A Brief History of Backgammon
By Natalie Aranda

For centuries backgammon has been creating quite a stir. Even today, we all spend hours playing this addicting pastime, yet most of us have no idea where it came from or the history it has acquired. Although the game has evolved throughout the years and is now even played online, it is actually the oldest game in history. Also known as the “wee battle,” backgammon began in Mesopotamia (now known as Iraq) about 5000 years ago.

Backgammon may have been a popular game centuries ago, but only people in power were permitted to play. These prevailing figures of royalty included Egyptian pharaohs and kings. However, Egyptians called backgammon “Senat,” which was a similar form of the current game played today. Nevertheless, once the game started to develop and expand worldwide, other cultures soon took notice. Unfortunately, this expansion turned into controversy, especially since the church thought the game was the work of the Devil. For years they tried to ban and burn the game, but backgammon could easily be played without a board. Luckily, the disapproval soon died down and backgammon was back in homes.

For instance, Greece took hold of the sport and coined the name “bac gamen.” From there, the English adopted backgammon in the seventeenth century and have stuck with it ever since. The most influential gamer Edmund Hoyle, referred to backgammon as “Tables,” and wrote a book of rules for people who had difficulty understanding the concept. This ultimately put backgammon on the path to fame, as people are still playing the game today.

With the birth of the internet, backgammon has reached an entirely new level. The online version has not only recruited more players, but it has become one of the most downloaded games on the web. Surprisingly, there are thousands of clubs dedicated to online backgammon, as well as special software that you can download to play against others. For instance, motif backgammon has become one of the hottest free backgammon programs, allowing users to easily practice their skills and then compete with others. It can be found by searching for motif backgammon on any search engine including Google. No matter what happens to the internet and online games, backgammon will always be one of the favorites. People love the fact that it is easy yet still requires a lot of attention and skill. With the ability to play backgammon online, it is a sure sign that the addicting pastime will be here to stay.

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Natalie Aranda writes on games and recreation. For centuries backgammon has been creating quite a stir. Even today, we all spend hours playing this addicting pastime, yet most of us have no idea where it came from or the history it has acquired. With the birth of the internet, backgammon has reached an entirely new level. The online version has not only recruited more players, but it has become one of the most downloaded games on the web. Surprisingly, there are thousands of clubs dedicated to online backgammon, as well as special software that you can download to play against others.

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Backgammon Guide for Beginners
By Natalie Aranda

About Backgammon

Backgammon is a popular board game. You can play Backgammon with others on many popular game websites, such MSN game zone, play65.com etc.. In fact, Internet Backgammon is installed on most of PCs that run on MS Windows operating systems by default under “Games” program group. The popular game today is actually the oldest game in history. Also known as the “wee battle,” backgammon began in Mesopotamia (now known as Iraq) about 5000 years ago. Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning have used Backgammon for researching, developing and testing AI theories and machine learning algorithm for the simplicity of game rules and complexity of strategies.

Backgammon Rules

The rules of Backgammon are very simple if you learn by playing. The descriptions of the rules on pager will likely add some confusion initially. Backgammon is a two player game. Each player has a home board and outer board, along with fifteen pieces. The board is very similar to checkers or chess, except it consists of twenty four points. The object of the game is to move your pieces into your own home board and then “bear” the pieces off the board. Whoever bears their pieces first, wins the game! Your pieces can only move in one direction. This all depends on the color of your pieces. Your white ones will move clockwise, while your black pieces will move in the opposite direction. Before moving pieces, both players roll the dice and whoever scores a higher number will move first. When you start to roll the dice, remember that both dice make up a separate number. For instance, if you rolled a two and a four, you can either move six spaces or take two pieces and move them separately. If you are trying to move your piece to a point that is already occupied by the opponent’s pieces, you have to look elsewhere. However, if your competitor only has one piece on the point, you can knock him off and put your own pieces on the spot. The best way to master Backgammon rules is to get on a game site to play with a computer, then with a real person player.

