Learning backgammon is easy – mastering it takes time. Immerse yourself in the world of backgammon, a centuries-old game full of excitement and fun but also connected with strategy and tactics. We offer you well-founded information about the game, helpful information about backgammon world champions and books, help you master backgammon and make you a true backgammon master.
Backgammon is certainly one of the oldest and most popular games in the world. A dice and board game based on intelligence and strategy has always fascinated mankind – find out why backgammon is actually good for your brain in our article on the topic.
The rules are simple and easy to understand, but the difficulty lies in the detail. The combination of luck and strategy makes the game incredibly varied and unique. The starting position or basic arrangement of the stones is the first requirement to play the game – the rules are explained simply and quickly and the game can begin. The game is fun for young and old and can be played digitally over the internet online or within backgammon apps on the smartphone and tablet.
Latest ArticlesEverything About Backgammon
- Backgammon Opening 5-3: The Best Move ExplainedStrategy
Opening with 5-3 in backgammon: why making the 3-point is the standard move.
Published on July 12, 2026
- Backgammon GalaxyPlay Online
Backgammon Galaxy at a glance: platforms, analysis features, rankings, and what playing costs.
Published on July 8, 2026
- Closeout in Backgammon: The Closed Home BoardStrategy
What a closeout is in backgammon, how it happens, and why a closed home board completely blocks an opponent on the bar.
Published on July 8, 2026
How do you win at backgammon?
You are annoyed by the fact that you constantly lose in backgammon and would like to win once in a while? This is a topic that concerns beginners as well as advanced players – how can you win in backgammon, how much influence does the luck of the dice have and how much can you as a player influence by tactics and strategy but also dice theory. There are different strategies and relatively simple backgammon tips, which are easy to learn and apply. By playing backgammon frequently, for example online backgammon, you learn very quickly what works and where you can improve to master the game.
Learn how to win at Backgammon
Backgammon Strategy
Not only beginners but also experts or masters of backgammon depend on it. A suitable backgammon strategy has already given many a backgammon friend a wonderful game. Starting with the dice theory, it requires the application of rules to play successfully.
Learn more about backgammon strategies
Backgammon Masterclass
Are you looking for information about the game of backgammon to understand how to improve your own game, win more often and thus master the game? You want to take your skills to the next level as fast as possible and need a mentor or coach? Use the Backgammon Masterclass to improve your backgammon know how.
Learn more about the Backgammon Masterclass
Backgammon books and resources
Backgammon can be learned in a short time, but a master or master needs a little more experience and knowledge. Backgammon books are ideal to get a deeper insight into the game.
We have collected the best and most comprehensive books that will make you a professional backgammon player. Starting with the backgammon structure, through different strategies, to a well thought-out game with consideration of the dice strategy and when to use the doubling cube correctly or when to refuse a double of the opponent. Learn more about backgammon books
The history of Backgammon
Backgammon is a centuries old game
The history of backgammon goes back several centuries, it is a very old game. Originally, the game came from the Middle East and became famous all over the world. Over 5000 years ago the game was developed in Mesopotamia and then started its triumphal procession all over the world. But also variations like Tavla or Tavli were predecessors and have influenced the game.
The combination of luck and tactics, or dice theory, has captivated people all over the world and is still enjoyed by many people today.
Here you can learn more about the history of backgammon
Last but not least, all important backgammon terms are listed in the Backgammon Wiki and Glossary, in order to have an online reference book, if a term is not familiar anymore or if you want to orientate yourself in an online backgammon game, or if you want to play the well-known variation nackgammon.
Here you get an overview of the most common backgammon terms
Backgammon setup and rules
Backgammon board with dice
The rules of backgammon are usually quickly explained, but often you are looking for a reference book or instructions on how to play or control what. Rules of the game are important to ensure a fair game – that also includes backgammon etiquette, the fair and respectful way of treating your opponent.
The backgammon structure is the basis for playing a successful game against each other. The checkers are distributed for each player and placed on the board. The doubling cube lies unused at the beginning, either next to the board or in the board visible to both players. Usually each player gets a pair of dice in his blot colour, but you can also play with a pair of dice.
But also variations of the backgammon game, such as nackgammon, have their appeal through a changed basic set-up and thus through a variation in the game.
Here you can learn more about backgammon rules and the backgammon structure
Backgammon cases and backgammon games made of wood
If you are interested in the historical game of Backgammon, you will enjoy stylishly designed wooden backgammon cases. These offer the possibility to play the game in your free time, in a café, on vacation or at home with friends and acquaintances without having a smartphone, tablet or PC at hand.
Backgammon games can be made of different materials (mother-of-pearl, wood, stone, alabaster), connoisseurs and enthusiasts appreciate a high quality game, which can also bring a great playing feeling through its haptic experience. Independent of this, you can also see the advantages of digital backgammon, so you can play it against the computer, or for example on the tablet against each other within the browser.
Play Backgammon online
Suitable opponents are not always easy to find, especially if you have already infected all your friends and family with your own backgammon enthusiasm. Or your friends and family do not play at the same level and you are looking for equal players who also enjoy playing backgammon at a higher level. A free browser backgammon is provided by backgammon-meister.de. Online backgammon allows you to play with and against real opponents. Not only for fun, but also for money or a stake you can play the game against each other online. The doubling cube is the instrument to achieve high winnings, if it is used correctly. Here you can learn more about how to play online backgammon
You already have experience in playing Backgammon and want to play against real opponents online? You know the rules and are looking for equal opponents?
Play online backgammon against real opponents
Frequently asked questions
How many checkers does each player have in backgammon?
Each player has 15 checkers, arranged on fixed points of the board at the start of the game. That means 30 checkers are on the board in total.
How do you hit a checker in backgammon?
A single, unprotected checker on a point is called a blot. If your opponent lands exactly on that point with a roll, the blot is hit and must re-enter the game from the bar.
What is a blot in backgammon?
A blot is a single checker standing alone on a point, which makes it vulnerable to being hit. Two or more of your own checkers on the same point are safe.
What is the doubling cube and how does it work?
The doubling cube shows values from 2 to 64 and is used to double the stakes during a game. Before rolling, a player may offer to double; the opponent either accepts (and gains the right to the next double) or gives up and loses the current stake.
What's the difference between a single win, a gammon and a backgammon?
In a single win, the loser has already bore off at least one checker. In a gammon (double value), the loser hasn't borne off any checkers. In a backgammon (triple value), the loser additionally still has a checker in the winner's home board or on the bar.
Can you play backgammon online for free?
Yes — there are many free ways to play backgammon online, both against the computer and against real opponents. See our page on playing backgammon online for details.
Is backgammon a game of luck or skill?
Both play a role: the dice add a random element, but an experienced player with good strategy wins significantly more often over time than a beginner — typically around 70:30 in favor of the stronger player.
What's the difference between backgammon and tavla?
Tavla (also known as tavli or tabla) is a variant common in the eastern Mediterranean that shares the same starting position as backgammon but differs in some rule details — for example, one of the tavli rounds has no doubling cube.
About the Author
Ulf Mayer
I love backgammon in all its forms – whether it's a quick match on my smartphone to pass the time, or a glass of wine alongside a beautiful wooden board with family and friends. As the founder of backgammon-meister.de, I share my passion, tactics, and tips to help both beginners and ambitious players dominate their next match. Dice cup ready? Let's master the game!
backgammon-meister.de has been online since 2008.