Backgammon is a game for two players, played on a board consisting of twenty-four narrow triangles called points. The triangles alternate in color and are grouped into four quadrants of six triangles each. The quadrants are referred to as a player's home board and outer board, and the opponent's home board and outer board. The home and outer boards are separated from each other by a ridge down the center of the board called the bar.
Players :
First things first. Backgammon is basically a game for two players and it's not practical to play less or more than 2 backgammon players. the players should bring with them basic equipment of backgammon game.
Backgammon Board
Boards are made of a wide variety of materials and are available in many sizes. They range from inexpensive travel sets to custom made professionally crafted boards worth well over$1000. Most sets fold in half like a breifcase to save space, contain the checkers, dice,and cups, and to protect the surface.
Checkers :
Thirty checkers, typically round, 15 of one color and and fifteen of another which the players use them through the game. Checkers are also referred to as men, peices, stones, or counters. In the game It makes no difference which side or which color checkers the players use as either player has the opportunity to move first.
Dices
Preferrably two pairs of 6-sided dice, with 1 pair for each player. Precision (evenly weighted and balanced) dice are becoming more popular among players and tournament directors.
Dice Cups :
Two dice cups. These are cups, often with a lip around the inside edge) made to shake the dice and roll them onto the board. Another method of rolling dice is through the use of a baffle box where the dice are put into the top and roll down a slope onto the board. Both are standard to prevent dice manipulation.
Doubling Cube :
The cube is an oversized 6-sided die with the numbers 2,4,8,16,32, and 64 on the 6 faces. This die is used to keep track of the number of points or units at stake in the game. The doubling cube is a great source of excitement in backgammon (it use will be explained more broadly further in this section. |
