Do You Know Your Backgammon Set Up?

If you are someone who has played the game backgammon then you know how easy it is to set up. Backgammon set up is fast so that you can start playing the game right away. If you have ever player checkers, then you can set up for backgammon. The principal is generally the same for both.

Backgammon board can usually be found on the backside of a checkerboard. The game pieces that come with them can be played for both games. This makes it convenient for the player who likes to play both checkers and backgammon. Two games for the price of one are nice.

Object of the game
The object of the game for backgammon is also similar to checkers. The main idea is to get all your game pieces to the home board and the eventually off the board all together. You do this by taking turns rolling the dice and moving your game pieces with whatever number comes up on the die.

The game comes with fifteen game pieces for each color. There are two colors to the game. The most common colors for backgammon are black and red. If you have a fancy game board for backgammon, then you may have game pieces that are silver and gold or something similar.

To start the game I in a fair way, the two players will roll one die. The player with the highest number will then move their game piece in accordance with that number. Each player will then take turn rolling the dice and moving their pieces or checkers.

Who wins?
Whenever a player gets all of his or her game pieces off the board, they are considered the winner. If you have more than one person who wants to play the game, you can always have backgammon tournaments. Have the winner's play the winner's and the loser's play the loser's. This is a fun twist that you can add to your family game night. It is more fun when you are in the winner's tournaments.

If you are someone who likes to play backgammon on the Internet, then there is no board set up at all. This is nice because all you have to do is enter the site and with a click of the mouse, you are ready to get started playing backgammon. Playing online is the same as playing with a board and game pieces at home. The only difference is, there is no mess to clean up when you are done.

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Backgammon Strategy How to Play and Win

While backgammon may look like an easy game to win, it actually takes a lot of skill and strategy. For beginners, it may resemble Checkers, as it also requires you to get your pieces off the board before the other players. However, there are many other elements needed in order to win a game of free backgammon. Luckily, with enough practice, it is entirely possible to become a great player in a small amount of time. Therefore, it is important to know how to play backgammon as well as how to strategize.

The first thing you should focus on is strategy. Playing backgammon is all about tricking your component, thus it is crucial to make sure you do this early on in the game. For instance, you could lose one of your pieces during one of your first moves. Although this may make you look weak, the opponent may get the impression that you aren't a very good player. Therefore, they will not strategize as well. Also, by losing one of your pieces early on, the competitor will actually end up having more pieces in their home board. When the game continues towards the end, the other player will have a more difficult time trying to get them back into the game.

Another great backgammon strategy that will help you win is the blocking technique. Most players agree that blocking the opponent's pieces in your own home board will be easier. This way they will have a more difficult time trying to get out of your area. Also, remembering that points 4 and 7 are also great to block other players. No matter what you choose to do, it is crucial that you hit as many pieces as you can. The only time where it would hurt you is if it will leave you open or block your move. Nevertheless, you should always visualize the move before you actually play it. This way you can see if there will be any problems when you decide to strategize.

Many players feel that strategizing does not happen overnight. It improves only after you have played backgammon hundreds of times, and almost know what each player is going to do next. In order to develop this kind of strategy, a lot of hard core backgammon players play online backgammon. Online backgammon is great for practice, as you can play with others around the world or against a computer. This is a wonderful tool to help you improve your skills, without having to beg your friends to play every minute of the day. Regardless of who you play with, it will always benefit your overall backgammon strategy. With so many backgammon resources, the opportunities are certainly endless to win.

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The History of Backgammon Now and Then

Backgammon is the oldest game in history. Also known as the wee battle, backgammon began in Mesopotamia (now known as Iraq) about 5000 years ago. However, Egyptians called backgammon Senat, which was a similar form of the current game played today. Centuries ago, only people in power, the prevailing figures of royalty like Egyptian pharaohs and kings, were permitted to play. The game started to expand worldwide over time. Different Backgammon variants were developed in various countries and cultures, but the basic rules of those variants resemble to that of the ancient form . For instance, Greece took hold of the sport and coined the name ac gamen. From there, the English adopted backgammon in the seventeenth century and have stuck with it ever since. Backgammon and other ancient games weren't never welcomed by many churches. The religious believe that the game was the work of the Devil led churches to ban and burn the game. The ban and burning had never stopped people playing games and having fun. The most influential gamer Edmund Hoyle, referred to backgammon as Tables, and wrote a book of rules for people who had difficulty understanding the concept. Backgammon history has impacted games, computer science and cultures.

Computers offer a new platform for developing interactive games. When various video games are sold everywhere from grocery stores, supermarket, bookstores to appliance stores, computer scientists in Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning have been using Backgammon for researching, developing and testing AI theories and machine learning algorithms for the simplicity of game rules and complexity of strategies.

With the wide acceptance of the Internet and the World Wide Wed, backgammon has evolved to an entirely new level. Many may not know that Internet Backgammon is actually installed on most of PCs that run MS Windows operating systems by default under Games program group. Online Backgammon connects tens of thousands of players around the world. Once you signed up on a online game site, you can play Backgammon against a computer, against a real person. Gaming sites have been hosting Backgammon tournaments regularly. You could play it for fun, or for money. There are thousands of clubs dedicated to online backgammon, as well as special software that you can download to play against others. For instance, motif backgammon has become one of the hottest free backgammon programs, allowing users to easily practice their skills and then compete with others. People love Backgammon for the fact that it is easy yet still requires a lot of attention and skill.

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The Rules of Backgammon

Get The Proper Backgammon Game Table

You do not have to play anywhere special to have a good time. There are special backgammon game tables that you can purchase or you can make your own backgammon table yourself. This is your choice.

There are certain tables that you can buy to play backgammon on. These tables come with their own board already set up on it. It is printed on the top of the table and has slots and spaces for the accessories that come with the game. These types of tables are for the true backgammon player.

There is no reason why you have to go out and purchase your own backgammon table. You may decide that you can make one on your own. If you are handy at making your own crafts, this is defiantly something that you can do on your own. All you have to do is get wood and make it into a table with a top and legs and then print the game board on the tabletop.

You can get as creative or keep it as simple as you want. Just make sure that you follow the basic outline of the board game to keep things as similar to the original as possible. You can even make your own game pieces. These could be made out of metal or wood or any other type of hard material that you have. Again, you can make them as simple or as creative as you want.

If you do not want to make or buy your own table for backgammon, then you can set the game up on your kitchen or dinning room table. You can even play the game on your living room floor. As long as you have a flat surface to play and keep the game pieces in place, you have what you need to play backgammon. Most people like to play on some sort of table.

If you are buying a backgammon table, you can look at department stores or game stores for one. You can even buy one online or you can find on in a catalog. They can be found at reasonable prices. There are many different sizes and shapes for these boards. It just comes down to your preference and where you play the game.

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History Of Backgammon

Many peoples have played backgammon for many years as it is a very old game. Not too many people, though, know the history of this game but I can assure you a lot of things can be very interesting if you find the time to look it up. And if you are a vivid player this information would probably interest you.

Backgammon is one of the oldest games know to us that is still played today. Historians say that in Europe, it was first played somewhere in Greece but it has it's origins from the Middle East countries of Kuwait and Iraq. Backgammon is almost 5000 years old.

In those times the territory that is now Kuwait and Iraq has been populated by the Sumerians who had a very strong culture. Some of their greatest creations are the wheel and the math system. They are also considered by historians the creators of the first written language.

The Sumerians designed the first version of the backgammon board and also came up with the pieces used for the game. Proof of this invention has been found recently by some historians.

The game was then played only by royal party or nobles but now it is for all social classes and especially for all cultures.

Both the Egyptians and the Romans played the game, but it wasn't called the same in that times. They played the game in the same general purpose only that the boards were different and some of the rules.

Several centuries ago, in some societies backgammon was banned. For example in Japan the game was considered illegal. This can never happen today as the human rights are very important and the game is totally harmless.

In the 1960's the popularity of backgammon had a boost. Very many people from all over the word became interested in this game and started playing it.

Today because of the huge progress of electronics and computers in general we don't have to have a backgammon board to play the game. If you have access to the Internet, then you can play backgammon with the click of a mouse. There also are electronic backgammon games that you can play when on the go, in your car at work or even at home when you don't have somebody to play with.

When you play online you can play with anybody you want to and the best thing is that you don't see your opponent. And of course you gain a lot of experience that you can use when playing with your friends or family or when you participate in competitions.
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Backgammon Boom and the Internet

Backgammon Tournaments Boom on the Internet

Backgammon is one of the great board games. It is a game of skill and the luck of rolling the dice. Backgammon is also an extremely interesting game of strategy and of amazing comebacks. A few lucky rolls of the dice and you can come from an almost impossible
position to win the match. Now that's exciting.

