Popular since the time of the ancient Egyptians, the backgammon game has seen a surge of popularity lately thanks to the success of televised casino game tournaments.  Many people who have only known the backgammon board as that strange thing on the back of checker boards have now taken the time to understand and enjoy this truly great game.

 

 

The backgammon game, of course, is nowhere near as intimidating as the backgammon board appears to be.  The board is actually very simple.  There are 4 sections divided by a bar running down the middle creating two halves.  The bar does not affect the game and is simply a holding area.  So, if it feels better, imagine it not even there.  You and your opponent start from the same side of the board on opposite sections and simply roll the dice in order to move your checkers from your side of the board (outer board) to your opponents side of the board (your home board).  Once you have your checkers at your home board, simply roll the dice to move them off the board.  The first person to clear their checkers off the board wins.  That is the very simple premise of backgammon.  Of course, the backgammon game wouldn’t be so popular if it wasn’t for its challenging strategy.  There are many ways for you to block the backgammon board to prevent your opponent from moving and ways for you to run the board and clear your checkers fast.  This is where the backgammon game becomes a thinking man’s game and, indeed, beyond the simple rules of the game, it is the battle of strategies, wit and luck that ultimately will make you a winner or loser.