Mastering Backgammon: Equipment, Rules, and Classic Gameplay

Equipment

The game of Backgammon is played on a specially designed board consisting of four tables of six thin triangles or points on each table. The points start from the edges of the board nearest the players and are directed inwards so that they form two rows of 12 points opposite each other. A bar bisects the board, dividing the "inner tables" (or "home tables") from the "outer tables". Traditionally, the inner tables should be positioned facing the greatest light source. The set includes fifteen white disks, fifteen black disks, two dice, two dice shakers, and a doubling cube inscribed with numbers 2, 4, 8, 16, 32, and 64.

Preparation and Objective

Each player attempts to move all their pieces into their home table and subsequently "bear" them off the board. The first player to accomplish this wins. Because backgammon is traditionally played for stakes, the ultimate objective is to accumulate more points or stakes than your opponent.

Starting the Game

Pieces move in a fixed direction—from the opponent's inner table through the opponent's outer table, back through the player's outer table, and finishing in the player's inner table. White moves clockwise, while Black moves anti-clockwise. To begin, each player rolls one dice simultaneously. If a double is rolled, the stake doubles and both players roll again until one rolls a higher number. That player takes the first turn and chooses their color and side of the board.

Basic Play & Strategy

Each turn allows moves corresponding to the roll of the two dice. Key tactics include:

• Safe Points: A point with two or more pieces of the same color is protected from opponent landing.
• Blots: A point with only a single piece is vulnerable; landing on it captures the piece, sending it to the central bar.
• Re-entering: Any pieces on the bar must re-enter play before other pieces can move.
• The Prime: Blocking six consecutive points creates an impassable barrier known as a prime.

Bearing Off and Winning

Once all 15 checkers reach your home table, you can begin "bearing off" by removing them based on dice rolls. The first player to remove all checkers from the board wins the game. For enhanced tactical variety, variants like Dutch Backgammon require all pieces to start off the board and enter through the opponent's inner table before advancing.

Explore our handcrafted collection of artisanal goods and discover exquisite Persian backgammon boards and accessories online at Craftihouse.