Is Backgammon free here?

Yes. You play right in your browser with no sign-up and no download, and there is nothing to buy.

Can two players play Backgammon on one phone?

Yes. In “Two players, one device” mode you take turns on the same phone or tablet. The game runs in the browser on phones, tablets and computers.

Does the AI cheat with the dice?

No. The dice of each match are fixed from the start and do not depend on whose turn it is. The AI does not see your rolls in advance.

Yes. A match in progress survives reloading the page. Without an account it stays in this browser; with a PanicLines account it is kept in your account along with your run, so you can carry on on any device.

Backgammon Online – vs the AI or Two Players

Play Backgammon online for free

Backgammon is one of the oldest board games in the world: two players roll dice and move 15 checkers each once around the board into their home board. The first to bear off all checkers wins. Luck with the dice is part of it, but in the long run the better plan wins.

On PanicLines you play for free in your browser on phone, tablet and computer, with no download and no sign-up. Take on the AI at three levels or play with a friend on one device, as a single game or as a match to 3, 5 or 7 points.

Rules

Each player has 15 checkers. For the opening roll each player rolls one die; the higher one starts with both dice. Each die is a move of its own, and a double is played four times.
You may not land on a point held by two or more opposing checkers. A single checker is a blot: if the opponent lands on it, it goes to the bar and must come back in first.
You must use both dice if you can, otherwise the higher one. Only when all your checkers are in your home board may you bear off.
A win counts one point, a gammon two and a backgammon three. With the doubling cube (in the settings) you double the stakes; in matches the Crawford rule applies.

Modes and AI levels

Against the AI at three levels: Easy moves at random but by the rules, Medium weighs pips, blots, primes and anchors, Hard also works through all 21 rolls of its opponent.
Against the AI you choose your colour: White, Black, or alternating from match to match. The AI takes or passes doubles depending on its chances.
Two players, one device: take turns on the same phone or tablet, and your run of won matches is counted.

Controls

Tap one of your checkers and its possible targets light up; then tap a target. You can also tap a die first and then the checker.
Undo takes back steps of your move, Confirm ends it. If you like, forced moves and plain bearing off are played for you.
On a phone the board stands upright so the points are big enough to tap. Both players' pip counts are always shown at the top.

Tips and strategy

Watch the pip count: it shows who leads the race. When you are well ahead, break contact and run home.
Make points: your 5-point, 4-point and bar point are especially valuable. Several made points in a row form a prime the opponent cannot jump.
Avoid blots: single checkers within the opponent's reach are a risk, especially close to your home board.
Hold an anchor: two checkers on a point in the opponent's home board give you a landing spot when you are hit.
Double with a plan: double with a clear advantage, and take a double as long as you would still win about a quarter of your games.

Frequently asked questions

Is Backgammon free here?: Yes. You play right in your browser with no sign-up and no download, and there is nothing to buy.
Can two players play Backgammon on one phone?: Yes. In “Two players, one device” mode you take turns on the same phone or tablet. The game runs in the browser on phones, tablets and computers.
Does the AI cheat with the dice?: No. The dice of each match are fixed from the start and do not depend on whose turn it is. The AI does not see your rolls in advance.
Is my match saved?: Yes. A match in progress survives reloading the page. Without an account it stays in this browser; with a PanicLines account it is kept in your account along with your run, so you can carry on on any device.