redouble as and when he or she sees fit to do so.
Winning the Game: Players ultimately need to bring all their checkers onto their own home board before they can start removing them from the backgammon board. This process is called bearing off. The first player who bears off all his or her checkers is declared the winner. If the opponent has not managed to remove any checkers from the board, this is known as a gammon and the opponents loses twice of whatever was at stake. If the opponent has checkers on the bar or in the winner’s home board, this is known as a ‘backgammon’ and the opponent loses three times what was at stake.
