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Who invented backgammon and when. Game history. Singles games and matches

Backgammon is an ancient and very exciting game, known all over the world. However, no one can tell for certain how this game appeared, and who came up with the idea of ​​making entertainment for centuries out of simple objects.

The oldest board, supposedly used for playing backgammon, was found in what is now Turkey. Archaeologists were able to date the find to 5000 BC.

It is reliably known that in the tombs of the Egyptian pharaohs they also found well-preserved tablets similar to modern boards for playing backgammon.

Undoubtedly, items for playing backgammon should differ from modern analogues. In their manufacture, they probably used not just other materials, but also other technologies. Boards and chips were made not only from wood, but also from stone, this is especially confirmed by finds in equatorial countries. Dice, or zara, were most often made of bones or clay.

A design of twelve squares, six on each side, was drawn or carved on the boards, and the playing boards themselves were connected to each other along the long side.

Scientists have been able to establish that in Mesopotamia (today it is Iraq, Iran and Syria) backgammon was called “takhte backgammon”, which can be translated into modern language like "battle on a wooden plank". Back in pre-Christian Rus' backgammon was called “tavlei”, which meant “game on the table”, Ottoman Empire called them “tavla”, also from the word “table”. European culture was no exception: in all languages, backgammon was called a derivative concept from the word “table”: table, tabula, tablas.

Researchers suggest that the game of backgammon in ancient times was symbolic and even somewhat mystical in nature. The numbers written on the board were multiples of six, and twelve dots were marked on each side of the board. Most likely, this was a designation for the twelve months of the year. The division of the board into four parts may have represented the four seasons. Twenty-four points obviously indicated the number of hours in a day, and thirty chips indicated the number of days in a month. If you try to add the numbers to opposite sides oh bones, then the number seven will come out - in ancient times people knew only seven planets of ours solar system and, probably, such a coincidence is not accidental.

In addition to graphic symbolism, it was also present in ancient backgammon games: for example, the circular movement of chips indicated the movement of stars across the sky, throwing out dice with one’s own hand was identified with the choice of one’s fate, and the relationship of the dice on the board was comparable to the relationships of people in life. If stones embarrass each other or throw them out of the playing field, then people behave the same way, right?

Backgammon was brought to Europe by the crusaders returning from long journeys at the turn of the 12th century. In the Middle Ages in Europe, the game changed its name to backgammon, perhaps due to the sound made by the bone cubes hitting the board.

Why has humanity always been captivated by this amazing game - backgammon? The answer is obvious: strategy, development logical thinking, the variety of moves and unexpected turns during the game allow players to enjoy backgammon again and again. After all, there will never be two identical “battles on a wooden board”!

), other common names: backgammon(French tritrac), backgammon(English backgammon), tavla(Turkish tavla; Greek τάβλι from ancient Greek «τάβλα, τάβλη» ; (Latin “tabula”) - “playing board”), shesh-besh, cat- a board game for two players on a special board divided into two halves. The goal of the game is to throw the dice and move the checkers in accordance with the points dropped, to move the checkers a full circle around the board, to enter your house(sometimes the street name appears hut) and throw them over the board before the opponent does. There are two main varieties - long and short backgammon.

History of backgammon

The direct predecessor of the game tabula is considered to be an earlier Roman game Ludus duodecim scriptorum(With lat.  - “game of twelve signs”). In this game there were three rows of 12 points each, along which the chips moved. Moves were determined by rolling three dice. This game is mentioned in Ovid's Science of Love, written between 1 BC. e. and 8 AD e.

In Europe, a new wave of spread of the game was associated with the return of the crusaders from the 12th century Crusades. The game became very popular in medieval Europe and was called backgammon. This name apparently comes from the sound of bones hitting wooden board. At that time, the word "backgammon" was used to refer to the game of kings. Only representatives of the highest aristocracy had the privileges of playing backgammon.

Although the roots of backgammon go to the East, the rules of the most widespread in Europe modern version Backgammon games were established in 1743 by the Englishman Edmond Hoyle. This variation is called "Short backgammon" (as opposed to the older "Long backgammon" invented in the East) or "Backgammon". According to one version, the name "Backgammon" is derived from English words“back” and “game” and is due to the fact that the opponent’s checker, being hit, returned back. Another version connects the name "Backgammon" with the Gaulish words "Baec" (small) and "Gammit" (battle), which resemble the Persian words "Tahte Nard".

