GUIDE #270
How to Play Backgammon Online
Backgammon is the classic two-player race with dice, hitting, and a doubling cube. Fifteen checkers each, server-rolled dice online, and a worker AI for practice.
01 // CONTROLS
Controls
- Click or drag a checker to a highlighted point, then Confirm move
- Undo undoes a pip inside the turn; the server accepts only complete legal plays
- Mobile: tap-to-move on a 390px board; trays and the bar are large hit targets
02 // STEPS
Step by step
- 01
Opening roll
Each player rolls one die. The higher number plays first using both dice. Ties re-roll.
- 02
Move
Play both numbers if you can. Doubles are four moves. Hit blots to the bar; enter from the bar before anything else.
- 03
Bear off
Only when all 15 are in your home board. A higher die may bear off a lower checker if nothing sits higher.
- 04
Cube and matches
Offer the cube before you roll. Take or drop. Match variants to 3, 5, or 7 use the Crawford rule.
03 // EDGE
Pro tips
- If only one number is legal, it must be the larger die when that die can be played.
- Hard AI thinks in a Web Worker — the board stays live.
- Pip count is shown for both colours so races are honest.
04 // FAQ
FAQ
Who rolls the dice online?
The server. Clients send moves; they cannot pick a roll.
What is a gammon?
You win a gammon (×2) if the opponent has borne off zero checkers. A backgammon (×3) also needs a checker on the bar or in your home.
What is the Crawford rule?
When a player first reaches match-point, the next game cannot be doubled.