Our Guide to Backgammon for Beginners
Learning backgammon for beginners is one of the most enjoyable ways to discover a classic strategy game. Played for thousands of years, backgammon blends luck, tactics and quick thinking. With a beautiful board and a handful of dice, two players can enjoy a game that is simple to learn yet endlessly engaging. Many players begin their journey with finely crafted backgammon sets, where the pleasure of the game is matched by the beauty of the board itself.
At Forwood Design our boards are created to enhance that experience. The exterior of each board is finished in shagreen, one of Henry Forwood’s unique and highly realistic eco-friendly signature faux finishes. The subtle texture and colour give the boards a distinctive appearance while remaining durable for everyday play. All metal fittings are made from high quality stainless steel, ensuring the hinges and closures remain smooth and reliable over many years of use.
Understanding the Backgammon Board
A standard backgammon board is divided into four sections called quadrants. Each quadrant contains six narrow triangular spaces known as points. On Forwood Design boards these points are crafted in walnut and rosewood, creating a clear contrast that makes the board easy to read during play.
The outer trim of the board is made from either walnut or sycamore. Inside the playing field, the surface is lined with exotic mappa burl, a timber known for its swirling natural grain. Even the doubling cubes are made from matching mappa burl, giving the entire board a cohesive and luxurious appearance.
The Aim of the Game
Each player begins with fifteen pieces called checkers. The goal is simple: move all your checkers around the board into your home board and then remove them. The first player to remove all fifteen pieces wins the game.
Movement is determined by rolling two dice. Players take turns rolling and moving their checkers according to the numbers shown. A player may move one checker using both numbers combined, or move two separate checkers using each number individually.
Basic Backgammon Rules for Beginners
Checkers can only move to an open point. An open point is either empty, contains your own checkers, or holds a single opposing checker. If you land on a point with one opposing checker, that piece is sent to the bar in the centre of the board.
A single exposed checker is called a blot. Blots are vulnerable because an opponent can land on them and send them to the bar. When one of your pieces is on the bar, you must re-enter it before moving any other checkers. This happens by rolling a number that allows you to land on an open point in your opponent’s home board.
Rolling Doubles
Rolling doubles—such as 3-3 or 5-5—is one of the most exciting moments in backgammon. When doubles appear, you may move four times instead of two. This can allow a player to advance rapidly across the board or escape from a difficult position.
Bearing Off
Once all fifteen checkers have reached your home board, you may begin bearing off. This means removing pieces from the board according to the numbers rolled on the dice. If there is no checker on the exact point indicated, you may move a checker within your home board or remove the highest available piece.
The first player to remove all their checkers wins the game. With a little practice, beginners quickly discover the balance between careful positioning and bold strategic moves that makes backgammon so addictive.
Choosing the Right Backgammon Sets
For many players the experience of learning backgammon for beginners is enhanced by using beautifully crafted boards. High-quality backgammon sets combine fine materials with thoughtful design. Tournament boards provide a generous playing surface, while compact travel boards make it easy to take the game anywhere.
Whether you are learning the basics or refining your strategy, a well-made board adds an extra level of enjoyment to every game. We hope this guide helps start your backgammon journey and brings many hours of play with friends and family.
