Backgammon
Backgammon Game Online
Backgammon is one of the oldest board games to exist. This two-player turn-taking board game gives opponents the thrill of trying to bring all their checkers home as fast as possible. One player moves their checkers clockwise to get home while the other moves counterclockwise to get home. The outcomes of dice rolls determine the movement of the checkers, making the game a race on a board.
To win in a game of backgammon, good strategy and great skill are necessary; however, luck is also important. A series of bad rolls can easily put the player who was once in a good situation on the path to a win-lose advantage.
The History of the Backgammon Game
Backgammon can be traced back to Egypt around 3,000 BC through a game called “Senet.” This game was played with a dice and a board with a pattern with squares in three rows of ten. Backgammon's board comprises four quadrants, each with six narrow triangles.
The next trace of ancient backgammon was found in Persia. A board made up of three parallel rows with twelve circular fields separated in the middle was found in Jiroft, Iran. The game's instructions and rules were very similar to the ancient Senet and present-day backgammon.
How Backgammon Spread Across Europe and the World
This Persian-style board game is believed to have then made its way to Western Europe, as similar boards were later found in ancient Rome. These boards had three rows of twelve points, and the game was called “Ludas Duodecim Scriptorum.”
This Roman game had a row of fields removed from the board around the 1st century AD and is believed to have evolved into the popular Greek game Tabula. Tabula's gameplay and rules are similar to those of backgammon, with the only difference being that Tabula uses three dice to play, unlike backgammon, which uses two.
Modern Developments
From the 11th century onwards, Tabula's popularity grew in Europe. The game was brought to England by knights who were coming back home from the Crusades. During the same period, the French also enjoyed the thrill of the game so much that King Louis IX banned the king's officials from playing in 1254. The Ottoman Empire was next to be introduced to this game, and then it finally made its way to the United States after World War 1.
The 17th century marked pivotal moments in backgammon's history. The term “backgammon” in reference to the game was first officially used by James Howell, while Edmund Hoyle provided the earliest official rules of the game through his write-up of 1743.
The first major international backgammon tournament was made possible by Prince Alexis Obolensky, also known as the "Father of Modern Backgammon." During this tournament, the doubling cube was introduced, and the game officially transformed from a casual pastime game to a competitive board game.
Evolution of Backgammon: From Boards to Online
Today, backgammon is a classic board game that can be played in person or on free online backgammon platforms.
Comparing Traditional Backgammon With Online Gameplay
The traditional backgammon needs the physical elements of the game, a partner, and a playing area to play. Online backgammon, on the other hand, only requires an internet connection. Additionally, playing backgammon online exposes players to numerous gameplay options, such as:
- Standard one-on-one matches or customizable rules matches.
- Various tournaments with different varying levels of competitiveness.
- Free backgammon or real-money version.
- Play with real ranked players, real unranked players, or AI opponents.
The traditional backgammon needs the physical elements of the game, a partner, and a playing area to play. Online backgammon, on the other hand, only requires an internet connection. Additionally, playing backgammon online exposes players to numerous gameplay options, such as:
Social Interaction in Online Backgammon: Global Communities
Traditional backgammon can only be enjoyed with those around you. Online backgammon, on the other hand, has become an internet social game.
Players connect on online backgammon platforms and interact through forums, chat features, friend lists, and virtual tournaments. From across the world, they discuss strategies, share insights, forge connections, and create a sense of comradeship. These social interactions have successfully replicated the in-person playing experience of the game to form global communities.
Basic Rules of Backgammon
The backgammon board comprises four quadrants, each with six narrow triangles. These triangles are referred to as points, and they alternate in color. The four quadrants are separated in the middle into two compartments by a bar. This bar marks the "inner” and "outer" boards. The inner board has points numbered 1 through 6, while the outer board consists of points numbered 7 through 12.
The backgammon board game comes with the following elements for play:
15 same-color checkers for each player
A pair of dice
A tumbler
A doubling cube
The following are the initial checker positions for each player when setting up the backgammon board:
- 2 checkers on their 24-point, i.e., triangle 1 for your opponent
- 5 checkers on their 13-point, i.e., triangle 12 for your opponent
- 3 checkers on their 8-point, i.e., triangle 17 for your opponent
- 5 checkers on their 6-point, i.e., triangle 19 for your opponent
Each player's 24-point is the opponent's home, and the goal is to get your checkers home the fastest. To start a game, each player rolls one dice. Whoever gets the higher number starts the game. In backgammon, checkers can only move forward. They also move either clockwise or counterclockwise from the opponent's home board to the player's home board.
