How do you start dice backgammon?

The initial arrangement of checkers is: two on each player's twenty-four point, five on each player's thirteen point, three on each player's eight point, and five on each player's six point. Both players have their own pair of dice and a dice cup used for shaking.

What is the first dice roll in backgammon?

To start the game, each player rolls one die, and the player with the higher number moves first using the numbers shown on both dice. If the players roll the same number, they must roll again, leaving the first pair of dice on the board.

How do you start a backgammon game?

To start the game, each player rolls a single die and the player with the higher number moves first using both numbers rolled. If both players roll the same number, the dice are rolled again until they roll different numbers. The players then alternate turns, rolling two dice at the beginning of each turn.

What are the rules for double dice in backgammon?

Each backgammon game starts with a value of one point. The doubling cube is placed in the middle of the bar and is not controlled by either player. When a player feels he has the advantage in a game, that player can choose to offer a double before rolling the dice—effectively doubling the value of the game.

Do you use dice in backgammon?

backgammon, game played by moving counters on a board or table, the object of the game being a race to a goal, with the movement of the counters being controlled by the throw of two dice.

How to Play Backgammon

Do you have to play both dice in backgammon?

Numbers on both dice must be played if possible. The same chip may be moved for both numbers, but the two numbers on the dice cannot be added and played as one move. For example, if you rolled a 4 and a 6, you cannot move one chip 5 points and another chip 5 points.

What is the big dice for in backgammon?

The doubling cube is a die included in backgammon sets used to raise the stakes of the game. Instead of pips, it has the Arabic numbers 2, 4, 8, 16, 32 and 64 written on it and is usually larger than the other dice. When the game starts, the game is placed on the bar with 64 facing up.

Do you roll again if you roll doubles in backgammon?

If a double is rolled, then the stake is doubled and both players roll again. This is repeated until one player rolls a higher number than the other. The player with the highest throw then uses the dice throw from both players to take the first turn and also chooses to play white or black (and thus which side to sit).

Do you have to roll doubles to get off the bar in backgammon?

Do I have to bear off a checker if I don't want to? The rules require that you use both numbers of your roll (all four numbers of a double) if possible. If you can make moves which do not involve bearing off, you are free to do so. Otherwise, you must bear off if that is your only legal play.

How many dice do you roll in backgammon?

Most versions call for a Backgammon board, two dice, and fifteen each of black and white counters, which are typically called checkers. The spaces on the board are usually represented by tall, narrow triangles, called pips. The bar is the strip separating the left and right halves of the board.

What is the best first role in backgammon?

Why did the Catholic Church ban backgammon?

The game continued to be played throughout the latter stages of the last millennium but it had constant battles with authorities and the church who wanted to ban it because of the gambling element. Its popularity continued through Victorian times and it was very popular at country house weekend parties.

How do you play General dice?

Generala is a game played by two or more players. Players take turns rolling five dice. After each roll, the player chooses which dice (if any) to keep, and which to reroll. A player may reroll some or all of the dice up to three times on a turn.

Do you have to take the first roll in backgammon?

If you follow these backgammon opening moves it is statistically proven that you will win more games. To start the game, each player throws a single die. This determines both the player to go first and the numbers to be played. If equal numbers come up, then both players roll again until they roll different numbers.

What happens when you roll a 1 and 2 in backgammon?

The dice combination of one and two, called acey-deucey, has special significance. Upon throwing acey-deucey, the player first moves a piece the three spaces to which he is entitled. He then selects any doublet and moves accordingly, mindful that a doublet, as in backgammon, is taken twice over. He then rolls again.

What is the secret to backgammon?

Always make the 5-point

Also known as “The Golden Point”. The golden point is your own 5-point, the golden anchor is the 20-point (the opponents 5-point). If you have the golden anchor it is much harder for your opponent to build an effective prime against these checkers, compared to the checkers on the 24-point.

Is backgammon a skill or luck?

Backgammon is a game of skill, and the more skill you have, the more likely you are to win. That is proven time and time again in tournaments and match results. But it is proven only in the long run. In the short run, just about anyone can beat anyone given enough luck, and when you have dice, you have luck.

What is a joker in backgammon?

Backgammon Glossary/Joker. Joker. Joker. An exceptionally good roll, especially a roll that reverses the likely outcome of the game; a roll much luckier than average.

Why is the 5 point so important in backgammon?

The 5-point is deep in your home board and along with the 6-point provides an effective barrier to entry when your opponent is trying re-enter from the bar. If your opponent rolls high (6 or 5), for instance, they will fail to re-enter and as a result, will waste a significant number of pips.

How many moves do you get when you roll doubles in backgammon?

You must roll a number of an open point to come back in the game. A special move in the basic backgammon rules is called, "doubles". If a player rolls doubles, (e.g. two and two) you are able to move one checker two spaces time four, or move four checkers two spaces, making it double your move.

What is the 13 point commonly referred to as in backgammon?

Q: What is the mid-point? That is the name of the point on your opponent's side of the board where you have a stack of five checkers at the start of the game. It is also called your "13-point" because the checkers on that point are 13 spaces away from being borne off. The opponent's mid-point is your 12-point.