How have people coped for the last 5000 years without a Watch It Played video😁 Thanks Rodney👍 Haven't played Backgammon for about 7 years but when I next play I will definitely be watching this excellent tutorial to remind me of all the rules.
@@WatchItPlayed absolutely in today's popular culture it is very hard to get people to do interesting things like read novels or play board games everyone too busy streaming Netflix ha,ha,!!!!!
Except the rules are not correct. Grab a manual of the game online and see if you find the rule that there can be more than 5 pieces in a point and that you can stack them. 5 in a point is max..no stacking of checkers
My father passed away years ago and left behind very little. One of the keepsakes was a backgammon board very similar to this one. Bringing it out to try and play again I had to look up the rules. So funny how a subscribed channel like yours has this posted just recently. Thank you for all the specific rules. Always love your content, but now a little more.
Same, my father passed away two years ago. I inherited the same board or suitcase as I liked calling it. I learned to play at a very early age, but stopped playing for years and forgot some of the rules.
I have been playing backgammon wrong all these years. Did not know about the highest die rule or having to use both dice if possible! Love your tutorials. Thanks!
It cuts both ways. Stacking more than 5 often brings a strategic disadvantage, and the 5 - limit prevents as many exciting turnarounds as it creates. All major tournaments world-wide are now played to the modern international rules, but if you only play at home or with a couple of OE friends, it doesn't matter 🙂
OMG! I started playing this game last month and I learned by watching YT videos. Some of the rules mentioned in this video were never mentioned in all the videos I've seen like the 5:50 part, as well as legal moves where the value of the dice matters, esp when bearing off.
Backgammon was a staple of my gaming as a kid! My grandmother taught me and I liked it so much, she bought me one of those leather suitcase style sets. I used to take it everywhere! I lost track of it in my adult years, but a good friend of me gifted his Mother’s set that is much older than the one I used to have so its a cool conversation piece. But I really wished I held onto my nostalgic set from my grandmother! It would be a cool thing to put in a shadow box in the Game room.
There are many things that make Rodney's videos stand out. I need to mention his sense of aesthetic and attention to details. I had to watch 4-5 times how he handled the doubling cube at 16:18 and appreciate the fact that he effortlessly show all numbers right side up. It may seem casual for many people, but I appreciate those little details. I'm pretty sure he had to practice it a few times before getting it right.
I agree. Meticulously executed presentation by a well spoken presenter. I just picked up Backgammon the other day, never played it before. The instructions it came with were incomplete but at least kicked things off. Now I want to take this to the next level and this video will help do that. Thank you!
I'm so excited to see you cover Backgammon. This is our go to game on rainy nights as it's quick and fairly simple. I picked up some new rules from this but luckily they were circumstantial and don't think it's been an issue before, but now I know! Thanks for the video! Would love to see some older card games covered too, like Gin Rummy, Pinochle, or Cribbage if you haven't already.
He is obviously doing a good job of tutoring but I am almost 74 years old and I may not live long enough to learn and play it proficiently. Much deeper and more complicated than I imagined, but thanks just the same.
Great, that you feature Backgammon! And (of course) this the best instructional TH-cam video out there! I only wants to make one addition, that (to me) belongs to the game like all the other rules. It is called the Crawford-Rule and it says, whenever one opponent reaches a score, which is only one point away from the final score, the other opponent may not use the doubling cube for one round. (Because the first one mentioned, has no advantage from a game with a higher value, because he only needs one point to win the match anyway.) For example, it is 3:2 in a match which goes until 5 points. Player A wins 1 point. Now it is 4:2. The next round, player B is not allowed to double. If player B wins the next game with a 3 point backgammon victory, he is able to win the match with 4:5, but for one round not through doubling. After one round, the doubling cube is free again... While the so-called Jacoby Rule is actually only made for real money games, the Crawford-Rule comes directly into play, when you play a match with more than one point as final score. Taking the opportunity to mention: Rodney, you're the best!
@@WatchItPlayed Dear Rodney, you are absolutely right, but I could not resist. Because Your Video + Crawford Rule = "And that's everything you need to know to play the next Backgammon tournament at your local Town Hall." All the best and Merry Christmas! Philip
Excellent tutorial for a classic game. Your set looks identical to the one my parents used to play with on Sunday mornings when I was a kid, right down to the faux-leather cover on the outside and the brown and white stripe around the middle. It really takes me back. Maybe earth tones and wide stripes are due for a comeback, no doubt with avocado-green kitchen appliances not far behind. Anyway, thanks for the trip down memory lane.
I absolutely love your videos. Since you made playing Back to the Future board game easy, I knew this is where I wanted to go to remember all the ins and outs of Backgammon. Thank you so much.