Backgammon is well suited for play on the Internet. Like poker, online tournaments are popular and can match two players from two very different countries from just about any country in the world. A German may be matched against an American. A man from Turkey
(where backgammon is THE game of choice ) may be matched against an Australian. Online backgammon provides a tremendous opportunity to make friends all over the world. And to make good money by beating them.

Unlike Poker, Backgammon is a game of constant action. In poker a decent player will fold about 85% of the time. While one can learn a lot about the betting patterns and behavorial tip offs of your fellow players and opponents by watching what's going on
after you fold most players would really rather still be in the hand. Those who always have to be a part of the action are not good players.

Backgammon is played head to head. That means there is always something to be thinking about as it is your turn as soon as your opponent has completed his move. Gammon is a game of constant action as you are always making a move or getting ready to make a
move, and your move is determined in part by the outcome of your opponents move. So there is always something to be doing.

Backgammon games tend to last a long time compared to a Poker hand. Poker hands last for a few minutes while a good Backgammon game is more like baseball --- it can go on for quite a long time. Just how long is never known at the start of the game.

One other thing that Backgammon has in common with baseball is that it is possible to make amazing comebacks, like the baseball team that is down by five runs in the bottom of the ninth and makes a fantastic comeback to win the game. That makes for exciting play.

Chances are if you are a serious Poker player you will love Backgammon. Not that you would ever give up Poker. But a change of pace is good for everyone now and then. Especially if you are making good money at it.

A break from Poker by playing another exciting but different game can refresh your mind a bit and give you a mental boost the next time you play Poker.

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Do You Really Know Backgammon Instructions?

Backgammon has been a popular game for many years. It is a game similar to checkers, however your strategy is the complete opposite. Backgammon instructions are easy to follow and anyone can play. When you purchase a backgammon game, there are usually always backgammon instructions that come along to walk you through. If the instructions are misplaced just search the Internet.

The main goal of the game backgammon is for each of the players to get all of his or her game pieces onto the home board and then to find a way to get all the pieces off the board. The first player to achieve this is the winner of the game.

To start the game, figure out who will go first. You can roll the die for this and whoever gets the bigger number goes first. This is just the easiest way to determine who goes first, without any conflict.

Each player will get a turn to move his or her pieces. The players will first roll the dice before every move. You will move with whatever consists with the roll of the dice. If you roll a 4 and 3, then you will move seven slots. You can break the moves up between two game pieces. In other words, move one four spaces and the other piece three. You just have to make sure you move one game piece in accordance with the number on one of the die rolled. And the other piece in accordance with the other number rolled. It is really easy to learn.

If the same number would appear on both dice rolled, then the roller would be allowed double what the number is. For example, if you roll a 2-2, then the roller is allowed four moves instead of two. There are instructions in the game to remind of the hard plays and so you can refer back to when you need to.

You get a point by getting two or more of your game pieces on it. Once this occurs, the opponent cannot come to rest on that point when taking the combination of his dice.

There are different terms and circumstances that must be followed during the course of the game. When you are stuck on what to do, you can go back and look in the instructions to the game to figure it out. If you are playing for the first time and your opponent is a pro, then they can help you along and give you pointers throughout the game. Using the instructions seems to be the proper way to truly learn the game.

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Discover Backgammon Online Play

Backgammon is a game that anyone can play and have a good time while doing it. There are many people who have found that backgammon online play is even more fun then playing at home. Backgammon online play can help anyone who needs to learn the game and also challenge the pro backgammon player.

Playing online has many advantages. The best one is that there is no set up of the game and then you do not have to clean up when you are done. You never have to worry about missing pieces or fighting over who goes first.

When you decide to play backgammon online, you will realize that you have made the best choice for the game. You can play anytime that you want and for as long as you want. You can guarantee that you will not be bored while playing online. There is so much action online that you will never want to stop playing. What great fun this is.

All the instructions that you need to know about how to play the game are listed on these sites as well. There are step-by-step instructions and tips to help you get started. There will be lists to tell you how to make points and when you can move and not move.

If you need some advice or tips on the game of backgammon, the best place to turn to is the Internet. Online backgammon sites have all the information regarding the game itself. If you are not sure of a rule or play, you can get the answer you are looking for with the click of a mouse.

Online backgammon is there 24/7. You can play anytime of day, no matter what day of the week it is. If you cannot find anyone to compete against, do not worry. There is always someone to go up against when you play backgammon online. Just imagine playing at 2 or 3 in the morning and winning.

The technology of the world today has made Internet backgammon sites more entertaining and exciting then ever. You will not get the same excitement with a board game at home.

As you get better at the game over time, you can then enter backgammon tournaments online. Some of these tournaments offer money or awards for your skill. These are a lot of fun and you will be playing against other great backgammon players. If you have ever had your doubts about backgammon, try it online and see what you are missing.

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Backgammon Instructions

Backgammon is one of those games that people are afraid to learn. They think that because it's such an old game, it must be hard to learn or frightfully dull to play. Nothing could be further from the truth

Backgammon has been a popular game for many years, because anyone can learn the rules and everyone has fun playing it. The game involves rolling the dice and moving your pieces from one side of the game board to the next. There is an element of strategy involved, but the basic rules make it a relaxing and enjoyable game for beginners and advanced players. When you purchase the game, you will likely receive a book of backgammon instructions to help you learn the rules and strategies of the game.

Your main objective in the game of backgammon is to move your game pieces to the opposite side of the playing board, then remove those pieces from the game. This needs to be done before your opponent clears his or her playing pieces. It's basically a race to the finish. The first player to clear all of his or her pieces is the winner.

Begin the game by deciding who will go first. This is usually determined by rolling the dice. The person with the highest roll plays first. You and your opponent will alternate turns, each rolling the dice and moving game pieces around the board. Before you make a move you must roll two dice. The numbers that you roll determine how many spaces you will move along the game board. For example, if you roll a 3-4, you will move three spaces and four spaces. This is where options come into play: you may either move one game piece seven spaces, or you can split your roll to move one piece three spaces, and the other piece four spaces. Roll the dice, and move the piece(s) accordingly. That's pretty much it. Backgammon instructions are very basic and quite easy to learn.

The game can get tricky, for instance if you roll doubles. If the same number appears on both dice, then the roller is allowed to double the numbers. For example, if you roll a 5-5, you may take four moves of five, instead of two. Don't worry; your game set will have a backgammon instruction booklet that you may refer to when you need help with the hard plays.

The spaces on the game board (those long triangles) are called points. You gain control over a point by having two or more of your game pieces on it. Once this occurs, your opponent cannot come to rest on that point, even if he or she is counting out on a combination roll. If on the other hand, you have only one game piece on any one point, you are at risk of being ousted by your opponent.

These are the very basic backgammon instructions. There are more terms to learn and circumstances to understand during the course of the game. You'll likely come into situations when you don't know what to do, so just refer to your backgammon instruction booklet.

If you are playing for the first time and you have an experienced opponent, you will easily learn the rules and pick up pointers as you go along. Before you know it, you will be a seasoned pro, ready to teach another newbie all about backgammon instructions.

About the Author:

Charles Jackson is a writer for several well-known web sites, on recreation and sports and games topics.

Backgammon Guide for Beginners

About Backgammon

Backgammon is a popular board game. You can play Backgammon with others on many popular game websites, such MSN game zone, play65.com etc.. In fact, Internet Backgammon is installed on most of PCs that run on MS Windows operating systems by default under Games program group. The popular game today is actually the oldest game in history. Also known as the wee battle, backgammon began in Mesopotamia (now known as Iraq) about 5000 years ago. Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning have used Backgammon for researching, developing and testing AI theories and machine learning algorithm for the simplicity of game rules and complexity of strategies.

Backgammon Rules

Backgammon rules are very simple if you learn by playing. The descriptions of the rules on pager will likely add some confusion initially. Backgammon is a two player game. Each player has a home board and outer board, along with fifteen pieces. The board is very similar to checkers or chess, except it consists of twenty four points. The object of the game is to move your pieces into your own home board and then ear the pieces off the board. Whoever bears their pieces first, wins the game! Your pieces can only move in one direction. This all depends on the color of your pieces. Your white ones will move clockwise, while your black pieces will move in the opposite direction. Before moving pieces, both players roll the dice and whoever scores a higher number will move first. When you start to roll the dice, remember that both dice make up a separate number. For instance, if you rolled a two and a four, you can either move six spaces or take two pieces and move them separately. If you are trying to move your piece to a point that is already occupied by the opponent's pieces, you have to look elsewhere. However, if your competitor only has one piece on the point, you can knock him off and put your own pieces on the spot. The best way to master Backgammon rules is to get on a game site to play with a computer on an online backgammon site, then with a real person player.

