Play Backgammon Online for Free

Play a free backgammon game directly in your browser. Challenge the computer, play with a friend on the same device, or invite someone to an online multiplayer game. No download or account is needed to get started.

Backgammon combines strategic decisions with the roll of the dice. Move your 15 checkers around the board, protect important points, and bear off all your checkers before your opponent. You can start playing above or use the guide below to learn the rules.

Choose How to Play Backgammon

Play Against the Computer

Choose the computer opponent in Classic Backgammon to practice checker movement, try opening moves, and improve your decisions at your own pace.

Play with a Friend on One Device

Choose the local two-player option in Classic Backgammon. You and your friend take turns using the same device and board.

Classic Backgammon game options for playing against the computer or with a friend — Choose a computer opponent or local two-player game in Classic Backgammon.

Play Backgammon Online with a Friend

Use the Play Online Multiplayer button above to open online mode. Create a room and share its invitation link with a friend. The room screen shows when you are waiting for the other player to join.

Backgammon online multiplayer room with an invitation link to share with a friend — Invite a friend by sharing the multiplayer room link.

How to Play Backgammon

Backgammon is a two-player race game. Each player has 15 checkers and moves them in opposite directions around a board of 24 triangular points. The aim is to bring all your checkers into your home board and then remove them, a process called bearing off.

Backgammon Board Setup

For a standard starting position, each player places their checkers on the following points, numbered from that player's perspective:

24-point: 2 checkers.
13-point: 5 checkers.
8-point: 3 checkers.
6-point: 5 checkers.

The other player uses the corresponding arrangement from the opposite perspective. Each player moves toward their own home board, points 1 through 6.

Backgammon board at the start of a game showing the standard checker arrangement — Starting position on the backgammon board.

Who Goes First?

Under standard backgammon rules, each player rolls one die. The higher roll starts, using the two numbers rolled as the opening move. If the dice tie, both players roll again. A new game uses a new opening roll.

Rolling Dice and Moving Checkers

Each die is a separate movement. For example, with a 3 and a 5, you may move two different checkers or move one checker in two legal steps. If you use both numbers on one checker, the intermediate landing point must also be open.

A point is open if it is empty, occupied by your own checkers, or occupied by exactly one opposing checker. You cannot land on a point held by two or more opposing checkers.

Backgammon gameplay board after the dice are rolled, illustrating checker movement — Use each die to choose a legal checker movement.

Backgammon Rules

Rolling Doubles

When both dice show the same number, play that number four times, making as many legal moves as possible. Doubles do not automatically grant another roll.

Hitting and Re-entering

A single opposing checker on a point is called a blot. Landing on it sends that checker to the bar. A player with checkers on the bar must re-enter them into the opponent's home board before moving other checkers. Entry points blocked by two or more opposing checkers cannot be used.

Using Both Dice

You must play both dice if legally possible. If only one die can be played, you must play it. When either number can be played individually but not both, you must use the higher number. If no legal move exists, the turn is forfeited.

Bearing Off

Once all 15 checkers are in your home board, you may bear them off. A die can remove a checker from its matching point. If that point is empty, move a checker from a higher point when possible; if no higher points contain checkers, you may bear off a checker from the highest occupied lower point. If one of your checkers is hit during bearing off, re-enter it and bring it home again before continuing.

Winning and Scoring

Single win: The losing player has borne off at least one checker; traditionally worth one point.
Gammon: The losing player has borne off no checkers; traditionally worth two points.
Backgammon: The losing player has borne off no checkers and still has a checker on the bar or in the winner's home board; traditionally worth three points.

These are traditional scoring rules. Available scoring options can differ between digital implementations. Some match formats also use a doubling cube, but the basic checker movements do not require one.

Why Play Our Free Backgammon Game?

Play a classic backgammon game without installing software. Choose the type of match that suits you:

Free browser play: Open the game and start playing without a download.
Computer opponent: Practice in a single-player game.
Local two-player mode: Take turns with a friend on one device.
Online multiplayer rooms: Create an invitation link to share with a remote friend.
Mobile and desktop: Use the game in a modern browser.
No account required: Start without registering.

Backgammon Strategy Tips for Beginners

Make strong points: Two or more checkers on a point block your opponent from landing there.
Protect vulnerable checkers: A lone checker, or blot, can be hit. Consider your opponent's possible rolls before leaving one exposed.
Build a prime: Several consecutive blocked points restrict movement. A complete six-point prime cannot be jumped by a checker moving through it.
Choose between racing and blocking: When ahead in the race, advancing may be better than taking unnecessary risks. When behind, contact and blocking can create chances.
Plan your bear-off: Spread checkers sensibly across the home board so that more dice rolls can be used efficiently.
Adapt to each roll: Backgammon involves luck in the short term, but thoughtful choices matter over many games.

Frequently Asked Questions About Backgammon

Can I play backgammon online for free?: Yes. You can play the browser-based backgammon game on this website for free.
Can I play against the computer?: Yes. Open Classic Backgammon and choose the computer opponent.
Can I play backgammon online with a friend?: Use Play Online Multiplayer to create a room, then share its invitation link with your friend.
Can two people play on the same device?: Yes. Classic Backgammon includes a local two-player option.
Do I need to download the game or register?: No. The game runs in your browser and does not require an account to get started.
How do you set up a backgammon board?: Each player places two checkers on their 24-point, five on their 13-point, three on their 8-point, and five on their 6-point.
How many checkers and points are there?: There are 30 checkers in total, 15 per player, and 24 triangular points on the board.
What happens when you roll doubles?: You play the rolled number four times, subject to legal moves. Doubles do not give you an extra roll.
Can I skip a turn?: No. You must make legal moves whenever possible. If you have no legal move, your turn ends.
Is backgammon luck or skill?: Both. Dice introduce chance, while checker positioning, risk management, and planning involve skill.