{"id":694,"date":"2025-02-28T10:33:52","date_gmt":"2025-02-28T10:33:52","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.mplgames.com\/blog\/?p=694"},"modified":"2025-04-11T09:38:39","modified_gmt":"2025-04-11T09:38:39","slug":"how-to-set-up-backgammon-board","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.mplgames.com\/blog\/how-to-set-up-backgammon-board\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Set Up a Backgammon Board: Starting Positions &amp; Rules"},"content":{"rendered":"<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_71 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-transparent ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #555555;color:#555555\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #555555;color:#555555\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 eztoc-toggle-hide-by-default' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/www.mplgames.com\/blog\/how-to-set-up-backgammon-board\/#What_Do_You_Need_For_a_Backgammon_Setup\" title=\"What Do You Need For a Backgammon Setup?\">What Do You Need For a Backgammon Setup?<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/www.mplgames.com\/blog\/how-to-set-up-backgammon-board\/#30_Checkers_15_Light_and_15_Dark\" title=\"30 Checkers (15 Light and 15 Dark)\">30 Checkers (15 Light and 15 Dark)<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/www.mplgames.com\/blog\/how-to-set-up-backgammon-board\/#4_Dice_2_for_Each_Player\" title=\"4 Dice (2 for Each Player)\">4 Dice (2 for Each Player)<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/www.mplgames.com\/blog\/how-to-set-up-backgammon-board\/#Two_Dice_Cups\" title=\"Two Dice Cups\">Two Dice Cups<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/www.mplgames.com\/blog\/how-to-set-up-backgammon-board\/#The_Doubling_Cube\" title=\"The Doubling Cube\">The Doubling Cube<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/www.mplgames.com\/blog\/how-to-set-up-backgammon-board\/#Why_Check_Your_Equipment_First\" title=\"Why Check Your Equipment First?\">Why Check Your Equipment First?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/www.mplgames.com\/blog\/how-to-set-up-backgammon-board\/#Understand_Backgammon_Terms\" title=\"Understand Backgammon Terms\">Understand Backgammon Terms<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/www.mplgames.com\/blog\/how-to-set-up-backgammon-board\/#A_Brief_About_Backgammon_Boards\" title=\"A Brief About Backgammon Boards\">A Brief About Backgammon Boards<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/www.mplgames.com\/blog\/how-to-set-up-backgammon-board\/#Pre-game_Checklist\" title=\"Pre-game Checklist\">Pre-game Checklist<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/www.mplgames.com\/blog\/how-to-set-up-backgammon-board\/#Backgammon_Setup\" title=\"Backgammon Setup\">Backgammon Setup<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/www.mplgames.com\/blog\/how-to-set-up-backgammon-board\/#Starting_Position\" title=\"Starting Position\">Starting Position<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-12\" href=\"https:\/\/www.mplgames.com\/blog\/how-to-set-up-backgammon-board\/#The_Basics\" title=\"The Basics:\">The Basics:<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-13\" href=\"https:\/\/www.mplgames.com\/blog\/how-to-set-up-backgammon-board\/#Alternative_Ways_to_Play\" title=\"Alternative Ways to Play\">Alternative Ways to Play<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-14\" href=\"https:\/\/www.mplgames.com\/blog\/how-to-set-up-backgammon-board\/#The_Doubling_Cube-2\" title=\"The Doubling Cube\">The Doubling Cube<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-15\" href=\"https:\/\/www.mplgames.com\/blog\/how-to-set-up-backgammon-board\/#The_Beaver\" title=\"The Beaver\">The Beaver<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-16\" href=\"https:\/\/www.mplgames.com\/blog\/how-to-set-up-backgammon-board\/#Checker_Movement\" title=\"Checker Movement\">Checker Movement<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-17\" href=\"https:\/\/www.mplgames.com\/blog\/how-to-set-up-backgammon-board\/#FAQs\" title=\"FAQs\">FAQs<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-18\" href=\"https:\/\/www.mplgames.com\/blog\/how-to-set-up-backgammon-board\/#What_is_the_anatomy_of_a_backgammon_board\" title=\"What is the anatomy of a backgammon board?\">What is the anatomy of a backgammon board?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-19\" href=\"https:\/\/www.mplgames.com\/blog\/how-to-set-up-backgammon-board\/#What_is_the_Jacoby_rule_in_backgammon\" title=\"What is the Jacoby rule in backgammon?\">What is the Jacoby rule in backgammon?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-20\" href=\"https:\/\/www.mplgames.com\/blog\/how-to-set-up-backgammon-board\/#What_country_is_backgammon_most_popular\" title=\"What country is backgammon most popular?\">What country is backgammon most popular?<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n\n<p>Though gaming is pretty advanced with mind-blowing technological upgrades every year, playing board games is always something to cherish. It brings people together around a tabletop, encourages casual banter and bonding, and is excellent for stress relief. While some board games require little learning, some are slightly more sophisticated.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Backgammon is undoubtedly one of the oldest board games, with origins dating 5,000 years ago. It\u2019s a two-player game, and the game\u2019s objective is to become the first player to move all fifteen checkers off the board first \u2013 this is also referred to as \u201cbearing off.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you happen to be a casual backgammon player, you likely forget how to set up the game board. Fret not, as we\u2019re here to help. We\u2019ll guide you through the entire backgammon setup in the form of short, straightforward instructions so that you\u2019ll be ready to sit down for a game in no time. If it makes you feel at ease, the game setup is doable in five minutes or less.