Basic Strategies to Win

Tricking and blocking are two common strategies to play Backgammon. Playing backgammon is all about tricking your component especially early on in the game. For example, you could sacrifice one of your pieces during one of your first moves to fool the opponent to think that you aren't a very good player. Also, by losing one of your pieces early on, the competitor will actually end up having more pieces in their home board. When the game continues towards the end, the other player will have a more difficult time trying to get them back into the game. Blocking is another great backgammon strategy to help you win. Most players knows that it's much easier to block the opponent's pieces in your own home board, so they will have a more difficult time to get out of your area. Points 4 and 7 are also great spots to block other players. Visualizing the move before actually playing it, you can see if there will be any problems when you decide to strategize.

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Backgammon Directions For Winning Strategies

The Exciting World Of Backgammon

 



The Exciting World Of BackgammonSubmitted By: Gene Marshall  

Internet backgammon has become this year's most popular online game and has even piqued the interest of thousands of poker fans. However, backgammon is anything but new and has been handed down through the centuries in various formats right up to the present day.

In fact, some historians believe that the backgammon board game was even played in ancient Egypt. The remains of boards bearing a striking resemblance to the backgammon board have been unearthed at several archaeological sites. Known as Senat, the game is thought to have been popular with the aristocracy in this ancient civilization.

Another earlier form of the backgammon game was known as Ludus Duodecim Scriptorum and held a popular place in Roman society. It gave way to an updated variation of backgammon in the 6th century which was when the use of dice became a popular addition to the game.

The Crusaders are most commonly credited with introducing the game of backgammon into the British Isles. It was first played in Britain in 1025, having been brought there by soldiers returning from the Crusades in Asia and the Middle East. Once backgammon arrived on England's shores, it was soon championed by the common man and gained popularity as a common tavern pastime. Early attempts to create backgammon gambling developed and were moderately successful but were quashed by the Elizabethans in the 16th century.

Modern backgammon as we know it today became a worldwide phenomenon in the 1970's. From that point on, the game was played steadily up until the late 1990's when the first online versions began to appear on the internet. Today, most reputable skill gaming sites offer some form of backgammon online, which has helped to breathe new life into one of the world's oldest board games. Along with standard versions, games offering variations on backgammon rules such as Acey-Deucey and Turkish backgammon or Tavla have become popular with backgammon fans.

Along with offering several advantages associated with online backgammon, internet gaming sites can be credited with raising the quality of the game around the world. A strong emphasis on learning backgammon strategy has developed and many websites have sprung up almost overnight, dedicated to offering tips, advice and encouragement for new players.

Amongst the advice on strategy commonly found on backgammon sites is the recommendation for players to obtain as much information as possible on their opponents' game plans. Once a new player gains an understanding of his opponent's strengths and weaknesses, along with the way in which he uses the board and the opening rolls of the die to his advantage, he is in a much better position to counteract his opponent's game plan.

Common tips that are easy to remember and simple to incorporate into a backgammon game can also be found online. An example of a useful backgammon tip is to ensure that checkers traverse the board in pairs. This makes them less vulnerable to the hits and obstructions an opponent can use to slow the pace of the game.

How to Improve Your Backgammon Board Game

If you are looking for a game to play with your family and friends, you should take a chance at backgammon. Backgammon board games are fun and anyone can learn to play them. If you are looking to plan a family fun night, think about adding backgammon to your list of games to play. It will be fun for the entire family.

Backgammon is a game that is played between two players, and even though you may have more than that joining your fun night, you can take turns and have playoffs between the best players.

If you want, you can have different boards set up for the others to play. You can have face offs between the best players. This can be a lot of fun, and even add a little more competition. This makes things more exciting and fun for the family. Competition is great for creating interest.

There are many board games out there that you can play. Some of the other board games are for certain age limits and genders. Backgammon is fun for all groups and all ages. Any child or adult can learn to play this game. The rules are not hard to learn, and it is a pretty simple game to understand.

These backgammon games can be bought at any department or toy store. They are not expensive at all. The game usually comes along with the game of checkers. It is usually found on the back of the checkerboard. You can use the same coins used for checkers on the backgammon games. This makes it very convenient for you to keep on hand when you want to play it. Two games in one is a super gift.

There is even a travel game that you can buy. This is nice for the kids in the back seat or for whenever you are on the go. It is also nice so that the kids can play in the backseat so that when you are traveling the kids will have something to do. Having a travel backgammon game will make long trips a breeze when you have kids. Just think, more interest in the game than rest stops.

If you are looking for a board game that will not make you bored, think about getting backgammon. You cannot go wrong with this game and you will find yourself getting attached to it before long. Your friends and family members will have fun playing the game with you too. You will have the chance to get good at the game and you can make memories with your loved ones as well.

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What Is A Backgammon Table? Do You Really Know?

If you like to play backgammon, then you may be looking for a backgammon table. There are many places to play the game backgammon, like the kitchen table, coffee table, and even the car. However, if you a serious player, then you will want to have all the accessories that you need to have fun with game and one of those is a backgammon table.

What is a backgammon table?

A backgammon table is a table that is used for only backgammon. They are smaller in size and do not take up much room at all. These game tables can fit in any game room or family room nicely. They are a great accent to any room that has a lot of backgammon action and also contributes to the backgammon atmosphere.

These come with the backgammon game board already engraved or printed on them. They also come with matching checkers or game pieces. There is just enough room for two players to sit at each end while they are playing backgammon.

What are they made of?
Tables for backgammon can be made out of a lot of things. They are more popular in wood. They are decorated with the backgammon game on the top in the colors of black and red. They are built for one thing in mind and that is backgammon.

You can even find special backgammon tables made from beautiful woods and engraved with great detail and craftsmanship. You can find these from special stores or vendors or you can even attempt to make your own.

Where to buy one
You can buy these tables at any department store or game store. They may also be located in a furniture store that has a wide selection of items. If you are having trouble finding one there, try the Internet. Type in the word backgammon and you will find endless possibilities for backgammon, especially tables. A great looking table may lead to more fun with backgammon.

If you are looking to give someone who loves backgammon a gift, then you may want to get him or her his or her own table. This would be special and useful gift for them. Anyone who likes to play backgammon would appreciate this as a gift. These tables are also great to give to children for their playrooms. Any game lover appreciates backgammon gifts. They may even invite you over for a game of backgammon.

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New Exciting online Backgammon Tournament

Backgammon HistoryBackgammonHolyGrail.com

Backgammon History

Backgammon has been around for many years, and many different people have been playing the game. Backgammon history is not known by many people, however it is an interesting piece of information to look into. If you are a big player of the game, backgammon history may be a story you want to hear about. Here we go.

Backgammon is the oldest game ever played. It is said to come from the Greek. It is said to be originated in what is known to us today as Kuwait and Iraq. This was between the times of 2900 and 1800 BC. So as I said, it is a very old game.

Back in this time a group of people called the Sumerians lived in this area and they were known for some cultural creations like the wheel and math system. They also were thought to be the inventors of the first written language.

They made their own version of the board used for the game and came up with their own pieces to play with. Scientists found proof of this many, many years later and figured out they were playing backgammon.

Backgammon was found to be played by nobles and the royal party. However now and maybe even then, all cultures and all classes of society play game.

The Egyptians and the Romans played the game, however, they had different names for it. One was the Senet or the Tabula. They were played with the same intentions, only different names and tables.

In the early societies, the game of backgammon was banned. In Japan, it was illegal. It is interesting to think about today, that a board game was once outlawed in a society.

In the late 60's, the game of backgammon became very popular. Everyone seemed to take an interest in the game and they were playing in living rooms across the globe.

Now with all the technology of the world, you do not have to rely on a board game and getting out all the pieces. If you have access to the Internet, then you can play backgammon with the click of a mouse. There are many versions of the game offered online and you can play alone in the privacy of your own home or at the office while taking lunch.

With the availability of Internet backgammon, you can practice up without anyone knowing. You can have the advantage over the other players when it comes time to compete with friends or family and some day you may even be ready for a tournament. Tournament play sounds like great fun.
As seen on http://www.backgammonholygrail.com
About the Author

William Smith

William Smith lives in Florida with his wife and three cats. William writes frequently on many subjects that may interest him.
Writing poetry from an early age has been one of his many hobbies but has no desire to publish his poetry.

William was in retail most of his life with a secret desire to write.

Backgammon Directions

Backgammon is a game for two players, played on a board consisting of twenty-four narrow triangles called points. The triangles alternate in color and are grouped into four quadrants of six triangles each. The quadrants are referred to as a player's home board and outer board, and the opponent's home board and outer board. The home and outer boards are separated from each other by a ridge down the center of the board called the bar.

The points are numbered for either player starting in that player's home board. The outermost point is the twenty-four point, which is also the opponent's one point. Each player has fifteen checkers of his own color. The initial arrangement of checkers is: two on each player's twenty-four point, five on each player's thirteen point, three on each player's eight point, and five on each player's six point.

The object of the game is move all your checkers into your own home board and then bear them off. The first player to bear off all of their checkers wins the game.

