The same-looking backgammon board does not tell you how a game starts or scores. Agree on the opening, scoring and use of a doubling cube before playing. Our local and live editions need to be distinguished.
In this guide
Two editions that actually exist
Locally each side supplies an opening die: the higher starts using both values, with ties rerolled. A computer opponent and shared-device play are available. In live rooms the creator selects who starts and rolls first. Two humans join by room code; there is no computer opponent. The local opening rule therefore does not describe the live opening.
What a doubling cube changes
In cube play, the doubling cube changes the game value rather than checker movement. Before rolling, an eligible player may offer a double; the opponent accepts or loses at the previous value. Acceptance transfers cube ownership and the right to the next redouble. Our browser editions do not provide this cube.
Further reading: USBGF: Backgammon Basics
Original game-value examples
At cube value 4, a single scores 4, a gammon 8 and a backgammon 12 when those multipliers count under the agreed rules. This illustrates tournament arithmetic, not a setting or wagering feature on our site. A match target can be reached before the full numerical margin matters.
Separate names from house rules
Names such as tavla, tavli and nard occur around the tables-game family, but a name alone is not a reliable rules specification. Ask about setup, hitting, blocking and bearing off. Related games can change those core elements. Our guide describes the available backgammon edition and does not promise additional regional modes.
For a games evening, write a short rule card: who starts, is there a cube, single game or match, and which exceptions apply? Results become comparable only when both players use the same answers. A country label cannot replace that agreement.