How to Play Backgammon by Yourself
Backgammon is a two-player game, but you don't need a partner to play it. You can take on the computer, play both sides yourself to study a position, or find a real opponent online in seconds — all free in your browser.
Play for freeNo sign-up, no download — right in your browser
1. Play against the computer
The most natural way to play backgammon alone. Choose Vs computer, pick the game — backgammon or long nardy — the match length and the level:
| Level | Good for |
|---|---|
| Beginner | Learning the rules; the computer makes plenty of mistakes |
| Amateur | An even game once you know the basics |
| Master | A real test: it plays the best move by its own evaluation |
There's no clock against the computer, so you can think over each roll as long as you like and use Undo step to try alternatives before pressing Done. More on the levels: play backgammon vs computer.
2. Play both sides yourself
Two players, one screen is meant for two people sharing a device, but it's also a great solo study tool. You roll for White, then for Black, and make both sides' moves. Use it to:
- see how a game develops when both sides follow the same plan;
- practice the opening moves for every roll — see the opening chart;
- teach someone the rules while showing both sides of the board;
- try out the head rule and the six-point block in long nardy without any pressure.
The dice are random and the game only lets you make legal moves, so it's an honest board — just with you in both chairs.
3. A quick game with a real person
If "by yourself" really means "nobody around to play with", the answer is online play. Choose the game and the match length, press Find opponent, and the game matches you with someone looking for the same settings. A match to 1 point is a single game — usually a few minutes. See multiplayer backgammon for how matchmaking works.
A solo practice routine
- Warm up with one game against the Amateur level.
- Study one idea — bearing off, hitting, the pip count — and play it through on one screen.
- Test it against Master. Losing to Master is normal at first; winning a match to 3 is a real milestone.
- Play a person once you feel ready. With an account, online matches are recorded so you can replay your mistakes move by move.
Want structure? The learn backgammon page has a step-by-step path, and backgammon strategy covers the ideas worth practicing.
Solo play, any device
Everything runs in the browser on a phone, tablet or computer, with no download and no ads. You can add the game to your home screen to open it like an app.
Play for freeNo sign-up, no download — right in your browser
FAQ
Can you play backgammon by yourself?
Yes. The easiest way is against the computer: it plays the other side at the level you choose. You can also play both colors yourself in Two players, one screen mode, which is handy for studying positions.
Is there a solo backgammon game like solitaire?
Backgammon has no official solitaire version. Solo play means playing against a computer opponent or moving both sides yourself.
How hard is the computer?
There are three levels: Beginner makes plenty of mistakes, Amateur slips up now and then, and Master plays the best move by its own evaluation of the position.
Can I practice long nardy by myself too?
Yes. Every solo option works for both backgammon and long nardy.
Do I need to sign up to play alone?
No. All modes are open to guests. An account adds a rating, a leaderboard place and records of your online matches.
Updated: October 24, 2026