I'm only 7 and a half minutes in and my mind is blown. I grew up with this game at people's homes or just tossed in a closet. It was always like a lost ancient relic with hidden meanings calling to me like a Jumanji drum. Now, for the first time in my life, I know how to play it.
I still have the Backgammon board I played on in college starting in 1978!! I actually got really good and played in tournaments at my college (the game was very popular then). I’m glad you went over the proper use of the dice roll, including the use of the higher die first requirement. I always found it a little frustrating playing with people that did know that. I usually let them do what they wanted, but…. Great video. Makes me want to start playing again. My wife also has her board, and we have a small board for the trailer. Thanks Rodney!!
What an excellent, thorough explanation. I haven't played in years, and this video brought me up to speed. In fact, I actually learned a couple of things that I didn't know back when I was playing. Many thanks.
As a huge fan of modern board games, backgammon really surprised me with its uniqueness and depth. It's gradually become my favorite game of all time over the last few years since I started playing it regularly. Thanks for spotlighting it, I hope everyone who sees this gives it a shot and plays a 7 point series with the cube!
Hey Scott, I was really happy to be able to carve out some time to do this - a game I knew, but didn't have all the details down until I made this :) Hope it helps some others as well!
This was the best explanation for Backgammon that I’ve watched. We hadn’t played in a while, and I was looking for a video to refresh my understanding of the rules. Thank you; new subscriber.
Thank you for this! You are excellent at explaining! I’ve had a set since 2017 and today I finally had the headspace to learn to play. Watched your video and felt totally confident. And I won :)
Huh! I've been playing since 2003, and never came across the rules about using the most dice possible, nor about using the highest die if you can only use one. Good to know!
FINALLY someone who actually explains it properly and so that I could understand and go pick up a board and start playing THANK U BUDDY THAT WAS A GREAT WEE CLIP THAT fully explains it properly I watched 4 clips and they were all basically useless they were not explaining things correctly I will keep this clip saved for my next attempt at playing backgammon Thank u Hey u ever think of showing folk how to play other games cause u explain it all so well Like go ,shogi ,or well any of the harder to learn ancient games I loved this thank u hey mate
This video inspired me to FINALLY play this game. I incorporated it into my big, yearly New Year's Eve game night this year. And it was a BIG hit! Ended up playing for two hours straight (intending this as only a appetizer game) before diving into a bigger game. Fantastic! Do videos of some other old-school games please? Next do Go or dominoes!
Holy moly was this a blast of nostalgia. I used to play backgammon at my grandmother's house with my brother a ton and this entire video was just "Oh wow yeah that is how it worked". Haha loved the video as always.
My brother and I played backgammon all the time when we were younger, we still play when we can. We had so much fun. He got me a game called Tatsu, that is similar to backgammon for Christmas years ago. They are both great games. Thanks for this!
Awesome Rodney! It would be a dream for you to have covered a range of abstracts. Lines of Action, TZAAR, Slither…but so thankful for you using your platform this way ❤
Huh, I have been playing a couple of dice move rules wrong for decades. Apparently, a couple of house rules were introduced when I was taught how to play as a kid. Thanks for the tutorial. A classic and a favorite.
i skipped through this and found it totally cool. I used to play in tournaments (all over the US) and, fyi, last time I checked they had made a rules change: Dice that land on checkers are now considered to be "in play" (ABA) . Keep up the good work!
Very informative tutorial as I'm new to the game, mainly with an app, which does not seem to apply the higher number die being played first. I'm glad I viewed this first so I'll know how to play correctly.
Very nice, thorough explanation! Two notes: 9:57 Not true. It's not always the best move to make points with blots, but more often than not. 16:10 Using the term "passing the cube" could be confusing because it widely used as a synonym for "dropping the cube".
Good points. My first statement was a bit of an exaggeration for effect, but I wouldn't want to mislead people into think that's *always* the best move. I did try to use Backgammon terminology, but sometimes went for plain english (with a new player in mind) over some of the terms the game has grown to use over the years. Thanks for checking out the video!
Backgammon might be the only classic boardgame that has an expansion. I mean the doubling cube that was added to the game around year 1925. Often it's played to some odd numbered match length, like 5, 7 or 9 points. Playing matches reduces the effect of luck in deciding the winner. For the match play there's one special rule called the Crawford rule. It states that the first time either of the players reaches a score that's one point away from winning the match (for example reaching 6 points in a 7 point match), then the doubling cube is not in use in the next game. The trailing player has to win the next game, called the Crawford game, normally in order to still be back in the game. Gammons and backgammons still count. Backgammon has been my favorite game for a long time. After getting into modern boardgames I still love games that use dice in some way. Lot of modern gamers say they hate roll & move games but Backgammon is an example that uses the mechanic well and has tons of skill.
