Electronic Backgammon

by Barbara Moore

In some games, the "winner" is the person with the most game pieces left on the board. In backgammon, however, your goal is to be the first player with no pieces on the board.

In its original form, backgammon is a board game played by two people. In electronic backgammon, one person can play against computer software. The added benefit of playing electronic backgammon is that you can incorporate extra levels of excitement. Playing against the computer, you can choose an easy game, or play on a more challenging "difficult" level.

The nice thing about electronic backgammon is that you can play it anywhere. It's fun to play in the car or on the bus, at school or at home. There are no loose pieces to drop and misplace, and everything you need is always there when you're ready to play.

You can play electronic backgammon anytime you want, without searching for a partner to give you a challenging game.

There are a lot of basic similarities between electronic backgammon and the classic board game. Game play, rules and strategies remain the same. However there are some benefits with electronic backgammon that the original version just can't offer. With electronic backgammon, you can start a new game whenever you want, and turn the game off any time you need to. You can save a game to finish later on. There are also a few rule variations with the electronic game. You can decline, accept and even take back a move. You can ask the computer for a hint, double a move and choose the difficulty level you want to play at. Electronic backgammon allows you to make multiple moves at one time, something that your real-life partner would never agree to. Some electronic software allows you to verify whether a move is playable. These benefits make electronic backgammon a great way for new players to learn the strategies and rules of the game.

Backgammon has been enjoyed by generations, and electronic versions have introduced backgammon to a new generation of gamers. Onscreen, backgammon looks a lot like other favorite games; with pieces that look like checkers, stones or coloured dots. You will see dice that are used to generate random moves, and to help you when you just don't know what move to make.

If you have never played a game of backgammon, the electronic version is a great place to start. With easy beginner mode you'll learn the rules quickly, and the software will offer hints when you need them. Try electronic backgammon, the classic board game, or search for fun multiplayer backgammon games online. Fun to play, good for your brain, backgammon is a real winner.

About the Author

Barbara Moore is an author for several well-known web sites, on hobbies and recreation topics.