A Short Description of Some Variations of Backgammon

Sometimes it’s fun to try something different. For example, once you’ve mastered the ancient and venerable game of backgammon, you might consider looking for some modern backgammon variations. This article presents a brief overview of some different ways to play backgammon for those who are interested in changing up their play.

Acey-Deucey: This first of the varieties of backgammon has the same rules as “normal” backgammon except that players are allowed to move any stone at any time, regardless of whether they have stones to bring in. The acey-deucey part of this backgammon game variety comes in when a player rolls a 1 – 2. When that happens, the player executes the 1 – 2 move as usual. Then, he plays any number he wants 4 times. Then, he gets another roll and if it’s a 1 – 2 again, the process repeats.

Tapa: The tapa version of backgammon game variations has the same rules as backgammon except that when a single stone is hit, it is not taken out. Rather, the opponent’s stone rests on top of it and in doing so, forms a point and in effect traps the opposing stone. This block prevents your opponent from landing on the point. In this one of the varieties of backgammon games, the technique of pinning, especially if you’re able to pin an opponent in your home board, gives you a tremendous advantage and the advantage increases if you pin on a lower numbered point. Tapa is popular in Bulgaria.

Tabula: Tabula differs from backgammon in that it uses 3 dice instead of 2. Play begins will all stones off the board. Stones come into play for both players at the same place and play progresses with all stones moving in the same direction. Tabula is one of the most ancient variations of backgammon and is thought to have originated in ancient Greece several hundred years before the birth of Christ.

If you feel your backgammon game needs some excitement, why not try one of these interesting variations?