Objective of Backgammon
Two players compete over a board with twenty-four positions or "points", with fifteen checkers each. Movement of the checkers is controlled by the throw of two dice, each player throwing once in turn. Checkers are moved by the players as per the throw. The player who bears off all their checkers first wins.

History of Backgammon
As the oldest known game in recorded history, backgammon has been played by generations of gamblers from all over the world. Throughout history Backgammon has been linked with leaders of ancient civilizations such as Persia, Greece, Rome, and Egypt. Excavations have shown that backgammon traditionally was played on wood surfaces, using stones as markers, and dice made from bones. The oldest known artifacts believed to have been used for a backgammon-like game date back to 3000 B.C.

The start of modern backgammon is marked by the introduction of the doubling cube, first used in the 1920s in New York City. The cube enhanced the element of skill in backgammon which in turn increased the popularity of the game. However, backgammon was still very much a hobby solely for the rich.

In 1931 the backgammon rules were modified to what basically governs the game today. It wasn’t until the 1970s that backgammon really caught on with the general public. Prince Alexis Obolensky, or "Oby", is generally credited with the rapid growth of backgammon players some 30 years ago. Oby organized the first backgammon World Championships in Bahamas and he also published the first backgammon bestseller – "Backgammon: The Action Game".

For more info on how to play Backgammon see our  FAQ’s and for Strategy and Tips check out our Message Board ...