Classic backgammon · Tactics

Entering from the bar

When one of your checkers is on the bar, it has priority. You cannot move any other checker until it enters.

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 · Bar first

242322212019181716151413121110987654321
On the board: White on bar

When one of your checkers is on the bar, it has priority. You cannot move any other checker until it enters.

Coach narration

Step 2 · Entry roll

242322212019181716151413121110987654321
On the board: Blocked

You cannot enter with the 2 — two Black checkers guard that entry point. The 4 lands on an open point.

Tap roll to reveal 4-2.

The roll: 4-2

Coach narration

Step 3 · Enter first

242322212019181716151413121110987654321
On the board: Enter

Use the 4 to enter from the bar. This must happen before the rest of the turn.

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

The roll: 4-2

The move: bar/21

Entered. Now the bar is clear.

Common mistake: The checker on the bar must enter before any board checker can move.

Coach narration

Step 4 · Use the rest

242322212019181716151413121110987654321
On the board: 2

After entry, use any remaining die if it is legal. Here the entered checker can continue two pips.

Use the 2: tap the checker you just entered, then tap Land here.

The roll: 4-2

The move: 21/19

Good. A bar-entry turn can still use the remaining die.

Common mistake: Other checkers could also use the 2, but for this lesson keep going with the checker you just entered. Tap it, then tap the highlighted point.

Coach narration

What you learned

You can now enter from the bar first and then finish the rest of a legal turn.

Coach narration