To start the game, each player throws a single die. This determines both the player to go first and the numbers to be played. If equal numbers come up, then both players roll again until they roll different numbers. The player throwing the higher number now moves his checkers according to the numbers showing on both dice. After the first roll, the players throw two dice and alternate turns.

The roll of the dice indicates how many pips the player is to move his checkers. The checkers are always moved forward, to a lower-numbered point.

A point occupied by a single checker of either color is called a blot. If an opposing checker lands on a blot, the blot is hit and placed on the bar. Any time a player has one or more checkers on the bar, his first obligation is to enter those checker(s) into the opposing home board. A checker is entered by moving it to an open point corresponding to one of the numbers on the rolled dice.

Once a player has moved all of his fifteen checkers into his home board, he may commence bearing off. A player bears off a checker by rolling a number that corresponds to the point on which the checker resides, and then removing that checker from the board. Thus, rolling a 6 permits the player to remove a checker from the six point.

Even though backgammon has many rules and regulations it's a very interesting and fun game for all your friends and family members and it's very easy to learn as all that rules aren't difficult to understand.
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Learn The Proper Backgammon Directions

Backgammon directions can be a little confusing to a new player. If you are a serious backgammon player, then you will find that if you are determined and have your mind set on playing the game, then you should have no problem getting the hang of this game. The backgammon directions usually come with any normal backgammon board game.

Setup
Backgammon is set up to play with two players. It is played on a board that has twenty-four triangles, which are called points for each one. The triangles are alternated with color and are grouped into four categories of six triangles in total. These categories are also known as the players home board and outer board. And the opponent's home and outer board. The home and outer boards are separated with a line down the center of the board, which is considered the bar. This may sound a little confusing at first but it really is not.

The points are number for each of the players starting with the player's home board. Each player will receive fifteen game pieces of his own color. The normal order of the game pieces is two on each player's twenty-four point, five on the player's thirteen point, three on each player's eight point, and five on each of the player's six point.

How to Play
The main goal of the game is for the player to move all of his or her game pieces into his own home board and the get them off before your opponent. The player to do this first is considered the winner of the game.

The fair way to determine who plays first in the game is to roll the die and whoever gets the higher number moves their game pieces according to the numbers that come up. After the first roll, each of the players will alternate throwing the dice and taking turns.

The roll of the dice will indicate how many points the player can move there game piece. The game pieces are always moved in the forward direction to a lower-numbered point.

Rules
A point taken by a single game piece of either color is called a blot. If the opponent game piece lands on a blot, the blot is hit and placed on the bar. If a player has one or more pieces on the bar, his first resort is to enter those pieces into the opponent's home board. A game piece or checker is entered by moving it to an open space or point that goes in accordance with one of the numbers rolled on the dice.

Once a player has got all of the fifteen pieces into his home board, he may then get or bear off. A player bears off a game piece or checker by rolling a number that corresponds to the point where the piece resides and then taking that piece off the board.

There are many different rules and regulations to this game; however, it is a fun and exciting game to play once you understand all the necessary rules. You can then teach your friends and family how to play and have a great time doing so. Have great fun with backgammon.

? backgammonholygrail.com
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Major Backgammon Variants

How to Set Up a Backgammon Board

A Successful Backgammon Strategy

The Fascinating Backgammon

How To Master The Techniques Of Backgammon

Backgammon has been a popular game for many years. It is a game similar to checkers, however your strategy is the complete opposite. Backgammon instructions are easy to follow and anyone can play Backgammon. When you purchase a backgammon game, there are usually always backgammon instructions that come along to walk you through.

The main goal of the game backgammon is for each of the players to get all of his or her game pieces onto the home board and then to find a way to get all the pieces off the Backgammon board. The first player to achieve this is the winner of the game.

To start the backgammon game, figure out who will go first. You can roll the die for this and whoever gets the bigger number goes first. This is just the easiest way to determine who goes first, without any conflict.

Each player will get a turn to move his or her pieces. The players will first roll the dice before every move. You will move with whatever consists with the roll of the dice. If you roll a 4 and 3, then you will move seven slots. You can break the moves up between two game pieces. In other words, move one four spaces and the other piece three. You just have to make sure you move one game piece in accordance with the number on one of the die rolled. And the other piece in accordance with the other number rolled. The game of backgammon really easy to learn.

If the same number would appear on both dice rolled, then the roller would be allowed double what the number is. For example, if you roll a 2-2, then the roller is allowed four moves instead of two. There are instructions in the game to remind of the hard plays and so you can refer back to when you need to.

You get a point by getting two or more of your game pieces on it. Once this occurs, the opponent cannot come to rest on that point when taking the combination of his dice.

There are different terms and circumstances that must be followed during the course of the game. When you are stuck on what to do, you can go back and look in the instructions to the game to figure it out, has tips and instructions. If you are playing for the first time and your opponent is a pro, then they can help you along and give you pointers throughout the game.
About the Author

David Barnes
phd. Social Sciences

Backgammon Gambling In Freeroll Tournaments Online

The Evolution Of Backgammon Sets From Stone To Video

 



The Evolution Of Backgammon Sets From Stone To VideoSubmitted By: Gene Marshall  

The backgammon set with its wooden board and round counters, the dice and the cup to throw them, is familiar to a huge section of the world?s inhabitants. Perhaps there are areas of remote Papua New Guinea where the game has not yet penetrated, but for most of the people reading this article, explaining the components of the backgammon set is as superfluous as describing what a pack of cards contains.

The spread of the backgammon game from its ancestral home in today?s Iran and Iraq, via the Roman Empire and the Arab world across the globe is a fascinating historical story. Whereas so many ancient games have been lost to us, yet how to play backgammon is known to millions of people today, is a question worth pondering. Obviously, the anonymous inventors of the game hit on a winning recipe. The backgammon rules simplicity has made the game an easy one to learn and this has certainly helped insurance its endurance. However, the adaptability of the game to changing times and tastes has without doubt made a major contribution to the game?s successful transit through the ages. The transformation of the backgammon set from stone to video offers one of the clearest indications of the game?s durability.

According to ancient records and archaeological evidence, the first backgammon counters were made of smooth stones, perhaps gathered from the edge of a stream. The dice would have been carved in bone. The board may have been carved or painted on a flat piece of wood, or perhaps even scratched out in the earth. In line with the widening range of materials coming into use in the home, farm and workshop, the materials used to make the backgammon set also evolved. Pottery replaced stone and bone, and sets began to be constructed in a more elaborate manner. Although most backgammon sets would have been homemade, the commercial production of sets in the last century brought cheap backgammon sets onto the market. Even those who didn?t have the means to make their own sets could now afford to buy their own set. At the upper end of the market, classy backgammon sets made of precious metals to grace the tables of kings and aristocrats also made an appearance.

For the first five thousand years of the game?s history, whatever materials backgammon sets were made of they shared in common the fact that they were in some way or another manufactured. The creation of backgammon software in the past fifteen years has taken the game into new dimensions. When someone invites you to play backgammon today, they may just as well be referring to online backgammon as the conventional offline variety of the game. The backgammon online developers have gone out of their way to present a 3-D backgammon set that looks almost like the ?real thing?. Going out and looking for a backgammon set to buy, or joining a club is no longer necessary to participate in the game. Backgammon has shown how well it adapts to the times.

Article Tags: backgammon, game, sets

Learn How to Play Backgammon and Win

How Backgammon Gambling Works

 



How Backgammon Gambling WorksSubmitted By: Gene Marshall  

Backgammon is a game that you can play at online gaming sites for fun and money. While it can be tempting to go straight for the money, a player should ensure that he has the necessary skills before competing in online tournaments. There are several ways in which you can improve your skills before you play for cash. In this article we'll take a look at some of the ways people learn about internet backgammon and how they can boost their chances of winning.

One of the easiest and most accessible resources for new players who want to improve their backgammon game is backgammon download software. This software is available for free online and can be installed directly to your PC. This means that wherever you go, you'll be able to access a free backgammon game, try out new tips and strategies and learn valuable new skills. Most importantly, you'll reap the benefits of the old saying ?practice makes perfect.? So after you've mastered all aspects of your backgammon game download, you can test yourself against real opponents with a higher level of confidence.

To find free software for downloading to your PC, simply use a reputable search engine or visit any number of backgammon forums. These sites offer free advice to gaming fans about where to play and how to find free backgammon downloads for practice.

Once you're up to speed with the game and fully conversant with all the rules and requirements, you're ready to start backgammon gambling. Backgammon offers some interesting opportunities for gambling. Firstly, it is usually a fast-paced game where quick thinking is necessary in order to counteract and deflect your opponent's attacking moves. You also need to be able to play defensively at the drop of a hat. How much a player is prepared to gamble is of course highly dependent on how solid his game of backgammon really is.

