Backgammon for Beginners

Backgammon rules for beginners in seven lines

1. Two players, 15 checkers each, two dice, a board of 24 points (the narrow triangles).
2. The players move in opposite directions. Your goal is to bring all 15 checkers into your home board — the last six points on your path — and bear them off first.
3. Each die is a separate move. Doubles are played four times.
4. You can land on an empty point, on your own checkers, or on a single opposing checker — never on a point with two or more of your opponent's checkers.
5. Landing on a single opposing checker (a blot) hits it: it goes to the bar and must come back in through your home board before your opponent can move anything else.
6. When all your checkers are home, you start bearing them off.
7. A win is 1 point; if the loser hasn't borne off a checker, it's a gammon (2); if they also still have a checker on the bar or in your home board, a backgammon (3).

That's really all of it. The details — the opening roll, which die you must play — are in the full backgammon rules.

Your first game on NARDEON

1. Press Play — you're in as a guest, no sign-up.
2. Choose Vs computer, the game Short (that's backgammon) and the level Beginner. Start with a match to 1 point.
3. Tap a checker: the points where it can go light up. Tap one of them to move.
4. Changed your mind? Undo any step until you confirm the move.
5. When you're done, confirm — and watch how the computer replies.

There's no clock against the computer, so take your time and look at every option.

Five ideas every beginner should know

1. Make points, don't scatter checkers

Two or more of your checkers on a point make it safe — your opponent can't land there. Made points are the building blocks of the game: they protect your checkers and get in your opponent's way.

2. Points in your home board are worth the most

A point in your home board blocks your opponent's hit checkers from coming back in. The more home points you hold, the harder it is for a checker on the bar to enter. The 5-point is usually considered the most valuable one to make early.

3. Be careful where you leave blots

If an opposing checker can reach your blot with one die — it's six points or fewer away along your opponent's path — it can be hit with a single number. Sometimes a blot is worth the risk, but leaving them in easy reach for no reason is the most common way beginners lose.

4. Don't forget your back checkers

Your two checkers on your 24-point have the longest way home. If you leave them too long, your opponent can build a wall of points in front of them and they'll be stuck.

5. Know who's ahead in the race

The pip count is how far each side still has to travel. At the start both players need 167 pips. If you're well ahead, it often pays to stop fighting and simply race home; if you're behind, holding points and waiting for a hit is usually better.

Common beginner mistakes

• Piling checkers on one point. Five or six checkers on a single point do the same job as two — spread them out to make more points.
• Hitting just because you can. A hit that leaves several of your own blots exposed can backfire.
• Running without a plan. Moving the farthest-forward checkers first often leaves the back checkers trapped.
• Ignoring gammons. When you're losing, bring stragglers home first — losing 1 point is better than 2. See gammon and backgammon.

A learning path

1. Learn the rules above and play a few games against Beginner.
2. Learn the standard opening moves — it takes ten minutes and helps from the first roll.
3. Move up to Amateur, then Master on the computer.
4. Play real people: a random opponent or a friend by link. After an online match, watch its replay to spot your mistakes.
5. Ready for more? Create an account for a rating and try a tournament.

Unfamiliar word? Check the glossary. Prefer a calmer game with no hitting? Try long nardy — the rules are just as short.

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Updated: October 24, 2026