Classic backgammon · Basics

Doubles are four moves

When both dice show the same number, you do not move twice. You move four times.

5 min · 6 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 · Four dice uses

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When both dice show the same number, you do not move twice. You move four times.

Coach narration

Step 2 · Scripted double

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The dice land 4-4. Count four separate 4-pip moves.

Tap roll to reveal 4-4.

The roll: 4-4

Coach narration

Step 3 · Move 1 of 4

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On the board: Four pips

Doubles give four moves. Play the first 4: one checker travels from your 24-point to your 20-point.

Use the first 4: tap the highlighted stack, then tap Land here.

The roll: 4-4

The move: 24/20

Good. Keep using the remaining 4s.

Common mistake: A double 4 is four separate 4-pip moves. Use the highlighted checker stack.

Coach narration

Step 4 · Move 2 of 4

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On the board: Four pips

That is one 4 spent. Move two of four: a second checker joins the first on the 20-point.

Use another 4: tap the highlighted stack, then tap Land here.

The roll: 4-4

The move: 24/20

Good. Keep using the remaining 4s.

Common mistake: A double 4 is four separate 4-pip moves. Use the highlighted checker stack.

Coach narration

Step 5 · Move 3 of 4

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On the board: Four pips

Move three of four. Your 20-point stack keeps growing.

Use another 4: tap the highlighted stack, then tap Land here.

The roll: 4-4

The move: 24/20

Good. Keep using the remaining 4s.

Common mistake: A double 4 is four separate 4-pip moves. Use the highlighted checker stack.

Coach narration

Step 6 · Move 4 of 4

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On the board: Four pips

Last 4. Bring a fourth checker onto the 20-point.

Use another 4: tap the highlighted stack, then tap Land here.

The roll: 4-4

The move: 24/20

All four 4s are used.

Common mistake: A double 4 is four separate 4-pip moves. Use the highlighted checker stack.

Coach narration

What you learned

You can now explain doubles: four moves of the same die value.

Coach narration