Why not learn backgammon?

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

If you can't quite get you head round chess, but are a fan of board games, backgammon could be the game for you. It is easy to learn, fast-paced and sociable.

If you want to learn backgammon there are plenty of websites that can show you the ropes. The essentials are how to set up the board, how to move your checkers, and how to score. And of course most importantly, how to defeat your opponent.

Backgammon is a typical black-and-white war game, with two sides racing to get to the safety of their home board before they get captured by the other side. Some players play defensively, while others use a more offensive strategy.

Once your checkers are set up correctly (if you are playing online, this will be done for you), the player who rolls the highest number begins, moving the checkers round the board in a horseshoe motion, away from the opponent's home and towards your own. Beware of leaving any checkers exposed, as single pieces can be hit by the other player and put on the bar. The only way out is to roll a number and land on the corresponding point in your adversary's home board.

The aim of the game is to get all your checkers home, and bear them off (count them off the board, following the numbers rolled on the dice) as quickly as possible.

Compared to other games you might learn backgammon is relatively straightforward, but has plenty of opportunities to improve your skills and develop your game. Since matches are often short, you can learn quickly, and once you start improving, you can even start to play for money. To help you learn backgammon, you can begin by playing against other newcomers.

So sign up to learn backgammon, and before you know it you'll be an expert.