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Got Backgammon for Christmas? The Rules in 5 Minutes
Published on November 9, 2026
A backgammon set under the Christmas tree is a classic gift – but what now, if the rule booklet in the box raises more questions than it answers? Here are the essential rules, explained compactly, so your first match can happen the same evening.
Try it right now in your browserWhat’s the game about?
Each player has 15 checkers on a board with 24 spaces (called points). The goal is to move all your own checkers around the board and then be the first to bear them all off. You roll two dice – whoever rolls the higher number goes first.
The starting position
Here’s how the board looks at the start of a game – X and O represent each player’s checkers:
+24-23-22-21-20-19-+---+18-17-16-15-14-13-+ | X O | | O X | | X O | | O X | | O | | O X | | O | | X | | O | | X | | | | | | | | | | X | | O | | X | | O | | X | | X O | | O X | | X O | | O X | | X O | +-1--2--3--4--5--6-+---+-7--8--9-10-11-12-+
Backgammon starting position: 15 checkers per player, spread across four points.
Don’t worry if this looks confusing at first glance: most sets already come with the checkers sorted correctly, and our detailed article on setup and starting position explains every step with a picture.
How does a turn work?
You roll two dice and can use both numbers to move your own checkers – either one checker twice, or two different checkers once each. If you roll doubles (both dice show the same number), you get to play that number four times.
A checker may only move to a space that’s either empty, has only a single opposing checker on it, or is already occupied by your own checkers.
What happens if I hit a single opposing checker?
If a space has only a single opposing checker on it (called a blot), you can hit it by landing exactly there with one of your own checkers. The hit checker then has to re-enter the game from the very start – costing your opponent valuable time.
How do you win?
Whoever moves all 15 of their own checkers around the board first and then bears them all off wins the game. We explain the exact rules for bearing off step by step in our article on bearing off.
What now?
The best way to really internalize the rules is to just start playing. The fastest way is right in your browser, with no sign-up required:
Play backgammon for free nowIf you want to go deeper afterward, our backgammon strategy section has the next steps – or sign up for our newsletter to get regular tips:
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Frequently asked questions
I've never played backgammon before – is it hard to learn?
No. The basic rules can be understood in a few minutes – mastering the game takes longer, but your very first match is fun even before you're playing every move optimally.
Do I need a second player to practice?
No. Our free browser backgammon lets you play against the computer right away, with no sign-up – ideal for trying out the rules before you take on family or friends.
What if I don't understand the setup from the printed rules?
That's normal – printed rule booklets are often too brief. Our detailed article on setup and starting position explains every step with a picture.
What's the die with the numbers 2, 4, 8, 16, 32, 64?
That's the doubling cube, used to raise the stakes of a game. You can safely ignore it for your first few matches – it only matters once you're playing for points or money.
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.