Playing Backgammon Online: An Overview for New Players
Backgammon took to computers early. The first internet servers appeared in the early 1990s, when players typed their moves into plain text connections. Today you can play on a phone or in a browser with a realistic board, and find an opponent within seconds at almost any hour. This overview explains how online play works and how to get the most from it.
People or programs
Online, you can usually choose between a human opponent and a computer one. Both are useful. A bot is always available, plays consistently and does not mind if you take your time. A human opponent brings the social side of the game, and people make the kinds of mistakes you can learn to exploit. Many new players start against a program to get used to the interface and the pace, then move on to people.
Browser, app or download
Some places to play run directly in a web browser; others use a mobile app or a desktop program. The game itself is the same. What matters more is a clear board, an easy way to see the pip count, and a reliable connection: a dropped connection in the middle of a match can cost you the game under some rules.
Matches and the cube
Most online play takes the form of matches to a set number of points, often short ones of three, five or seven points. The doubling cube is used to raise the value of a game in match points, and the Crawford rule is normally in force. If match play is new to you, read about the doubling cube before your first game, since cube decisions are often what separates winners from losers.
Ratings
Many places keep a rating for each player that rises when you win and falls when you lose, adjusted for the strength of your opponent and the length of the match. New players start at a common level. Ratings are a useful guide to finding a fair game: you learn most against opponents slightly stronger than you, while games against much weaker players teach little. Remember that ratings move with luck too, especially in short matches, so judge your progress over many games rather than a single evening.
Clocks and pace
Online games often use a clock, giving each player a few seconds per move plus a reserve of time for the whole match. Faster games are fun, but if you are learning, choose a generous time setting so you can think. Speed comes naturally with experience.
Chat and etiquette
Most places to play include a chat window. Good online manners are the same as at a club: greet your opponent, do not stall when you are losing, do not complain about the dice and say "good game" at the end. If you need to leave, finish or resign the match rather than simply disconnecting.
Are the dice fair?
Every online player eventually suspects the dice. A reputable place to play generates dice with a proper random number generator and does not change them depending on the position. Streaks that feel suspicious are a normal part of randomness; our page on fair dice explains what fair dice look like and how to judge a generator.
Learn while you play
The great advantage of online play is that your games can be saved. Export your matches and review them later with an analysis program, which will point out your biggest errors. A short review after each session will improve your game far faster than playing more matches. Our guide to free backgammon software explains what to look for.