THE PLAYBOOK · ZHOUSIMIAN
The essentials of playing Backgammon
Backgammon gives you a focused activity to play in your browser. Bear off all fifteen pieces before the opponent. Check the relevant rule before repeating a move. Choose a comfortable screen position before beginning. Keep the game area visible while you use its controls.
Local two players; no doubling cube, stakes or remote matching.
Practice with a purpose
After a move, check what changed. Decide which rule explains the new state before acting again. Notice the feedback after each input.
What counts as success
Bear off all fifteen pieces before the opponent. Keep that objective in view throughout the round. Review the board or playing area as it changes.
Start here and follow along
- 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.
Input guidance
Click or tap a piece and destination; use the turn indicator and legal-move feedback. Keep the playing area visible while using these controls. A new-round button replaces the current round.
An example before you play
When only one die can be used and either is individually playable, use the larger die. Your next round may have a different position, so inspect it before acting. Notice the change in the playing area.
One detail worth checking
An oversized bear-off requires no piece farther from the exit. Take a moment to reassess the position before continuing. Take enough time to read a new position. If a game has a timer, learn its controls first rather than searching for them during the round.
Clarifying the way this game works
For a quick reminder, what is the goal of Backgammon?
Here is the relevant explanation: Bear off all fifteen pieces before the opponent.
On this playing page, 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.
As a new player, what example helps explain Backgammon?
The key detail is this: When only one die can be used and either is individually playable, use the larger die.
Before I begin, what should I watch out for in Backgammon?
An oversized bear-off requires no piece farther from the exit.
As a new player, what format does Backgammon offer?
Local two players; no doubling cube, stakes or remote matching.
When I return, which play mode does Backgammon use?
For clarity: The mode on this page is Local players. Same-device play uses one screen; this game library does not provide internet matchmaking.