It's so exciting to see you make a video for Backgammon! I didn't know/remember all the rules exceptions on movement! One of my friends in college loved Backgammon and I learned to play correctly (with the doubling cube) from him. It was a lot of fun to play and I keep wanting to play again sometime.
@@WatchItPlayed We've actually brought the board out and tried to play a couple times, but our toddlers usually end up playing with the rings (we have the Lord of the Rings version) so we haven't been able to get very far in a game.
Well done Rodney, that is the best video I have ever seen for a rules explanation. I have played for 45 years and just love the game. I have a beautiful wooden tournament size del negro board that has dark blue and light blue points, my counters are navy and turquoise. I also have my original board very similar to the one you have that I got for my 21st birthday.
I love the look of those tournament style boards - I hope to pick one up some day. And thank you for the kind words, that means a lot coming from a truly experienced Backgammon player. I wanted to do right by Backgammon fans with this video, and hopefully represented your game well!
I was curious about this game, never played it before. Thank you so much for this clear and informative video, so much information that wasn't shared in others.
I originally learned to play backgammon on my old Nokia brick phone and picked up most of the rules by just playing and seeing what it would let me do, but I never understood some of the more esoteric restrictions until now. Really cool to see this on the channel!
A genuinely excellent video explaining a game I've never been able to understand. However you went through it so well, I now have a grasp of the very basics of the game. There are still a few points I would need to watch again, but on the whole, I'm reasonably happy I could at least have a stab at playing a game of Backgammon now, whereas before, I wouldn't have even dreamt of it, great job!
I just returned from Greece where backgammon also goes by the name Tavli, and is played frequently and at a really quick pace by locals. I've played for the past several years, but not like that! 😮 Rodney, great job on this video - I never knew the doubling dice rules and also learned the bit about requiring the use of both dice values if there's a possible move for each. Thanks for this tutorial!
@@WatchItPlayed Thanks.. At my 75th Birthday party weekend, my 9 year old granddaughter put me to shame. Kids are sooo very smart today. Fred p.s. - my wife of 45 years wants to learn. Looks like a trap waiting an old guy... ;')
Very well explained. Never played. Reminds me of how I explain math to those who are afraid. Math is not complicated. You just need someone to take the necessary amount of time to explain it well as if they were in your shoes, a beginner. Most cannot. And that's not an indictment, its just that it takes skill. Backgammon is clearly not 'complicated' but it is full enough of simple rules that it can be hard to explain all the spinning plates... but you did this very well. Kudos!
I've been playing for years and never knew how to use the doubling die. Actually, no one I played with knew 😅 we just kept score, a win, or loose. Thanks, this was awesome.
Thanks Rodney for making this video. Backgammon was popular in the late 70s and I remember playing with my parents. It was a nice reminder and I look forward to playing again. I hope that - from time to time - you make more videos like this; however, I was a little disappointed when you didn't throw the case in the air and flip it before putting it back on the shelf 🤣
This is a super video, very well delivered information. If you are not a teacher, you could be. Just wander how did these rules evolve over thousands of years.
Was definitely not expecting to see this one! Mom was really interested in this video specifically-- 'cuz it's quite the classic! Would love to see more videos like this! - G
There are some edge case things that had to be covered for completeness, but the over-all rules are not too bad :) Maybe you can learn this and see if mom is ready to take you on as a challenger Grant :) And thanks for the kind words - hoping to do more of these as time allows.
Dear Rodney! First of all, thank you for the excellent video. ;) I have a question though: can I take my opponent's checker off if I use 1 die to get to that point, then move the same piece forward with the 2nd die? In other words, can I interrupt my continuous movement of 1 checker with a hit?
Do glad you enjoyed! You can perform the move you’re suggesting, because (if I’m understanding you correctly) it isn’t continuous movement. You are using 1 die (to place it from the bar, onto the point), and stopping. Then you are going to the second die and resolving that, but just happen to be picking in the same piece for the second, separate move. Does that make sense?
@@WatchItPlayed You could do some really fun stuff with it; not only board games, but card games too. I have never really understood what's going on with Gin, Spades, or Bridge. I assume they must be fun...
@@WatchItPlayed And this is why you are the best. Been watching since 2013(Tokaido was one of my first) when it was just you and the kiddos and have loved watching you grow the channel. Couldn't have happened to a better guy. Keep up the great work and thank you for all the years of amazing content.
How have people coped for the last 5000 years without a Watch It Played video😁 Thanks Rodney👍 Haven't played Backgammon for about 7 years but when I next play I will definitely be watching this excellent tutorial to remind me of all the rules.
We couldn't let another year pass :)
No,no,no!
It's the time of millennials.
He's doing a great thing!
"Watch it played" live stage theater 🤷♂️
This is the best explanation for backgammon on TH-cam
Very kind of you to say - glad you enjoyed!
