The Tabula Backgammon Variation

Tabula is one of the most ancient backgammon variations in the history of backgammon. It originated in ancient Greece several centuries BC. The tabula backgammon variation is also the first that became popular in ancient England. Most historical knowledge regarding Tabula comes from the records kept by the Greek emperor Zeno. Records that are estimated to be from about 480 AC! The rules of Tabula are quiet similar to regular backgammon rules. If you already know how to play backgammon then you will not have any problem learning Tabula as well.

The Tabula backgammon variation is played on a regular backgammon board. The first major difference is that it is played with three dices instead of two. Furthermore, both players begin off the board. The players enter the board on the same starting place and they both advance in the same direction. The objective of both players, as in regular backgammon, is to reach the last table and bear off all the pieces from the board.

The players decide who begins the game by throwing a single dice. The player who rolled the higher number then throws all three dices and begins to play accordingly. To enter a checker a player needs to move it to a number that one of the dices shows. Meaning, if you rolled 2-4-5 you can place a checker on the second point, fourth point and the fifth point. You can not enter a place a checker on a point that is already occupied by two or more of your opponent's checkers. On subsequent rolls you may enter new checker to the board or move already entered checker, though you can not move them to the next part of the board until you have entered all your checker.

Hitting is preformed in the same manner as in backgammon - if you place your piece on a single piece of your opponent (blot) it is moved to the bar. Entering from the bar is also made in the same manner - the player needs to enter his pieces to the starting table. If you can not enter all the pieces you must enter those you can and then forfeit the remainder of your turn. Bearing off is also done in the same manner as in regular backgammon. You must get all your pieces to the final table and then remove them from the table according to the numbers the dices show. The first player that gets all his pieces off the board wins.

There are other interesting variants to learn about. Check our backgammon guides for a selection of different variants and a free backgammon software.

Thomas Jennings, Editorial Staff

January 17, 2006