THE PLAYBOOK · ZOEHERO
Read before your next round of Backgammon
Start Backgammon by looking at the playing area and its controls. Bear off all fifteen pieces before the opponent. Look at what changes after your first action. Compare the starting position with the example in the Guide. Look at what changes after your first action.
Local two players; no doubling cube, stakes or remote matching.
Take a closer look while playing
Keep the stated aim separate from side details such as animation or appearance. Progress is measured by the game’s own completion or scoring rules. Refer to the controls when needed.
The purpose of your moves
Bear off all fifteen pieces before the opponent. Read that aim before choosing your first action. Review the board or playing area as it changes.
A walkthrough of the rules
- Roll and use the maximum legal number of dice; doubles give four moves.
- Enter barred pieces first.
- Points with at least two enemies are blocked; a lone enemy is hit.
- Bear off only after all pieces reach home.
Keyboard and screen controls
Click or tap a piece and destination; use the turn indicator and legal-move feedback. Keep the playing area visible while using these controls. Use one clear input at a time.
An example to follow
When only one die can be used and either is individually playable, use the larger die. Use the example as a guide rather than a substitute for reading your board. Choose a deliberate next step.
A mistake to avoid
An oversized bear-off requires no piece farther from the exit. Compare the situation with the worked example. When a decision goes wrong, compare it with the common mistake described below. Start again only when you intend to leave the current round.
Questions that come up during play
Before I begin, what is the goal of Backgammon?
Here is the relevant explanation: Bear off all fifteen pieces before the opponent.
For this browser game, how do I control Backgammon?
Keep this in mind: Click or tap a piece and destination; use the turn indicator and legal-move feedback.
For a quick reminder, what example helps explain Backgammon?
When only one die can be used and either is individually playable, use the larger die.
Before I begin, what should I watch out for in Backgammon?
Here is the relevant explanation: An oversized bear-off requires no piece farther from the exit.
For this browser game, what format does Backgammon offer?
Keep this in mind: Local two players; no doubling cube, stakes or remote matching.
When I return, which play mode does Backgammon use?
The key detail is this: The mode on this page is Local players. Same-device play uses one screen; this game library does not provide internet matchmaking.