Classic strategy with dice & doubling
- At-a-Glance
- What / Why / Who
- What
- Why
- Who
- Getting Started
- Activities & Variations
- Guides & Tutorials
- Starter Kits (Amazon)
- Budget — 15" Folding Backgammon Set (travel-friendly)
- Sweet Spot — 18" Set with Weighted Checkers & Dice Cups
- Upgrade — Tournament 21" Set + Precision Dice + Baffle Box
- Books & Learning
- Essential Gear & Materials
- Safety, Etiquette & Legal
- Tips, Troubleshooting & Common Mistakes
- Skill Progression
- Communities & Where to Practice
- Related Hobbies
- FAQ
At-a-Glance
Difficulty: ○●○ Beginner
Time: 20–60 min per match
Cost: $–$$
Space/Setup: Table; portable sets for travel
Solo/Group: 2 players; chouette for groups
Seasonality: Year-round
What / Why / Who
What
Backgammon is a fast strategy game where players race checkers home while balancing positional play and dice luck, using the doubling cube to manage risk.
Why
- Quick to learn, deep to master.
- Portable—great at cafés or game nights.
- Blends tactics, probability, and psychology.
Who
Board-game fans, math-curious players, and anyone who enjoys competitive but social games.
Getting Started
- Learn setup, legal moves, hits, re-entries, bearing off.
- Play to 5 points; introduce the doubling cube.
- Study opening replies and basic concepts: anchors, builders, safe vs bold.
- Keep a score sheet; review a few key positions after each match.
- Try online practice or bots for tactical drills.
Activities & Variations
- Casual match play (to 5, 7, or 9 points)
- Chouette (team rotation with captain)
- Speedgammon (timed)
- Variants: hypergammon, nackgammon, acey-ducey
Guides & Tutorials
- Setup, Rules & Bearing Off
- Opening Replies & Common Position Types
- Doubling Cube 101 (Timing, Market Losers)
- Prime vs Blitz vs Race: Choosing a Plan
- Endgame: Bear-off Tables & Pip Counting
- Chouette Rules & Etiquette
Starter Kits (Amazon)
If you buy via the picks below, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Budget — 15" Folding Backgammon Set (travel-friendly)
Buy on Amazon
What you’ll like: compact board, dice, cups, and checkers—perfect starter set to learn and play anywhere.
Sweet Spot — 18" Set with Weighted Checkers & Dice Cups
Buy on Amazon
What you’ll like: larger points for easier play, nicer feel, sturdier hardware; ideal home set.
Upgrade — Tournament 21" Set + Precision Dice + Baffle Box
Buy on Amazon
What you’ll like: tournament size/feel, consistent rolls, faster play with a baffle box.
Books & Learning
Book links below may be affiliate links. We only list books we truly recommend.
- Backgammon (Paul Magriel) — Buy on Amazon
- Backgammon for Winners (Bill Robertie) — Buy on Amazon
- 501 Essential Backgammon Problems (Bill Robertie) — Buy on Amazon
Essential Gear & Materials
- Board set, checkers, doubling cube, two dice, two dice cups
- Score sheets or app; pencil/pen
- Optional: precision dice, baffle box
Safety, Etiquette & Legal
- Roll into the board; use cups; keep both dice flat.
- State the cube clearly; place it centered when offered/accepted.
- Resolve disputes by rules reference or replaying position.
Tips, Troubleshooting & Common Mistakes
- Always count pips to know if you’re racing or fighting.
- Make an anchor early when under attack.
- Avoid deep stacks; build builders to key points.
- Double earlier than you think when you have many market losers.
Skill Progression
Rules → opening replies → cube action → reference positions → match equity & timed play.
Communities & Where to Practice
- r/backgammon
- Local game clubs; online servers & apps
Related Hobbies
- Chess
- Bridge
- Dominoes
- Card Games
- Sudoku
FAQ
What size board should I buy?
15" for travel/everyday; 18" feels great at home; 21" is tournament.
Is it luck or skill?
Both—dice add variance, but skill dominates over many games.
What’s the doubling cube for?
It raises the stakes and compresses matches; learning cube action is key to improving.