Backgammon guides
Strategy, opening moves, the doubling cube and more, for Backgammon, Gulbara and Plakoto.
Backgammon Strategy for Beginners: 10 Tips
Ten simple backgammon strategy tips for beginners: which points to make, when to hit, when to run and how to stay safe. Try them in a free game.
Best Backgammon Opening Moves for Every Roll
The best backgammon opening move for every first roll, from 2-1 to 6-6, with the reason behind each play. A quick table to learn, then practise free.
Doubling Cube Explained: When to Double or Take
How the doubling cube works in backgammon: when to offer a double, when to take or pass, the 25% rule and the Crawford rule in matches. Try it free.
Backgammon Pip Count: How to Count and Use It
How to count pips in backgammon quickly, what the pip count tells you, and the 8-9-12 rule for doubling in a race. Simple steps, then a free game.
Bearing Off in Backgammon Without Mistakes
How to bear off in backgammon without wasting rolls or leaving shots: clear from the back, fill gaps and stay safe against contact. Practise it free.
Gulbara Strategy: How to Block and Win
Gulbara strategy: why one checker holds a point, where to build walls, how to handle cascading doubles and when to race home. Then play Gulbara free.
Plakoto Strategy: Pinning and the Mother Checker
Plakoto (Tapa) strategy: when to pin, how to avoid being pinned, how to guard your mother checker and how to win a mars. Then play Plakoto free.
Backgammon Terms in English and Bulgarian
Backgammon words explained in English and Bulgarian: point, blot, bar, gammon, mars, kapia, shesh besh, dyushesh and more. A short player glossary.
History of Backgammon and Tabla in the Balkans
A short history of backgammon: ancient tables games, Persian nard, Roman tabula, and how tabla, Gulbara and Tapa became Balkan favourites.
How to Play Backgammon: Step-by-Step Guide
How to play backgammon step by step: the setup, who starts, how checkers move, hitting and the bar, bearing off and scoring. With pictures. Play free.
Backgammon Rules for Beginners in Short
Backgammon rules for beginners on one page: the goal, the five rules you need, what not to miss and how you win. Then play a guided first game free.
Backgammon vs Gulbara vs Plakoto: Differences
The difference between backgammon (tabla), Gulbara and Plakoto (Tapa): direction, start, hitting or pinning, doubles and scoring in one table.
Play Backgammon Against the Computer: Tips
How to play backgammon against the computer: four levels, a guided first game, hints, move grading and what to practise. Free, with no account needed.