Agree
@@WatchItPlayed absolutely in today's popular culture it is very hard to get people to do interesting things like read novels or play board games everyone too busy streaming Netflix ha,ha,!!!!!
Except the rules are not correct. Grab a manual of the game online and see if you find the rule that there can be more than 5 pieces in a point and that you can stack them. 5 in a point is max..no stacking of checkers
I agree, the others were not really pedagogical. Teaching is a talent and explaining it simply to others.
My father passed away years ago and left behind very little. One of the keepsakes was a backgammon board very similar to this one. Bringing it out to try and play again I had to look up the rules. So funny how a subscribed channel like yours has this posted just recently. Thank you for all the specific rules. Always love your content, but now a little more.
Sorry for that loss Robby, my father passed away a few years ago as well. I hope playing the game brings back some fond memories.
Same, my father passed away two years ago. I inherited the same board or suitcase as I liked calling it. I learned to play at a very early age, but stopped playing for years and forgot some of the rules.
I have been playing backgammon wrong all these years. Did not know about the highest die rule or having to use both dice if possible! Love your tutorials. Thanks!
Hey, very glad this was helpful, I learned a few new rules myself!
Same here !
I've unknowingly been playing "old English " rules my whole life, where only 5 checkers are allowed on a single point ... this is earth-shattering
Hey, this will make your next game like a whole new world!
We only play OE now. It makes the games more challenging and much more interesting.
It cuts both ways. Stacking more than 5 often brings a strategic disadvantage, and the 5 - limit prevents as many exciting turnarounds as it creates. All major tournaments world-wide are now played to the modern international rules, but if you only play at home or with a couple of OE friends, it doesn't matter 🙂
OMG! I started playing this game last month and I learned by watching YT videos. Some of the rules mentioned in this video were never mentioned in all the videos I've seen like the 5:50 part, as well as legal moves where the value of the dice matters, esp when bearing off.
I knew it would make my video longer than the other ones out there, but I hoped it would be helpful to be as comprehensive as possible.
I remember my aunt and uncle playing this a ton 30 years ago.... This video actually makes me excited to pick up a copy.
I hope you get a chance to play soon!
I’m really enjoying this classics series you’re doing Rodney! Looking forward to more in the future!
I'll be fitting these any time my schedule allows - I really enjoy doing them too!
What other classics were done so far?
@@chazreed1428 Monopoly and Risk so far!
Backgammon was a staple of my gaming as a kid! My grandmother taught me and I liked it so much, she bought me one of those leather suitcase style sets. I used to take it everywhere! I lost track of it in my adult years, but a good friend of me gifted his Mother’s set that is much older than the one I used to have so its a cool conversation piece. But I really wished I held onto my nostalgic set from my grandmother! It would be a cool thing to put in a shadow box in the Game room.
I think your grandmother would be touched to know how fondly you remember her gift :)
@@WatchItPlayed I think so too! She was a big part of my gaming growing up as we played games everytime we got together which was often!
Amazing presenter, well spoken, no umms or uhhs, great videos, I'm looking forward to my first game!
Have a great time playing - glad you enjoyed the game!
There are many things that make Rodney's videos stand out. I need to mention his sense of aesthetic and attention to details. I had to watch 4-5 times how he handled the doubling cube at 16:18 and appreciate the fact that he effortlessly show all numbers right side up. It may seem casual for many people, but I appreciate those little details. I'm pretty sure he had to practice it a few times before getting it right.
Thanks for the kind words Eric. You’re right, that took some intentional planning 😀
I agree. Meticulously executed presentation by a well spoken presenter.
I just picked up Backgammon the other day, never played it before. The instructions it came with were incomplete but at least kicked things off. Now I want to take this to the next level and this video will help do that.
Thank you!
I'm so excited to see you cover Backgammon. This is our go to game on rainy nights as it's quick and fairly simple. I picked up some new rules from this but luckily they were circumstantial and don't think it's been an issue before, but now I know! Thanks for the video! Would love to see some older card games covered too, like Gin Rummy, Pinochle, or Cribbage if you haven't already.
Cribbage is a masterpiece
I agree with cribbage. But Senet would be fun too. I prefer it over backgammon
yes to Cribbage!
I do plan to continue covering classic games as my schedule allows!
i love backgammon man, really glad small indie game publishers are getting exposure. hope we get a sequel soon
We can only hope!
I mean we’ve been waiting 5000 years for sequel. It needs to happen already.
He is obviously doing a good job of tutoring but I am almost 74 years old and I may not live long enough to learn and play it proficiently. Much deeper and more complicated than I imagined, but thanks just the same.
You’ve got this!