The numbers on each rolled dice determine the number of steps a checker can be moved. For example, if a player lands a 3 and a 4, they can either move one checker 7 points or split the two values between two checkers as long as the moves are legal. If a player rolls the same number on both dice, they can play the numbers twice.
For a player to earn a point legally, their checker can only land or pass a point without the opponent's checkers. It is important to note that If there is a way to play a roll legally, it must be played even if it disadvantages the player. Additionally, if with the numbers on the dice rolled, the player can't make any legal move, they automatically forfeit their turn.
When a play is made and the checker lands on a point occupied by only one checker of the opponent, this move is known as hitting the checker. The checker that’s been hit must be placed on the bar. Its owner has to first re-enter it onto the opponent's home board to continue playing.
Bearing off is the process of a player removing the checkers on their home board from the game. The scores on the dice, when rolled, dictate the checkers you can bear off as they have to be equivalent to the value of the points the checkers are sitting on or higher. For example, if a player lands 6 cumulatively on both dice, the only checker they can bear off is one on the 6-point or higher.
A player can propose to double the stakes of the game when they feel they have an advantage. This must be done before the player rolls the dice at their turn. The opponent can either accept the proposed double or accept defeat. Once a double is accepted, the value on the cube will double with each subsequent double offer and acceptance.
4 Strategies to Win at Online Backgammon
Backgammon's gameplay is easy to learn. However, mastering it and winning can be a challenge. Here are the four key strategies you can apply to win at online backgammon.
Running Strategy
The strategy involves getting your checkers to your home board as quickly as possible and bearing them off as fast as well, essentially running. As you make your running plays, you must ensure that none of your checkers are open for your opponent to attack. Though this strategy is very simple, it only yields success if you are considerably ahead. The running game strategy should be ideally applied when you begin with strong high rolls.
Blitz Strategy
This strategy calls for courage to go on a full-out attack mode against any of your opponent's vulnerable checkers. The goal is to send as many of your opponent's checkers to the bar as possible, forcing your opponent to be trapped in constant re-entering of their checkers and slowing down their advancement. The Blitz strategy, though very bold, is also very risky as when your attacking checker is left vulnerable, you may be on the losing end.
Priming Strategy
The strategy involves the player forming a wall by having their checkers land on a number of consecutive points. The opponent can only get past the wall if they land a five or a six on the dice. This strategy guarantees to slow down your opponent and create a safe zone for you to move your checkers forward.
Duplication Strategy
This strategy entails moving your checkers in a way that your opponent will need the exact same dice rolls to make their moves anywhere on the board. Achieving this significantly reduces your opponent's effective numbers. It also reduces the probability of them hitting your checkers more than once and gives you a better chance of winning the game.
Tips for Beginners
Understanding all the nuances of backgammon can take time. Here are a few tips to improve your skills and avoid common mistakes.
Focus on Building a Strong Starting Position
A strong starting position can hugely impact how the game will play out. It is important to learn the best possible opening moves for all possible dice rolls. Learning the best counters to your opponent's opening moves is also beneficial.
Prioritize Safety Over Aggression
When making a play, guarantee the safety of your checkers first before going for your opponents. Aggressive moves such as those proposed in the Blitz strategy can leave your checkers open and vulnerable.
Learn to Count Pip Values
When you play backgammon online, the pip count is displayed on the screen and automatically calculated after each move. However, learning to count pip values is an essential skill every backgammon player should acquire. Knowing pip values as the game progresses informs you which player is ahead of the race and by how far.
When you play backgammon online, the pip count is displayed on the screen and automatically calculated after each move. However, learning to count pip values is an essential skill every backgammon player should acquire. Knowing pip values as the game progresses informs you which player is ahead of the race and by how far.
Consider playing backgammon?
Backgammon has come a long way from its ancient versions. This game's unique blend of strategy and luck fulfills the universal human desire for challenge, competition, and connection. You too can now indulge and enjoy playing a free backgammon game online with our comprehensive guide, tips, and strategies for beginners.