THE PLAYBOOK · HONGRENYOU
How to play Backgammon
Read the aim of Backgammon, then make your first move. Bear off all fifteen pieces before the opponent. Use the example below to understand a decision. Treat the first round as a chance to learn the controls. Look at what changes after your first action.
Local two players; no doubling cube, stakes or remote matching.
Read before acting
Read one step at a time and try it on the playing area. Match the instruction to the control you use. Refer to the controls when needed.
Your goal
Bear off all fifteen pieces before the opponent. Use the instructions to see which actions move you towards it. Try to explain the aim in your own words.
Step by step
- Roll and use the maximum legal number of dice; doubles give four moves.
- Enter barred pieces first.
- Points with at least two enemies are blocked; a lone enemy is hit.
- Bear off only after all pieces reach home.
Controls
Click or tap a piece and destination; use the turn indicator and legal-move feedback. On a smaller screen, keep the active part of the board within view. A new-round button replaces the current round.
A useful example
When only one die can be used and either is individually playable, use the larger die. Your next round may have a different position, so inspect it before acting. Choose a deliberate next step.
Watch out for this
An oversized bear-off requires no piece farther from the exit. Take a moment to reassess the position before continuing. Take enough time to read a new position. If a game has a timer, learn its controls first rather than searching for them during the round.
Common questions
As a new player, what is the goal of Backgammon?
Here is the relevant explanation: Bear off all fifteen pieces before the opponent.
Before I begin, how do I control Backgammon?
Click or tap a piece and destination; use the turn indicator and legal-move feedback.
While reading the Guide, what example helps explain Backgammon?
For clarity: When only one die can be used and either is individually playable, use the larger die.
Before I begin, what should I watch out for in Backgammon?
For clarity: An oversized bear-off requires no piece farther from the exit.
While reading the Guide, what format does Backgammon offer?
Here is the relevant explanation: Local two players; no doubling cube, stakes or remote matching.
While reading the Guide, which play mode does Backgammon use?
Here is the relevant explanation: The mode on this page is Local players. Same-device play uses one screen; this game library does not provide internet matchmaking.