Today, backgammon is widely popular all over the world. All major capitals of the world have backgammon clubs and international tournaments. One of the most famous backgammon championships is the Azerbaijan Championship - Gizil Zar - Golden Dawns. The winner is awarded zara (dice) made of gold.

Spreading

Backgammon is popular in Russia (especially in the republics of the North Caucasus), Transcaucasia (Azerbaijan, Armenia, Georgia), Central Asia (Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan) and the Middle East (Iran, Syria, Turkey, Israel).

Inventory

Backgammon board

• The playing field (board) has rectangular shape. There are 24 on the board point- 12 on each of two opposite sides. The point is usually a narrow, elongated isosceles triangle, the base of which lies on the side, and the height can reach half the height of the board. The points are numbered from 1 to 24. The numbering is different for each player. For convenience, points can be colored in two colors - even in one, odd in the other.
• Six points in a row in one corner of the board are called home player. Location Houses depends on the rules.
• On the sides of the board, areas can be allocated for placing checkers behind the board. If the board design does not provide for them, players place checkers on the table at the side of the board (next to home).
• The board is divided in the middle by a vertical strip called bar. In those variants of backgammon where you can hit the opponent's checkers, the knocked down checkers are placed on the bar.
• Each player has a set of checkers - 15 pieces of the same color (in some versions of the game fewer checkers are used).
• There is at least one pair of dice ( zar). A set may contain two pairs of dice - each player has his own, as well as special cups for mixing the dice. In the betting game, the so-called “doubling cube” can also be used, an additional cube for the convenience of accounting for increased bets - the numbers 2, 4, 8, 16, 32, 64 are printed on its faces.

Rules of the game

There are many varieties of backgammon, differing in the rules of moves, bets, starting position and other details. However, there are two main varieties of the game in the Russian-speaking space - long And short backgammon. Each variety has more than a dozen variations. Major world championships are held according to the international rules of backgammon.

Starting position

Long: initial location

Short: initial location

Each player has 15 checkers.

Each player has his own pair of dice and a special glass, which is used to mix the dice.

The initial location of the checkers on the board in long positions (positions 12 and 24) is called the “head”. A move from this position is called a “head move.” During one move, you can take only one checker from the head (except for the first throw).

The initial arrangement of checkers in international backgammon is as follows: each player has two checkers in the twenty-fourth point, five in the thirteenth, three in the eighth and five in the sixth.

Purpose of the game

The goal of the game is to move all the checkers of your color to your home and then throw them off the board. Whoever removes all his checkers first is the winner of the game.

Initial draw

The right to make the first move is played out by throwing dice - each player throws one die, the one with the most points goes first. In case of the same number of points, the throw is repeated.

In long backgammon, for the first move, the scores are thrown again. For short ones, those that fell when determining the initial lot are used.

Checkers movement

The following rules are common (with some exceptions) for all options:

• Players take turns.
• The direction of movement of checkers differs in different options games. But in any case, the checkers move in a circle and for each player the direction of their movement is fixed.
• Before each move, the player rolls two dice (called zary). The dropped points determine the possible moves. The dice are thrown onto the board, they must land on an empty space on the board, on one side of the bar. If at least one of the dice flew off the board, the dice ended up in different halves of the board, the dice hit a checker or stood unevenly (leaned against a checker or the edge of the board), the throw is considered invalid and must be repeated.
• In one move, up to four movements of the checker are made. In each of them, the player can move any of his checkers by the number of points that fell on one of the dice. For example, if 2 and 4 points are rolled, during this move the player can move one (any) of the checkers by 2 points, the other by 4 points, or move one checker first by 2, then by 4 points (or, conversely, first to 4, then to 2). If it lands on both dice same number points ( double, pash, a bunch jackpot, cat), then the rolled points are doubled, and the player gets the opportunity to make 4 moves. Each movement of the checker must be done for the full number of points rolled on the dice (if 4 points are rolled, then you cannot move the checker 1, 2 or 3 points - you can only move the full 4).
• In each version of the rules there are some prohibited movements of checkers. The player cannot select moves that require such movements. If there are no allowed movements for the dropped combination of points, the player misses his turn. But if there is an opportunity to make at least one move, the player cannot refuse it, even if this move is unprofitable for him.
• If it is impossible to use the points of one of the dice, they are lost. If there are two possible moves, one of which uses the points of only one dice, and the other uses both dice, then the player must make a move that uses the points of both dice. If only one of two checkers can be moved (that is, the move of one checker excludes the possibility of moving the other), the player must make a move on more points. In case of a double, the player must use the maximum possible number of points.
• When all the player's checkers, while moving along the board, fall into their house, with the next moves the player can begin to place them on the board. A checker can be placed off the board when the number of the point on which it stands is equal to the number points that fell on one of the dice (that is, a checker standing on the outermost point can be placed if a one is rolled out, on the second from the edge - if a two is rolled out). If all the checkers in the house are closer to the edge of the board than the number of points rolled, then the checker from the point with the highest number can be placed behind the board.

