Backgammon is considered a popular game. There are two types, namely short and long types. Taking into account the statistics of Western countries, the backgammon type is more popular. They are played in most tournaments, they are the basis for playing online.
The main difference between short and long backgammon is the initial location of the checkers on the board. Also, the differences are in the draw of checkers that have been beaten.
To start the game, each player must roll a dice. The roll must determine who will walk first. By what numbers will the move be made. Sometimes the same numbers fall out. Then throw until the values are different.
After that, to make a move, each of the participants must throw both dice. The total number determines exactly how many points the player can advance. The chips must move from points with a higher value to those points with a lower value.
What is the main purpose of playing backgammon?
Each game has a goal that players must reach. In short ones, the goal of the game is the same as in long ones. It is necessary to remove all chips from the board, one by one transferring them between points to the house. The game is won by the one who can remove all the chips from the game first. But in order to more clearly distinguish the options, it is worth noting the main rules of the short backgammon game.
- During the game, chips can be filled only in an open point. That is, the point is not occupied by two or more counters belonging to the opponent;
- The numbers falling on both dice can determine separate moves. For example, the player got numbers like 3 and 5. Then the player can move one of the chips to all three points. With another chip, you can go to five or all eight points at once;
- If you play short backgammon, then if there are two identical numbers on the dice, double the number is played twice. If you get 4 and 4, the player can make four moves of four points each. Chips can be rearranged in other combinations as the player wishes;
- The player must go with the two numbers that have fallen out. Or four, in the event that a double fell out. If the condition is to play one number, the player must choose only one, play this number. If it is worth playing separately, and not two at once, then you will have to make the next move. Sometimes a player does not have the opportunity to make a move. In this case it skips. A double is rolled, but without the possibility of beating all four moves, then the moves that are possible at the moment are made.
When playing this type of backgammon, a moment where there is only one checker is called a blot. The opponent's move stops right now, then the blot can be considered beaten, closed. Then you can understand that to ensure the protection of chips, you need to put them in a double version, and not single. This can be done if the situation allows. Whether it is possible to place two checkers in the same direction must be determined by the roll.
We continue to consider the rules of short backgammon
The rules of this type of game are quite simple. In order to already know all the nuances, you need to take into account the following:
- The opponent will not be able to beat the chips if they are doubled. Whether to occupy this point with your checker. The cube allows you to go in the direction that is occupied by more than one checker, then the checker cannot go;
- However, when the six squares in front are occupied by several pieces of the opponent, then the situation appears to be closed, able to move only when one of the squares becomes free;
- It is impossible to beat an opponent, make a move with a move so that she can position herself and become doubled. But you can beat and cover your own using another;
- There are checkers on the bar, then the player who owns them must bring them to the house of the person he is playing against. Then it comes into play exactly on the point that can be equal to the value that the player got.
- There is no way to get back into the game, then they just disappear. All this has certain features and distinctive features. Playing short backgammon is not difficult, such gambling is appreciated all over the world. It is also important that the rules are easy to remember.
Playing at home, it can be turned into exciting entertainment for the whole family or with friends. But many prefer to play with real bets that can bring winnings.
Backgammon as a gift
An interesting fact is that once, in ancient times, backgammon and checkers were presented as an expensive gift. Which was available only to rich people. Boards and checkers were made of wood and stone. The playing cubes themselves could be carved from bones, stone, and sometimes they were molded from clay.
It is also interesting that the game had a mystical character. The course of chips could even predict the future. The playing field meant the sky, the way the chips moved symbolized the course of the stars. Twelve marks were present on each half of the board, representing twelve months.
Disputes could also be resolved thanks to backgammon. This, by the way, is the reason why there is no draw option in the game. At first, backgammon could only be played by the aristocracy, but fortunately, today, an interesting and exciting game is available to everyone.
When betting, a lot depends on the favor of fortune. It is never possible to predict which numbers will fall out as a result. But in any case, all this is very interesting and allows you to practice your game skills.