Backgammon Lounge Play free

Play backgammon online, free

A clean, fast backgammon game in your browser. Play a strong computer opponent, take on daily challenges, or play friends online. No download, no sign-up.

Play now Learn the rules

Works on phones, tablets and computers.

The Backgammon Lounge board: numbered points, red and white checkers, dice and pip counts

Everything you need to play

A real opponent

Three computer levels up to a neural-network player, with hints that show the best move.

Online with friends

Invite a friend with a code, or get matched with a random player. Ratings and a leaderboard.

Matches and the cube

Single games or matches to 3, 5, 10 or 15 points, with the doubling cube and the Crawford rule.

24 challenges

Set positions and goals with stars to earn, plus a daily challenge with the same dice for everyone.

Clear board

Numbered points, pip counts, tap or drag to move, undo, and keyboard shortcuts on desktop.

Anywhere

Runs in the browser on phones, tablets and computers. Pass and play on one device.

Learn backgammon

New to the game or want to get better? Start with the rules, then the openings.

How to playThe complete rules, step by step, with diagrams.StrategyKey points, the five game plans, and when to take risks.Opening movesThe best play for all 15 opening rolls.Doubling cubeDoubling, taking, dropping and the 25% rule.Pip countingCount the race fast and know who is ahead.Bearing offRules and technique for the end of the game.Odds and probabilitiesShot counts, entering from the bar, doubles.Match playScoring, the Crawford rule and match strategy.NotationHow to read and write backgammon moves.GlossaryEvery backgammon term from ace-point to wastage.VariantsNackgammon, acey-deucey, hypergammon, tavla and more.HistoryFive thousand years from Ur to online play.

The best opening moves

How strong players and computer programs play the first roll. All 15 opening rolls.

3-18/5 6/5Make the 5-point4-28/4 6/4Make the 4-point6-113/7 8/7Make the bar point5-38/3 6/3Make the 3-point6-524/13Lover's leap6-424/18 13/9Split and build, run, or make the 2-point

Ways to play

Play vs the computerEasy, Medium and Hard, with hints and undo. Play onlineFriends by invite code, or a random opponent. Pass and playTwo players on one device.

Questions

Is Backgammon Lounge free?

Yes. Every mode is free to play in your browser, paid for by ads. There is nothing to download and no sign-up for games against the computer.

Can I play backgammon against the computer?

Yes, at three levels. Easy and Medium make human-like mistakes; Hard plays opening book moves and searches two moves deep with a trained neural network.

How do I play backgammon with a friend online?

Choose Online, create a game, and send your friend the 6-letter code or invite link. You can also be matched with a random player.

Do I need an account to play online?

No. You can play as a guest. Create an account with a username and password if you want to keep your name and rating on any device.

Does it work on phones?

Yes. The game runs in any modern browser on phones, tablets and computers. On desktop you can also use the keyboard: Space to roll, U to undo, H for a hint.

Ready to roll? It takes one click to start.

Play backgammon