How to make the first backgammon turn

Your first backgammon move can be intimidating, but so long as you understand the basic rules, you can begin to play confidently. The highest number rolled goes first, and then two dice are used to determine the spaces moved in any backgammon turn. A double on the first roll is ignored and the dice rolled again. The number on each dice represents either one move each for two separate checkers or two moves for a single checker. If you move one checker, the point paused on but be open.

Understanding where you can move to is integral to your backgammon turn. Checkers move towards the home board, in the opposite direction of your opponent. An available point is any that is unoccupied or occupied by only 1 of your opponents checkers. You own a point by having two or more checkers together.

If you can not move either number of your roll to a free point, you forfeit this backgammon turn. If you can move any one, then you must do so. If you can move either but not both, then you must move the highest number. Throwing a double means that you double the amount of moves you can make, so a double two would mean moving 4 lots of two.

Occupying a point with an opponents checker on it causes a blot. Their checker is sent to the bar and they can not continue until their checker is reintroduced. Make sure your backgammon turn does not leave you vulnerable! To get free from the bar, a number thrown must correspond to a free point. There are many decisions to be made during your first backgammon move. Remember, practice makes perfect!