Great, that you feature Backgammon! And (of course) this the best instructional TH-cam video out there! I only wants to make one addition, that (to me) belongs to the game like all the other rules. It is called the Crawford-Rule and it says, whenever one opponent reaches a score, which is only one point away from the final score, the other opponent may not use the doubling cube for one round. (Because the first one mentioned, has no advantage from a game with a higher value, because he only needs one point to win the match anyway.) For example, it is 3:2 in a match which goes until 5 points. Player A wins 1 point. Now it is 4:2. The next round, player B is not allowed to double. If player B wins the next game with a 3 point backgammon victory, he is able to win the match with 4:5, but for one round not through doubling. After one round, the doubling cube is free again...
While the so-called Jacoby Rule is actually only made for real money games, the Crawford-Rule comes directly into play, when you play a match with more than one point as final score.
Taking the opportunity to mention: Rodney, you're the best!
Yes, I came across some of those rules - felt it might be a bit too much for a video like this, but thanks for sharing!
@@WatchItPlayed Dear Rodney, you are absolutely right, but I could not resist. Because Your Video + Crawford Rule = "And that's everything you need to know to play the next Backgammon tournament at your local Town Hall." All the best and Merry Christmas! Philip
Have been playing backgammon since I was just a kid. It's one of my all time favourite. Love this tutorial!
Great to see all the love for this classic title!
Yes indeed. We must now give thanks. "Hail to the Greeks".
Excellent tutorial for a classic game. Your set looks identical to the one my parents used to play with on Sunday mornings when I was a kid, right down to the faux-leather cover on the outside and the brown and white stripe around the middle. It really takes me back. Maybe earth tones and wide stripes are due for a comeback, no doubt with avocado-green kitchen appliances not far behind.
Anyway, thanks for the trip down memory lane.
A pleasure to help bring back some memories Robert!
I absolutely love your videos. Since you made playing Back to the Future board game easy, I knew this is where I wanted to go to remember all the ins and outs of Backgammon. Thank you so much.
Ah, so nice of you to say Raechel! Thanks for taking the time to leave such a kind comment. Enjoy playing Backgammon!
I'm only 7 and a half minutes in and my mind is blown. I grew up with this game at people's homes or just tossed in a closet. It was always like a lost ancient relic with hidden meanings calling to me like a Jumanji drum. Now, for the first time in my life, I know how to play it.
So nice to hear this helped solve a gaming mystery :)
Thanks
You’re very welcome - thanks for the kind support. Have fun playing!
I still have the Backgammon board I played on in college starting in 1978!! I actually got really good and played in tournaments at my college (the game was very popular then). I’m glad you went over the proper use of the dice roll, including the use of the higher die first requirement. I always found it a little frustrating playing with people that did know that. I usually let them do what they wanted, but…. Great video. Makes me want to start playing again. My wife also has her board, and we have a small board for the trailer. Thanks Rodney!!
Working on this video certainly caused us to get the game back to the table here as well - it's been a lot of fun :)
@@WatchItPlayed tons of great memories for sure!!
This has been on my shelf of shame for at least 4.5K years. Glad you made this video. Seriously though, I always wondered how this was played.
lol, I'll bet it was VERY dusty :)
One of the best Backgammon videos I've ever seen. You are very clear, personable and knowledgeable. Great job!
Thanks for the kind words!
That was seriously the best how to play a game explanation ever. I’d love you to teach the card game Pitch!
Thanks for the kind words Heather, glad you enjoyed!
So clearly explained and with such a genial host! I had little idea of how to play the game until I watched this, so thanks so much.
So glad this was helpful - thanks for the nice comment!
I haven't played in years! (okay maybe decades) and just bought a vintage set of ebay...this was such a great refresher! Thanks for such good content.
Very kind of you to say - have a great time playing!
What an excellent, thorough explanation. I haven't played in years, and this video brought me up to speed. In fact, I actually learned a couple of things that I didn't know
back when I was playing. Many thanks.
So nice to hear - thank you!
As a huge fan of modern board games, backgammon really surprised me with its uniqueness and depth. It's gradually become my favorite game of all time over the last few years since I started playing it regularly. Thanks for spotlighting it, I hope everyone who sees this gives it a shot and plays a 7 point series with the cube!
I recently returned to this game myself, so it was a treat to make this video (and learn a few rules I didn't already know!)
The information well structured, the logic behind the rules explained, and very clear articulation. Thank you.
Very kind of you to say - thanks!
Awesome! One of the first games I was ever taught. Makes me want to go out, get a nice set, and start playing!
I have been on the lookout for a posh set as well!
Never played before but have ordered a board and this is by far the best how-to video on youtube, thanks
Very kind of you to say - have a great time playing!
This was an extremely helpful video. Thank you!
So glad to know it was helpful!
I have searched tutorials on yt but this video is the best iv ever seen. Congrats, keep it going!