Basic Strategies to Win

Tricking and blocking are two common strategies to play Backgammon. Playing backgammon is all about tricking your component especially early on in the game. For example, you could sacrifice one of your pieces during one of your first moves to fool the opponent to think that you aren’t a very good player. Also, by losing one of your pieces early on, the competitor will actually end up having more pieces in their home board. When the game continues towards the end, the other player will have a more difficult time trying to get them back into the game. Blocking is another great backgammon strategy to help you win. Most players knows that it’s much easier to block the opponent’s pieces in your own home board, so they will have a more difficult time to get out of your area. Points 4 and 7 are also great spots to block other players. Visualizing the move before actually playing it, you can see if there will be any problems when you decide to strategize.

Natalie Aranda writes on games and computers. Tricking and blocking are two common strategies to play Backgammon. Playing backgammon is all about tricking your component especially early on in the game. For example, you could sacrifice one of your pieces during one of your first moves to fool the opponent to think that you aren’t a very good player. Also, by losing one of your pieces early on, the competitor will actually end up having more pieces in their home board. When the Backgammon game continues towards the end, the other player will have a more difficult time trying to get them back into the game.

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A Quick Guide to Backgammon Rules
By Stephen Todd

Backgammon rules are easy-to-follow once you have read a good set of them and have played a beginner game against an opponent. Backgammon rules can be found throughout the Internet, as well as in a variety of game books that can be found at the library or bookstore. To start off with an understanding of the game, backgammon rules usually begin with the object of the game.

The object of backgammon is to move all of your pieces into you home board area and then bear them off. You may be thinking, “what the heck does ‘bear off’ mean?” Bearing off your pieces simply means that you are moving your piece or checker off of the board. Backgammon rules also state that there is a stage within the game where a player has all of their checkers in the inner area of the board and can begin the process of eliminating all of their pieces off of the board. This refers to the bearing off phase of the game. The rules of backgammon state that the first person to bear off all of their pieces, wins the game.

So how do you play? Below you will find a list of some of the backgammon rules that are usually adhered to when one wishes to engage in this entertaining game.

Moving the Pieces

At the start of a game, backgammon rules state that each player throws a single dice. Whoever rolls the highest number will move first. Backgammon rules say if both players toss the same number on the dice, they are instructed to roll again until different numbers are shown. The player with the highest number will move that amount of spaces on the board. After the first roll has passed, the opponents will throw two dice for the rest of the game and alternate turns.

The number of the dice is the number of points, also referred to as pips, that a player can move his checkers. The checkers are always positioned forward, sticking to a lower-numbered digit.

Backgammon Rules

Rules for this game include:

1) A player may move their checker only to a point that is open, meaning two or more opposing checkers cannot occupy the space.

2) The numbers that are shown on the two dice make up two separate moves. If a player rolls a 6 and a 2, then they can move one checker six spaces to an open point and another checker two spaces to a point that is open. The player may also choose to move one checker a total of eight spaces to an open point. Backgammon rules state that this move can only be done when three or five spaces are open from the starting point.

3) When rolling a double, a player is supposed to play double the number that is shown on the dice. For example, if two 3’s were rolled, then the player could move three spaces for a total of 4 different times. Backgammon rules state that this move can be accomplished in any way they see fit using the numbers that were tossed.

4) When tossing the dice, a player must play both of the numbers that are shown on that roll. All possible legal moves must be used. In the event that only one number can be played, it must be taken. If either number can be used, but not both of them, the larger number must be used. A player loses their turn when neither number can be played. Backgammon rules state that in the case of doubles, as many numbers as possible that can be played should be played at the time of that turn.

For more information on backgammon and online gaming please visit our web site: http://www.net-planet.org

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The Basics of Backgammon Strategies
By Natalie Aranda

The objective of a Backgammon game is to move your pieces around the game board and bear them off the board faster than your opponent who works harder to do the same but in the opposite direction. Winning a game in Backgammon requires both strategy and luck. How far you can move your pieces is up to the numbers from rolling the dices, and how you move your pieces are determined by your over playing strategies. Four basic strategies commonly used in standard Western backgammon are 1) the running game strategy, 2) the blocking game strategy, 3) the priming game strategy, and 4) the back game strategy. Players use different strategies in the different stages of a game dependent on your positions and opponent’s.