Game result

The winner of the game is the one who is the first to place all his checkers on the board.

Traditionally, there are no draws in backgammon, except for one variation of "Giveaway". By agreement, players can play “With a Draw” in any variation; Black is given the right to make the last move if White has already removed all his checkers. If Black also manages to remove all 15 checkers, there will be a draw.

The game can end with a different score (depending on the advantage in the game and the value of the doubling cube):

• Oin or simple victory- the position of the checkers at the end of the game, in which the loser managed to throw away at least 1 checker, while the opponent took everything off the board. Counts as 1 point.
• Mars or double victory- the position of the checkers at the end of the game, in which the loser did not have time to bring all his checkers into his house, while the opponent brought everything out of the board. Such a victory brings 2 points. “Home Mars” is the rarest situation in which the loser managed to bring all his checkers into the house, but did not withdraw any, while the opponent brought out all of his. Home Mars is counted like regular Mars, but has a special name. The concept of “Home Mars” is not used in international rules.
• Coke or triple win- a situation in which the loser did not have time to remove one or more of his checkers from the first quadrant or left a checker on the bar, while the opponent took all of his checkers off the board. In Long Backgammon it is absent and is counted only as Mars. Winning with coke is worth 3 points.

The rules for awarding points for winnings in different variants of backgammon may differ. For example, in the Hypergammon option, Mars and coke are not taken into account.

Singles games and matches

Backgammon is played both in single games and in matches - a series of games up to a certain number of points. . To reduce the influence of chance, competitors in international tournaments play a match among themselves. Typically, tournament matches are played to 7, 9, 11 or 13 points.

Championships are held in short or long backgammon. All games of the tournament are played until certain points are reached in the match; the type of game does not change from game to game. At the end of the tournament game, the points received for a victory are multiplied by the value of the doubling cube. The calculated victory points for the game are taken into account in the final score of the match.

In Greek backgammon Tavli three games are played in succession:

There are mixed matches, players can agree on the sequence of backgammon varieties they will play. For example, a match of consecutive games of Hypergammon, long and short backgammon. If after three games the score is even, then the final game of Hypergammon is played.

Game of bets

A single game involving a bet (money or other virtual unit) is called a moneygame. In moneygame and matches, bets are drawn differently.

There are three main options when playing a bet:

• A bet for winning a single game (mars and coke count as 1 point).
• Bet for 1 winning point in a single game. Mars doubles the initial bet, and coke triples. Can be played with a doubling cube, victory points are additionally multiplied by the value of the doubling cube. For example, a win with a mars and a doubling cube in position 2 will earn four initial bets.
• A bet for each checker remaining on the board when the opponent has already removed his from the board. Traditional version for Tbilisi backgammon. Rarely played, as the initial bet can be multiplied by a factor of 15 or more if victory points and even the doubling cube are taken into account.

Doubling Cube

Doubling cube values

In international tournament games, a special doubling cube is used. The powers of two are marked on its faces: 2, 4, 8, 16, 32, 64.

At the beginning of the game, it is located in the middle of the groove on the board with the side with the number 64 facing up (on online resources the number 1 is displayed). This position means that there has not yet been a doubling in the game and both players have the right to offer a doubling in the current game.

Doubling process

Before his turn, before the dice are thrown, the player has the right to offer doubling. If he doubles the game, then the opponent must either accept the double in the game or surrender at 1 victory point. It is forbidden to double on the very first move of the game.

When an opponent accepts a double, the cube is flipped to now display the doubled value and moves closer to the one who accepted the double. Now only the accepting player can offer a double. After subsequent doublings, the right goes to the one who accepted the cube.

