THE PLAYBOOK · XIAOANBA
How to play Backgammon
Choose a round of Backgammon and settle into its rules. Bear off all fifteen pieces before the opponent. Look at what changes after your first action. Use the opening round to become familiar with the layout. Use the example below to understand a decision.
Local two players; no doubling cube, stakes or remote matching.
A careful first round
Before your first action, say what you are trying to achieve. Then compare the result with the goal. Make the next step deliberately.
Your goal
Bear off all fifteen pieces before the opponent. Use the instructions to see which actions move you towards it. Start with a deliberate move.
Step by step
- 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.
Controls
Click or tap a piece and destination; use the turn indicator and legal-move feedback. Use the control method described here for this activity. Use one clear input at a time.
A useful example
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. Verify the rule before continuing.
Watch out for this
An oversized bear-off requires no piece farther from the exit. A different version of the game may use a different rule. Watch the feedback after an action. A message can explain whether the input was accepted or whether a rule needs attention.
Common questions
For this browser game, what is the goal of Backgammon?
For clarity: Bear off all fifteen pieces before the opponent.
As a new player, how do I control Backgammon?
Keep this in mind: Click or tap a piece and destination; use the turn indicator and legal-move feedback.
As a new player, what example helps explain Backgammon?
When only one die can be used and either is individually playable, use the larger die.
As a new player, what should I watch out for in Backgammon?
Keep this in mind: An oversized bear-off requires no piece farther from the exit.
While learning, what format does Backgammon offer?
Here is the relevant explanation: Local two players; no doubling cube, stakes or remote matching.
For my first round, 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.
