boraygammon64 Commodore 64 game

How to Play Backgammon

Never played backgammon before? Don't worry, I'll teach you!

Basic Rules

• Starting Position: You are black (or hollow), and Vic is white.
• Movement: Use the keyboard to move your checkers. All keys you can press are highlighted in green. Move one checker per dice roll by pressing the corresponding key. Use the left dice first, or swap the dice by pressing "P". Undo mistakes with "<-" and confirm your move with Return.

Objectives

• Goal: Move all your checkers into area A and then to area B. The first player to move all checkers out wins.
• Opposition: Your opponent moves in the opposite direction and can hit your single checkers, sending them to the bar (I). You must re-enter these checkers before moving others.

Strategy

• Vulnerable Checkers: A lone checker is vulnerable and can be hit. Multiple checkers on a point are safe and block the opponent.
• Re-entering Checkers: Hit checkers must be re-entered from the bar before any other moves. Press "I" to re-enter.

Troubleshooting Moves

If nothing happens when you try to move a checker, check the following:

1. The destination point is blocked by the opponent. Try switching dice by pressing "P".
2. You have a checker on the bar that needs to re-enter the game first. Press "I".
3. The checker is in your home board, but all checkers must reach "A" before moving out.
4. You're trying to move the opponent's checker or there's no checker at the key you pressed.