Common Backgammon Variations

To say that there are more than a few backgammon variations would be an understatement. Through the centuries backgammon games have morphed into a variety of forms with; the dice proper, game pieces, points on the board and the board itself being the only real similarities. Where most of these backgammon games vary is in how the pieces are moved and the number of dice used. Some backgammon games use three dies while others the more familiar two. Some require four uses of the number rolled when doubles come up while other variations only allow two. In most respects, the age of the game has the most to do with the number of variations although some do seem to have been instituted for gaming reasons.

It came first

It would be difficult to call it one of the many backgammon variations simply because it is the oldest know version of the backgammon game itself. This backgammon game, called Tabula, dates back to the Greeks and begins with all of the game pieces off the board. The points are in place, as are the number of pieces and dice.  What starts out to be different is that a player must roll the dice to get onto the board in the same fashion that you might make a regular move. The point must be open, or with one of the opposing players’ pieces on it (in which case the piece goes on the bar as usual) and all pieces must make it onto the first section of the board before any of your pieces move to the next section. The real issue here is, both players are going in the same direction and starting from the same point.

A subtle difference

Perhaps going all the way back to Greek times for fairly different backgammon variations is to much for your tastes. Perhaps you might consider a backgammon game that was in favor in France during the 17^th century. This variation is only slightly different from how “traditional” backgammon games are played today. Jacque is essentially the same as backgammon games played today except that; the mid point, or the point furthest to your left on your side of the board can have only a maximum of two pieces on it at any one time. Additionally, when you are removing your pieces from your home board you have to remove the piece that corresponds to the number rolled. You may not move the piece down to a lower number. Lastly, only two points may be filled in your home board at any one time.

Today’s backgammon variations

The games found today, that play off of traditional backgammon are numerous but with a slightly different slant. These games tend to focus on doubling points and points earned at the end of the game. As you work through the game, points can be doubled or more based on what is rolled on the dice. Generally, this has to do with gaming or tournament play but is reflected in the games by giving more opportunities to double, triple or refuse.