Question 1

How do you set up a backgammon board?

Accepted Answer

Each player has 15 checkers: two on the opponent's 1-point, five on the 12-point, three on the 8-point and five on the 6-point. Both players move in opposite directions toward their own home board.

Question 2

How many checkers are in a backgammon game?

Accepted Answer

Thirty in total — 15 per player. The board has 24 points plus the bar, where hit checkers wait to re-enter.

Question 3

How do the dice work?

Accepted Answer

You roll two dice each turn and each die is a separate move. Rolling doubles gives you four moves of that number instead of two. If neither die can legally be played, your turn ends.

Question 4

What is a blot and what happens when it's hit?

Accepted Answer

A single checker alone on a point is a blot. If an opponent lands on it, the checker goes to the bar and must re-enter in the opponent's home board before its owner may make any other move.

Question 5

What is the doubling cube?

Accepted Answer

The cube (2, 4, 8, 16, 32, 64) raises the stakes. Before rolling, you may offer a double; your opponent accepts and takes ownership of the cube, or resigns at the current value.

Question 6

What's the difference between a gammon and a backgammon?

Accepted Answer

A gammon is when the loser has borne off no checkers — it counts double. A backgammon is when the loser also still has a checker on the bar or in the winner's home board — it counts triple.

Question 7

How do I play backgammon online free?

Accepted Answer

Open the Play Now page, pick a nickname and enter the lobby. You'll be matched with a real opponent and the board loads straight in your browser — no account, no download and no cost.

Question 8

Do I need to download anything?

Accepted Answer

No. The full game runs in any modern browser on desktop, tablet or phone. If you prefer a native app, Backgammon Premium is also on the App Store and Google Play.

Question 9

Am I playing real people or a computer?

Accepted Answer

Real opponents. Matchmaking pairs you with other players who are online at the same time, usually in under ten seconds.

Question 10

Can I play backgammon online with a friend?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Create a private table and send the invite link — your friend joins straight into your match, no lobby queue in between.

Question 11

Does my progress carry between browser and app?

Accepted Answer

Sign in with the same account and your profile, stats and match history follow you between the web version and the mobile apps.

Question 12

Is it safe for beginners?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Legal moves are highlighted while you learn, and you can read the full rules or the beginner walkthrough before your first match.

Question 13

What is Quick Match?

Accepted Answer

A single game against the first available opponent. Fastest way to get a board in front of you — ideal for a short session.

Question 14

What is the Doubling Cube table?

Accepted Answer

A standard game with the cube in play, so stakes can climb mid-game. This is where backgammon becomes a game of judgement rather than just dice.

Question 15

How do match points work?

Accepted Answer

In a points match (for example 5-point), you keep playing games until one player reaches the target score. Gammons count double and backgammons triple toward that total.

Question 16

What is the Turn-Based Lounge?

Accepted Answer

A slower format where each player takes their turn whenever they're free. Perfect if you'd rather play a game across a day than in one sitting.

Question 17

What is a Private Table?

Accepted Answer

An invite-only game. You create the table, share the link, and only the person you invite can sit down opposite you.

Question 18

Can I switch modes between matches?

Accepted Answer

Yes — every mode is open in the lobby at all times, and you can change after any finished game.

Backgammon FAQ

Backgammon Rules

Playing Backgammon Online

Game Modes

Still curious? Keep reading

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