Blocking Backgammon Variant

Most experts describe Backgammon strategy for Blocking Backgammon as “child's play”, which is probably the reason why many Middle Eastern children learn how to play this Backgammon first.

How does Blocking Backgammon differ from Backgammon?:

• When the game begins, every single checker is off the Backgammon board.
• The player that wins the opening roll rolls again for his initial turn.
• No hitting is allowed in Blocking Backgammon.
• No doubling cube is allowed when playing this Backgammon game.
• A single checker on a certain point is enough to own that point.
• The final checker to land on a point is the only one that can leave.

Blocking Express

Blocking Express is just like Blocking Backgammon, except that a player that rolls doubles plays them and every other higher double that comes along. Whenever you play all your doubles, your opponent takes control by making use of the numbers you can not. If your opponent can't finish either, you regain control. You switch off with your opponent as needed, up to the point where either all doubles are played out or both you and your opponent find yourselves stuck. Then, your turn finishes and your opponent will roll the dice.

David Carnegy - Managing Editor