The Ultimate Guide to Online Backgammon: Rules, Strategies, and More

Enter the world of online Backgammon, an enthralling game that perfectly blends luck and strategy. Whether you're a novice or an experienced player, this guide will help you master the art of playing Backgammon online.

Top Pick
Approved Approved
New
0xBET Casino
9.8

Weekly 15% Cashback Bonus

18+ Only, T&C Apply.
Payout Speed
1 hour
Benefits

Excellent reputation since the casino was established.

Top games from 40+ studios.

24/7 live chat customer support.

Fast withdrawals.

Deposit, play, and withdraw in Bitcoin.

Uses high quality updated software.

Payment Methods
2
Approved Approved
Favorite
Hot
New
Weiss Casino
9.7

Up to USDT450 + 140 Free Spins on your first 4 deposits

18+ Only, T&C Apply.
Win Rate
97.6%
Payout Speed
Instant
Benefits

Excellent reputation since the casino was established.

Live casino games.

24/7 live chat support plus phone and email contact options.

Offers Unlimited withdrawal.

Deposits by cryptocurrencies are accepted.

Fully Instant Play - No Download Needed.

Payment Methods
3
New
BetiBet Casino
9.8

Up to $1800 on your first 2 deposits

18+ Only, T&C Apply.
Win Rate
97%
Payout Speed
1 hour
Payment Methods
4
Approved Approved
New
Bingo Bonga Casino
9.8
Win Rate
97.3%
Payout Speed
1 hour
Payment Methods

Weekly 20% Cashback Bonus

18+ Only, T&C Apply.
5
Approved Approved
New
Mr. Pacho Casino
9.8
Payout Speed
1 hour
Payment Methods

100% Match Bonus up to $500 + 200 Free Spins

18+ Only, T&C Apply.
6
BooCasino
9.4
Win Rate
96.7%
Payout Speed
24 hours
Payment Methods

Up to $1000 on your first 3 deposits

18+ Only, T&C Apply.
7
Wolfy Casino
9.3
Win Rate
96.7%
Payout Speed
2 - 3 Days
Payment Methods

Up to $1000 on your first 4 deposits

18+ Only, T&C Apply.
8
New
BetOnRed Casino
9.3
Payout Speed
Instant
Payment Methods

Up to €450 + 250 Free Spins on your first 3 deposits

18+ Only, T&C Apply.
9
SG Casino
9.1
Win Rate
96.7%
Payout Speed
1 hour
Payment Methods

100% Match Bonus up to $500 + 200 Free Spins

18+ Only, T&C Apply.
10
Jack998 Casino
9
Win Rate
94.5%
Payout Speed
1 hour
Payment Methods

100% Match Bonus up to S$30

18+ Only, T&C Apply.

Overview

Backgammon, one of the world's oldest known board games, has a rich history and simple yet strategic gameplay. Its appeal is timeless and transcends cultures and ages. The game is played on a board divided into four quadrants, each containing six points. 

Fun Fact: Backgammon's history dates back nearly 5,000 years to Mesopotamia, making it one of the oldest board games.

Two players move their 15 checkers in opposite directions, according to the roll of two dice. The objective is to bear off all one's pieces before the opponent does. In online Backgammon, the game's classic rules and structure remain intact, allowing players to enjoy the excitement of live matches or practice against computer opponents. The balance between luck and skill intrigues the game and allows for multiple layers of strategy. Various online platforms offer live games, tournaments, and free practice sessions in our free casino games section.

Online Backgammon brings the classic game to the virtual world, allowing players to enjoy it from their homes. Various platforms offer playing modes, including live games, tournaments, and practice sessions. These platforms often provide tutorials and guides to assist players of all skill levels. Many also feature social components, enabling players to connect and compete with others across the globe. The intuitive interfaces often mirror the traditional board, maintaining the game's classic appeal. Online Backgammon has contributed to the game's resurgence, making it accessible to a new generation of enthusiasts.

History

With origins tracing back almost 5,000 years to ancient Mesopotamia, Backgammon's rich history is as engaging as the game itself. It adapted and evolved through ancient Persia, Greece, and Rome. During the Byzantine Empire, the game known as "tabula" became a favorite pastime.
In the 17th century, Backgammon entered England, where it underwent further refinement and modern rules were established. The game's popularity soared in the 20th century, especially during the 1960s and 1970s, thanks to the rise of gaming clubs and the introduction of the Doubling Cube. The advent of online gaming platforms has given Backgammon a new life, allowing players worldwide to connect and compete.


Rules

Backgammon is played on a board consisting of 24 points, divided into four quadrants. Each player has 15 checkers and two dice. The players move their checkers in opposite directions, aiming to bring all checkers into their home board and bear them off before their opponent. Here are the fundamental rules:

  1. Starting Position: Checkers are set up in a specific starting formation.
  2. Movement: Players roll the dice and move their checkers according to the outcome. They must adhere to the guidelines for moving the checkers.
  3. Hitting and Entering: If a player lands on a point with a single opposing checker, that checker is "hit" and placed on the bar. It must re-enter the board before that player can continue.
  4. Bearing Off: Once all checkers are on the home board, a player can begin bearing them off. The first to bear off all checkers wins.
  5. Doubling Cube: This optional tool allows players to raise the stakes mid-game.
  6. Winning: A regular win awards one point, a "gammon" (all checkers off before the opponent bears any) awards two points, and a "backgammon" (all checkers off with the opponent's checkers still on the bar or in the winner's home board) awards three points.

