Live online backgammon Boardgammon

Classic backgammon · Basics

Starting the game

Before normal turns, each player rolls one die. The higher die starts the game, and the winner plays both of those dice as the first turn. Matching dice are rolled again.

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 · Opening roll

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On the board: Start

Before normal turns, each player rolls one die. The higher die starts the game, and the winner plays both of those dice as the first turn. Matching dice are rolled again.

Coach narration

Step 2 · Opening dice

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This example gives White a 6 and Black a 3. The higher die starts.

Tap roll to reveal the opening 6 and 3.

The roll: 6-3

Coach narration

Step 3 · Who starts?

In this example, White rolls a 6 and Black rolls a 3. What happens next?

Choose who starts and which dice are used.

Quick check

  • White starts but rolls new dice
  • White starts and uses the 6 and 3
  • Both players roll again before anyone moves
Show the correct answer

Correct answer: White starts and uses the 6 and 3 — Correct. The higher die starts, and those two dice become the first turn.

  • White starts but rolls new dice — The opening dice are already the first turn. White does not reroll.
  • Both players roll again before anyone moves — Only matching opening dice are rolled again. A 6 beats a 3.

Coach narration

Step 4 · Use the 6

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On the board: Use the 6

The opening dice are now White's first turn. Start by spending the 6 from the back checkers.

Use the 6: tap a highlighted 24-point checker, then tap Land here on the 18-point.

The roll: 6-3

The move: 24/18

The 6 is spent. The 3 is still waiting.

Common mistake: The higher opening die belongs to White, and now it is part of the first move. Use the 6 from 24 to 18.

Coach narration

Step 5 · Use the 3

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On the board: Use the 3

Finish the opening turn by using the other die. One opening roll creates a normal two-die turn.

Use the 3: tap a highlighted checker on the 13-point, then tap Land here on the 10-point.

The roll: 6-3

The move: 13/10

Both opening dice were used. White has completed the first turn.

Common mistake: Only the 3 is left. Move a checker from the 13-point three points forward to the 10-point.

Coach narration

Step 6 · Boardgammon handles it

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Online, the server makes the opening roll fairly and shows the first turn. Your job is to use the dice shown on the board.

Coach narration

What you learned

You can now explain who starts a backgammon game, what happens on ties, and why the opening dice become the first turn.

Coach narration