Backgammon is one of the oldest board games in the world — and one of the best for children. It teaches probability, strategic thinking, and graceful losing, all wrapped in a game that’s genuinely exciting to play. This guide is for parents, teachers, and anyone who wants to introduce a child to backgammon the right way.
Key Takeaways
- Children as young as 6–7 can learn the basics of backgammon; 8–10 is ideal for grasping strategy
- Start without the doubling cube — introduce it later once the rules feel natural
- Backgammon builds maths skills: counting, probability, and mental arithmetic all develop through play
- The element of luck means children can occasionally beat adults, keeping the game fun and motivating
- Backgammon is used in educational settings for its strategic and mathematical depth
- Many world-class players learned the game from family members in childhood
Why Backgammon Is Great for Kids
Backgammon looks complex to adults who have never played — but children who learn it young pick it up naturally. Here’s why it works so well for younger players:
1. Dice Create Excitement
Unlike chess or draughts, the dice mean every turn is unpredictable. Children love the moment of rolling and seeing what comes up. The luck element keeps even younger, weaker players engaged because they can win (at least sometimes).
2. It Builds Mathematical Thinking
Backgammon constantly involves:
- Counting: Moving the right number of spaces
- Arithmetic: Pip counting, calculating distances
- Probability: Understanding that double 6s are rare, that hitting a blot is more or less likely
- Strategic planning: Thinking 2–3 moves ahead
These skills transfer directly to school maths. Many teachers report improved numeracy in children who play board games regularly.
3. It Teaches Handling Luck
Children learn an important life lesson: sometimes you do everything right and still lose because of bad rolls. And sometimes you win despite bad play because of lucky dice. Learning to accept both with equanimity is valuable.
4. Short Games
A typical game of backgammon lasts 15–30 minutes — much shorter than chess at competitive levels. Children can play a complete game in one sitting without losing interest.
5. Social Interaction
Backgammon is a face-to-face game. It builds conversation, turn-taking, and focus — all valuable social skills.
What Age Can Children Learn Backgammon?
| Age range | Readiness |
|---|---|
| 5–6 | Can learn basic movement; may need reminders about rules |
| 7–8 | Can play independently; beginning to understand strategy |
| 9–10 | Ideal age: grasps rules quickly, starts developing real strategy |
| 11–12 | Can learn the doubling cube and more advanced concepts |
| 13+ | Can study strategy seriously; ready for competitive play |
The main prerequisite is comfortable counting and recognising numbers. Most children who can count to 24 can learn the basics.
How to Teach Backgammon to Children
Step 1: Start with a Physical Set
Handling real checkers and dice is more engaging than a screen for young learners. A basic set with large checkers makes it easier for small hands.
Step 2: Explain the Goal Simply
“You’re trying to move all your pieces to your side of the board, then off the board. Your opponent is trying to do the same. The first one to move all their pieces off wins.”
That’s all they need at first.
Step 3: Set Up the Board Together
Walk through the starting position together. Explain that the two pieces at the far end (24-point) need to travel the longest distance — they’re the hardest to move.
Step 4: Play Without the Doubling Cube
Remove the cube entirely for the first several games. The doubling cube adds complexity that can overwhelm beginners. Introduce it later when the rules feel natural.
Step 5: Play the First Game Slowly
On each of your turns, show your move and explain why: “I’m going to hit your checker here because it blocks my path.” Let the child ask questions. Keep it conversational.
Step 6: Let Them Win Sometimes
Don’t play to crush a young learner. Give them competitive games where they feel their decisions matter. If the result is always the same, they’ll stop wanting to play.
Step 7: Introduce the Bar
When a checker is hit, explain the bar clearly: “When a piece gets hit, it goes here and has to start over from the beginning. You have to roll a number that takes you to a free space on my side before you can keep going.”
Simplified Rules for Young Children
For children under 7 or absolute beginners, consider this simplified version:
No doubling cube — game always played for one point.
No gammons — game ends when first player bears off one checker, or simplify to “all pieces off.”
No hitting — allow landing on opponent spaces without hitting (just stacking). Introduce hitting once comfortable.
Slower bear-off — explain bearing off at the end as “this is the fun part — rolling to get them all home.”
Progress to full rules game by game as the child improves.
Educational Uses of Backgammon
Several studies and educational programmes have investigated backgammon as a teaching tool:
- Probability: The game naturally demonstrates probability (“What are the chances I roll a 6?”)
- Decision-making under uncertainty: Every move is a decision with imperfect information
- Pattern recognition: Experienced players recognise “good” and “bad” board configurations by sight
Some schools have introduced backgammon clubs as part of maths enrichment programmes. It’s particularly effective for visual and kinesthetic learners who struggle with abstract maths.
Buying a Set for Kids
When buying a backgammon set for children:
- Size: A 13–15 inch board is ideal for children — big enough to handle comfortably
- Durability: Avoid delicate leather; look for sturdy vinyl or fabric
- Checker size: Standard 1.5 inch checkers work well for children aged 8+; larger checkers for younger
- Price range: $20–$50 covers a perfectly good starter set
See our Equipment Guide for specific recommendations.
Backgammon and Screen Time
For children who prefer digital play:
- Backgammon NJ (iOS/Android): Clean interface, adjustable AI difficulty, great for learning
- VIP Backgammon (iOS/Android): Colourful design that appeals to younger players
- Play against computer on BackgammonHit: Practice any time, free, no download
Digital backgammon lacks the tactile experience of a physical set but is a reasonable supplement.
Famous Players Who Learned Young
Many of the world’s top backgammon players were introduced to the game by family members in childhood:
- Paul Magriel — learned as a teenager and became the dominant player of the 1970s
- Nack Ballard — began playing seriously in his early twenties after childhood exposure
- Many Middle Eastern, Eastern European, and Mediterranean world champions grew up with backgammon as a household game
The earlier children start, the more natural the game’s intuitions become.
Frequently Asked Questions
What age is appropriate for backgammon?
Children as young as 6–7 can learn the basics. Age 8–10 is the sweet spot where they can grasp strategy independently. The main prerequisite is comfortable counting.
Is backgammon too complicated for kids?
Not if introduced step by step. Start without the doubling cube and introduce one rule at a time. Most children aged 8+ pick up the full rules within 3–4 games.
Does backgammon help with maths?
Yes — counting, probability, mental arithmetic, and strategic planning all develop through regular play. Backgammon is recognised in educational research as beneficial for mathematical thinking.
Should I let kids win?
Don’t play to crush a young learner — aim for competitive games where they feel their decisions matter. But also don’t give away wins too easily; children know when they’re being patronised and it reduces motivation.
What’s the best backgammon set for kids?
A sturdy 13–15 inch board with 1.5-inch checkers and standard dice. Look for fabric or vinyl construction that can handle being dropped. Budget $20–$50 for a quality starter set.
Can kids play backgammon online?
Yes — apps like Backgammon NJ and VIP Backgammon have child-friendly interfaces. BackgammonHit.com also offers free play against a computer without needing an account.
Further Reading
- How to Play Backgammon — Full rules for all ages
- Backgammon for Beginners — First steps in strategy
- Backgammon Equipment Guide — Choosing the right set
- Backgammon Probability — The maths behind the game
- Play vs Computer — Practice for free right now