Rules Of Backgammon

The game of backgammon is one of the most popular board games around. It has been around for centuries and different variations are played all over the world. The backgammon board game is played across the globe in a live setting and is growing in popularity as an Internet game as well. If you are unfamiliar with the rules of this popular game but would like to learn you will be happy to hear that it is easy to learn how to play backgammon.

If you want to learn backgammon instructions then you need to start with a basic understanding of the backgammon board and set up. The board in this game is divided into 4 quadrants and divided down the center by a bar. On your side of the board are your homeboard quadrant and outboard quadrant. On the opposing side of the board are your opponent's homeboard and outboard. Each quadrant has 6 triangular points within it, for a total of 24 points on the board. These are the points to which you will move your checkers around the board.

A backgammon set contains 30 checkers. Each player receives 15 checkers and the opposing checkers are set up on the board. Your backgammon set up is a mirror image of your opponent's set up.

Now that you understand the board and basic backgammon setup you are ready to learn the rules of the game. You and your opponent will move in opposite directions around the board. Your objective is to reach all of your checkers to your homeboard and bear them off the board before your opponent achieves the same goal. To move around the board you will roll 2 dice. You may move one checker for each die, or move one checker twice, provided the move is legal.

In order for a move to be legal in backgammon you must move in a forward direction and land on a point that does not contain 2 or more opposing checkers. If you land on a point that contains only 1 opposing checker this is known as a "hit" and you move the opposing checker to the bar that divides the board. Your opponent must reenter through your homeboard to the point farthest from his own homeboard.

On your way around the board you can utilize different backgammon strategy options. One of the best strategies is to create blockades by placing 2 or more of your checkers on several points in a row to keep your opponent from passing.

Now that you have a basic understanding of backgammon rules you are ready to start playing. You can play backgammon online for free or for real money with a backgammon game download. Playing for free is a great way to learn to play and improve your game, but many players enjoy the thrill of backgammon gambling for real money. However you decide to play you are sure to enjoy this exciting and popular board game.