Autodouble

When both players get the same dice during the initial draw, the doubling cube is automatically flipped over. Typically, players agree to play with only one or two of these automatic doubles. Used to increase excitement in the betting game.

Beaver/Redable, Raccoon

When a player is offered a doubling, he can immediately offer a counter doubling to Beaver, but retaining the right of subsequent doubling for himself.

Racoon is a rare arrangement where you can accept Beaver's doubling and immediately double again, thereby seizing the right to doubling later.

Crawford's rule

When the winner remains to score 1 point (match point) before the end of the match, the doubling cube is not used in this game. If there are subsequent batches, the cube will be used again. The rule is used because the player behind does not risk anything by doubling the game.

Jacobi's rule

Mars and coke count as one point until the offer to double the game. If a doubling occurs, then mars and coke are counted as usual (double and triple wins, respectively).

Combination names

There is a special system for naming the combinations of points rolled on the dice. This system is common with slight variations in Eastern Europe and Western Asia. In Russia the following version of this system is used:

egana - 1:1

duek - 2:1 dubara - 2:2

se ek - 3:1 se ba do - 3:2 du se - 3:3

Charu ek - 4:1 charu do - 4:2 charu se - 4:3 Dort Char - 4:4

panju ek - 5:1 panju doo - 5:2 panju se - 5:3 panju char - 5:4 do besh - 5:5

sheshu ek - 6:1 sheshu du - 6:2 sheshu behold - 6:3 sheshu char - 6:4 sheshu besh - 6:5 do shesh - 6:6

The system came out of a mixture of two languages: Persian and Turkish. So, for example, Dort- “four” in Turkish, and charm- “four” in Persian.

Additional facts

See also

Notes

1. Ardashir - the first Sasanian king of the 3rd century. n. e., during whose reign this game was invented (Krysin L.P. Dictionary foreign words. - M.: Eksmo, 2008. - 944 pp.)
2. Austin, Roland G. Zeno's Game of τάβλη (English) // The Journal of Hellenic Studies: journal. - 1934. - Vol. 54, no. 2. - P. 202-205. - DOI: 10.2307/626864.
3. Hayes, William C. "Egyptian Tomb Reliefs of the Old Kingdom", The Metropolitan Museum of Art Bulletin, New Series 4:7. March 1946. pp. 170-178.
4. "Iran's Burnt City Throws up World's Oldest Backgammon." Archived copy from March 22, 2009 on the Wayback Machine Persian Journal. December 4, 2004. Retrieved on August 5, 2006.
5. Austin, Roland G. Roman Board Games. II (undefined) // Greece & Rome. - 1935. - February (vol. 4, no. 11). - pp. 76-82. - DOI:10.1017/s0017383500003119.
6. Robert Charles Bell Board and table games from many civilizations, Courier Dover Publications, 1979, ISBN 0-486-23855-5, pp. 33-35.
7. Jacoby, Oswald. The Backgammon Book / Oswald Jacoby, John R. Crawford. - New York: Viking Press, 1970. - P. 51. - ISBN 0-670-14409-6.
8. Koukoules, Phaidon. Vyzantinon Vios kai Politismos. - Collection de l "institut français d" Athènes, 1948. - Vol. 1. - P. 200–204.
9. Austin, Roland G. “Roman Board Games. I", Greece & Rome 4:10, October 1934. pp. 24-34.
10. Chess: encyclopedic dictionary/ ch. ed.

Description of some variants and rules of playing backgammon

American

American is a type of backgammon game that was very popular in the southern states of America. Before the start of the game, a draw is held, during which the players determine who will move which checkers. The white player places two checkers in the lower left quarter - in the 1st, 2nd and 3rd holes, and places the remaining 9 on the side. The player who plays black places all the checkers in the lower right quarter: two checkers in the 9th hole, five in the 10th hole, three in the 11th and five in the 12th.

The black player makes the usual moves, and the white player gradually introduces his checkers into the game. But for this “inconvenience”, if he wins, he will receive three bets at once. The right to move first belongs to the player who plays white. Movement in the game occurs counterclockwise. Black moves to the upper left quarter, then to the lower left - to his home. White checkers also need to make a circle on the playing field and gather in their home - in the upper left quarter.

There are no broken checkers in this game, but main goal The players are to quickly collect the checkers in the house and throw them out of there. During the game, you can lock your opponent's checkers, i.e. try to build a chain of six checkers on their way.

