What is Backgammon?
Backgammon combines a race with blocking, hitting and decisions about risk. Two ordinary dice describe potential moves, but their sum is not a single unrestricted distance. A checker must still follow the legal movement rules. This makes a plain total-only randomizer an awkward replacement for a pair of real dice: the separate faces matter throughout the turn.
How to use the presets
The movement preset keeps both dice separate. Use each value according to the legal moves on the board. Doubles provide four uses of the matching value in standard play; the roller leaves that application to the players. The opening procedure, bearing off and the requirement to use available moves need board information that this page does not have. The doubling cube is a different component, not another movement die.
3 and 5 are two values to use legally, not permission to jump eight spaces over any blocked intermediate position.
Practical table tips
- Read and announce both values before moving a checker. This avoids turning a 2 and a 5 into an imaginary single seven.
- For a remote game, use one agreed roller and share its result. Two players independently rerolling the same turn will create confusion rather than verification.
- Keep the doubling cube and match score in your board application or on paper. Neither belongs in the arithmetic modifier panel.
Backgammon dice FAQ
What happens when both dice match?
The two matching faces remain visible. Apply the standard four-move doubles rule yourself.
Can I use the total as one move?
Not without satisfying the rules for the individual dice and intermediate points. The page deliberately avoids presenting a movement sum.
Does it roll the doubling cube?
No. The doubling cube records stakes; it is not normally thrown as a random movement die.
Legal moves, bearing off, opening rolls, doubling decisions and match scoring remain manual.
Independent, unofficial dice aid. Game names identify the intended use; their publishers do not endorse this page. These original explanations are not a replacement for the rules.