Classic backgammon · Basics

Using both dice

When both dice can be played, you must use both. This lesson always rolls 6-4, which gives you two clean moves.

4 min · 4 steps

This is the written edition of an interactive Boardgammon lesson — in the app, the coach narrates while you play every move on a live board.

Step 1 · Use what is legal

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When both dice can be played, you must use both. This lesson always rolls 6-4, which gives you two clean moves.

Coach narration

Step 2 · Scripted roll

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The dice land 6-4. You will spend one die at a time.

Tap roll to reveal 6-4.

The roll: 6-4

Coach narration

Step 3 · Use the 6

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On the board: Use the 6

The 6 can bring a back checker forward from the 24-point to the 18-point.

Use the 6: tap the highlighted back checker, then tap Land here.

The roll: 6-4

The move: 24/18

Good. One die is spent.

Common mistake: Use the 6 first from the back checker. Count six points forward.

Coach narration

Step 4 · Use the 4

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On the board: Use the 4

The 4 is still available. A legal turn is not over until every playable die is used.

Use the 4: tap the highlighted checker, then tap Land here.

The roll: 6-4

The move: 13/9

Both dice are used. That is a complete legal turn.

Common mistake: The remaining die is 4. Move the highlighted checker from your 13-point four points forward, to the 9-point.

Coach narration

What you learned

You can now complete a normal turn by using both playable dice.

Coach narration