You will also need to know how the doubling cube works in a game. When you're learning about the backgammon set, you may notice that in addition to a backgammon board, die and checkers, there is also another six-sided object present which is similar in appearance to a die. This six-sided object with the numbers 2, 4, 8, 16, 32 and 64 displayed on its sides is the doubling cube. Its purpose is to represent the wager being made and to reflect its increases throughout a game.

If you are in possession of the doubling cube and you want to raise the stakes, you can offer the doubling cube to your opponent. If he refuses the cube, he automatically forfeits the game. However, if he accepts, the doubling cube serves as a reminder of how much the bet has increased. In this way, gambling in online backgammon can be highly lucrative for experienced players. When you can increase the wager up to 64 times its original size, you can see why many online gambling fans are working to improve their game of backgammon.

Article Tags: backgammon, cube, game

Backgammon for Beginners

Backgammon early game strategy

In backgammon you need to be able to alter your play in a blink. Occasionally you will have to restrain yourself from attacking and build your game, other times you'll need to attack full steam. In the very beginning of the game you need to be aggressive, fast and straightforward. If you can reach your early game targets it'll help you a lot later.

The early game targets

1. Make points in the homeboard

There are two reasons why this is important. First, it will mess your upponent's game by limiting his chances to enter from the bar if you hit his checker. If you make to additional points his chances are much worse to get back to the game than if you would have only the six-point. Second, by making points in your home board also means that you those checkers are already ready for bearing off when the time comes.

Please remember that some points are more important than others. If you maneuver your checkers to the edge of the board or very close to it you limit yourself as to which checkers you can move. On your home board the most important points are the 5-point, then 6 and 4-point and then the 3-point in this order.

If you are unable to make points in your homeboard, make points as near to the homeboard as possible. If you manage to block points 7 through 12 you'll see how difficult it is for your opponent to escape his back checkers. In addition, making any points between 7 and 12 are excellent storage points for bringing the checkers in to your home board.

2. Escape your back men

While you are attacking and building points in and near your home board you shouldn't forget about your back men. If you do, a few turns later they might've got blocked or the distance to the rest of your checkers could be very long and therefore the escape can become a very risky one and could easily cost you the game. Therefore, from the beginning, move your back checkers up slowly towards your home board. Try to keep them in relative proximity to the rest of the checkers.

Doubles are very good for bringing the back men towards your home board. Use half of the roll for that purpose and use the other half making points somewhere else. Sometimes you will be rolling combinations that doesn't allow you to move both of your checkers well. In that case split your back men. This can be a little risky but if you play safe you'll never be a real backgammon winner. As soon as you can, bring your back men again together.

Final words

As mentioned above, if you won't reach your early game targets you'll end up in trouble. Your troubles will seem the get worse as soon as you have a few dollars at stake. You'll be thinking hard whether there was something you could've done differently and if you do manage to get out of trouble, well, then you were pretty lucky.

When you accomplish your early game targets you are in a far better position. You can start concentrating on the work to be done and you won't have to tackle problems each time as they arise. So don't loose your head, maintain your focus and work hard towards your early game targets and you have much better chances to win the game.
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Before You Play Understand The Backgammon Setup

Backgammon Rules: Learn How to Play Backgammon

Recreation with online backgammon

Backgammon is a fun game that takes two persons to play it. It?s a board game that combines concentration and focus. It is somehow like chess. The basic principle is that you alternatively move the pieces on the squares of the board and try to get them from one part of it to the other. Each player has a color and he has to take into consideration when he makes the moves. The first one that gets all his pieces from one part of the board to the other and aligns them is the winner. These rules make online backgammon a very simple game that doesn?t involve as much thinking or strategizing like chess does. It is accessible to both children (who can learn from it) and to experts who play backgammon for money.



Online backgammon is one of the best ways to play this game for a number of different reasons. All you have to do is access any search engine on the Internet and search for sites which allow you to play backgammon. Online backgammon is more fun because it doesn?t have any of the inconveniences of the real life game. When you will take the decision to play online backgammon you will realize that it is one of the best moves you can make, especially if you?re a fan of the game. If you think it?s more difficult to play online, you are wrong. Any site that allows you to play online backgammon has specific instructions on how to follow some rules and enjoy yourself as well so, it will be easier than you ever imagined. A way to have fun, easier and faster is just a mouse click away from you.



Playing online backgammon is better and more fun than the real life game because it has more advantages and none of the disadvantages. The first problem that?s taken care of is the lack of a partner. If you want to play backgammon at home or in the park face to face with your opponent, you need a real life person because it?s a two player game. Playing online backgammon means that you don?t necessarily need another person to adjust his/her program and to make time to play with you. Having a virtual opponent means you will play against the computer. You can play against a real person even if you play online. There are certain online game rooms where a lot of people go to play several games they are passionate about with other people.



A disadvantage of the real life game is that you escape the time problem. Even if you have an opponent there?s always a possibility he will get bored and that can mean the game may stop or continue unpleasantly. When playing online backgammon you are the only one that decides when the game will end and how long it will last. Online, you can play 24/7 and you don?t have to worry about the missing pieces or about replacing everything in order when you?re done. Another fun thing with playing online backgammon is that nowadays the special sites have become more and more entertaining. One can have fun only by accessing the site without even playing the game. A problem with this type of game is that it is very attractive and captures attention for hours keeping the player in front of the computer. This way it discourages communication between people. Backgammon is a social game and, because it takes two persons to play, the two opponents have the chance to socialize and exchange ideas. However, online backgammon teaches you to focus on your target and obtain the desired results. Games like these are very useful for developing learning abilities like attention, perseverance and competition. They can even be a great encouragement for mathematical talents.



Playing online backgammon one can gain experience and probably get better at this game than the friends who don?t train themselves with a computer. This way the world of tournaments opens itself. Backgammon competitions are organized for those who are interested in challenges. Online backgammon tournaments are very popular nowadays for two reasons: respect and money. While in real life very few play backgammon for money there is a whole different story with online games. There are many who get addicted to playing online backgammon for money. Gambling is practiced by a lot of people today who are in search of new ways to earn money. They forget the main reason they wanted to win in the first and stop having fun. Playing backgammon for money can be considered a form of gambling. A paid account can be made on sites that accept online backgammon for money and the sum one pays is considered to be for betting. Playing backgammon for money is actually a good idea if you are an expert. There is no point in throwing money out the window so you shouldn?t play backgammon for money if you aren?t familiar with the game and the rules of the site. However, if you know you can win, why not earn some money and have fun at the same time?



It doesn?t matter in the end if you play backgammon for money or just for fun. It is a great way to spend your time with friends or home, by yourself and learn about some virtues like patience and perseverance. Backgammon is a very old and appreciated game with a life that has only brought joy to its players. Its existence will continue to bring joy to those who play online backgammon because it is now available everywhere through the facilities of the Internet at the simple click of a button.

Before You Play Understand The Backgammon Setup

 



Before You Play Understand The Backgammon SetupSubmitted By: Gene Marshall  

Backgammon is becoming increasingly popular on the Internet and there are literally hundreds of thousands of players from around the world that are all joining in on the action. That?s because it?s a game that requires intense player strategy and concentration. Everyone has his or her own style of playing but one thing that is essential before you start is understanding the backgammon setup. Follow these easy backgammon instructions to get going.

The backgammon board game is played the same way online as it is offline. In the standard version of the game you play on a board with 24 points (alternating colored triangles across the face of the board). The board itself has 2 halves ?one side is the inner board ?also called the home board, and the other side is the outer board where players race their men (also called checkers) in order to reach the home board and bear off (meaning to take their men off the board an out of the game). The first to do wins.

Now looking at the backgammon set up, point 1 in your homeboard is the where you want to bring your checkers and point 24 in your opponents homeboard is the furthest away from where you want to go. To make it easier to understand, point 1 should be in the lower right corner of the backgammon board closest to you. Start by putting 2 checkers on point number 24 (furthest from your home board), then 5 checkers on point 13 and then 3 more checkers on point 8 and finally 5 checkers on point 6 (these are already in your home board). In total you should have 15 checkers and so should your opponent.

Now your opponent simply sets up his men in a mirror image of yours ?in other words on the points directly across from where you placed your 15 checkers. To avoid any confusion each player has their own color men ?usually light and dark. Now that you understand the backgammon setup it?s easy to get going. The nice thing about a backgammon game download is everything is set up automatically when you start playing. That?s why so many people are turning to backgammon software as their preferred way to play.

The backgammon download is easy and free. Just install and you can play whenever you want for fun or for real money bets. Free backgammon is a popular way to practice and sharpen your skills. Backgammon takes skills and is not a game of chance. A strong player that has much practice and experience will almost always beat out a weak player. That?s why backgammon strategy is essential when paying. In addition to learn how to play backgammon there are many advanced tips and strategies you can read about online in order to improve your playing abilities and your overall chances of winning. Good luck!

Article Tags: backgammon, board, checkers

Advanced Backgammon Strategies Using the Doubling Cube

Although, the Doubling Cube is unknown to most of the backgammon casual players, it is an essential tool in advanced backgammon strategies and in money matches and tournaments.