The player who throws all the checkers first is considered the winner. Before the start of the game, the amount of one bet is agreed upon. If the player wins with black checkers, he receives one bet. If the white player manages to be the first to throw away the checkers, then he receives three bets at once.

Dutch backgammon

In this variant, all checkers are brought into play from the board. Players take turns throwing the dice and begin making moves when all the checkers are removed from the board. Then everything goes according to general rules.

Gulbar

If one player cannot complete the stone that was dealt to him, the opponent makes the unfinished moves for him. The player who threw a double and played it to the end throws again. If it is impossible to finish the dropped stone, the opponent finishes the game and the turn passes to the opponent.

Serpent

This is a type of backgammon. Black checkers are located as follows: two on line 1, one on line VIII and five each on lines 12 and VI, as in traditional version. Whites are positioned two on lines I, II and III and nine on the side. The player playing white must bring all his checkers into play from the board and then moves are made according to the usual rules.

Icelandic backgammon

When playing Icelandic backgammon, checkers are placed with right side. Moreover, the players can cast lots or agree on who will occupy the upper right quarter and who will occupy the lower right quarter. In this game, the position of the checkers determines whether they will be attackers or runners. Movement in the game occurs counterclockwise. Those checkers that overtook the fleeing pieces beat them and occupy the vacated holes. Broken checkers are not placed on the side, i.e. do not return to the game. The game continues until one of the players has no checkers left.

Until the checkers from the upper right quarter overtake the enemy checkers, they will be considered fleeing, but after making a circle on the playing field they overtake the enemy checkers and become attackers. Thus, the movement of the pieces occurs in a circle until one of the players has nothing to make moves.

When the player has only one checker left, he, if desired, regardless of the points that fell at dawn, can move it to the corner (lines 24, 19, 18, 13, 12, 7, 6, 1). The remaining points go to the opponent, and he can move his checkers in accordance with the points that the opponent received.

In such a game situation, when the movement of one checker occurs in the corners of the board, points “1” and “6” are of particular importance, since only with the help of these points checkers can be easily moved from one corner to another.

The player with the remaining checkers can try to capture this last checker and become the winner.

Matador

This is a variation of the game of jacket. All jacket rules apply until one player rolls 4-3 on the dice, called a matador. After that, he makes a move in accordance with these points, then a move in accordance with any chosen double (four by six, five, etc.), and then rolls the dice again for his extraordinary move. Then they play according to the general rules until the next appearance of the matadors.

Chase

Icelandic version of backgammon. Arrangement of checkers: six white on lines 1-6 and six black on lines I-VI. When rolling dice, only ones, sixes and doubles count.

Double six gives the right to double the move (four times six). Other duplicates are not doubled. After rolling a double, the player repeats the roll until different points appear on the dice.

Checkers, white and black, move counterclockwise around the board until all of one player's checkers are knocked down.

When one of the players has the last checker on the board, the rules for him change. This player must move his checker to the nearest corner of the board (lines 1, 6, 7, 12, XII, VII, VI, I). From this corner, the checkers are rearranged only when throwing points one or six: doubles one or six give the right to two moves like a regular double. When a one is thrown, the checker moves to the nearest corner, and when a six is ​​thrown through the corner. This checker can only be knocked down in the corner if it is not standing between the enemy’s checkers.

Russian backgammon

All checkers, white and black, are introduced into the game from the board, and are introduced into White's house. Then they all move in the same direction 1-12 and XII - I to the black house and are taken out to the courtyard from the black house.

You can buy backgammon in the online store of exclusive gifts

Backgammon is an ancient oriental game that has been popular for thousands of years. The name of the inventor and the birthplace of this ancient game of backgammon is hidden from us in the depths of centuries. Was it an Egyptian, a Persian, a Greek, or perhaps an Indian? Nobody knows. We only know that people have been playing this game for more than 5,000 years, for which there is historical evidence. Thus, the oldest of the backgammon boards was found in Asia Minor and dates back to 5,000 BC, an analogue of this game was discovered in the tomb of the pharaoh Tutankhamun (XV century BC).

One of the legends says that once the Indians, wanting to test the intelligence of the Persians, sent them a set of chess, believing that they would not figure out how to play this wise game. However, the Persian sage Büzürkmehr not only easily coped with this task, but also proposed his own, which the Hindus could not solve for 12 years. Büzürkmehr came up with it and sent it to his opponents new game- backgammon (backgammon ottoman).

