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Online Backgammon
Backgammon has a very long history; nevertheless, learning how to play backgammon is simple. It is a game of skill and one that, unfortunately, many younger people today are not all that familiar with. Still, familiarizing oneself with how to play backgammon doesn’t take very long. Thanks to the rise of the Internet, learning how to play backgammon is easier than ever before, and the game is enjoying a resurgence of popularity. You can play online, download backgammon games from the Internet, and play with other people or against the computer.
Understanding the Game Setup
Most people are familiar with the setup: two players, one backgammon board, and each player gets 15 chips. The object of the game is to move the chips from the board into your home board and finally into your winning pile. The first person to successfully clear the board of all their chips wins the game.
The backgammon board is divided into four parts. When looking at the board from either one of the player’s sides, the quadrant closest to you is your home board. Moving clockwise, you will pass over the bar and see the other half of the board, referred to as the outer board. The remaining quadrant of the board is your opponent’s home board. Each quadrant has six points, which are the spaces you move onto. Although the points are alternating colors, each chip can move onto any colored point; the color of the chip and the color of the points do not have to correspond.
Setting Up the Board
The game starts with the chips in the proper place. Each player has five pieces on the first point in their home board, the one closest to the bar. Moving clockwise, each player gets three pieces on their side of the outer board, placed in the point not directly next to the line but one away from it. On the other side of the outer board, on the point furthest away from the center line, each player puts five more pieces. Moving rightwards across the board, each player puts two pieces in the opposite player’s home board nearest to their “out” position.
How to Play
Each roll of the dice shows how many points a player is allowed to move their chips. For example, if you roll a five and a four, you can move your chips a total of nine points. You can move one chip four spaces and the other chip five spaces. You must use both rolls if it is legally possible for you to do so. The only caveat is that you cannot move a chip onto a space that is already occupied.
If a player rolls doubles, they get double the moves; for example, if you roll double sixes, you can move four pieces six points instead of two pieces six points. If you have a single chip on a space and a chip from your opposing player lands on it, your piece gets sent back to the center bar, and from there, it has to start its journey from the other side of the board. The first person to get all their chips through the board and into the safe position wins.
The Online Experience
With the advent of online platforms, playing backgammon has become even more accessible. Players can now enjoy backgammon games without the need for physical boards or pieces, allowing for instant games with friends or strangers around the world. This has not only increased the popularity of backgammon but has also introduced various new formats and variants that players can explore.
Online backgammon also offers the advantage of tutorials and guides for beginners, helping them to grasp the strategies and rules quickly. Many online platforms also feature matchmaking systems that allow players to compete against others of similar skill levels, making the game more enjoyable and competitive.
Conclusion
Whether you are a seasoned player or a newcomer, backgammon remains a captivating game that combines strategy, luck, and social interaction. With the rise of online gaming, it’s easier than ever to join the fun and enjoy this timeless classic. So gather your chips, roll the dice, and may the best player win!