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.

Article Tags: backgammon, game, players

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.

Is Backgammon the New Poker

Improve Your Backgammon Game

 



Improve Your Backgammon GameSubmitted By: Gene Marshall  

Are you familiar with the rules on how to play backgammon but lack confidence to really improve your backgammon game? Online backgammon is as much about attitude as it is about skill. You may be an experienced player or a skillful novice, but if you don't take chances you're unlikely to reach your full potential. The following tips and pointers are designed with you in mind. Maybe you're new to the world of internet backgammon or you've just finished playing your first backgammon board game. Or perhaps you're a seasoned backgammon fan but a little out of practice? Regardless of your circumstances, you can substantially increase your success at the game by using some of the following strategies in your game.

One of the best pieces of advice any backgammon professional can give you is to study your opponent's game plan. Try and learn as much information as you can on his strengths and weaknesses. Keeping note of how he performs can help you to recognize his habits. Does he have an aggressive or defensive backgammon strategy? Is he confident to bet large sums of money on his game? How does he use the backgammon board to his advantage and which common escape routes does he use to deflect your game plan? The answers to these questions can help you pre-empt your opponent's next move and will reduce his chances of winning.

Now we'll take a look at some specific backgammon strategies to help you improve your game. If you want to prevent your opponent from transporting his checkers safely to his home board, you can adopt the ?Priming? strategy. To do this, you erect a wall of checkers covering at least six points on the board. If you want to be extra aggressive, try blocking your home board as soon as you can which will prevent your opponent from reintroducing checkers to the board.

If your opponent is in a more favorable position than you are, you may be able to distract him from his game plan by applying the ?Backgame? and ?Holding? strategies. The first relates to the construction of two or more anchors in your opponent's home board. The latter involves attempting to hit your opponent's checkers as he brings them toward his home board. This strategy can often force a confident player into defensive mode and give you valuable time to catch up to him.

Lastly, if it appears that you are in the strongest position to win the backgammon game, why not try the ?Running? strategy? This is simply moving your checkers as fast as you can around the board while keeping a wary eye out for your opponent's traps. A useful tip if you are ?Running? is to keep your checkers in pairs to avoid hits.

If you follow this advice, you can increase the enjoyment you get when you play backgammon, as well as increase your success at backgammon gambling.

Article Tags: backgammon, board, game

Backgammon Board Setup

If you want to learn to play backgammon and you already know how to play checkers it would be piece of cake as it is very muck like checkers. Basically it is the same concept except some little differences. The board set up is quite simple and you can have a backgammon game ready to be played in a couple of minutes.

Backgammon set up is easy. Both the game pieces and the board come in the same box. The more experienced players may already own a complete set with board and game pieces; they could choose to personalize it.

You can purchase the boards from any game store or department. They are pretty cheap and are perfect gifts for your kinds or friends.

Into a backgammon box you should find a board and thirty checkers of two colors. Take out the board from the box and split the game pieces by color, one color for each of the two players. They will be placed on the board in a specific order before the game starts.

Also in the box should be a pair of dice which will be rolled and each player will take turn and move his checkers with the number marked on the dice to the opposite end of the board.

Each player will try to get all of his fifteen checkers to the home board and then bear them off. The first player to bear off all of their checkers wins the game.

It is a very fun game that you can even play on the go. The board set up is fun and easy and the clean up is even faster. If you choose for a travel board, they are smaller and more compact so they are easier to keep in the car or in the office so you can play the game whenever and where you please. The game cases are useful for keeping all the pieces together so you don't misplace them.

You can even choose to have your game board and checkers custom made. They can be made of wood, plastic or even glass if you want. And if you like to play a lot you can have them made from lasting material so they don't get worn out for several years.
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Backgammon Supplies Do You Have What You Need?

The game of backgammon is one that will come as a set, usually not that expensive, but if you really want to enjoy the game of backgammon you will need backgammon supplies that are more to your personal liking, and more to fit your gaming needs.

