Play backgammon online free — against real players

New to the game? Start with the rules of backgammon and read the strategy tips for beginners. For a different kind of game, learn how to play Gulbara, where nothing is hit and everything is about building walls, or how to play Plakoto (Tapa), where you pin lone checkers instead.

Want to play better? Learn the best opening moves, how to count pips and when to use the doubling cube. Then see how to bear off without mistakes, and read the tactics for Gulbara and Plakoto.

Not sure where to begin? Read how to play backgammon step by step or the rules for beginners in short, see the difference between backgammon, Gulbara and Plakoto, and learn how to practise against the computer.

Meeting words like mars, kapia or shesh besh? They are explained in the backgammon glossary, and the history of backgammon tells where the game comes from. It is all free: sit down at the table and try it.

ZAR Backgammon is a place to play Backgammon, Gulbara and Plakoto online: against another player at a table that fits your Coins, with a friend, or against the computer to practise. The board comes in 2D or 3D, the dice are fair and the rules are the ones you know.

New to the game? Every game has its own rules page, and the first game against the computer can be guided step by step. Already play well? The computer grades your moves after a game, so you can see where a game was won or lost, and you can replay your last ten games move by move.

It works in the browser on any phone, tablet or computer, with one account everywhere. Coins and Diamonds are only for play and for looks: they have no cash value and can never be paid out.