What is the Backgammon Game all about?

admin · Site Admin Joined: 15 May 2007 Posts: 860

The backgammon game has been played since 3000BC. It originated in Turkey and has spread all over the world. It is a common game played all over South and Mesoamerica as well as Mexico, all over the Mediterranean too. Many would argue that this is the single best game to play, well; you will have to make your own mind up regarding this.

The board of the backgammon game has two main areas, the inner (home) board and the outer board. The aim of the game is to move 24 pieces located all over the board on the triangular markings, from the outer board to the inner board. Once you have achieved that, it is your aim to remove all your pieces off the board before your opponent gets the chance to do it before you. This move is called "bearing off".

The triangular markings on the board are usually in an alternating pattern of dark and light. The pieces themselves are also dark and light to differentiate between the ones belonging to you and your opponent. There is a raised area in between the two boards called "the bar". There is a rule in the backgammon game, which states that if your opponent has one piece on a space that you want to place your piece then you can send his piece to the bar. In this situation he will have to wait to re-enter that piece into the game from the beginning.

Many will tell you that the backgammon game is all about chance. Yes, considering you are playing with dice, however, there are strategies that can be learnt to help you win every time. With these strategies, you can anticipate your opponent's moves and then apply the specific maneuver to either block him or at the very least slow him down, making it easier for you to win. Let's hope that the dice will be on your side.