About Backgammon

Backgammon is one of the oldest board games still widely played, with close relatives known as tavla in Turkey, tavli in Greece and nard across the Middle East and Central Asia. It is a race with an element of combat. Both players move their checkers around a board of twenty-four points in opposite directions, and the first to take all fifteen off the board wins.

This version follows the standard rules closely. The opening position is the usual one, with checkers on your 24, 13, 8 and 6 points. Doubles are played four times. A single checker left alone on a point is a blot that can be hit and sent to the bar, and it must re-enter through the opponent's home board before anything else moves. You must use both dice when a legal way exists, and when only one can be played it has to be the higher one. Bearing off uses the normal rule for rolls larger than you need.

Two things are kept simple. There is no doubling cube, and every win counts the same, so there are no gammon bonuses or match scores to track. Legal moves are highlighted for you and a turn with no legal move passes automatically, which makes this a comfortable place for beginners to learn.

How to play Backgammon

The goal is to move all fifteen of your checkers into your home board and then bear them off before your opponent does.
On your turn, click the dice tray to roll two dice. Each die is a separate move, and a double lets you play that number four times.
Move a checker forward by the number on a die. It may land on an empty point, a point you hold, or a point with exactly one opposing checker.
Landing on a single opposing checker hits it and sends it to the bar. A point holding two or more opposing checkers is blocked.
If you have a checker on the bar, you must bring it back in through your opponent's home board before moving any other checker.
You must play both dice if you legally can. If only one can be played, it must be the higher one. With no legal move, your turn is passed.
Once all fifteen checkers are in your home board, bear them off with exact rolls, or with a higher roll when no checker sits further back.
The first player to bear off all fifteen checkers wins the game.

Rules checked against the game on 2026-09-01.

Backgammon tips and strategy

Build points in pairs. Two checkers on a point cannot be hit and they block your opponent from landing there.
Make your 5 point and bar point early. A row of blocked points in front of the opponent's back checkers is the strongest structure in the game.
Hit blots in your own home board when the risk is low. A checker on the bar costs your opponent time, and every home point you hold is one fewer place for it to re-enter.
Count the pips. If you are clearly ahead in the race, avoid contact and run home. If you are behind, keep a point in the opponent's home board and wait for a shot.
When bearing off with an opposing checker still on the bar or behind you, clear your highest points first and avoid leaving a lone checker.

Backgammon FAQ

Does this backgammon game use the doubling cube?

No. Games are played without a doubling cube and without gammon or backgammon bonuses. Each game is a single win or loss, which keeps things simple for casual play and for anyone still learning how the checker movement works.

What happens when I roll doubles?

You play the number four times instead of twice. For example, a roll of double three gives you four moves of three points each, which you can share between different checkers or use on the same one, as long as every step is legal.

What if I cannot move after rolling?

If no checker can legally move, for instance when you are on the bar and every entry point is blocked, the turn passes to your opponent automatically. If you can play one die but not the other, you play what you can and the turn ends.

When can I start bearing off?

Only when all fifteen of your checkers are inside your home board and none are on the bar. If one of your checkers is hit during the bear-off, it has to re-enter and travel all the way home before you can continue.

How long does a game of backgammon take?

A single game without the cube usually takes five to ten minutes. Games with a lot of hitting run longer because checkers keep returning to the start, while a clean race with no contact can be over in a few minutes.

How many players do I need for Backgammon?

Backgammon supports exactly 2 players. If a full table of real people isn't ready when you queue, MultiplayerHub fills the empty seats with bots instantly so the match starts without waiting.

Do I need to download anything or sign up to play Backgammon?

No. Backgammon runs entirely in your browser tab — no app install, no account, no email required. Pick a name and you're matched within seconds.

Is Backgammon really free?

Yes — Backgammon and every other game on MultiplayerHub is free to play, supported by ads rather than a paywall or loot boxes.

Can I play Backgammon with a specific friend instead of strangers?

Create a private room from the Backgammon page to get a shareable room code, or enter a code a friend already sent you to jump straight into their table.