Backgammon 101

Adapted from Backgammon 101, by Orad Reshef · https://backgammon101.com/

New to backgammon? The rules come first. The course after them, Backgammon 101, takes you from the basics of checker play to the doubling cube and counting pips.

The rulesEverything you need to play your first game.

Getting startedNotation, checker play basics, gammons, the doubling cube, and match versus money play.

Playing safeRules of thumb for safe checker play, the baseline for most moves.

Game plansThe five game plans, from racing to backgames, and how to recognise them.

Intermediate checker playBetter checker play: opening rolls, building your board, playing loose and more.

Doubling for beginnersWhen to double and when to take, game plan by game plan.

Pip countingWays to count the race over the board, relative and absolute.

Extra creditQuick tricks good players know, from short bear-offs to Magriel's theorem.