Instructions for Playing Backgammon
Despite the rise of a lot of similar board games, Backgammon has never lost its appeal, and from its beginnings to the present day, it remains popular for a large number of enthusiasts. For those who have yet to play, taking some time to learn its basic rules will be essential.
The instructions for playing Backgammon are quite easy to follow. Each player has checkers (or men as they are sometimes called) placed on triangular points on the board. Like chess, the competitors make their moves alternately. Here the movement of the checkers are determined by the dice throws.
According to Backgammon rules, player A will throw the dice and the movement of the checker will depend on the numbers of the throw. For example, if the dice gives you a 6 and 3, you can move checker either 9 spots forward, or if you prefer, you can split the movement between two checkers; that is, move once piece 6 paces, and the other one three.
If you roll a double (i.e., a 55 or 66) Backgammon rules state that you can move four times. A 66 for instance, can be used to move checkers four times over.
A player may move to an open point freely, but if it is occupied by two or more opposing checkers, he cannot proceed. If the opposing checker is isolated, the advancing piece can proceed, and register a hit. The hit checker is placed on the bar and your opponent will not be able to make any moves until the checker can return to the game with the appropriate roll.
The Backgammon rules for bearing off are also simple. First you need to ensure that all your pieces are on your home board. You cannot remove any from the board until all are in your territory. The process of moving them will also be based on the dice rolls, but if you feel the need to make another move (like eliminate an opposing checker) you are free to do so.
The rules for playing Backgammon are that simple. Of course, there are other innovations used in the game, such as the doubling cube, the Crawford and Jacoby rules, etc. However, for beginners, the above-mentioned are enough to help you get started on this wonderful game.
Knowing the basic rules, you will now find it easier to grasp the other concepts that will allow you to become more competitive in the competition for cash.