Backgammon — Variant Library v0.1.1

Variant Library

Backgammon is one of the oldest board games in the world, with origins traced to ancient Mesopotamia approximately 5,000 years ago. The family — known historically as Tables games — combines racing, blocking, and probability in a game where dice introduce randomness but deep skill determines long-term results. The doubling cube, introduced in the 1920s, added a betting layer that transformed competitive play.

This library includes 8 playable variants from the Backgammon family.

Standard Rules

Standard Backgammon — Classic rules: 15 pieces per side, hit and bar, doubling cube, bear-off to win

Regional Forms

Nardi — Caucasian and Russian variant: no hitting, pieces travel the same direction, no doubling cube
Plakoto — Greek: pin instead of hit — one piece traps an opponent piece rather than sending it to the bar
Fevga — Greek: single-file blocking, pieces advance in one direction, no blots allowed

American Forms

Acey-Deucey — US military tradition: rolling 1-2 grants any doublet free; pieces enter one at a time

Short Forms

Hypergammon — 3 pieces per side on the last three points; fast tactical game used in tournaments
Nackgammon — 2 extra blots on the 23-point; slower opening, more complex middle game

Multiplayer

Chouette — One player versus a consulting team; the box rotates on a win; doubling cube dynamics multiply