Backgammon Name and Play Variations

Backgammon has been known by various names through the years. Having a rich historical background backgammon variations have become numerous.

One backgammon variation is called Acey Deucy. Checkers here move similarly as in regular backgammon games. Backgammon white checkers are set out from the black checker home using the black outer board. The white checker pieces proceed to the white outer board to reach the white checker home. From there, the player can bear them off. The black checker pieces do the same in reverse, proceeding to the black checker home so the player playing the black checkers can bear them off.

Yet this backgammon variation has a difference - we may choose to move any piece we want, any time. This is regardless of whether we have checkers to bring in or not. We can even have an extra roll. If it turns out 1-2 we may get another chance of rolling. Hat's why it's called Acey Deucy or 1-2.

Another backgammon variation is the Narde. This is popular among the Russian and Ukrainian natives. Players here use 15 checkers each from the initial position. In this backgammon variation points are needed. Here, too, both players move their checker pieces in the same direction. For instance, we head toward 12 and then to 1. Next, we move to 24 and then to 13 and then off the backgammon board. The opponent moves the pieces from 24 to 13. Then from 12 to 1. After this the opponent moves the pieces off the board.

A feature of this backgammon variation is that we cannot hit checker pieces. When a checker piece is on a space, this is already a point. Doubles are not treated special. Double rolls only merit 2 times as much, not 4 times. Bearing off procedures are the same as in regular backgammon games. Players must move checker pieces whenever possible. There's no option of not moving them.

Another backgammon variation is the diceless backgammon. This variation is also popular in Russia and the Ukraine. It looks somewhat similar to dungeons and dragons and with slim chances for pure reliance on luck and more on strategy. This backgammon variation is good for training the mental faculties. The moves go counter clockwise with both players heading the same direction but they start off from different points on the board.

Backgammon variations are played differently but with some common grounds of play. With its rich European influences backgammon variations naturally differs in various aspects.