Backgammon is best known in its standard two-player form, but over time many backgammon variants have emerged. Some are designed to make the game faster, others add teamwork, and some introduce entirely new tactical elements.
On this page, you’ll find the most popular and widely played backgammon variants, with a short explanation of how each one differs from standard backgammon.
Standard Backgammon (Reference Game)
Standard backgammon is played by two players using a doubling cube. Each player moves their checkers according to dice rolls, aiming to bear off all their checkers before their opponent.
Most variants below are based on this ruleset, with specific changes to speed, scoring, or gameplay structure.
Acey-Deucey
Acey-Deucey is a fast-paced backgammon variant made famous by the U.S. Navy, Marine Corps, and Merchant Marine. It is one of the most widely played variants in the world.
Key differences from standard backgammon:
- All checkers start off the board and must be entered during play
- Rolling a 1-2 (the “Acey-Deucey”) triggers a three-step bonus: play the 1-2, then choose any doubles you want and play all four moves, then roll again
- Scoring: the winner earns one point for each opposing checker still on the board
The Acey-Deucey roll can completely change the course of a game in a single turn, making this variant more unpredictable and dramatic than standard backgammon.
Speed Gammon
Speed Gammon is designed for fast-paced games and tournament play. It uses the standard backgammon ruleset but shortens the experience significantly.
Key differences from standard backgammon:
- Shorter match lengths — typically played to 1 or 3 points
- A clock is used to limit thinking time per move
- Faster doubling decisions under time pressure
Speed Gammon is ideal for tournament organisers who need many games to be completed in a session, and for players who enjoy high-tempo backgammon without long matches.
Chouette
Chouette is a multiplayer backgammon format that allows three or more players to participate in a single game. It is particularly popular in clubs and casual social settings.
Key differences from standard backgammon:
- One player (the “box”) plays alone against a team of two or more players
- The team members may consult on checker moves and cube decisions
- Each team member has their own doubling cube against the box
- The box rotates when a team member wins
Chouettes are an excellent environment for learning backgammon through discussion — hearing how experienced players think about the same position in real time accelerates improvement.
Double Consultation
Double Consultation is a variation of Chouette where both sides — the box and the team — are allowed to discuss moves openly before playing.
Key differences from standard Chouette:
- Both players on each side may consult before every move
- Slower pace, more analytical
- Primarily used as a training and study format
This variant is ideal for players who want to learn from more experienced partners and understand the reasoning behind key decisions.
👉 Full Double Consultation rules
Hypergammon
Hypergammon is an extreme backgammon variant played with only three checkers per player instead of fifteen. Each player starts with one checker on each of their 24-point, 23-point, and 22-point.
Key differences from standard backgammon:
- Only 3 checkers per player — games are very short
- Extremely high variance — the outcome can change on a single roll
- Cube decisions are critical and happen very early in the game
- No complex positional play — the game is almost entirely about probability and cube handling
Hypergammon is widely used in backgammon software for training cube decisions, because the simplified checker play allows players to focus entirely on doubling strategy. It is also popular for quick online games when time is limited.
Nackgammon
Nackgammon was created by Nack Ballard, one of the world’s top backgammon players, specifically to reduce the advantage that certain opening rolls provide in standard backgammon.
Starting position (different from standard):
- Each player starts with 2 checkers on the 24-point (same as standard)
- 4 checkers on the 13-point (instead of 5)
- 3 checkers on the 8-point (same as standard)
- 4 checkers on the 6-point (instead of 5)
- 1 checker on the 23-point (new — not in standard backgammon)
- 1 checker on the 9-point (new — not in standard backgammon)
Key differences from standard backgammon:
- The extra back checker on the 23-point increases contact and reduces the power of running openings
- Opening roll advantages are reduced — fewer rolls lead to a clearly dominant opening play
- The game tends to be more tactical and contact-heavy in the early phases
All other rules — movement, hitting, bearing off, the doubling cube — are identical to standard backgammon. Nackgammon appeals to experienced players looking for more depth in the opening game.
Tavla
Tavla is the Turkish name for backgammon and refers to several regional variants played widely across Turkey, the Middle East, and parts of Eastern Europe. The most commonly played form is very close to standard backgammon, with minor differences in setup and house rules.
Common differences in Tavla:
- The board is sometimes oriented differently (home board on the left rather than right)
- Some regional versions do not use the doubling cube
- Scoring variations exist depending on region and house rules
Tavla is one of the most popular games in Turkey, where it is played in cafes, clubs, and homes across the country. If you know standard backgammon, you can play Tavla immediately — the differences are mostly cosmetic or optional.
Other Regional Variants
Backgammon has been played for over 5,000 years and has developed dozens of regional forms around the world. Other notable variants include:
Plakoto — A Greek variant where checkers can be pinned (trapped) rather than hit. A single checker can block an opponent’s checker by sitting on top of it.
Fevga — Another Greek variant where all 15 checkers start on the 1-point and move in the same direction. Hitting is not allowed until the first checker has left the starting point.
Gul Bara (Rosespring) — A variant common in the Middle East where rolling doubles gives the player an extra turn with the next higher doubles. Rolling 6-6 in a row can lead to extraordinary combinations.
Long Gammon — A variant where the loser must play on until all checkers are borne off, with points accumulated across multiple games.
Play Backgammon Variants Online
Most online platforms focus on standard backgammon, but a few support selected variants:
- Nextgammon — Standard backgammon with strong analysis tools. Best overall platform for serious players.
- Backgammon Cash — Standard backgammon on iOS and Mac, free to play worldwide.
For Hypergammon and Nackgammon, dedicated backgammon software such as XG (eXtreme Gammon) and GNU Backgammon include these variants for analysis and practice.
Final Thoughts
Backgammon variants add variety, challenge, and new strategic layers to the game. Whether you prefer the dramatic swings of Acey-Deucey, the teamwork of Chouette, or the precision of Nackgammon, exploring different formats makes you a stronger and more versatile player.