In Persia, in the 3rd millennium BC. this game had symbolic and mystical meaning. Persian astrologers used backgammon to predict the fate of rulers. They considered the playing field to be the sky, and the movement of the chips in a circle signified the movement of the stars. In general, in ancient times the game was quite symbolic in nature.

All the games from which backgammon supposedly originated had similar boards. On this board everything was a multiple of six and had a connection with time. Twelve points on each side of the board represented 12 months, the division of the board into 4 parts represented the seasons, 24 points represented the 24 hours in a day, 30 checkers represented the number of moonlit and moonless nights in a month, and their movement in a circle depicted the movement of the stars in the sky. The sum of points on opposite sides of the dice, equal to 7, corresponded to the number of planets known at that time, from which everything good and bad came. The board and checkers were usually made of stone or wood, and the bones were cut from stones, bones or molded from clay. Ancient boards may have had a different appearance from the modern one: one of the boards was found in the city of Ur, the former capital of Mesapotamia. Each board consisted of 12 cells, which were placed in boxes of 6, and the boxes, in turn, were combined in twos.

IN different countries this game was called differently. The Spaniards have tablero, the Germans have bretspiel, the Greeks have diagramismos, the Italians have tavola reale, the French have trick-track, the Turks have tavla and backgammon in the English. In Mesopotamia, the Persians (modern-day Iraq, Iran and parts of Syria) called this game "Takhte Nard" or "Takhte", which in literary translation means "battle on a wooden board". But most ancient name games are simply “Table” or “Royal Table”. Tabula for the Romans, Tavli for the Greeks, Tavola Reale for the Italians, Tablas Reales for the Spaniards and even Tables for the English who might have been among those who played this game.

All these games were different from modern game in backgammon because there was no "Cube Rule" which was added later. Instead of fixed positions on the board, checkers were placed according to the dice thrown. In some regions of Iceland, people still use a board similar to the Roman one and play the game AD ELTA STELPUR, or Girl Hunt.

Distribution of the game in Western Europe associated with the return of the Crusaders from the Crusades of the 12th century. The game became very popular in medieval Europe and was called Backgammon (a variant of the game played by upper-class people). This name apparently comes from the sound of bones hitting a wooden board. During the Middle Ages in Europe, the word “backgammon” was used to refer to the game of kings. Only representatives of the highest aristocracy had the privileges of playing backgammon.

Interest in backgammon grew greatly in the Middle East and Mediterranean countries. Over the centuries, the game has become well known throughout the world, but it has never been as popular as it is today. Although backgammon has its roots in the East, the rules of the modern game of backgammon were established in 1743 by Englishman Edmond Hoyle. The name "Backgammon" comes from the English words "Back" and "Game" and is associated with the fact that your opponent's checker, after being hit, comes back.

Another version associates the name "Backgammon" with the Gaulish words "Baec" (small) and "Gammum" (battle), which resemble the Persian words Takhte Nard.

The Cube Rule was introduced in the United States only in 1931 and became officially recognized in the International Rules of Backgammon. Today, backgammon is widely popular not only in the Middle East, but throughout the world. All major capitals of the world have backgammon clubs and international tournaments.

Back
Backgammon board, 19th century. Required Skills

In Persia, in the 3rd millennium BC. e. this game had symbolic and mystical meanings. Persian astrologers used backgammon to predict the fate of rulers. The playing field was likened to the sky, the movement of chips in a circle symbolized the course of the stars, each half of the board, consisting of 12 marks for chips - 12 months of the year, dividing the board into 4 parts - seasons, 24 points meant 24 hours in a day, and 30 checkers - the number of lunar and moonless days of the month. The sum of points on opposite sides of the die - 7 - was equal to the number of planets known at that time.

This game was called differently in different countries. Sometimes this name simply meant " board game", like the Spaniards - tablero, Italians - tavola reale, Turk - tavla; sometimes it was proper names: Greeks - διαγραμισμος , French - tricrac And backgammon- from the British.

In Western Europe, an analogue of backgammon was known as en: Ludus duodecim scriptorum already in the Roman Empire. A new wave of the game's spread was associated with the return of the crusaders from the 12th century Crusades. The game became very popular in medieval Europe and was called backgammon. This name apparently comes from the sound of bones hitting a wooden board. At that time, the word "backgammon" was used to refer to the game of kings. Only representatives of the highest aristocracy had the privileges of playing backgammon.

