Backgammon can be played between two players only. It is played on a board marked with 24 triangles called "Points". Each side gets 15 checkers, differing in color. The ultimate goal is to get all the checkers off the board. Both players also get a pair of dice. Also included is the Doubling Cube used to double stakes.
The Board
A standard board of Backgammon features four sections of six points each. It is divided into two segments, within each there is a general sum of 12 points. The two sides are segmented by the "bar", this is also the place which harbors the checkers that were either hit or sent back. The checkers are moved in a clockwise and counter-clockwise manner.
Moving
Both players toss a single die; the player with the higher number is obliged to make the first move with both numbers of the roll. If both players rolled the same numbers, they roll a single die again until results change. In real life Backgammon there are very strict rules about how to shake the dice and where to throw them, thankfully players in online casinos are exempt from these regulations. A roll of a dice determines how much points a player is to move his checkers. Checkers can be moved only onto an open point. An open point is one which is not occupied by two or more of the opposing player's checkers.
Both numbers on the two dice are for separate moves. If a player rolls a 2 and 6, he has to move one checker by two spaces and a separate checker by six spaces. There is a possibility to combine the two rolls and move one checker by eight spaces, but only in the case that the point to which the checker is to be moved is open. If a player rolled a double he is required to play the numbers shown on both dice. Both numbers must always be applied unless one is illegal, if both numbers cannot be played the player loses his turn.
Hitting
A single checker on a point constitutes what is called a "Blot". When an opposing checker hits the blot, it's considered "hit" and it's moved to the bar. A player needs to place his checkers that are on the bar into his opponent's home board. If there is no vacancy, the player loses his turn.
Bearing Off
Once all of the player's checkers are on his home board, he can "bear off". Bearing off means removing one's checkers from the board. This is the ultimate goal of the game – ridding of your checkers. The first player to rid of all of his checkers is the winner.