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_Do_You_Need_For_a_Backgammon_Setup\"><\/span>What Do You Need For a Backgammon Setup?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large is-resized\"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/www.mplgames.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/shutterstock_2501981283-1024x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-5005\" style=\"width:653px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.mplgames.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/shutterstock_2501981283-1024x1024.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.mplgames.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/shutterstock_2501981283-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.mplgames.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/shutterstock_2501981283-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.mplgames.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/shutterstock_2501981283-768x768.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.mplgames.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/shutterstock_2501981283-1536x1536.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.mplgames.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/shutterstock_2501981283-2048x2048.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Source: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.shutterstock.com\/image-photo\/backgammon-wooden-board-game-on-white-2501981283\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">BlakeImaging \/shutterstock<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Before starting a game of backgammon, it&#8217;s important to ensure that all necessary pieces are present. This is the list of all the equipment you need. So, let&#8217;s look at how to set up a backgammon board!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Read More: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.mplgames.com\/blog\/how-to-get-off-the-bar-in-backgammon\/\">How To Get Off The Bar in Backgammon<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"30_Checkers_15_Light_and_15_Dark\"><\/span><strong>30 Checkers (15 Light and 15 Dark)<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Each player has&nbsp;15 checkers&nbsp;in white and black.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>These checkers move across the board according to dice rolls.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Without all&nbsp;30 checkers, the game cannot be properly set up or played.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"4_Dice_2_for_Each_Player\"><\/span><strong>4 Dice (2 for Each Player)<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Each player ideally has their own&nbsp;pair of six-sided dice&nbsp;for rolling.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>However, if only&nbsp;two dice&nbsp;are available, both players can share them, rolling when it&#8217;s their turn.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Two_Dice_Cups\"><\/span><strong>Two Dice Cups<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Each player uses a&nbsp;dice cup&nbsp;to shake and roll the dice.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>This prevents unfair rolling techniques and ensures randomness.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"The_Doubling_Cube\"><\/span><strong>The Doubling Cube<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>This special die has&nbsp;numbers 2, 4, 8, 16, 32, and 64&nbsp;on its faces.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>It is used for&nbsp;raising the stakes&nbsp;during the game when players want to increase the game&#8217;s value.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>While not required for casual play, it is an important part of competitive backgammon.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Why_Check_Your_Equipment_First\"><\/span><strong>Why Check Your Equipment First?<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Before setting up your board, confirming that all pieces are present ensures a smooth game without interruptions. Missing checkers would prevent proper play, and missing dice or cups could make rolling more difficult. Once everything is accounted for, you can&nbsp;start setting up the board&nbsp;and begin your game.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Understand_Backgammon_Terms\"><\/span>Understand Backgammon Terms<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Like many other popular board games, backgammon also has its glossary of terms for pieces and areas of the board. It is essential to understand these terms before you roll the dice and play the game against a friend or an unknown opponent!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>The twenty-four narrow triangles called points are where discs are placed and moved across.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The <strong>home board<\/strong> is the half that comprises both players\u2019 home areas (this can be either on your left or your right, based on the color you\u2019re playing). The other half is known as the <strong>outer board<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The <strong>bar<\/strong> sets the home board from the outer board apart.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"A_Brief_About_Backgammon_Boards\"><\/span>A Brief About Backgammon Boards<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Nothing\u2019s more important than understanding the basics of the backgammon board before you start putting your checkers. We\u2019ll cover everything you should know before you set up your board:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>The triangles (or points) are in alternating colors and grouped into four quadrants, having six triangles each.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The home boards and the outer boards position themselves opposite to each other.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The points are numbered from 1-24. The 24-point is the one that\u2019s further from each player, located on the leftmost side of the opponent\u2019s home board, whereas the 1-point is the rightmost one on the player\u2019s home board.