Play Backgammon for free. The software is downloadable and has a chat feature included when playing against other players. Tournaments can also be played for Fun. To start playing simply download and open a new table or join a table.
Backgammon FAQ Part-III
Can I spread a checker and bring a checker from the bar in the same role?
Yes. One can move his checkers inside the board as well as bring the checker from the bar simultaneously, if and only if there is no further checker in the bar.
Is bearing off optional for a particular role?
If one has got any possible valid role other than bearing off then he can do so without any problem. However, if the number shown by the dice becomes pertinent only to bear off, then one has to bear off. One does not have the option of skipping the role.
When can one bear off from a lower point than the number shown by the dice?
If one does not have any checker on the higher point, then only one can bear off even from the lower point, than shown by the dice. (This needs an illustration). Suppose the number shown by the dice is 5. But he does not have any checker on point-6 and his all movements are restricted. At this situation, he can play the checker at point-4.
What is raccoon?
If one issues a double and the opponent accepts, then the game is worth two points. If the second player thinks the double is advantageous to him, he issues a redouble revealing his aggressive nature and so as not to lose the onus of the cube. This situation is called Beaver. In some games, the first player is again allowed to accept the challenge and issue a fresh double. This ensuing situation is called raccoon and the game is now worth 8 points.
What does Compulsory Move mean?
A Player is compelled to complete his move as shown by the throw of the dice. He cannot escape a role. If he can take one but not the both (which means he does not have valid roles for both), he has to take the higher point if possible. In case this role also becomes impossible, he has to take the lower point.
What is gammon and backgammon?
If one bears off all 15 checkers before even one checker has been borne off by the opponent, the game is called gammon and the point becomes double. Additionally in such a gammon situation, if the opponent has got still one or more checkers in his away board or on the bar, the situation is called backgammon, where the triple effect comes into account in terms of points.