The Running Game Strategy

The goal of the Running Game strategy is to bring all your pieces into your inner board and bear them off as fast as you could. This strategy focuses on the speed of moving your pieces with no efforts to hit or block your opponent’s pieces. The best scenario to use this strategy is when you think you can move your own pieces fast than the opponent does: when 1) you have a fewer pieces on the board; 2) all your pieces have past opponent’s pieces; or 3) the opponent doesn’t use the hitting or blocking strategy.

The Blocking Game Strategy

The primary goal of the blocking strategy, by the name, is to block the opponent’s pieces, temporarily not to worry moving your pieces quickly. Once you’ve established the blockage for the opponent’s movement with a few pieces, you can move your other pieces quickly off the board. The player should also have a clear plan when to withdraw and move the pieces that used for blocking. The game gets interesting when the opponent uses the same blocking strategy.

The Priming Game Strategy

If the purpose of the blocking strategy is to slow down the opponent to move his pieces, the Priming Game strategy is to completely block any movement of the opponent by building a prime – ideally 6 points in a row. The opponent’s pieces will either get hit, or result a damaged position if he ever tries escape the wall. The trap of the prime can be established anywhere between point 2 and point 11 in your board. Once you’ve successfully constructed the prime to block the movement of the opponent, the opponent doesn't even get to roll the dice, and you move your pieces and roll the dice again. You’ll win the game for sure.

The Back Game Strategy

The objectives of the Back Game strategy and the Blocking Game strategy are similar - to hinder your opponent’s positions in hope to improve your chances of winning, but the Back Game strategy uses different tactics to do that. The Back Game strategy is often used when you’re far behind your opponent. To play Backgammon with this strategy, you need to control two or more points in table, and to hit a blot late in the game. This strategy is more difficult than others to play in backgammon because it requires careful movement of your pieces and how the pieces are moved is partly the result of the dice roll.

Natalie Aranda writes on games and entertainment. The objective of a Backgammon game is to move your pieces around the game board and bear them off the board faster than your opponent who works harder to do the same but in the opposite direction. The rules of Backgammon are very simple if you learn by playing. Winning a game in Backgammon requires both strategy and luck.

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Playing the Different Variants of Backgammon
By Sky Joe

If you are a frequent player of backgammon, the different variants of the game should not be unfamiliar to you. There are a few backgammon variants but only the roll-over is commonly used. The roll-over is actually a variant that was introduced by Richard Frey in 1960s.

The roll-over is used often because it adds strategy, reduces the element of luck and reduce frustration. It also provides additional interest and excitement to the game. However, it should be limited to one for each player each game and must be agreed upon by all players or the tournament director before it is adopted in a session. Apart from the roll-over, there are other variants such as chouette, opening roll and the beaver. They are explained in greater detail in this article.

Roll-Over Once during the game, each player can decide either to roll again or to have his opponent roll again. A player must decide to roll again before he picks up his dice; that is, before he completes his turn. A player can wait until his opponent completes his turn (seeing how he moves) before deciding to have the opponent roll again. The opponent cannot double before rolling again; he must wait until the next turn to double. Each player starts each game with a roll-over marker and removes it from the board when he exercises his roll-over option.

Chouette In a chouette, one person plays against two or more people. A chouette can be interesting and sociable. If there are four or more players, a mini-contest can be conducted in which the players paired up to play one against one in each round instead of playing a chouette. If a chouette is appropriate, one person, who is in the box, plays against the other two. One person of the two-player team is the captain. The players of the two-player team jointly decide their moves and roll-over usage. If they cannot agree, the captain makes the decision.

The best way to play a chouette is to play a three-set match where the players rotate each set. Each player is the individual player(in the box), the captain, and the teammate for one set. Each player of the two-player team receives the points that they win in the set. The player that wins the most points in the three sets is the winner of the match.

