Classic backgammon · Basics

Made points and blocked points

Two or more opposing checkers make a point blocked. You cannot land there, even if the die reaches it.

5 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 · Blocked points

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On the board: Blocked

Two or more opposing checkers make a point blocked. You cannot land there, even if the die reaches it.

Coach narration

Step 2 · Can White land?

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On the board: Blocked

White has a 3 from the 8-point to the 5-point, but the 5-point has two Black checkers.

Choose whether that landing point is legal.

Quick check

  • No, two Black checkers block it
  • Yes, hit both checkers
  • Yes, stack on top
Show the correct answer

Correct answer: No, two Black checkers block it — Correct. White must choose another legal point.

  • Yes, hit both checkers — Only a single opposing checker can be hit.
  • Yes, stack on top — You can stack only on empty points or your own points.

Coach narration

Step 3 · Choose open space

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On the board: Open

Blocked points do not stop the turn if another legal destination exists.

Use the 3: tap the highlighted checker on the 6-point, then tap Land here on the open 3-point.

The roll: 3-1

The move: 6/3

Good. You avoided the blocked point.

Common mistake: Do not land on the blocked 5-point. Use the open destination highlighted by the coach.

Coach narration

Step 4 · Finish with the 1

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On the board: Open

You still have the 1 to play. Both dice must be used when a legal move exists.

Use the 1: tap the highlighted checker on your 8-point, then tap Land here on the open 7-point.

The roll: 3-1

The move: 8/7

Both dice played. A blocked point limits your choices, but it does not end the turn.

Common mistake: The 5-point is still blocked. Play the 1 from your 8-point to the open 7-point.

Coach narration

What you learned

You can now spot a point your opponent has made, and steer your checkers to open points instead.

Coach narration