This cube is designated for raising the stakes of the match and its introduction to the backgammon world is one of the main reasons for the rise of popularity of backgammon.



The cube has 6 faces and the numbers written on it- 2, 4, 8,16,32,64.



At the beginning of the match, the doubling cube is placed beside the board or on the Bar between the players.



Any player, who feels at any stage of the match, that he is leading sufficiently in the match, before throwing his dice, may suggest to double the stakes by placing the doubling cube with the number 2 facing up.



For example player A decided to raise the stakes.



Player B, his opponent, the player the offer is given to, after reviewing his situation, has two options:



He may refuse the offer and thus lose the game and one unit.



He may agree to double the stakes, and in this case the match continues with higher stakes.



Player B, who agreed to the offer, is now the owner of the doubling cube, meaning only him (player B) has the option to double the stakes again at any stage of the game.



If player B decides to do so, he has to do it on his turn before throwing his dice.



Now he takes the dice and places it so that the number 4 is facing up.



Player A, has now the same two options, only this time if he declines the offer he will lose two units, and if he agrees the stakes will rise to 4 times the original and the doubling cube returns to his control.



The cube can pass from player to player, each time raising the stakes.



The Crawford rule-



If you are playing a game until N- points, and your opponent is leading and reaches N-1 points, meaning he is short one point from winning the game, you are not allowed to use the Doubling cube in the following game, however, you can use the dice in the following matches if the game continues.



The reason is the weaker player will always want to raise the stakes because he has nothing to lose anymore and we want keep the use of the dice in fairness of both sides.



The Jacoby rule-



This rule is used in money games and never in match games. It decides that a backgammon or gammon may not be scored as such only if the cube has been passed and accepted. The reason behind this rule is speeding up.



The Holland rule-



The Holland rule is used in match games and decides that in post-Crawford games, the trailer can only double after both sides have played two rolls. The rule makes the free drop more valuable to the leading player but generally just confuses the issue.



Unlike the Crawford rule, this rule isn't popular, and is rarely used today.



The beavers, raccoons, otters and any other animals in the backgammon game-



These animals appear only, if wanted by both sides, in money games and never in match games.



If player A, doubles the stakes, and player B believes A is wrong and he (player B) has the advantage, B can double the stakes and keep the doubling cube on his side. For example, if A makes the initial double and puts the doubling cube on 2, B can say Beaver, turn the cube to 4 and keep the cube at his side. If A believes B is wrong he can say Raccoon and turn the cube to 8. All this time, B remains the owner of the doubling cube. If B wishes to raise the stakes once more, he only needs to say another silly name (the animal's name is a controversy among players) and so on.



The Chouette-



Chouette is a version of backgammon for more than 2 players. One of the players is the Box and plays against the rest of the group on a single board.



Another player is the Captain of the group, who throws the dice and makes the moves for the group playing against the box.



If the Box wins, the Captain goes to the back of the line and the next player becomes the Captain of the team. If the Captain wins, he becomes the new Box, and the old Box goes to the end of the line.



The rules regarding the ability of the group to consult with the Captain changes from



version to version. In some versions of the Chouette the group can freely give advice to the Captain, and in other versions, consulting is strictly forbidden.



The compromised version is the most popular- consulting is legitimate only after the dice have been thrown.



Originally, Chouette was played with a single die .The only decisions that players other than the Captain were allowed to make on their own was concerning the takes: If the Box had doubled, each player on the team could take or drop independently. Today, a multiple-cube Chouette is more popular; each player on the team has his own cube, and all doubling, dropping, and taking decisions are made independently by all players.

The Best Internet Backgammon Opportunities

Endless possibilities in playing online backgammon

The first online backgammon site was created in 1992, many years have past since then and the Internet has become much more advanced and online backgammon much more popular.
Unlike poker and other card and board games, backgammon on the internet has become popular just in the last couple of years.
There are numerous web sites offering playing internet backgammon, and once you found the backgammon website you want to join, you have to decide between playing against the site's computer and playing online backgammon against a human being from all over the world. The possibilities in internet backgammon are endless and diverse, including joining a league, playing a tournament, playing for cash prize and moving forward in the site's rank.
The First Internet Backgammon Server (FIBS) was created by Andreas (marvin) Schneider in 1992. It allows Internet users to play backgammon in real-time against real people (and even some bots). There are players of every conceivable ability logging onto FIBS, from absolute beginners to grand masters.
Online backgammon is offered by many sites, some of them widely known- YAHOO and MSN. With MSN, a player can choose playing backgammon online or any other online favorite game he wishes. Online backgammon is played in a variety of time and shape; friends can play against each other, or invite the computer for a match.
YAHOO offers many online backgammon rooms, with interesting and funny names where you can enter and find the level you want to play with.
Players are able to form their own online backgammon rooms according to their skill in backgammon.
There is also the option of the friendly online backgammon game, where players can chat with one another and meet new people. For an extra payment, the site can create leagues for backgammon, which only authorized members can take place and play with each other.
Before you invite somebody for a game of backgammon online, it's best to improve your playing techniques by following these recommended steps:
1. The basic rules and object of backgammon are simple and many sites offer explanations for free.

2. It's free and easy to download backgammon software to your own computer. The level of this online backgammon software is usually beginners to intermediate and therefore perfect for you to practice on, because you already can win some of the games.

3. When you have reached the point where you are constantly winning it's time to download the upgraded software. These programs have been developed and improved by playing against themselves and reached the very highest level, and are capable of being the world's best backgammon players.

When you have reached the stage where you can handle the advanced backgammon software, it's time for you to face a human rival for a game of online backgammon.

The Internet offers endless possibilities for online backgammon.
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Beginner Backgammon Strategy Points

Backgammon is pretty much a race to see who can get their checkers off the board first. This can be accomplished easily but it depends on how you move your checkers around the board. Here we will look at some that can help you win and make your opponent a little dumbfounded.

While it may seem stupid to let yourself lose a piece to your opponent early on, it actually might be smart. In the beginning, you both have less pieces in your home board, and thus it?s easier to get those checkers back into the game and around the board to your own home. The more pieces your opponent has in their home board later in the game, the harder it can be to get those back on the board to do anything. So leaving one or two checkers open can make it easier for you later when you have your checkers almost all home and on the way off the board to win.

Your distribution of checkers is a big part of how to win. You should try not to have six on any one point. Definitely don?t have more than six; it makes you an easy target to get crunched in by your opponent. And while it would seem sound advice to have two checkers on four spots, it?s actually not a good move. Better to have three checkers on two spots at once. This is because the dice seem to fall better for more even distribution and improves your chances of winning the game.

Blocking can be a crucial part of winning. It is best to block your opponent in your home board. Here they will have a harder time getting out as you bring more checkers in to go off the board. This strategy works if you start early and get six checkers inside your home board early. This way you can block your opponent in and still get your own pieces into your home board. Six in a row is called a prime in backgammon. The best places to try and block from are points 4, 5, and 7.

To make an impact against your opponent, hit as many pieces as you can. However don?t just hit pieces to hit. Sometimes this can work against you. If your opponent has at least two bars in their home board, it is better for you to get your checkers home instead of taking out another checker of theirs. Don?t hit if it will leave you open to hits or blocks yourself. This is counterproductive to actually winning.

The final strategy move to help you win is called anchoring. This is where you have a strong spot on their home board. It helps if you get hit, you have a strong spot, an anchor, to move your piece back on the board safely. It also keeps your opponent from being able to go out themselves. And if you have more than one anchor it can help if you are behind in points early on. As well as making you stronger against your opponent. If you do have two points make them adjacent to make it harder for your opponent to move on their home board.

All of this isn?t guaranteed to make you win, but it can help you along the way. Used properly you can get 'lucky' rolls and make your opponent wonder just how long you have been playing.

About the Author:

All of Shawn's backgammon strategy articles can be found at HomeBackgammon.com along with bonus codes, freeroll listings and tournament schedules.

What You Need To Know Before Playing Backgammon Online

Choosing To Play Backgammon Online Or Offline

 



Choosing To Play Backgammon Online Or OfflineSubmitted By: Gene Marshall  

Today?s backgammon enthusiasts are presented with a wide variety of opportunities to play backgammon in a way that previous generations could never even have envisaged in their wildest dreams. For the thousands of years people have been playing backgammon, games have been commonly played in family homes, or in popular meeting places. Since most of the world?s population lived in the countryside or small villages, the likelihood was that the same players would compete against each other time after time. For players who were particularly skilled at the game, the lack of players of similar skills levels can only have served to detract from their interest in the game.

The move from the countryside to the cities, and the creation of backgammon clubs widened players? horizons. Whether attracted by the prospects of winning at backgammon gambling or simply interested in the playing for enjoyment alone, in schools, work places and places of entertainment, people starting coming together much more to learn how to play backgammon and make new friends. This is still very much the case today. For example, it would be interesting to see what percentage of successful backgammon players learn the backgammon game at school.

