An Introduction To Backgammon

An Introduction To Backgammon


One Of The Oldest Games In The World

Lets talk about one of the oldest games in the world- backgammon. Archeologists believe that backgammon has been in existence since 3000 BC. It is a game that requires both luck and strategic planning. Basically, all you have to do is to roll the dice and then decide the best possible way to move. The beauty of backgammon is that it is very easy to learn, as the rules are very simple. However, when it comes to mastering the art of playing this game, you may not be able to it one lifetime. In sharp contrast to other similar games like chess, you can quickly start playing backgammon. Moreover, it doesn't take much time to finish the game because sometimes it may take only few minutes.

Learning About The Number Of Spaces

Basically there are twenty-four spaces on the backgammon board. The game is designed for two sides so 12 spaces are allotted for each side. However, there is a number on each space in opposite directions from 1 to 24. That means what is Space No.1 for one player is Space No.24 for another player. There are several types of rules that regulate backgammon. Players place their counters or checkers depending upon the rule being applied for a particular game. However, according to the most commonly used configuration, two counters are placed on 24, three counters are placed on 8 and five counters are placed on both 6 and 13.

How do you start the backgammon game? To decide who gets the first turn, both players roll the dice. The first turn is given to the player who rolls the higher number. Whoever gets the first turn, needs to use the numbers of both the dice for moving checkers. For example, if two dice show the number 6 and 2, then you have to move one checker 6 spaces and the second checker 2 spaces. Here, the things start getting complicated. However, you must stick to the rules. This is because you must follow the rule when moving the checkers, as there are several restrictions on the moves.

For example if a space has two or more checkers of the other player then it is not possible for you to move your checker on that space. However, you can take the checker of another player if you land on the space that has only one checker of the opponent. These ‘taken’ checkers are then put on the bar in the middle of the game board.