Are you looking to introduce some family-friendly games to your routine? Consider exploring our guides on Hearts, Spades, Sardines, Mancala, Checkers, and Crazy 8s.
What’s your familiarity with backgammon? If you or your family grew up in the ’60s or ’70s, you may recall the iconic briefcase-style version adorned with vibrant shades of brown, white, olive, and orange. But have you actually tried playing it? The good news is that backgammon remains a beloved game today, and you can even enjoy it online!
The origins of backgammon date back over 5,000 years to Mesopotamia (modern-day Iraq). This ancient pastime was also favored by the Egyptians, Romans, and Greeks, with Egyptians going so far as to invent a mechanical dice thrower to prevent cheating. Interestingly, in some regions, the original dice were crafted from human bones—definitely a bit unsettling! Still widely enjoyed in the Middle East, backgammon is a staple in local cafes and during gatherings. In Russia and the South Caucasus, it may be known as Nardi or Narde, with two variations: Short Narde and Long Narde.
In short, backgammon is primed for a contemporary revival. It’s simple to learn, and while it has a vintage feel, it’s readily available for purchase—perhaps even during your next trip to Target. If you’re keen to enhance your family game nights, backgammon could be just the ticket. Once you have the board, here’s a quick guide on how to play.
How to Play Backgammon
Did you know there’s a US Backgammon Federation? There is! The following rules and tips come from the USBGF’s official guide.
Understanding the Board
A standard backgammon board is divided into two sides, featuring 24 triangles (or “pips”), with twelve on each side facing the opponents. Each player has their “home board” on their right side and the opponent’s home board on their left. The two sections are separated by a ridge called the “bar.” When you set up the game, you start with your checkers positioned on both sides of the board.
Game Pieces
You will need two pairs of dice, two dice cups, 30 checkers, and a “doubling cube” to track the stakes.
Objective and Winning
Each player starts with 15 checkers placed across the board. The goal is to gather all your checkers into your home board.
Moving Your Checkers
To determine who goes first, each player rolls one die, and the higher number wins. The player who goes first will use the roll to move their checkers in opposite directions into their home board. After the first roll, players alternate turns and roll both dice during their turns. Here are some key points to remember:
- A pip is considered “full” if two or more opposing checkers occupy it.
- You can use each die to move a checker or combine the two rolls to move one checker a total of both numbers.
- You can pass over a pip but cannot land on a full pip.
- If you can’t make a valid move, your turn is skipped.
Additional Rules and Strategies
Backgammon isn’t merely straightforward; various challenges can arise. If your opponent lands on a pip occupied by your checker (a “blot”), they can send you to the bar. Your priority then becomes getting back into play. There are also strategies like “bearing off” and doubling, and scoring can get complex. For the best experience, consider watching a tutorial video or practicing with a partner.
One advanced strategy is the Blitz, where instead of racing home, you build a wall along the board. This tactic allows you to send your opponent’s checkers to the bar, particularly effective if they roll poorly. Just be cautious—attacking near your home row might backfire.
Playing Backgammon Online
Believe it or not, backgammon is so popular that you can play it online! Backgammon Galaxy stands out as a highly rated platform, ideal for both novices and seasoned players. It evaluates your moves, providing insights into your gameplay, which helps you improve over time. For those wanting a digital experience, downloading free apps from the Apple Store or Google Play can be a great way to test your skills before committing to a physical board.
Benefits of Playing Backgammon
This game is fantastic for mental stimulation, constantly challenging players to adapt and rethink strategies. It enhances critical thinking and can even involve elements of probability and mathematics.
Fun Facts About Backgammon
Backgammon has a quirky history that adds to its charm:
- In 1982, a court case in the US argued backgammon was a game of skill rather than luck, allowing it to remain a competitive activity.
- During the 16th century, the Catholic Church banned backgammon, leading to the creation of portable boards for covert play.
- Tom Holland won the first world championship in Las Vegas in 1967.
- Greek philosopher Plato believed backgammon symbolized cosmic movements, while chess represented war.
- Hugh Hefner enjoyed the game so much that he hosted backgammon parties at the Playboy Mansion!
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In summary, backgammon is an engaging game that offers both historical depth and strategic complexity. Whether played in a casual setting or online, it provides a unique experience that challenges players’ minds while fostering friendly competition.