Strategy

Backgammon's beauty lies in its blend of luck and strategy. Some key strategies include:

  1. Opening Moves: Your first moves set the tone for the game. Consider the roll's result and your opponent's potential responses.
  2. Build a Strong Position: Creating a structure with multiple checkers on points blocks the opponent.
  3. Utilize the Doubling Cube: Knowing when to double or accept a double can shift the game in your favor.
  4. Avoid Risks: Minimize the risk of having checkers hit by assessing potential threats.
  5. Plan for the Bear Off: Strategize how to bear off your checkers efficiently, considering various possible dice outcomes.
  6. Adapt to the Game Phase: Tailor your strategy to the game's phase, whether it's the opening, middle, or endgame.

Payouts

The payout in Backgammon depends on the type of win and the use of the Doubling Cube. Here's how it works:

  1. Regular Win: If a player bears off all checkers before the opponent bears off any, they win one point.
  2. Gammon Win: If a player achieves a "gammon," they win double the current stake, or two points without the Doubling Cube.
  3. Backgammon Win: A "backgammon" win triples the current stake or awards three points without the Doubling Cube.
  4. Doubling Cube: The Doubling Cube can multiply the stakes, and a player can offer to double the stakes at any point, to which the opponent must agree or forfeit the game. The cube has faces showing 2, 4, 8, 16, 32, and 64, representing the multiplier applied to the game's initial stakes.

 


Fun Facts

  1. Backgammon Boards in Antiquity: Archaeologists have found Backgammon-like boards in the ruins of Pompeii, preserved from the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD.
  2. Prominent Fans of the Game: Several famous figures, including the philosopher Seneca, Charles Darwin, and President Thomas Jefferson, were known to enjoy Backgammon.
  3. Global Reach: Backgammon variations are played around the world, reflecting its universal appeal.
  4. World Championships: The Backgammon World Championship has been held in Monte Carlo annually since 1975, drawing elite players from across the globe.

Tips

Playing online Backgammon can be both an enjoyable pastime and a challenging mental exercise. Whether you're a novice eager to learn or an experienced player aiming to sharpen your skills, the following tips are designed to guide you through the game's complexities. Understanding these strategies can transform your gameplay, elevate your decision-making, and increase your winning chances. From mastering the fundamental rules to developing advanced strategies, these tips offer valuable insights to players at every level of expertise. Read on to discover how you can gain a competitive edge and enhance your enjoyment of this classic game.

Calculate Your Casino Bonus

$
Casinos Bonus Min. Deposit WR Payment Methods Claim Bonus
Sun Palace Casino
$7,000

SLOTS200

18+ Only, T&C Apply.
$20 50x (Bonus & Deposit)
18+ Only, T&C Apply.
SlotsPlus Casino
$7,000
18+ Only, T&C Apply.
$20 50x (Bonus & Deposit)
18+ Only, T&C Apply.
Jumba Bet

Exclusive

$5,000

250ANK

18+ Only, T&C Apply.
$20 40x (Bonus & Deposit)
18+ Only, T&C Apply.
Jackpot Wheel Casino
$5,000 + 40 Free Spins

200JACKPOT

18+ Only, T&C Apply.
$10 40x (Bonus & Deposit)
18+ Only, T&C Apply.
Old Havana Casino
$5,000
18+ Only, T&C Apply.
$20 40x (Bonus & Deposit)
18+ Only, T&C Apply.

Our Favorite Casino

Approved Approved
Favorite

Megapari Casino

9.7
Best for
Blackjack
Slots
Roulette
Over 20000 games available

Excellent reputation since the casino was established.

Popular Play’n GO casino games.

24/7 customer support in multiple languages.

Wide range of currencies.

Accepts Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies.


Win Rate
98.7%
Payout Speed
1 hour
Features
3D Games
Arcade Games
Auto Play
Branded Games
12 more
Payment Methods
Exclusive

130% Match Bonus up to $410 + 30 Free Spins

Welcome Bonus

WWBONUS1
18+ Only, T&C Apply.

FAQ

Yes, many platforms offer free online Backgammon games, providing a great way to practice and enjoy the game without risk.

Practicing regularly, studying different strategies, watching experienced players, and analyzing your games can all help you improve.

While dice rolls introduce an element of luck, strategy plays a significant role. Skilled players often have an edge over novices.

Many online platforms allow you to invite friends for private games, enhancing the social aspect of the game.

Discover More

Safest Online Casinos

Make sure that your next gaming session is the most unforgettable gambling experience ever by joining the safest and most secure online casinos in the business. Use this guide to discover the ins and outs of casino safety, protected deposits, secure withdrawals, game safety, and RNG audits. Become a master at spotting the safest and securest casinos around, or simply pick one of our expert recommendations.

Read More

OCR Approved Casinos

Casinos awarded our Seal of Approval (SOA) consistently rank highly across various benchmarks. These include player security & privacy, trustworthiness & fairness, customer service, banking options, and a solid reputation in the industry.

Read More

No Wagering Bonuses

Dive into the fantastic world of online gambling with the best no-wagering casino bonuses. Discover the ins and outs of wager-free promotions, how to claim them, their pros and cons, and how you can make the most of them. Check out our list of recommended no-wagering bonuses and take your gaming to the next level.

Read More

Important Notice

By visiting this site, you certify that you are over 18 years old, and you are giving your consent for us to set cookies. We use cookies to enhance your browsing experience, serve personalized ads or content, and analyze our traffic. Read More