THE PLAYBOOK · SOLOHB
Backgammon: a guide for your next round
Read the aim of Backgammon, then make your first move. Bear off all fifteen pieces before the opponent. Keep the game area visible while you use its controls. Begin with the local players mode shown on the page. Look at what changes after your first action.
Local two players; no doubling cube, stakes or remote matching.
Something to practise
When a decision goes wrong, compare it with the common mistake described below. Start again only when you intend to leave the current round. Notice the feedback after each input.
Your objective
Bear off all fifteen pieces before the opponent. The feedback beside the game helps you follow the round. Try to explain the aim in your own words.
The steps to play
- 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.
How to interact with the game
Click or tap a piece and destination; use the turn indicator and legal-move feedback. Use the control method described here for this activity. Return to the rules if the result is unexpected.
Work through an example
When only one die can be used and either is individually playable, use the larger die. Use the example as a guide rather than a substitute for reading your board. Choose a deliberate next step.
A useful caution
An oversized bear-off requires no piece farther from the exit. A different version of the game may use a different rule. When a decision goes wrong, compare it with the common mistake described below. Start again only when you intend to leave the current round.
Questions that come up during play
For a quick reminder, what is the goal of Backgammon?
For clarity: Bear off all fifteen pieces before the opponent.
How do I control Backgammon?
Here is the relevant explanation: Click or tap a piece and destination; use the turn indicator and legal-move feedback.
When I return, what example helps explain Backgammon?
For clarity: When only one die can be used and either is individually playable, use the larger die.
On this playing page, what should I watch out for in Backgammon?
Keep this in mind: An oversized bear-off requires no piece farther from the exit.
For my first round, what format does Backgammon offer?
Here is the relevant explanation: Local two players; no doubling cube, stakes or remote matching.
Which play mode does Backgammon use?
The key detail is this: The mode on this page is Local players. Same-device play uses one screen; this game library does not provide internet matchmaking.
