Backgammon is an old game, traditionally played by two with a pair of dice on a board. The role of the game is to move and in the end remove the figures according to the number indicated on the dice. The game is exiting, with lots of strategies, tactics and it isn’t based on luck as the dice throwing would suggest. The game is played on a board, divided in two at the middle. You can choose to play traditional backgammon or online backgammon as well.
On the backgammon board there are 24 points, marked as triangles and colored in two, a lighter and a darker one, usually black and white. The board is symmetrical and also the starting setup is symmetrical: the players place their figures, called checkers on the board according to a certain order. Both players have to move all checkers on one side of the backgammon board, on the points closest to them. The moves are done according to the numbers indicated on the dice. The player must move two checkers at each throw, if possible. One dice can be moved, but only if it’s possible with the number indicated on one dice at a time, meaning the player has to move both numbers, and not the sum of the numbers. There might be times, when no move is possible. In that case the player will wait for his other turn. A checker can be moved on free points, on points where there are already checkers, and on points where is only one checker belonging to the opponent. If the opponent has two checkers on a point, than that position is occupied, only he can put his own checkers there. If there is only one checker on a certain point it can be hit. This means, that the checker is removed, and the player has to place it on the board, in the area where the opponent is moving his checkers for removal. If he can’t place is, than he has to wait until an opportunity comes. When all checkers are moved into the designated area, which will be clear after the starting setup is made, than also according to the dices the player or players can start removing checkers.
The game might appear as a game based on luck, but in fact it involves a great amount of strategy and tactics. A good player will always know with which combination what moves have to be done, and never lets his game to be driven by luck, leaving it influence the game only if it brings him good. Bad luck shouldn’t ruin the game. For example if the numbers appeared on the dices, after they stopped moving are the same, than it’s called a double, and the checkers are moved as if those numbers were thrown twice. This means four checkers can be moved too.
In some cases, a doubling cube is added to the game. This cube on its six sides has the number 2, and its powers painted. A player can ask to double the stakes played for. When he does that, the other player has to accept it or resign immediately. There is no limit in doubling, but usually it is not redoubled. If someone proposes for a double, than the other one has the chance to redouble only.
The game is gaining popularity on the internet, more and more are starting to play. In most of the cases, you have to download the backgammon software in order to play. Also there are many variations of backgammon available on the internet. These variations often are limited to a geographical zone, and there are not official, but the software accepts these too, due to the increasing number of players.
Also, online casinos offer backgammon strategies to read and learn. It is very bad if the players’ decisions are based only upon luck. A good strategy can mean victory. The key to a good game is to know exactly what to move at different combinations. It is very important to pay attention, and never let the other take control over the game. It might seem logical not to leave checkers alone on points, but there are cases when you don’t have other choice, or it’s a part of a good strategy.
Real time backgammon is available for players on the internet since the early ’90, and servers, software and databases are only getting more efficient. It is also important to know, that you are playing against another human being, when entering a game, and not against a computer. You have great chances to win with this game. All in all strategy always wins, but luck too can bring some twist in the outcome of the game. Don’t be afraid though, go and test your skills against people from all over the world, and in the meantime, make some money.