Although the roots of backgammon lie in the East, the rules of the most common modern version of the game of backgammon in Europe were established in 1743 by the Englishman Edmond Hoyle. This variation is called "Short backgammon" (as opposed to the older "Long backgammon" invented in the East) or "Backgammon". According to one version, the name “Backgammon” is formed from the English words “back” and “game” and is associated with the fact that the opponent’s checker, being beaten, returned back. Another version connects the name "Backgammon" with the Gaulish words "Baec" (small) and "Gammit" (battle), which resemble the Persian words "Tahte Nard".

Today, backgammon is widely popular all over the world. All major capitals of the world have backgammon clubs and international tournaments.

Spreading

Backgammon is especially common:

• in Russia;
• in the East (Iran, Syria, Türkiye, Israel);
• in the Caucasus (Azerbaijan, Armenia, Georgia, North Caucasus republics);

Inventory

Backgammon board

• The playing field (board) has a rectangular shape. There are 24 on the board point- 12 on each of two opposite sides. The point is usually a narrow, elongated isosceles triangle, the base of which lies on the side, and the height can reach half the height of the board. The points are numbered from 1 to 24. The numbering is different for each player. For convenience, points can be colored in two colors - even in one, odd in the other.
• Six points in a row in one corner of the board are called home player. Location Houses depends on the rules.
• On the sides of the board, areas can be allocated for placing checkers behind the board. If the board design does not provide for them, players place checkers on the table at the side of the board (next to home).
• The board is divided in the middle by a vertical strip called bar. In those variants of backgammon where you can hit the opponent's checkers, the knocked down checkers are placed on the bar.
• Each player has a set of checkers - 15 pieces of the same color (in some versions of the game fewer checkers are used).
• There is at least one pair of dice ( zar). A set may contain two pairs of dice - each player has his own, as well as special cups for mixing the dice. In the betting game, the so-called “doubling cube” can also be used, an additional cube for the convenience of accounting for increased bets - the numbers 2, 4, 8, 16, 32, 64 are printed on its faces.

Rules of the game

There are many varieties of backgammon, differing in the rules of moves, bets, starting position and other details. However, there are two main varieties of the game - long And short backgammon. The following rules are common to all options:

• Players take turns.
• The direction of movement of checkers differs in different versions of the game. But in any case, the checkers move in a circle and for each player the direction of their movement is fixed.
• The right to make the first move is played out by throwing dice - each player throws one die, the one with the most points goes first. In case of the same number of points, the throw is repeated.
• Before each move, the player rolls two dice (called: zary). The dropped points determine the possible moves. The dice are thrown onto the board, they must land on an empty space on the board, on one side of the bar. If at least one of the dice flew off the board, the dice ended up in different halves of the board, the dice hit a checker or stood unevenly (leaned against a checker or the edge of the board), the throw is considered invalid and must be repeated.
• In one move, from one to four movements of the checker are made. In each of them, the player can move any of his checkers by the number of points that fell on one of the dice. For example, if 2 and 4 points are rolled, during this move the player can move one (any) of the checkers by 2 points, the other by 4 points, or move one checker first by 2, then by 4 points (or, conversely, first to 4 then to 2). If both dice get the same number of points ( double, pash, jackpot, cat), then the rolled points are doubled, and the player gets the opportunity to make 4 moves. Each movement of the checker must be done for the full number of points rolled on the dice (if 4 points are rolled, then you cannot move the checker 1, 2 or 3 points - you can only move the full 4).
  • In the game version " gulbar“If the player does not have the opportunity to make any of these moves, then the opponent must make the unplayed moves. When a double is rolled, if the player was able to make all 4 moves, then he rolls the dice again.
    • And one more distinctive feature What you need to pay attention to is that the checkers do not move in the house, i.e. at which point the checker landed in the house, it will remain there, and also, in this case, it is possible to discard checkers only by the number of the point in the house, i.e. if 5:3 is rolled, then you can discard only from points 5 and 3; if 2:2 is rolled, then four checkers are discarded from point 2, and if the player has made all four moves, then the player throws “zariki” again, i.e. move just like in the game!
  • In the game version " mad gulbar"When a double is rolled out, the player makes all moves from the dropped double to the double of six (for example, when a double “four-four” is rolled out, the player moves one checker by 4 points, then another by 4 points, then another by 5, another by 5, one for 6 points and another for 6 points). If a player does not have the opportunity to make any of these moves, then the opponent must make the unplayed moves.
    • Well, here is one distinctive feature, so to speak, its pitfalls, which you also need to pay attention to: in the house, just like in the “gyulbar”, the checkers do not move, i.e. on which point the checker landed in the house, it will remain there, and in this case it is possible to discard checkers only from the number of the point in the house on which the “zariki” will fall, i.e. 5:3 will mean that you can only discard from 5 and 3 points, if the result is 2:2 (jackpot), then four checkers are discarded from 2 points, from 3 points, 4, 5, and 6 points respectively, the missing move also plays enemy!
• In each version of the rules there are some prohibited movements of checkers. The player cannot select moves that require such movements. If there are no allowed movements for the dropped combination of points, the player misses his turn. But if there is an opportunity to make at least one move, the player cannot refuse it, even if this move is unprofitable for him.
• If it is impossible to use the points of one of the dice, they are lost. If there are two possible moves, one of which uses the points of only one dice, and the other uses both dice, then the player must make a move that uses the points of both dice. If only one of two checkers can be moved (that is, the move of one checker excludes the possibility of moving the other), the player must make a move for a larger number of points. In case of a double, the player must use the maximum possible number of points.
• When all the player's checkers, while moving along the board, fall into their house, with the next moves the player can begin to place them on the board. A checker can be placed on the board when the number of the point on which it stands is equal to the number of points rolled on one of the dice (that is, a checker standing on the outermost point can be placed if a one is rolled up, on the second from the edge - if a two is rolled out ). If all the checkers in the house are closer to the edge of the board than the number of points rolled, then the checker from the point with the highest number can be placed behind the board.
• The initial placement of the checkers depends on the version of the rules used.
• There are no draws in backgammon. The first one to put all his checkers overboard wins.
• Some rules consider winning with a larger lead to be more valuable. Used before three types"more significant" victory:

