Two-Player Backgammon

Two players, one screen

Sitting together with one phone, a tablet on the table or a laptop? Pick Two players, one screen in the lobby. One person plays White, the other Black, and you hand the device back and forth — just like a board between you, minus the dice rolling under the sofa.

• No clock. Think as long as you want; nobody times out.
• Legal moves only. The game highlights where a checker can go and won't allow an illegal move, so nobody argues about the rules.
• Undo before confirming. Each player can take back their steps until they confirm the move.
• The score is kept for you — match to 1, 3, 5 or 7 points.

A big tablet laid flat between two players works best; on a phone, simply pass it over after each move.

Backgammon online with a friend

When you're not in the same room, play over the internet. Choose With a friend, pick the game and match length, then send the room link (or the 5-character code) in WhatsApp, Telegram or any messenger. Your friend opens it on any device — phone, tablet or computer — types a name and sits down at the board.

Online games go through the server: it rolls the dice, keeps the clock and lets you verify every roll afterwards. After the match press Rematch for another one. More in playing backgammon with friends.

Step by step

On one screen

1. In the lobby, under Choose how to play, tap Two players on one screen.
2. Pick Long or Short and the match length, then press Play.
3. After each move press Done and pass the device across.

Online with a friend

1. Tap With a friend, choose the game and length, then Invite a friend.
2. Send the link, or read out the 5-character room code.
3. Your friend opens the link — or types the code under Got a code from a friend? and presses Join.

Teaching someone to play

One screen is the easiest way to show a newcomer the game. Because only legal moves are allowed, they can't break a rule by accident, and the highlighted targets show where each checker can go. Keep Point numbers on in the settings so you can say "move to 8" and both of you see the same point. Without a clock, there's time to explain why one move is better than another — and Undo step lets the learner try both before pressing Done. When they're ready for more, the beginner's guide covers the basics in order.

Which two-player mode to choose

No partner right now?

Play the computer on one of three levels, or press Play and get matched with a random opponent looking for the same game. Got a regular group? Start a club with its own tables and rating.

Backgammon or long nardy for two

Backgammon (short nardy) is fast and full of hits. Long nardy has no hitting and is all about blocking — popular from the Caucasus to Central Asia. Not sure which one to pick? See long nardy vs backgammon.

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Updated: October 24, 2026