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 Backgammon Guide Backgammon is one of the oldest and most popular games in the world and though it looks complex it is actually fairly easy to learn how to play. Backgammon is essentially a race game where the objective is to beat your opponent around the board. Backgammon is played with two players, who each have 15 pieces (sometimes called checkers or men) of different colour. They move the pieces around the board which has 24 triangular points which can each hold any number of pieces. The board is divided into four quadrants. The board is laid out as shown; The object of the game is for each player to get all their pieces into their home quadrant and then bear them off the board. The winner is the first player to remove all their pieces. To start the game each player rolls one die, the player with the higher value goes first using the two numbers thrown by theirs and their opponents. If there is a tie the players roll again until there is a winner. Players then move by throwing two dice an moving their pieces accordingly. For example if 3-6 is thrown one piece could be moved 9 spaces or two pieces could be moved, one 3 spaces and one 6. If a double is thrown the player is allowed to make four moves. Players can move their pieces onto any empty point in their direction of play. If a point has two or more of their opponent’s pieces they cannot move onto that point. If the point has one piece on it they can move onto that point and the opponent’s piece is removed. This piece must be returned to the board in the opponent’s home quadrant on a point equivalent to one of the die thrown providing the point is not owned by the opponent. Players have to complete a move if they are able to do so. The higher number must be taken if possible. Bearing off Once a player has bought all their pieces into their home quadrant they are able to begin bearing off. This is removing their pieces from points corresponding to the value of the dice thrown. For example if 4-2 is thrown they are able to remove pieces from the 4 and 2 points. A player is not compelled to remove a piece and can still move it within their home quadrant if desired. If a player rolls higher than the highest point they have a piece they can apply it to the highest point occupied. For example if 6-4 is thrown and the 6 point is already cleared but the 5 point still has pieces on it, the 6 may be used to remove a piece from the 5 point. Doubling The doubling cube was introduced in the 1920s and has changed the way backgammon is played, making the game quicker and more exciting. The doubling cube is numbered to record progressive doubles and redoubles, starting with 2 and going on to 4, 8, 16, 32 &; 64. At the start of play, the doubling cube rests on the bar, or at the side of the board. At any point in the game a player who thinks they are ahead may, on their turn and before throwing the dice, propose to double the stake by turning the die to 2. If their opponent declines the double they forfeit the game and loses 1 unit. If they accept the double the game continues and twice the original stake. Once a player has accepted the double they then ‘own’ the cube and have the option to redouble at any point during the game. |
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