5 Backgammon Mistakes Beginners Make

Learning backgammon is pretty easy. Getting good at it takes a little longer.

When you’re starting out, it’s tempting to focus on moving your checkers as quickly as possible and hoping for good dice. But a few small habits can make a big difference to your game.

Here are five common backgammon mistakes and what to do instead.

1. Moving your checkers too quickly

Your first instinct might be to move a checker as far as possible. But getting your checkers home quickly isn’t always the best move in that moment.

A good move can improve your position, block your opponent or give you better options on your next turn.

Try this instead: Before moving, ask yourself: What does this move actually achieve?

2. Leaving too many blots

A blot is a single checker sitting on a point. If your opponent can land on it, they can hit it and send it to the bar.

That doesn’t mean you should never leave a blot. Taking risks is part of backgammon. The mistake is leaving checkers exposed without a reason.

Try this instead: Before leaving a checker alone, ask yourself: Can my opponent hit it, and is the risk worth taking?

3. Ignoring your opponent

It’s easy to get caught up in your own checkers. You’re thinking about where you want to go next, while your opponent is quietly building a position that makes your life difficult.

Try this instead: After every move, ask yourself: What is my opponent trying to do?

You don’t need to predict the whole game. Just pay attention to their position and what they might do next.

4. Playing too safely

Beginners often assume the safest move is always the best move. It isn’t.

Backgammon rewards calculated risks. Sometimes leaving a blot gives you a much stronger position. Other times, hitting your opponent is worth exposing yourself.

Try this instead: Don’t ask only Can this move go wrong? Also ask What do I gain if it works?

The best move isn’t always the safest one.

5. Getting frustrated by bad rolls

You will roll badly and get the numbers you absolutely did not want. Your opponent will roll exactly what they need or keep getting doubles. It happens.

The mistake is letting one bad roll turn into a bad decision.

Try this instead: Ask yourself: What is the best move I can make with the roll I have?

Work with the position you have, not the one you wish you had. The dice have no interest in your carefully constructed strategy.

So, how do you avoid these mistakes?

You don’t need to play perfectly. Just slow down a little and make a habit of looking at the whole board before you move.

Ask yourself:

What am I trying to achieve?Am I leaving anything exposed?What is my opponent trying to do?Is there a better option?

The more you play, the more naturally these questions become part of your game. And you’ll still make mistakes. That’s backgammon. You make a move and learn from it.