Backgammon Hitting, Bar Entry & Bearing Off Rules Explained
Most beginner backgammon disputes happen around blots, the bar and bearing off.
What is a blot?
A blot is a point occupied by exactly one checker. An opposing checker may land there and hit it, moving the blot to the bar.
What happens on the bar?
A player with one or more checkers on the bar must re-enter those checkers before moving any other checker. Entry uses the rolled numbers to corresponding open points in the opponent’s home board.
What if both entry points are blocked?
If no legal entry is available, the player loses the unusable move or turn as dictated by the dice. You cannot move other checkers while a checker remains on the bar.
Must both dice be played?
Use both numbers when legally possible. If only one number can legally be played, standard backgammon requires that move; when either number can be played but not both, use the higher number.
When can you bear off?
Only after all 15 of your checkers are in your home board.
Can an oversized roll bear off a checker?
If there is no checker on a higher-numbered point, a die larger than the exact distance may bear off the checker on the highest occupied point. If a higher checker exists, you must make a legal move with it instead.
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