Some of the various types of backgammon supplies out there include:

A flat surface - a table where you can enjoy the backgammon game without the interference of others. Some people enjoy a sturdy card table but there are many types of octagon tables, which make you feel as if you are really focused on the game, and that the backgammon game is the center of attention. The Internet is a great place to find your needs as to the above.

A board - while you can purchase the simple board game with complete supplies, customizing your experience is one well worthwhile. A large board one that shows points and rules, or such has become all the rage as backgammon players want to see more and experience more during their playing time.

Dice cups - you do have choices in the cups you use during your game. From dice cups that have the backgammon look, to the cups that are personalized or that have the unique feel and look of the casino, backgammon dice cups are a growing gift for gamers. Leather, plastic or glass cups are available for the backgammon dice throwers.

Backgammon checkers - the checkers or pieces that are used by those who love the game of backgammon can be large, small, glass, gold or colored. The world of backgammon is one that can personalized for your gaming experience and if you want to truly customize your backgammon game, find a type of backgammon checker that fits your own personality for a great time.

Dice - all types of dice are out in the world for backgammon use. From the casino style flashy dice, to the plastic, gold, weighted, or fancy dice you can choose from, there is sure to be a type of dice out there for everyone. Personalize your game of backgammon by using a dice that excites you and that makes you want to roll more often!

For all occasions, from birthdays to holidays, backgammon gifts, and accessories make wonderful gifts. Gifts for the gamer include all those that are listed above, but in addition, you might want to check out carrying case leather or hardbound for those special gifts you want to give. Backgammon games make a great gift for anyone because this is such a special game that everyone of all ages can play and have so much fun.

? backgammonholygrail.com
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Multiplayer Backgammon

Backgammon is an easy game to learn, and it provides a fun, fast-paced break for novices and experts alike. Perhaps that's why backgammon has long been a favorite two-player board game. The Internet has given backgammon new tech savvy, and created interest in a whole new generation of players.

Multiplayer backgammon is played online, so you will often have many people from all over the world playing in the same game room, at the same time. You'll find online multiplayer backgammon being played in casinos, in game rooms, and anywhere people like to gather to play free games. Backgammon can be played fast to accommodate advanced players, or more slowly for beginners.

In backgammon, the object of the game is to move all of your pieces to the opposite side of the board, and accumulate the most points. Any of your unprotected playing pieces are at risk of being strategically removed by your opponent. Similarly, your opponent can lose unprotected pieces to you. If your moves are blocked you can lose a turn, or you can block your opponent's moves to cause him or her to miss a turn. It is possible to win by having the most points, even if you have lost playing pieces to your opponent.

Multiplayer backgammon starts with the setup. Each player is given fifteen playing pieces. You will have pieces in one colour, for example, red, and your opponent will use playing pieces of a different colour, for example, white. Unlike chess, which has different pieces to perform different tasks, all of your pieces are uniform size and shape.

On the innermost portion of the board are points nineteen to twenty-four. This is the area that your red pieces will start on. The opposite side of the boards, on points one through six, is where your opponent's white pieces will be placed. The middle sections of the board are considered the vertical area. The object of multiplayer backgammon is to move your pieces around to the inner portion of the board, and then counting them off or removing the pieces from the board. If you are first to remove your pieces, you win.

When playing multiplayer backgammon online you find many games being played at one time. Multiple game tables are set up in virtual game rooms, so that many people can play at the same time. There are often multiplayer backgammon tournaments going on as well. During these tournaments, multiple boards are played over the course of a few days. The winners of each game move on to play in the next round.

Multiplayer backgammon can be fun and exciting to watch, even if you are not playing the game yourself. In watching others play, you are able to pick up new strategies and find out how to play the various types of backgammon that are out there.

Once you have learned the game and are comfortable with the strategy, you are ready to enter a playing room online. Find an empty seat at an existing table, or start a new game and wait for an opponent. When you and your opponent are situated, you're ready to play multiplayer backgammon. There are also solitaire backgammon games available online for those who prefer to sharpen their skills by playing against the computer.

About the Author:

Donald Taylor is an author for several popular web sites, on sports and recreation themes.

