Backgammon

Get ready

Each side begins in the traditional 2–5–3–5 arrangement and moves in opposite directions.

Take your turn

1. Roll two dice and make one move per die; doubles play four times.
2. Two opposing pieces block a point. Landing on a lone piece sends it to the bar, and barred pieces must re-enter first.
3. Once all your pieces are home, bear off with exact rolls or an allowed higher roll when no farther piece remains.

Finish on top

Be first to bear off all fifteen pieces.

Play smarter

• Build points in pairs so they cannot be hit.
• Keep an entry point open when the opponent has a piece on the bar.