Although the game has had its ups and downs in popularity in the course of its history, for instance, the introduction of the doubling cube in 1920?s America added to the appeal of backgammon as a casino game, the development of backgammon software over the last fifteen years has propelled backgammon into a new place of prominence on the international gaming scene. It seems that not only have traditional backgammon players been attracted to online backgammon but also a new generation of players are being drawn to the game. Although these players are not exclusively in the under thirty-age group, it seems a fair guess that backgammon online attracts primarily younger players. In part this can be accounted for by their greater familiarity with Internet technology, but there is also a youth culture of which the Internet has become an integral part.

Besides the factor of age, there are a number of other considerations at play in determining whether a person prefers to play with a traditional backgammon set or play with a virtual set online. For some players, there can be no substitute for a face-to-face game. Exchanging typed messages with the other players can never compete with genuine social contact. These players may well belong to a backgammon club they have been patronizing for years and feel content to keep their game at this level.

Many other players are drawn by the prospect of competing with players from around the world brought together by Internet gaming. They also enjoy the chance of testing out their skills against a backgammon computer. If they are primarily interested in gaming opportunities, the ability to play backgammon on the Internet is valued for the substantial prizes they think they have a chance of winning. Certainly the convenience factor must not be underrated, with the Internet offering games at a time and location that players find convenient.

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How to Win at Backgammon Using the Doubling Cube

About the Doubling Cube

A player who has a large advantage during a game may propose doubling the stakes with the doubling cube. This can be done at the start of the player's turn, and before the dice have been rolled. Should the opponent reject the offer, they concede the game and pay the original wager, while acceptance of the offer means that the game is now played for the new higher stakes.

If a player accepts the offer of a double, they then become the owner of the doubling cube, and only they are allowed to redouble. Should a redouble be refused, the player must pay the wager that was at stake prior to the redouble. This process can go on until 64 times the original wager is at stake.

If the losing player has borne off at least one piece by the end of the game, they pay the original wager. If none of the pieces have been borne off by the end of the game, the player has been 'gammoned' and loses double the value of the doubling cube. A defeat without any pieces borne off, and a piece in the bar or the winners' home board is called 'backgammon', and the loser must pay three times the value of the doubling cube.

When to use it

Not only should you be aware of your game strategy, but you should also put much thought towards when to use the doubling cube. There are many factors influencing the players decision on when to offer the double, and when to accept or reject it when it has been offered.

The pip count needs to be considered when a player is thinking of offering a double, and as a general rule, if a player is leading consistently during the game, it is a good strategy to offer to double. However it is not just this that needs to be taken into account - the arrangement of pieces across the board should be looked at. If your opponent has managed to block four or five points in a row then they have a more commanding position than someone who has lots of points with only one piece.

Offering a double earlier rather than later is more likely to result in the double being accepted, as an opponent is unlikely to accept the offer with defeat looming. However the prospect of winning gammons or backgammons changes the landscape further - sometimes doubling is not recommended if there is a high chance of this occurence, as the opponent would simply accept the loss of the original stake.
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Backgammon Tricks For a Great Game

Backgammon is a game that can easily change because of the variety of moves possible at one point. If you are a rookie then some of the tips are ment to teach you how to play and other to provide you some prospect of the game's strategy and help you win.

During the game try to stay focused on your moves and try to picture the next move. Don't hurry and thing twice before making a move, and always watch your opponents moves very carefully.

Try to anticipate the other player's next move and move in such a way that you don't give him any advantage.

Don't try to play too aggressive. Revise your strategy and try to put your own pieces to safety rather than attacking the pieces of your opponent. The most important thing is the win not to hit off all of his pieces.

If the other player gets points early in the game try sticking to him and don't let him get too much ahead.

Try placing your pieces in strategic locations on the game board so that you block your opponent's moves. This way you gain a big advantage and get very close to winning the game.

Try to always have an even number of pieces on the slots so that you avoid being hit by your opponent. This way you avoid losing important points. If you are to make a decision between hitting or getting a point you should hit but only if after that you can't be hit in return. You will take off one of his pieces and will give you an advantage.

The bar point is known for giving your seven points. This is a risky position, which is why it is more valuable. If given the choice, head over and take a four or five point because these are more secure areas, where you can't easily lose your pieces as you can in the seven position.

When you roll the dice they will tell you how many pieces you can make and what moves can and can't be done. Always keep an eye on the dice and be sure that both you and your opponent move according to what they show.
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How to Play Backgammon

Preparing Yourself For The Backgammon Club Tournaments

Backgammon is most rewarding if you can participate in a club and tournaments. Even an informal tournament with only four players can be gratifying. Other alternatives are to get a good computer backgammon game or play on the internet. In any case, backgammon should be played in sets and matches even if the match is only one set and the set is only five points. Playing in the tournaments is quite different from recreational play, as you need to have a good understanding of the more advanced strategies in order to win the match. By applying the correct strategy, it is likely that you will be able to control the game better and increase your chances of winning.

Tournament Strategy One:

When you lose a game, minimize your loss to one or two points by using correct doubling strategy or avoiding a gammon. Be particularly careful to avoid a gammon if a gammon will win the set for your opponent. In this situation, avoid making any moves that will risk losing a gammon.

Tournament Strategy Two:

When nearing to the end of set, use the doubling strategy if possible. Never double when you need just one point to win the set since wining the game will win the set. When your opponent is one point and you are two points from winning the set, double immediately (before your first roll). Your opponent will probably accept so the winner of the game will win the set. This increases your chance of winning the set to 50%. If you don't double, you'll need to win two games in a row to win the set, which is only a 25% chance.

Tournament Strategy Three:

When you are ahead in a set, you need a larger chance of winning than double or accept a double; when you are behind in a set, double and accept a double with a smaller chance of winning than normal. When you are ahead in a set, you should be conservative and have a larger chance of winning the game. When you are behind in a set, be more daring and double and accept a double with a smaller chance of winning the game than usual.

Tournament Strategy Four:

Be more reluctant than normal to do something if it could take your opponent to the Crawford Rule game. If your opponent gets to one point from winning the set, you have less than a 25% chance of winning the set as you would need to win at least two games in a row to win the set due to the Crawford Rule. For instance, consider the case when your opponent has four points and you have two points in a seven-point set. Since you are two points behind, you should normally double when you obtain around a 65% chance of winning the game. In this case, however, wait until you have at least a 70% chance of winning the game since doubling and losing would take your opponent to the Crawford Rule game.

Tournament Strategy Five:

If your opponent will win the set by winning the game, double (if your opponent doesn't own the cube) and go all out to win the game. You can even risk losing a gammon or backgammon if necessary. Since you'll lose the set by losing the game, it doesn't matter how many points you lose.

Knowing how well your opponent plays, what type of game he plays, and what he does in certain situations will help you adjust your play to increase your chance of winning your match. Be a gracious winner and a courteous loser so that you are a respected member of the club and participant in tournaments. Of course, winning a high percentage of your matches will also gain you much respect!

For more information on how to play backgammon, playing backgammon online, backgammon boards or backgammon tournaments, please visit the following website: http://backgammon.mygeneralknowledge.com/Articles/BackgammonClub.php
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The Fascinating History Of Backgammon

Backgammon has a long fascinating history of more than 5000 years, making it one of the oldest games in civilization. The earliest backgammon board, from an early version of the game, was found circa 3000 B.C. in the royal cemetery in Ur of the Chaldees in southern Mesopotamia(now called Iraq), the birthplace of Abraham.

The game has been played around the world and throughout recorded history. A form of the game was enjoyed by the Egyptian Pharoahs; boards dating from 1500 B.C. were found in King Tut's tomb. Wall paintingsin many Egyptian tombs portray people playing the game, indicating that it was played by the common people as well as the Pharaohs. A thousand years later, the Greeks were playing a form of the game. Homer, Sophocles, and Plato mention the game in their works. In Rome, the game long remained one of the most popular among the patricians. Emperor Claudius reportedly wrote a book on backgammon.

The excavators of Pompeii found a backgammon table in the courtyard of almost every villa. Various early versions of the game were popular in Britain, dating from the Crusades. It has always been a favourite game of the English. It is believed that the current form of the game evolved in the tenth century. Backgammon has been played in the United States since the seventeenth century.

However, the doubling cube was only introduced to the game in the early 1920s by an anonymous genius. This greatly enhanced the quality of backgammon and increased its popularity in the United States. The game had another surge of interest in the 1970s, but has waned in popularity in recent years due primarily to the advent of video and computer games.

When backgammon is played with the right people and strategy, it can be a very fascinating and addictive game for everybody. Hopefully, interest in this ancient game will increase in the near future. Perhaps, if more people discover the real game of backgammon, it will regain the popularity that it deserves.

