NardGammon. Backgammon
This rendition of the ancient game of tables challenges you to think several moves ahead. Each turn, the dice dictate your possibilities, but how you use them reveals your strategic depth. You'll navigate your pieces around the track, aiming to secure your inner table while disrupting your opponent's progress. It's a delicate balance of aggression and defense, where a single roll can shift the momentum entirely. Beyond the luck of the roll lies a world of calculated risks. Leave a lone piece vulnerable and you might just be sent back to the start, a setback that can cost you the game. Secure your home board and you can begin the satisfying process of bearing off, inching closer to victory with each precise move. Whether you're a seasoned player or new to the board, each match offers a fresh puzzle to solve.
WaffleMath
Common Core State Standards
Every game supports specific Common Core standards. Browse the full standards library.
Practice by Skill
Games by Grade
What is NardGammon. Backgammon
Step into a battle of wits and fortune where every roll of the dice can turn the tide. This timeless strategy game pits your cunning against an opponent's, all on a simple board of 24 triangular points.
How to Play
Roll the dice and move your checkers according to the numbers shown, always moving toward your home board. Once all your pieces are home, bear them off by rolling the exact numbers needed to remove them from the board.
Tips for Playing
- Prioritize building points in your home board to block your opponent's entry.
- Keep your checkers paired to reduce the risk of leaving a single piece exposed.
- Hit your opponent's blots when it gives you a positional advantage, not just for the sake of it.
- Use the doubling cube to pressure your opponent if you feel confident in your position.
- Plan your moves to maximize flexibility, especially when the dice offer limited options.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the goal of the game?
The goal is to move all your checkers around the board into your home board, then bear them off before your opponent does.
How do I move my checkers?
You roll two dice and move your checkers according to the numbers shown. You can move one checker the total or two checkers separately, as long as the moves are legal.
What happens if I land on a point with a single opponent checker?
You hit that blot, sending the opponent's checker back to the bar, where they must re-enter on their next turn.
Can I move to a point occupied by multiple opponent checkers?
No, a point occupied by two or more opponent checkers is blocked, and you cannot land on it.
What does bearing off mean?
Bearing off is the final phase where you remove checkers from the board. You must have all your checkers in your home board first, then roll dice to remove them from the points corresponding to your rolls.
Is there a doubling cube in this game?
Yes, the doubling cube is available, allowing you to raise the stakes during the game if you believe you have an advantage.
