Step 1 · Incomplete turns
Backgammon has a priority order: use the most dice possible. If only one die can be used and both numbers are legal, you must use the higher die.
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Step 2 · Blocked continuation
The dice land 6-5. Either first move would leave the other die blocked on the 13-point, so this turn can spend only one die.
Tap roll to reveal 6-5.
The roll: 6-5
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Step 3 · Which die is required?
White can legally move either 6 or 5 as a single die, but not both. Which die must White use?
Choose the required die.
Quick check
- Use the 6
- Use the 5
- Pass the turn
Show the correct answer
Correct answer: Use the 6 — Correct. 6 is the higher playable die.
- Use the 5 — The 5 is legal by itself, but the higher single die has priority.
- Pass the turn — Passing is allowed only when no legal die can be played.
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Step 4 · Play the higher die
Now make the required move. Use the 6 from the 24-point to the 18-point.
Use the 6: tap the highlighted back checker, then tap Land here.
The roll: 6-5
The move: 24/18
Correct. The 5 cannot also be used, so the higher die completes the turn.
Common mistake: Move the back checker six points. The lower 5 is not the legal priority here.
Coach narration
What you learned
You can now apply the incomplete-turn rule: play as many dice as you can, and when either die is legal on its own but only one can be used, the higher die is mandatory.
Coach narration