Learning The Backgammon Rules In 10 Minutes

Writen by Sky Joe

Backgammon rules are short, simple and easy to remember. You will need no more than ten minutes to understand these rules. It is essential that you have a basic idea of the rules before you learn the mechanics and different strategies of the game. The backgammon rules are divided into: The Game, The Rolls, The Play and Scoring.

The Game

The game is played by two persons and 30 pieces, 15 of one color and 15v of another, are used. They are being set up on a standard board of four quarters, having six points each. For entering and bearing off, the points in both inner boards are considered as numbered from 1 to 6, beginning with the point nearest the edge of the board. The direction of play is from opponent's inner board to opponent's outer board, to player's outer board, and then to player's inner(home) board. In addition, the play of the pieces is governed by two dice, rolled from a cup in which the dice are shaken before rolled. The choice of seats, pieces, set-up and dice shall be made by the player winning the opening rolls.

The Rolls For the opening roll, each player rolls a single dice. Every tie requires another opening roll. Whoever rolls the higher number wins, and for his first move plays the numbers on both dice. After that, each player in turn rolls two dice. The dice must be rolled together and come to rest flat on the board at the player's right; otherwise they must be rolled again. If a roll is made before an opponent's play is completed, or if either player touches a die before it has come to rest, the opponent of the offender may require a re-roll. A player must leave his dice on the board until his play is completed. Should he pick them up or turn them over before the completion of his play, the opponent may declare the play void and require the offender to replace the piece and to roll again.

The Play

This consists of:

a)moving a piece the exact number of points indicated by the number on a die rolled. b)entering a piece, in the opponent's inner board, on a point corresponding to the number on a die rolled.

c)bearing off a piece in player's inner board when no piece is left outside that board or on the bar.

d)doubles require four plays-if possible-of the die number rolled.

In addition, no play may be made that lands on a point held by two or more of the opponent's pieces. A player having a piece on the bar may not play until that piece has been entered. Plays must be made for both dice when possible. Either number may be played first. If only one number can be played and there is a choice, the higher must be played. Besides, whenever a piece has been moved correctly and quitted(the player's hand removed), that play cannot be changed.

Scoring

A game is won by the player who first bears off all of his pieces. A gammon(double game) is won if the opponent has not borne off a single piece. This doubles the game value. A backgammon(triple game) is won if the opponent has not borne off a single piece, and has one or more pieces in the winner's inner board or on the bar. This triples the game value.

For more information on the playing backgammon online, learning backgammon rules or joining backgammon clubs, please visit the following website: Backgammon Guide

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