The Basics of Backgammon
Do you have a favorite childhood game?. No matter what era you were born in, certain childhood games are classic and have withstood the test of time. Who hasn’t heard of or played Monopoly, Solitaire (online or the good-old-fashioned way, with an actual deck of cards!), checkers, or chess? The most classic games involve a game board, a pair of dice, or a deck of cards. Of course each new game comes with its own set of rules and regulations, but the basics of many childhood games are similar.
Some games, of course, are all about skill and strategy. Whether you are trying to conquer the world or get to the finish line first, you need to use strategy and smarts to be victorious. Other games are based on pure and simple luck, such as the classic Snakes & Ladders or Candy Lane, where the roll of the dice largely determines the winner. If you’re looking for a game that includes a blend of both skill and luck, however, consider the classic game of backgammon.
Never played backgammon before? No problem; it’s easy to learn how! This board game isn’t just for kids, either. People of all ages, including adults and seniors, are avid backgammon fans. Serious game players even play backgammon for money. Here is a short explanation on how to play backgammon, as well as some basic backgammon rules.
The backgammon board is comprised of 24 columns or triangles, divided into four sets of six columns/triangles. Two sets are the home base of one player, while the remaining two sets are the home base of the second player. Each player begins with 15 playing pieces (checkers) in his own color (typically black or white). The goal of the game is to bring all your playing pieces into your home base and then remove them from the board before your opponent does. Backgammon pieces move according to the roll of your dice.
Now you can play backgammon by luck, which means you depend on the dice to determine the fate of your playing pieces. However a good backgammon player adds strategy to his game, using the rules to his advantage as he tries to outsmart his opponent. Once you understand the basics of the game and know how to play backgammon, you will naturally develop your own favorite tricks and strategies. You may choose to take certain ‘risks’ and make the game more exciting. On the other hand, you always have the option of playing defensively and keeping your backgammon pieces safe at all costs. Have some fun experimenting with the nuances of the game as you discover your personal favorite moves.
The best roll of the dice in backgammon, by the way, is rolling “doubles.” When you roll doubles, you are allowed to move any of your pieces four times the number that appears on the dice. While this can sometimes give you a significant advantage over your opponent, this aspect of the game depends on pure luck. An entire game of low-dice numbers could cost you the game even if you are a smart and seasoned backgammon player. On the other hand, even the savviest of backgammon players can lose if his opponent lucks out with high-rolling dice throughout the game.
If you want to play backgammon online, you will find myriads of free backgammon websites or you can buy backgammon software. On the Internet, you can actually win real prizes and actual money playing backgammon. One difference between the board game and the Internet is that on the Internet you play against possibly thousands of backgammon players as opposed to one opponent. However be sure the sites you enter are safe and that your personal data is protected.
If you’re interested in perfecting your backgammon skills and gaining a sharp edge over the competition, you’re in luck. Today there are multiple resources for learning the fine points of the game, including free websites that offer professional tips on how to play backgammon. There are also entire books devoted to the topic, covering the basics, how to use advanced tactics, how to use the dice to your advantage, when to attack, when to defend, when to move, when to stay put, and much more.
So on your next rainy day or whenever you’re in the mood for some challenging fun, pull out a backgammon board and let the games begin!