Long backgammon

Long backgammon is an ancient game for two opponents. Each player has fifteen checkers. The goal is to move all checkers around into your home and be the first to bear them off.

1. 01

   Setup

   All fifteen of a player’s checkers stand on a single point — the “head”. Opponents occupy opposite corners of the board.

2. 02

   Movement

   Players take turns rolling two dice and moving checkers. Both opponents move in the same direction — counter-clockwise.

3. 03

   Doubles

   If the dice show the same number, the turn is played twice — four moves instead of two.

4. 04

   The head

   Only one checker may leave the head per turn. The exception is the opening roll with doubles 6-6, 4-4 and 3-3.

5. 05

   Open points

   A checker may be placed only on an empty point or a point with your own checkers. In long backgammon, opponent checkers are not hit.

6. 06

   The block

   You may not build a solid row of six occupied points if no opponent checker remains ahead of it.

7. 07

   Bearing off

   Once all checkers are gathered in the home, they are borne off the board by the dice rolls.

8. 08

   Victory

   The winner is the first to bear off all fifteen checkers. If the opponent has borne off none, it counts as “mars” — a double win.