Very kind of you to say - thank you!
I love that you did this video... this is probably the traditional game I get asked about the most. Love it!
Hey Scott, I was really happy to be able to carve out some time to do this - a game I knew, but didn't have all the details down until I made this :) Hope it helps some others as well!
Great video! My friend taught me how to play backgammon today, but this was great as a walk-through/refresher!
Very glad to have been able to assist - hope you both have fun playing :)
Need one of these for Cribbage!
Several people have mentioned that one! I know it's one that always broke my brain a bit!
This was the best explanation for Backgammon that I’ve watched. We hadn’t played in a while, and I was looking for a video to refresh my understanding of the rules. Thank you; new subscriber.
Very glad you enjoyed - welcome to the channel!
Thank you for this! You are excellent at explaining! I’ve had a set since 2017 and today I finally had the headspace to learn to play. Watched your video and felt totally confident. And I won :)
Learned AND won? Win-win!
"There's also an expansion version that you can play with slices of pepperoni and Oreo cookies - but I'll leave that for you to discover on your own."
I like the sound of this!
You could just eat the opponents pieces instead of just taking them out of play.
Huh! I've been playing since 2003, and never came across the rules about using the most dice possible, nor about using the highest die if you can only use one. Good to know!
Very glad it was helpful!
FINALLY someone who actually explains it properly and so that I could understand and go pick up a board and start playing
THANK U BUDDY THAT WAS A GREAT WEE CLIP THAT fully explains it properly
I watched 4 clips and they were all basically useless they were not explaining things correctly I will keep this clip saved for my next attempt at playing backgammon
Thank u
Hey u ever think of showing folk how to play other games cause u explain it all so well
Like go ,shogi ,or well any of the harder to learn ancient games I loved this thank u hey mate
Very glad you found this helpful David!
Thank you, I have played on and off over the years but this is the clearest explanation I have encountered, thank you for taking the time to post it!
Very glad to know this was useful - thanks for checking it out.
This video inspired me to FINALLY play this game. I incorporated it into my big, yearly New Year's Eve game night this year. And it was a BIG hit! Ended up playing for two hours straight (intending this as only a appetizer game) before diving into a bigger game. Fantastic! Do videos of some other old-school games please? Next do Go or dominoes!
So glad to hear what a hit the game was for your New Years Eve :)
Holy moly was this a blast of nostalgia. I used to play backgammon at my grandmother's house with my brother a ton and this entire video was just "Oh wow yeah that is how it worked". Haha loved the video as always.
Really nice to hear that this brought back some good memories!
My brother and I played backgammon all the time when we were younger, we still play when we can. We had so much fun. He got me a game called Tatsu, that is similar to backgammon for Christmas years ago. They are both great games. Thanks for this!
I haven't heard of that one, I'll have to look it up!
Awesome Rodney! It would be a dream for you to have covered a range of abstracts. Lines of Action, TZAAR, Slither…but so thankful for you using your platform this way ❤
I'll be doing as many classics as my schedule allows!
What a great time to put this out. 😄
I was happy to be able to get some time to cover this one!
Well done. Excellent tutorial video. Thoroughly enjoyed it, thanks.
Very kind of you to say - glad you enjoyed!
Unironically one of my favorite games of all time. Nice to know I've been playing it properly all along, lol
I picked up a few rules I didn't know while making this!
Huh, I have been playing a couple of dice move rules wrong for decades. Apparently, a couple of house rules were introduced when I was taught how to play as a kid. Thanks for the tutorial. A classic and a favorite.
An easy thing to have happen!
I inherited my dad's backgammon set and cribbage board. I should break those out again. Thanks for the teach, Rodney!
I hope you get a chance to try them out soon!
i skipped through this and found it totally cool. I used to play in tournaments (all over the US) and, fyi, last time I checked they had made a rules change: Dice that land on checkers are now considered to be "in play" (ABA) . Keep up the good work!
Interesting to learn that - thanks for sharing!
I have not played in years , thanks for the most helpful video to brush up on my forgotten skills.
You're very welcome - have a good time returning to the game :)
Excellent presentation,! Haven!t played forever. The game has a lot of strategies. The doubling cube adds to the game.
Brilliant tutorial, great refresher, love backgammon
Thanks for the kind words!
Wow this video made me remember that I used to play this with my mom as a kid. I had totally forgotten this!
Very informative tutorial as I'm new to the game, mainly with an app, which does not seem to apply the higher number die being played first. I'm glad I viewed this first so I'll know how to play correctly.
Have a great time playing!
Very nice, thorough explanation!
Two notes:
9:57 Not true. It's not always the best move to make points with blots, but more often than not.
16:10 Using the term "passing the cube" could be confusing because it widely used as a synonym for "dropping the cube".