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The points for each player are numbered oppositely, i.e., the player\u2019s 24-point is the opponent\u2019s 1 point, and subsequently, for the rest of them.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Pre-game_Checklist\"><\/span>Pre-game Checklist<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Make sure you follow the below instructions before you start the game:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Place the board on a level-playing surface easily accessible by both players.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Count the checkers to reaffirm that both players have the correct number. There should be a total of thirty checkers, with fifteen each of two colors for differentiation.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>In some serious games, you might use a&nbsp;doubling cube, but it doesn\u2019t impact the overall initial setup.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Decide the color each player shall use.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Whether you use a doubling cube needs to be determined in advance in addition to any other advanced gaming techniques.&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Backgammon_Setup\"><\/span>Backgammon Setup<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"683\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/www.mplgames.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/shutterstock_2553971755-683x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-5009\" style=\"width:420px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.mplgames.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/shutterstock_2553971755-683x1024.jpg 683w, https:\/\/www.mplgames.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/shutterstock_2553971755-200x300.jpg 200w, https:\/\/www.mplgames.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/shutterstock_2553971755-768x1152.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.mplgames.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/shutterstock_2553971755-1024x1536.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.mplgames.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/shutterstock_2553971755-1365x2048.jpg 1365w, https:\/\/www.mplgames.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/shutterstock_2553971755-scaled.jpg 1707w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 683px) 100vw, 683px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Source: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.shutterstock.com\/image-photo\/two-people-enjoy-friendly-game-backgammon-2553971755\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Gorgev \/shutterstock<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Once you sort out the above steps, keep the following in mind for backgammon setup!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Let each player pick their fifteen checkers<\/strong>:&nbsp;The process of backgammon setup is easier and quicker if each player manages to set up their checkers. Checkers come in different color combinations such as white and brown, black and red, or black and white. The colors do not impact the game as long as two different ones are present.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Pick two checkers and place them on your 24-point<\/strong>: The 24-point is the nearest point to the player on the left side of his board and the right side for the opponent. Remember that the checkers should mirror each other as they\u2019re set up.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Place five checkers on your 13-point<\/strong>:&nbsp;The 13-point is on the same side as the 24-point, the rightmost point on each player\u2019s side. If you want to ensure that you are placing them in the right spot, count backward from the position of the two checkers on the 24-point until you get to the 13-point.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Place three checkers on your 8-point<\/strong>:&nbsp;The 8-point is on the same side of the board as each player\u2019s home board, just a couple of spaces away from the bar at the center. Again, if you want to ensure the correct placement of checkers as per the backgammon board setup, count backward from the position of the checkers on the 13-point until you get to the 8-point.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Put the five remaining checkers on your 6-point<\/strong>:&nbsp;The six-point is located adjacent to the bar for each player but on opposite sides. To make sure you\u2019re placing the player\u2019s checkers accurately, count back from the 8-point checkers. These final five checkers are the only ones to start on your home board. You can use them to create primes to prevent the entry of the opponent\u2019s checkers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Ensure that none of the checkers overlap<\/strong>:&nbsp;Remember that each player possesses their numbering system, so none of the checkers must overlap. If any of the points have both players\u2019 checkers on them, then it\u2019s likely that the backgammon setup is incorrect and you need a do-over.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Starting_Position\"><\/span>Starting Position<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>In Backgammon, the&nbsp;starting position&nbsp;refers to how each player&#8217;s checkers are arranged at the beginning of the game. Each player has&nbsp;15 checkers, and they are placed in specific positions on the board to ensure a standard setup.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"The_Basics\"><\/span><strong>The Basics:<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>A backgammon board consists of&nbsp;24 points, which are the triangular spaces. They are arranged in two halves. Each player&#8217;s checkers move in opposite directions around the board.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Each player places their 15 checkers as follows:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>5 checkers on your 6-point: <\/strong>This is a home board point near your bearing-off area.