Backgammon Multiplayer

Backgammon Multiplayer (the title screen says Classic Backgammon Multiplayer) is the old race-and-block dice game on a polished wooden board. It is one of the best games on this site for two adults who want something with more strategy than luck, but still quick to set up.

The title screen has a button with a screen icon for playing on this device and a globe button for online play. On this device you then pick player vs computer or player vs player. We played player vs player.

The board sets itself up with the usual starting position: cream checkers against red ones. Two panels on the left show P1 and P2, and the active player's panel is highlighted. To roll, you click the dice button on the right side of the board.

Moving is simple. Click one of your checkers (the top one of a stack) and it glows. The point it can legally move to lights up in orange. Click that point and the checker moves. The game does the counting for you, so you never have to count pips on the board.

When we rolled a double, a message popped up saying the dice were doubled. That is the standard rule: a double is played as four moves instead of two.

How to play

Press the button with the screen icon, then choose player vs player.
Player 1 clicks the dice button on the right of the board.
Click one of your checkers. The point it can reach lights up. Click it to move.
Use both dice. A double gives you four moves.
Take turns. Move all your checkers into your home area, then bear them off the board. The first player to bear off every checker wins.

Tips

Don't leave single checkers alone. A lone checker on a point can be hit and sent back to the start. Two or more on a point are safe.
Build blocks. Points you own in a row are hard for your opponent to get past.
Run when you're ahead. If you are well ahead in the race, stop fighting and bring your checkers home.
Learning? Play the computer first. The highlighted moves teach you how the dice and the board work.

More board games for two: Master Chess Multiplayer, 2 player checkers and Snakes and Ladders Multiplayer.

Frequently asked questions

Can two people play backgammon on the same device?

Yes. Choose the screen icon, then player vs player. You share one board and take turns rolling.

Does it show which moves are allowed?

Yes. When you select a checker, the point it can move to lights up in orange.

What happens when you roll a double?

The game tells you the dice are doubled, and you play the number four times, as in standard backgammon.

Can I play against the computer?

Yes. Choose player vs computer on the Select Mode screen.

Is it free?

Yes. It runs in your browser with no download.