Good points. My first statement was a bit of an exaggeration for effect, but I wouldn't want to mislead people into think that's *always* the best move.
I did try to use Backgammon terminology, but sometimes went for plain english (with a new player in mind) over some of the terms the game has grown to use over the years.
Thanks for checking out the video!
Backgammon might be the only classic boardgame that has an expansion. I mean the doubling cube that was added to the game around year 1925. Often it's played to some odd numbered match length, like 5, 7 or 9 points. Playing matches reduces the effect of luck in deciding the winner. For the match play there's one special rule called the Crawford rule. It states that the first time either of the players reaches a score that's one point away from winning the match (for example reaching 6 points in a 7 point match), then the doubling cube is not in use in the next game. The trailing player has to win the next game, called the Crawford game, normally in order to still be back in the game. Gammons and backgammons still count.
Backgammon has been my favorite game for a long time. After getting into modern boardgames I still love games that use dice in some way. Lot of modern gamers say they hate roll & move games but Backgammon is an example that uses the mechanic well and has tons of skill.
Very glad to have been able to feature one of your favorite games!
It's so exciting to see you make a video for Backgammon! I didn't know/remember all the rules exceptions on movement! One of my friends in college loved Backgammon and I learned to play correctly (with the doubling cube) from him. It was a lot of fun to play and I keep wanting to play again sometime.
I learned a few of the exceptions I didn't know while doing this as well! Maybe you'll get a chance to break out the board again soon!
@@WatchItPlayed We've actually brought the board out and tried to play a couple times, but our toddlers usually end up playing with the rings (we have the Lord of the Rings version) so we haven't been able to get very far in a game.
@@BoardGameBlitz I remember those days! Our last child just left the house - as they say it goes fast!
I used to play years ago forgot how to set up board and move you tutorial very helpful ☺️
Very glad to know this was useful!
Well done Rodney, that is the best video I have ever seen for a rules explanation. I have played for 45 years and just love the game. I have a beautiful wooden tournament size del negro board that has dark blue and light blue points, my counters are navy and turquoise. I also have my original board very similar to the one you have that I got for my 21st birthday.
I love the look of those tournament style boards - I hope to pick one up some day. And thank you for the kind words, that means a lot coming from a truly experienced Backgammon player. I wanted to do right by Backgammon fans with this video, and hopefully represented your game well!
Omg this is the clearest explanation I've seen. Thank you
Very kind of you to say!
I was curious about this game, never played it before. Thank you so much for this clear and informative video, so much information that wasn't shared in others.
So nice to know you found this helpful!
I really like the variant where you get to replace dice with domino tiles, it becomes a 2-player euro!
Great, thorough, well articulated video. Thank you!
Thank you kindly!
Excellent video! I absolutely love Backgammon. I'm happy to see it get some love on Watch it Played. Keep up the great work.
Thanks Gareth!
Thanks for your clear explanation, this helps me as I’m going for backgammon friendly play, and I’ve been played for quite a while.
Meant to write, I have Not played for a long while.
Have a great time revisiting the game!
I originally learned to play backgammon on my old Nokia brick phone and picked up most of the rules by just playing and seeing what it would let me do, but I never understood some of the more esoteric restrictions until now. Really cool to see this on the channel!
I learned a few of those rules because of making this video too!
Nokia 3110 had a game called Bantumi, which introduced me to the whole family of Mancala games.
You just made me want this game, even tho' I had it and never truly understand it as a kid. Thank you! This is a true gem of a game.
I didn't fully understand the game either until finishing this video, so I'm glad it was helpful for both of us :)
Thanks for this. I love the idea of showing us classic games. Cribbage next?
We'll see - I definitely plan to do more as my schedule allows!
A genuinely excellent video explaining a game I've never been able to understand. However you went through it so well, I now have a grasp of the very basics of the game. There are still a few points I would need to watch again, but on the whole, I'm reasonably happy I could at least have a stab at playing a game of Backgammon now, whereas before, I wouldn't have even dreamt of it, great job!
Thanks for the kind words - glad this was helpful - I hope you get a chance to try playing it soon!
I just returned from Greece where backgammon also goes by the name Tavli, and is played frequently and at a really quick pace by locals. I've played for the past several years, but not like that! 😮
Rodney, great job on this video - I never knew the doubling dice rules and also learned the bit about requiring the use of both dice values if there's a possible move for each. Thanks for this tutorial!
Thanks for the kind words on the video :) Hope you had a great time in Greece!
WOW!! excellent tutorial. Thanks!! Shared with friends and family I'm trying to learn and play this game. Good primer, thank you!! Fred
Hope you all have fun playing Backgammon, Fred!