The Backgammon Board

For over five thousand years plus the backgammon board hasn't changed much, the basic layout and design has remained the same for the whole time. Of course the materials of the board have changed and now the game is played online so that the graphics are far superior to probably traditional boards, but the undeniable fact is the board is still the same as it was in the very beginning.

No matter what materials are used to make the board whether wood or card board or hand made timbers, or add-ons like cotton or velvet, that give extra padding below the board for better surfacing, or artistic woodworks to add glitter to the playing ambience. The playing surface hasn't altered.

The board's heritage remains constant; tracing the roots of the board will take you on a journey that passes through many different decades and dynasties.

The Basic Design

The layout of the board consists of four distinguishable quadrants and a thick ridge bar in the middle separating the two boards of the two players.

Don't forget backgammon is a sort of war game, two armies of 15 men each trying to defeat each other in an open combat game; a good way to illustrate this picture is with the two divisions which make up the points, which look like spear heads pointing at the opposition.

Between them lies No Man's Land or the Bar.

Inner and Outer Boards

Divided into four quadrants containing six triangles each, each with its own colour to differentiate itself and centrally divided by the Bar. Each portion has two quadrants. The two sides of the Bar are referred to as Home Boards of the two players. The Home Board is the one nearer to you and the one furthest from you the outer Board. This applies in equal part to the opposition.

Remember the Bar not only divides you and your opposition but is also the place when or if any checker is hit, that checker is placed on the bar and cannot move until the correct number is thrown.

Hence, No man's land.

Although boards do come in all different shapes and sizes and materials and are available on line, the fundamental backgammon board hasn't changed in over 5000 years and probably never will.

After all if it isn't broken, why try to fix it?

Want to learn more about backgammon ? come and visit my site and get the know rules and strategies for winning backgammon games. Basic backgammon rules, advanced and variation. The site also includes a full game play glossary. Enjoy the game !

About the Author

David Lambert has been playing backgammon ever since he was a young kid, he enjoys the backgammon game more then any other board game out there.

Rules Of Backgammon

When you find something really good, there's no need to improve upon it. Take the game of backgammon for instance. It's been around for a long, long time, but the game of backgammon has not changed. No one has created a version with blinking lights, or made it more extreme. That's because backgammon is easy to learn, fun to play and you can finish a game in just a few minutes. How can you improve on that?

The main objective in backgammon is to move all of your game pieces from one side of the playing board to the other, eventually removing your pieces from the board. If you are the first player to move all of your pieces off the board, congratulations--you are the winner.

On alternate turns, each player rolls two dice. The numbers rolled will determine how many spaces the game pieces can be moved. The individual number on each dice represents each of two different moves. For example, if you roll a 4 and a 3, then you can move one game piece four spaces and the other piece three spaces. You also have the option of moving one game piece seven spaces.

Whenever possible, it is essential that the active player use both of the numbers rolled. When only one number can be used, the player must play that number. If neither of the numbers can be used, play moves on to the opponent. If they roll two many numbers, then the player can move as many spaces as there are available. On each move, a game piece can be moved on to an open point, a point protected by you, or a point with only one of your opponent's pieces on in.

If you roll a double, you are able to play twice the number shown on the dice. For example, if you roll two threes, then you can move four pieces each three spaces, or you can move one piece twelve spaces.

The game is finished when one player removes all of his or her playing pieces by counting off. The loser then determines how many points are lost. If the loser has removed at least one game piece, he or she loses only the value showing on the doubling cube. If, however, no pieces have yet been removed, the losing player is gammoned and loses twice the value of the doubling cube. Backgammon occurs when the losing player has not yet taken pieces from the board AND still has pieces in play in the vertical area of the board. In this case, that player loses triple the value of the doubling cube dice.

Backgammon rules can seem confusing at first, but it really is a very easy game to learn and to play. The best way to learn is to play with someone who understands the game, and keep a copy of your backgammon rules close at hand.

About the Author:

Nancy Anderson contributes articles to several popular Internet magazines, on hobbies and sports and travel and hobbies topics.