Opening Roll In this variant, the opening roll, where each player rolls one of his dice, merely determines which player starts first. The player that wins the opening roll then rolls both of his dice to make his first move. In some uses of this variant, the player that wins the first turn can choose to play that roll or roll both of his dice. This allows the possibility of doubles for the first moves of the games and gives the player that wins the added advantage.

Beaver For this variant, the player that is doubled can accept, redouble and retain possession of the cube, if he does so before the doubling player rolls. The beaver doesn't make sense for players who know the proper double strategy because a player should normally have more than a 70% chance of winning the game to double. The doubled player would be crazy to redouble with less than a 30% chance of winning the game.

For more information on the playing backgammon online, learning backgammon rules or joining backgammon clubs, please visit the following website: Backgammon Guide

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5 Simple Ways To Win The Game Of Backgammon
By Sky Joe

The best way to play backgammon is similar to tennis: it should be played in games, points, sets, matches and tournaments. A player wins one or more points by winning a game, and wins a set by winning a predetermined number of points. The recommended set size is seven points. The first player who obtains seven or more points wins the set. This allows a match to consist of several sets, increase strategy and reduces the element of luck and impact of an unfortunate game. Whether played for money, glory, or love of the game, all of the elements and strategy of backgammon come into play and are important, including the doubling cube and roll over. If the game is played for a given amount of money for each point, most of the strategy will come into play.

There are a wide variety of strategies that you can use in a game of backgammon. Over here, I will provide 5 simple and effective ways for you to win your first game of backgammon.

Be able to play at a rapid pace, but do not rush

The game is most enjoyable when it’s played at a steady pace. A typical game should take about 7 to 10 minutes. Games will be shorter or longer depending on whether and when a player is doubled out. A rapid pace allows a few sets to be played in a reasonable amount of time. Calculators should not be used to make calculations during a backgammon session or game. Calculations should be done manually and quickly to keep the game moving at a steady pace. Play with deliberate haste, but don’t rush to the point that you make a mistake. You need to become fluent with the different strategies so that you can play at a rapid pace without making mistakes. You need to constantly assess the situation while your opponent is moving, so that you can make most moves quickly.

Become equally comfortable playing with either color pieces

You will have to learn to play your best from both sides of the board and with both colors of pieces. Though you are used to practicing with the white pieces with your inner board to your right, mix it up when you are playing so that it doesn’t matter which combination you have in a given game, set or match.

Insist on not using any of the variants except the roll over

Familiarize yourself with the backgammon variants, because some players may suggest that one or more of the variants be used. Strongly encourage the use of the roll over, but be reluctant to use any other variant or optional rule. This is because the optional rules generally increase the element of luck and are not compatible with playing backgammon in sets and matches.

Do not let your opponent know he made a mistake; that is, do not help him adjust or improve his game

Don’t let your expressions tell your opponent that he has made a good or bad roll, move, double or roll-over. Play with serious deliberation regardless of whether your decisions are easy or difficult.

Never give up, even if it appears that you are hopelessly behind

A player’s fortune can change suddenly in backgammon, particularly when he uses the correct strategy. Never lose your concentration, get reckless or give up hope. Keep using the preferred strategy to the end. Though it doesn’t happen often, players can and have come back to win from what happened to be a hopeless situation. The game is not over till it’s over.

For more information on the playing backgammon online, learning backgammon rules or getting backgammon chips, please visit the following website: Backgammon Guide

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Backgammon Strategy Is A Key Element In A Players Success
By Gene Marshall

The ease with which new players come to understand backgammon instructions and start to play a good game, may create the impression that backgammon is not a game that requires any great skill. Observers might come away with the idea that after learning the basic rules, success at the game is mostly dependent on the luck of the dice roll. However, more serious players who watch experienced players’ games and look into the growing backgammon literature, realize that backgammon strategy is a key element in a player’s success. It makes no difference whether or not the game is played with the traditional backgammon setup with one player facing the other across the board, or whether the backgammon set up has been made with backgammon software, players without any clear strategy stand little chance again opponents who think out their own moves as well as how best to quickly respond to another player’s moves.

