Looking for Backgammon Variation online

Maddox · Joined: 14 Jun 2007 Posts: 25

I have been looking everywhere for an online version of a backgammon variation that my friends and I play. In our variation of the game, you must roll the exact number to get you off the board during bearoff instead of being able to remove a checker on the highest point if the roll is higher. I had thought that this was a rather popular variation of the game, so why can’t I find software that supports this?

If anyone knows where I can play this version of the game online I would love to know about it!

Wipeout · Joined: 14 Jun 2007 Posts: 19

As far as I know, this really isn’t that common or popular of a backgammon variation. I have never seen it played anywhere that I play and don’t really think it is that great. It seems to me that bearing off in this manner would greatly even out the game, even if one player was really far behind. Also, it introduces the luck factor right at the end of the game which, in my opinion completely negates any strategy that you worked to establish during the game. I wouldn’t like to play this game and I don’t think many others would (particularly for money). I don’t think you’ll be able to find software that supports it. Sorry.

Sappertone · Joined: 14 Jun 2007 Posts: 17

Hmm… actually I might disagree with your point that nobody would like to play this game. It can actually be quite thrilling to play this way, particularly with the doubling cube. It’s great for gamblers and people who love the thrill of playing their luck. Sure, it is much more of a gamble than the regular method of playing, but I think it can be a lot more fun! I’d also be interested to know if there is software that supports this!

Rail · Joined: 14 Jun 2007 Posts: 24

I believe that European Acey Deucey is played in this manner, although there are many more differences as well. In European Acey Deucey all checkers start off the board and must be entered and then brought around the entire board before they are borne off. At this point, as you have written in your post, EXACT rolls must be thrown in order to remove checkers from the board.

European Acey Deucy has other rule differences as well such as if you roll an “acey-deucy” (1-2) then you get to play the roll and then call out a double of your choice and play that as well.

It is more likely that you will find this version of backgammon online than the one you have written about, which seems to be exactly the same as backgammon aside from bearing off, however I am not sure if this is available.

Fiona · Joined: 14 Jun 2007 Posts: 16

You can play Acey Deucey here:

http://vpchat.com/acey-deucy

As far as the European version, I have no idea where to find it online but you can probably do a google search. I have tried playing the version of the game you are asking about and I too find it to be rather unpleasant, as it throws your game and strategy up to the bearoff out the window. However, I could see why a gambler would like it.