Backgammon Dice and Doubles: Legal Moves Explained

Each player rolls one die to start the game. Equal numbers mean both players reroll; no one begins with four moves from a tied opening roll. With unlike numbers, the higher roller starts and uses both the higher and lower numbers already on the table.

After the opening, each player rolls two dice on their turn. Count from the next point: a checker on 13 moves to 12 with a 1. You can distribute different dice among different checkers or use both on one checker.

Empty points, your own points and a single opposing checker are legal destinations. Two or more opposing checkers make a blocked point. A checker can pass over a blocked point within one die’s move, but cannot land on it between the two dice.

If the intermediate point contains an opposing blot, landing there hits it, even if the same checker then continues with the other die. The hit is not undone by leaving the point.

Look for a complete sequence before declaring a die unplayable. The question is whether any legal ordering and distribution uses both dice—not whether your first preferred move leaves a use for the other die.

You may not pass voluntarily when a legal move exists. If no entry or move is legal, the turn ends without a checker move. Tournament handling of dice, clocks and disputes is covered separately in the tournament rules summary.

• Adding both dice and checking only the final destination.
• Rerolling both dice after winning the opening roll, or treating an opening tie as doubles.
• Playing the higher die first even when the lower-first order is needed to use both.
• Taking only two moves on doubles when three or four are legally possible.

Must I use the higher die first?

No. You choose a legal order that uses the required dice. The higher-die rule decides which die to use only when either is individually playable but no sequence uses both.

Can doubles all move the same checker?

Yes, if every one of the four separate landings is legal. You may also divide the moves among several checkers.

Can I skip a move to avoid leaving a blot?

Not if that forfeits a die that can legally be used. Safety may guide your choice among legal maximum-use sequences, not permission to ignore a die.

Original Bet On Gammon explanations, worked examples and illustrations. Further reading and rule references are listed below.

• USBGF — Beginner’s Guide to Backgammon ↗ — standard setup, checker play, bearing off, cube and results.
• USBGF — Tournament Rules ↗ — the governing rules hub.
• USBGF — Rules for In-Person Play ↗ — match and cube procedures; follow your event’s rules and director.

Beginner’s Guide to Backgammon brings the full game together. Use the rules reference for a compact check, or return to the learning order.