The best players do not go into the game with the same strategy each time but adjust their play as the situation develops; in other words they have in their mind a number of playing approaches that they turn to according to the way the game is developing. Generally speaking, strategies devised for a traditional backgammon board game can easily be adapted and applied to playing free backgammon. The point is worth making that the backgammon download gives players more opportunities to develop gaming strategies than in face to face games since the backgammon game download sites offer computerized opponents adjustable to different skill levels. These provide an ideal means of trying out various playing approaches and seeing which is the most successful, all this from the comfort of your own home and at a time that suits your schedule.

Experts say much depends on the first moves, as the game can be won or lost in its opening moments and those with a good knowledge and experience of how to play backgammon have a distinct advantage. A range of strategies can be employed, as will be seen from a look at the useful backgammon information available on the Internet gaming sites, or by perusal of some of the many books providing detailed backgammon playing tips. To list all the strategies that players have successfully employed really requires a book format, but perhaps a few brief examples will suffice to wet the reader’s appetite for additional details.

One of the favorite winning strategies involves approaching the game as a race to get to the finishing line, which in a backgammon context means to be the first player to bring all their checkers into their home areas, and from here to remove them from the board. Seizing the fifth point soon after the game begins is also seen as a strong opening strategy since it provides protection against getting your checkers hit. Those with a good grasp of backgammon strategy also avoid investing too much time in trying to hit their opponent’s blots since this diverts them from the key objective of being the first player to bring all their checkers to their home area.

Expert backgammon writer Gene Marshall is commissioned by several recognized online backgammon magazines. The author writes commentaries about backgammon setup and advanced backgammon strategy. More info and articles by Gene Marshall on the topic of backgammon are obtainable on line.

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Understanding The Backgammon Board Game And Emerging A Winner
By Gene Marshall

The backgammon board game brings together the elements of strategy and fortune in a winning combination. Success in mastering backgammon is not, as some people may mistakenly believe, largely dependent on the random outcome of a throw of the dice. Although in theory someone can play backgammon without having a good understanding of the game, yet seem to do well because the dice seems to be falling in their favor, the probabilities of such unearned success are mathematically remote. To progress from a novice to an expert player, and in particular to develop a winning backgammon strategy, you need to understand the backgammon setup and learn well the backgammon instructions, gain plenty of playing experience, and develop a good sense of your opponent’s nature. The way you play against an aggressive player should not be the same as how you play against an overly cautious player. Undeniably, the results of the dice throw have an impact, but the best players know how to turn what might seem to be an unfavorable result to their advantage.

Thus, in order to become a top player, you need to do your homework. There are many books that clearly explain the rules of the game and give useful tips on strategy. Also, you can turn to one of the many Internet backgammon sites and benefit from the backgammon game download that allows you to take on a computerized opponent at different skill levels, and brings you into contact with a rich range of fellow backgammon enthusiasts from many different countries. The free backgammon offering is a valuable tool for perfecting your skills, and it is a good idea to take full advantage of all the opportunities it provides.

Regardless of whether you start on the road to mastery of the backgammon board through the backgammon download, or through a backgammon club, the emphasis needs to be on learning the backgammon set up and acquiring proven tactics for taking control over the game. See what other, more experienced players do, and don’t be afraid to ask them to explain their moves – though this should be done after the game rather than while they are in the middle of the play. A number of the most valuable tips for enjoyable and successful backgammon play are equally applicable to many other areas of life. For example, a golden rule followed by backgammon winners is not to make hasty moves. Although you need to think ahead and if possible envisage what your opponent’s move is going to be before they make it, you also have to carefully consider not just the immediate move you make but how you are going to react to all the various scenarios that can follow on from this move.

While staying focused on the objective of being the first player to remove all your counters from the board – the winner – you are well advised to prepare a number of alternate strategies to putting yourself in this position. Thus, if the dice throw produces such a result, or if your opponent makes such a move, you will not need to panic to work out a response but will be able to immediately respond with a well-thought out move.

Online backgammon authority Gene Marshall is commissioned by a few different top internet backgammon web sites. He specializes in articles about backgammon game download and backgammon gaming. More material and writings published by Gene Marshall on the theme of backgammon can be found on line.

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