For those players new to the game of backgammon, the object – according to backgammon instructions – is always get all of one's checkers to the end of their path. This direction is in the shape of a horseshoe, however, and not all checkers begin at the beginning of the horseshoe. Rather, there are checkers located in each of the 4 quadrants around the board. As your backgammon checkers work their way around the horseshoe, you will notice that each space your checker will land on is in the shape of a triangle. This triangle (or point) signifies one move forward, as per backgammon instructions. Each checker must touch (figuratively, not physically) each point, on its way to the fourth quadrant.

Rolling the backgammon dice, according to backgammon instructions, is also slightly different then your typical board game. If a player rolls a 2 and a 4, the checker they choose to move must go either 4 spaces / 2 spaces or 2 spaces / 4 spaces, but NEVER 6 spaces in total. Although this may sound simple, it can be often block a player from making simple moves, as the space may already be occupied.

When following backgammon instructions, basic tactics are not normally lain out, this is something one needs to figure out on their own. A great way to learn new strategies is by reading one of the many backgammon books available on the web or in stores. Learn from backgammon pros as to which the best plays are!