@@WatchItPlayed Thanks.. At my 75th Birthday party weekend, my 9 year old granddaughter put me to shame. Kids are sooo very smart today. Fred p.s. - my wife of 45 years wants to learn. Looks like a trap waiting an old guy... ;')
Very well described, thank you.
You're very welcome - glad you enjoyed!
Very well explained. Never played. Reminds me of how I explain math to those who are afraid. Math is not complicated. You just need someone to take the necessary amount of time to explain it well as if they were in your shoes, a beginner. Most cannot. And that's not an indictment, its just that it takes skill. Backgammon is clearly not 'complicated' but it is full enough of simple rules that it can be hard to explain all the spinning plates... but you did this very well. Kudos!
Very kind of you to say Kreig!
I've been playing for years and never knew how to use the doubling die. Actually, no one I played with knew 😅 we just kept score, a win, or loose. Thanks, this was awesome.
I was the same way - making this video finally got me to learn the rules for it too :)
Thanks Rodney for making this video. Backgammon was popular in the late 70s and I remember playing with my parents. It was a nice reminder and I look forward to playing again. I hope that - from time to time - you make more videos like this; however, I was a little disappointed when you didn't throw the case in the air and flip it before putting it back on the shelf 🤣
lol, sorry to disappoint :) And yes, I do plan to do more of these as my schedule allows!
This is a super video, very well delivered information. If you are not a teacher, you could be. Just wander how did these rules evolve over thousands of years.
Thanks for the kind words Mark!
Was definitely not expecting to see this one! Mom was really interested in this video specifically-- 'cuz it's quite the classic! Would love to see more videos like this! - G
There are some edge case things that had to be covered for completeness, but the over-all rules are not too bad :) Maybe you can learn this and see if mom is ready to take you on as a challenger Grant :) And thanks for the kind words - hoping to do more of these as time allows.
This was a great refresher! Would love to see Mancala in the future.
Glad you enjoyed :)
This was an excellent reminder of the game for me. Haven't played it for ages, but I will check it out again, soon. Tx!
I hope you get a chance to play it again soon!
Fabulous tutorial. Best i’ve seen for backgammon. Thank you
Very kind of you to say - thank you!
Wow! I've never learned how to play but now I can't wait to play!!
I hope you have a great time!
Dear Rodney! First of all, thank you for the excellent video. ;) I have a question though: can I take my opponent's checker off if I use 1 die to get to that point, then move the same piece forward with the 2nd die? In other words, can I interrupt my continuous movement of 1 checker with a hit?
Do glad you enjoyed! You can perform the move you’re suggesting, because (if I’m understanding you correctly) it isn’t continuous movement. You are using 1 die (to place it from the bar, onto the point), and stopping. Then you are going to the second die and resolving that, but just happen to be picking in the same piece for the second, separate move. Does that make sense?
@@WatchItPlayed It makes perfect sense, thank you for clarifying! :)
Wonderful instructions, I haven't played in about 40yrs, so I definitely needed a refresher and apparently we weren't taught all the rules...lol😮
So glad it was helpful!
The beginning of this video really made me want to watch a video by you going over the history of this boardgame. Just an idea!!!
I love this game! I have a version with magnetic checkers so we can take it with us on picnics or beach... And we do! :)
Very cool :)
Great tutorial - very clearly explained! Thanks mate 😊
Very kind of you to say - thanks!
I really like the idea of a "Watch it played: Classics".
I enjoy being able to do these too!
@@WatchItPlayed You could do some really fun stuff with it; not only board games, but card games too. I have never really understood what's going on with Gin, Spades, or Bridge. I assume they must be fun...
@@CDRaff A card game using a standard deck of cards is what I'm planning next.
@@WatchItPlayed And this is why you are the best. Been watching since 2013(Tokaido was one of my first) when it was just you and the kiddos and have loved watching you grow the channel. Couldn't have happened to a better guy. Keep up the great work and thank you for all the years of amazing content.
This is by far the best backgammon video I have seen.
Thanks so much Lawrence, glad you enjoyed!
Wow! Never played it before, but now I feel like a pro. Cheers, mate!
A pleasure to assist - have fun!
You answered all of my questions and were very thorough.
That's great to hear - have fun playing!
What a great video, thanks mate
Glad you enjoyed - thanks!
Thanks for the detailed instructions!
You're very welcome - thanks for checking it out!
LOVE the way he says Bar - "Ba-arh". Love It
East coast Canadian :)
I litterally CRIED!!! love your work so much, rodney…
That's really so nice to hear Paulo
Excellent video!!! Sorry I wasn’t able to see you at Pax this year!
Hopefully next time!
Love this game. Play with the wife every weekend over a cup of mud after breakfast
Good tradition!
Oh wow. 😳😳 my mom has the exact same set at home. I'm thrilled to see this
Time to break it out with her :)