Tavli Backgammon Variant (aka Greek Backgammon)

Tavli, aka Greek Backgammon, is actually a Backgammon variant trio since it is comprised of 3 games. Generally these Backgammon games are played in succession in 3, 5, or 7 point matches. The literal definition of the word Tavli in Greek is board, yet the word also signifies several games that are played on a Backgammon board.

The 3 games that comprise the Tavli trio in the order that they should be played are:

1. Portes
2. Plakoto
3. Fevga

The Backgammon rules the Tavli trio all share are as follows:

1. All the games in this Backgammon variant are played with just 1 pair of dice that the participants share.
2. For the first game, each of the participants roll a die and the one with the higher number gets to play first. Next, the winner of the opening roll rolls both of the dice once more to begin his initial turn.
3. Following the first game, the victor of the preceding game plays first.
4. The winner of a Tavli game is the first one to bear off every one of his checkers. He also gets 1 point. In the case that the victor bears off every one of his checkers while his opponent has not borne off any of his, than he scores 2 points. There aren't any triple games in Tavli.
5. No doubling cube is utilized.

Tavli is a fast-paced game where instead of waiting for your adversary to pick up the dice, you take the dice into your hands during the time that he makes his move. Nevertheless, beware of rolling the dice too early. You can not roll the dice while your opponent has a finger on any of his checkers. In this Backgammon variant, your roll will not count if you throw it before your opponent has finished making his move.

David Carnegy - Managing Editor