Question about hitting

Stack · Joined: 14 Jun 2007 Posts: 24

I have a question about hitting. If you have moved your checker to a point with a blot and sent the opposing checker to the bar, does your checker have to remain on that point or can you continue to move the checker the number of pips on the second die as well? I guess you could call that a hit and run, hehe… is this allowable?

Jennifer · Joined: 14 Jun 2007 Posts: 17

Yes, you may “hit and run” in backgammon, provided the second point is free. If someone was really lucky, they could roll a combination that would allow them to hit two blots in one turn (or four with an incredibly lucky double)!

Liss · Joined: 14 Jun 2007 Posts: 30

Yes, this is the case in the traditional game of backgammon. However, there are a lot of variations on the game and not all of them allow this “hit and run” action.

In Tavla, the Turkish game of backgammon, you are not allowed to do this in your home board. If you hit a blot in your own home board, then you cannot run for cover. You must either leave the blot exposed or, if you can, cover it on the same spot with a different checker. This makes the game a little more exciting because you have to think a little more before hitting blots in your home board. If you hit your opponent and leave your checker exposed, your opponent might be able to hit you right back on his next roll!