• Mars- the position of the checkers at the end of the game, in which the loser did not have time to bring all his checkers into his house, while the opponent brought everything out of the board.
• Coke- a rare situation in which the loser did not have time to move one or more of his checkers from the initial position, while the opponent brought all of his checkers over the board.
• Home Mars- the rarest situation in which the loser managed to bring all his checkers into the house, but did not withdraw a single one, while the opponent brought out all of his. Sometimes called coke.

• The winner receives from one to four points for winning. The rules for awarding points for winnings in different variants of backgammon may differ.
• When playing for fun (money), there are two main options:

The bet is for each checker remaining in the house when the opponent has already “thrown” his “overboard”, and then in the case of “Mars” this amount is doubled.

Fixed bet per game (usually moderate), but then “Mars” goes 1:10

Game of bets

The bet game can be played according to any rules. In the simplest case, the bet is specified for one game. In addition, special rules for increasing rates may apply:

• For a regular win, the loser pays one bet, for a “mars” - double the bet, for a “coke” - triple the bet, for a “home mars” - multiplied by four.
• Increasing bets at the request of players. In this case, any player can offer to raise the bet before his move. The opponent must either agree and continue playing, or refuse and admit defeat. If one player raises the bet, then the right to make the next raise goes to the second player. The usual practice is to double the rates, but by agreement an increase of the rate may be applied. arithmetic progression(1, 2, 3...). For convenience, the doubling cube is used in the game with raising bets. When a player raises the bet, he takes the doubling cube and places the required side, showing the coefficient of the bet increase, on top. His opponent must either accept doubling the bet or surrender by paying the bet agreed upon at the beginning of the game.

Combinations

When playing, it is considered chic to call combinations in Persian (Farsi)

• du-shesh - 6:6
• du-panj - 5:5
• dur-char - 4:4
• do-se - 3:3
• du-bara - 2:2
• Yagan - 1:1
• shesh-besh - 6:5
• shesh-char - 6:4
• shesh-se - 6:3
• shesh-du - 6:2
• shesh-yak - 6:1
• Panji-char - 5:4
• Panji-se - 5:3
• Panji-Du - 5:2
• Panji-Yak - 5:1
• Chari-se - 4:3
• Chari-doo - 4:2
• chari-yak - 4:1
• se bai du - 3:2
• se-yak - 3:1
• du-yak - 2:1