Question 1

What is a blot in backgammon?

Accepted Answer

A blot is a single checker alone on a point. If your opponent lands on it, it is hit and sent to the bar, while two or more checkers make a safe point.

Question 2

How do you enter from the bar in backgammon?

Accepted Answer

Roll and enter on the point matching a die in your opponent’s home board. A point with two or more enemy checkers is blocked, and nothing else can move first.

Question 3

Do you have to use both dice in backgammon?

Accepted Answer

Yes, whenever a legal play uses both dice you must make it. If only one die can be played you must play the higher one, and if neither can, your turn passes.

Question 4

What happens when you roll doubles in backgammon?

Accepted Answer

Doubles give you four moves of the number shown instead of two. A 3-3 lets you play four 3s, split among checkers or all with one, if each landing is legal.

Question 5

When can you bear off in backgammon?

Accepted Answer

Only when all fifteen checkers are in your home board. Bear off with an exact roll, or a higher one from your farthest-back point if nothing is behind it.

Question 6

Who goes first in backgammon?

Accepted Answer

Each player rolls one die. The higher number starts and plays both dice as the opening move. Ties are rolled again, so a game never opens with doubles.

Backgammon rules questions