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>3 checkers on your 8-point: <\/strong>It is positioned in your outer board.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>5 checkers on your 13-point:<\/strong> This is a strategic midpoint and is useful for blocking or re-entering checkers.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>2 checkers on your 24-point: <\/strong>It is the farthest point from the player&#8217;s home board and acts as an initial defense.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Your opponent mirrors this setup on their side of the board.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Alternative_Ways_to_Play\"><\/span>Alternative Ways to Play<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"The_Doubling_Cube-2\"><\/span><strong>The Doubling Cube<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The&nbsp;doubling cube&nbsp;is a special die used in backgammon to make the game more exciting and strategic. It looks like a regular die but is a little bigger and has the numbers&nbsp;2, 4, 8, 16, 32, and 64&nbsp;on its sides instead of 1-6.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The doubling cube&nbsp;lets players increase the stakes&nbsp;of the game to twice the value. If you feel like you are in a strong position, you can offer to&nbsp;double&nbsp;the value of the game. If your opponent accepts, the game is now worth&nbsp;twice as much. If they don\u2019t accept, they forfeit, and you win the game at the current value.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"The_Beaver\"><\/span><strong>The Beaver<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>A&nbsp;beaver&nbsp;in backgammon lets a player&nbsp;immediately redouble&nbsp;after their opponent doubles, while still keeping control of the&nbsp;doubling cube. This increases the game\u2019s stakes instantly. Advanced players use it when they believe the opponent doubled too early. Not all games allow beavers, but they add extra strategy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Checker_Movement\"><\/span>Checker Movement<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>To begin the game, each player throws a single die. This decides which player goes first and also the numbers to be played. If equal numbers pop up, players roll the dice again until different numbers appear. The player throwing the higher number begins moving his checkers based on the numbers on both dice. After the initial; dice roll, the players throw two dice and take turns. The dice roll stipulates how many points (or pips) the player is supposed to move his checkers.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Also Read: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.mplgames.com\/blog\/chutes-and-ladders-rules\/\">Learn How To Play Chutes And Ladders Board Game<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"FAQs\"><\/span>FAQs<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_is_the_anatomy_of_a_backgammon_board\"><\/span><strong>What is the anatomy of a backgammon board?<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>A backgammon board has&nbsp;24 triangles&nbsp;divided into&nbsp;four quadrants- Each player\u2019s&nbsp;home board&nbsp;and&nbsp;the outermost point. A&nbsp;bar&nbsp;in the middle separates the two sides. Each player has&nbsp;checkers, dice, a doubling cube, and dice cups. The goal is to move checkers into the&nbsp;home board&nbsp;and bear them off.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_is_the_Jacoby_rule_in_backgammon\"><\/span><strong>What is the Jacoby rule in backgammon?<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The&nbsp;Jacoby Rule&nbsp;speeds up play by saying that&nbsp;gammon and backgammon win only count for extra points if the doubling cube has been used. This prevents long, unnecessary games where a player delays doubling to get a bigger win. It\u2019s commonly used in&nbsp;money games, not tournaments.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_country_is_backgammon_most_popular\"><\/span><strong>What country is backgammon most popular?<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Backgammon is&nbsp;most popular in the Middle East, especially in&nbsp;Iran and Turkey, where it has deep cultural roots. It\u2019s also widely played in&nbsp;Greece and Armenia. But it is also popular worldwide!<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Go through our guide on how to set up backgammon board before you play the game!<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":9,"featured_media":696,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[13],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-694","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-board-games","infinite-scroll-item","generate-columns","tablet-grid-50","mobile-grid-100","grid-parent","grid-33"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.mplgames.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/694","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.mplgames.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.mplgames.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.mplgames.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/9"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.mplgames.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=694"}],"version-history":[{"count":8,"href":"https:\/\/www.mplgames.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/694\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":5012,"href":"https:\/\/www.mplgames.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/694\/revisions\/5012"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.mplgames.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/696"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.mplgames.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=694"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.mplgames.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=694"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.mplgames.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=694"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}