Guides

Strategy, not rules. If you are still learning how the pieces move, readBackgammon Rules first.

• Opening moves — The best play for every opening roll, and the idea behind each one.
• Doubling cube strategy — When to double, when to take, when to drop, and why 25% is the number that matters.
• Pip counting — Count the race in a few seconds and know whether to run or to hold.
• Glossary — Blot, anchor, prime, backgame — the words other players use, explained.

Where to start

If you win about half your games and want more: learn the opening moves first. They cost nothing to memorise and they decide a surprising share of games before either player has thought.

If you already play a solid game: the cube is where matches are won and lost. Most players double too late and drop far too often.