Backgammon For Dummies Cheat Sheet

Backgammon starting positions
Knowing the starting positions in backgammon is very important. Before you start playing the game in earnest, be sure to lay out your board like this.

Dice number-rolling odds in backgammon
Knowing how many ways you can roll any specific number naturally (the roll contains the desired number) or in combination is very useful in backgammon. The following table shows the chances that a roll contains or combines to the numbers from 1 to 12.

Number Chance of Rolling It
1 11
2 12
3 14
4 15
5 15
6 17
7 6
8 6
9 5
10 3
11 2
12 3
15 1
16 1
18 1
20 1
24 1
The outcomes of rolling two dice
Rolling two dice together can produce a variety of outcomes for you when playing backgammon. The following table shows the odds available when you roll two dice.

Dice 1 2 3 4 5 6
1 11 12 13 14 15 16
2 21 22 23 24 25 26
3 31 32 33 34 35 36
4 41 42 43 44 45 46
5 51 52 53 54 55 56
6 61 62 63 64 65 66
Keep the backgammon match equity table handy
A match equity table gives you the percentage chance of winning a backgammon match at any particular score. Here’s the table so you can have it to hand while you play.

The "Backgammon For Dummies Cheat Sheet" is an invaluable resource for both novice and intermediate backgammon players. Authored by Chris Bray, a backgammon veteran with over 30 years of experience, this cheat sheet offers essential information to help you on your journey to becoming a master player.
Backgammon, a fascinating and strategic two - player board game with a history spanning over 5,000 years, combines elements of strategy and chance. The game's objective is to move all 15 of your checkers into your home board and then bear them off before your opponent does. This cheat sheet simplifies the complex aspects of the game, making it easier to understand and play.
Board Layout and Starting Positions
The cheat sheet provides a clear illustration of the backgammon board layout at the start of the game. The board consists of 24 narrow triangles called points, arranged in four quadrants: two home boards and two outer boards. Each player has 15 checkers, which are initially placed as follows: 2 checkers on the 24 - point, 5 checkers on the 13 - point, 3 checkers on the 8 - point, and 5 checkers on the 6 - point. Understanding the starting positions is crucial as it sets the foundation for your gameplay strategy.
Dice Rolls and Movement
Knowing how to make the most of your dice rolls is key in backgammon. The cheat sheet details the number - rolling odds, showing you the chances of rolling any specific number naturally or in combination. This knowledge helps you plan your moves more effectively. For example, when you roll two dice, different outcomes are possible, and the cheat sheet outlines the odds associated with each roll. If you roll a 3 and 5, you can move one checker three points and another five points, or a single checker eight points, provided the moves are legal. In the case of doubles, you play the numbers shown twice.
Opening Moves
One of the most important aspects of backgammon is the opening moves. The cheat sheet offers guidance on this critical phase. Since doubles are excluded from the opening dice rolls, there are 15 possible combinations at the start of the game. For 5 of these rolls, there are clearly defined moves that are agreed upon by all experts and computer analysis, and these are highlighted in green on the cheat sheet. For the other 10 rolls, while there is some flexibility depending on your playing style, the cheat sheet shows the most common moves recommended by experts and computer analysis.
Match Equity Table
In addition, the cheat sheet includes a match equity table. This table gives you the percentage chance of winning a backgammon match at any particular score. Having this table at hand while you play allows you to make more informed decisions regarding your strategy, especially in the later stages of a match.
Whether you're just starting out or looking to improve your game, the "Backgammon For Dummies Cheat Sheet" is a must - have companion. It condenses essential information into a convenient format, enabling you to quickly access the knowledge you need to enhance your backgammon skills.

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