For more information on the playing backgammon online, learning backgammon rules or getting backgammon chips, please visit the following website: Backgammon Guide
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Do You Really Know Your Backgammon Game Rules?

Backgammon is a great challenge between two players. It is a fun and exciting way to pass the time, whether it is at home or on the go. No matter where you play, backgammon rules stay the same. There are directions included with any game that describe how to play and a complete guide with backgammon rules.

The first thing is backgammon is to set up the board. You sit opposite of your opponent on both sides of the board. You both will roll the dice to determine who goes first. The player who rolls the higher number will go first and move their game pieces in accordance to that number. You both may even decide that the lowest number goes first.

In the game of backgammon, you move in a counterclockwise position. You can only move your game pieces to open spaces on the board. You are not allowed to move onto points (or spaces) with two or more of the opponent's checkers. You can only move your pieces or checkers in pairs.

The player with all of their games pieces off the home board is declared the winner.

There are some things to remember when you play backgammon. Rolls of the dice do not count if they land on a checker or if they fall off the board or on their side. If both of the dice land with the same number facing up on any roll after the first, the player gets doubles and gets to move two times the roll. If you are lucky enough to get two sixes, that means that you will get four moves of six. Wouldn't that be great?

You are allowed to move any of the checkers or game pieces that you want to. However, remember that the object of the game is to get all of the pieces into the home board.

This game is easy to learn and fun to play. There are a lot of rules to the game, so it may be a wise idea to keep the directions and rules for the game nearby so that if you get stuck, you can get the answers you are looking for. Getting the proper answers makes for a rewarding and fun game.

There are certain rules that do change for backgammon tournaments and challenges. These rules are set by and agreed upon by the people and player in charge of the tournament.

Playing online is the same as playing at home with the board. The rules and strategies are generally the same. The only real difference here is that online you may be playing for money.

? backgammonholygrail.com
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Common Backgammon Terminology

Ahh, the language of backgammon, it is enough to make anyone turn and run away. Are you new to the backgammon scene? Do you get that blank look in your eye when you hear the word Anchor? Are you completely confused when someone claims they got a joker? Do you just stand there wondering exactly what a pip count is? Well, you are not alone, backgammon terminology can be extremely confusing, and what is more there are tons of them.

In this article, we will have a look at some of the most common terms used in backgammon and what they mean. After reading this article, you will go to your next backgammon game and be able to fling around the terminology like you are an old pro. Let's get started shall we?

Anchor - Two or more chips occupying any point within the inner board of the opponent

Joker - A lucky roll, a great roll, one that has the ability to affect the game's outcome in a person's favor

Pip Count - This represent the points in which a player is required to take in order to being bearing off. In the beginning of a game, each player starts with 167 as their pip count. This stands for:

- Point 24 - 2 chips= 48 pips
- Point 13 - 5 chips = 65 pips
- Point 8 - 3 chips - 24 pips
- Point 6 - 5 chips - 30 pips

For a pip count of 167 each.

Point - In backgammon, there are twenty-four points. This is not the score by any means, instead, this is the triangles that represents the spaces. However, this can also be used in scoring, in terms of how many points or wins the game is worth. For example, if a person wins a single game, it is worth one point, ?gammon? wins 2 points or a double game, and Backgammon is worth 3 points or a triple game.

Single Game - A game won by bearing off all chips before the opponent, when the opponent is bearing off as well.

Gammon - A game won by bearing off all chips before the opponent, when the opponent has not begun bearing off.

Backgammon - The name of the game, as well as a win. This win occurs when a person bears off all chips before the opponent and the opponent has not begun to bear off, and the opponent has a blot on the bar.

Bear off - This is the act of removing backgammon chips off of the board.

Blot - A single backgammon chip susceptible to attacks by the opponent.

Hit - To attack the blot of an opponent, the blot is then placed on the center bar of the board.

Hit and Cover - You not only attack the blot of your opponent, but you also keep moving that same chip, in order to protect the blot you would have otherwise left vulnerable.

While there are many more terms in backgammon terminology, the above are a few of the most commonly used. Before you know it, you will be talking and playing like a backgammon professional.

About the Author:

Lee Dobbins writes for http://backgammon.games-webzone.com where you can learn more about playing the game and get great winning strategies for backgammon.

A Brief Guide of Playing Backgammon Online

The Basics of Backgammon Strategies

The objective of a Backgammon game is to move your pieces around the game board and bear them off the board faster than your opponent who works harder to do the same but in the opposite direction. Winning a game in Backgammon requires both strategy and luck. How far you can move your pieces is up to the numbers from rolling the dices, and how you move your pieces are determined by your over playing strategies. Four basic strategies commonly used in standard Western backgammon are 1) the running game strategy, 2) the blocking game strategy, 3) the priming game strategy, and 4) the back game strategy. Players use different strategies in the different stages of a game dependent on your positions and opponent's.

The Running Game Strategy

The goal of the Running Game strategy is to bring all your pieces into your inner board and bear them off as fast as you could. This strategy focuses on the speed of moving your pieces with no efforts to hit or block your opponent's pieces. The best scenario to use this strategy is when you think you can move your own pieces fast than the opponent does: when 1) you have a fewer pieces on the board; 2) all your pieces have past opponent's pieces; or 3) the opponent doesn't use the hitting or blocking strategy.

The Blocking Game Strategy

The primary goal of the blocking strategy, by the name, is to block the opponent's pieces, temporarily not to worry moving your pieces quickly. Once you've established the blockage for the opponent's movement with a few pieces, you can move your other pieces quickly off the board. The player should also have a clear plan when to withdraw and move the pieces that used for blocking. The game gets interesting when the opponent uses the same blocking strategy.

The Priming Game Strategy

If the purpose of the blocking strategy is to slow down the opponent to move his pieces, the Priming Game strategy is to completely block any movement of the opponent by building a prime - ideally 6 points in a row. The opponent's pieces will either get hit, or result a damaged position if he ever tries escape the wall. The trap of the prime can be established anywhere between point 2 and point 11 in your board. Once you've successfully constructed the prime to block the movement of the opponent, the opponent doesn't even get to roll the dice, and you move your pieces and roll the dice again. You'll win the game for sure.

The Back Game Strategy

The objectives of the Back Game strategy and the Blocking Game strategy are similar - to hinder your opponent's positions in hope to improve your chances of winning, but the Back Game strategy uses different tactics to do that. The Back Game strategy is often used when you're far behind your opponent. To play Backgammon with this strategy, you need to control two or more points in table, and to hit a blot late in the game. This strategy is more difficult than others to play in backgammon because it requires careful movement of your pieces and how the pieces are moved is partly the result of the dice roll.

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Play Backgammon For Fun Or For Real Money

Backgammon True Probabilities!

Know The Pieces In Your Backgammon Set

When you are shopping for a backgammon set, it is important to know what to look for. No two backgammon sets are the same, unless they are made that way purposely, such as by the same manufacturer. Some are fancy and some are plain. Some are cheaper than others and some can be really expensive. It all depends on what you are looking for.

What is great about a backgammon set is that the board doubles as a case to carry the different pieces. The board itself can be made of several different types of materials such as magnetic, vinyl, plastic, leather, aluminum, and wood. Some backgammon sets come included in certain pieces of furniture such as an ottoman or end table. Other sets are very small with magnetic pieces for travel. With backgammon, there is something to suit every taste and a set for everyone.

Because backgammon sets vary so greatly in sizes, shapes, and materials, you can expect to pay between twenty and one-thousand dollars for a set, it all depends on how fancy or plain you want to get. Within the backgammon set itself, you will find a variety of different pieces. Again, these pieces can be made of a variety of different materials such as wood or plastic. Depending you your budget, you can buy sets that are made from the finest materials. If you are really hooked on the game, having a nice expensive set can help add to the experience of playing.

Each backgammon set comes with thirty backgammon chips. Fifteen white and fifteen black chips. Of course, this could vary as well, depending on the manufacturer; they can be of different colors such as two different shades of brown. The chips are typically made from a heavy type of plastic that feels rather nice to the touch and makes handling the pieces fun, but they can also be made from wood and other materials. Typically, most backgammon sets come with two shakers as well, one for each player. They may be of the same color or of two different colors. They too may be made out of different materials, such as wood, plastic, or even leather.

Dice are also standard with a backgammon set. This could mean two dice, which the players would have to share, or four, in which each player would have their own set. Another standard in a backgammon set is the doubling cube. The doubling cube is a six sided dice, which has the numbers 2, 4, 18, 16, 32, and 64. However, most people playing for fun avoid using the doubling cube. The doubling cube generally only comes into play when money is at stake.

So there you have it. Now you have a good idea of what pieces are involved in a backgammon set.

About the Author:

Lee Dobbins writes for http://backgammon.games-webzone.com where you can find out more about playing backgammon and backgammon sets.