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How to play Tavla?

Backgammon Rules
Narde Rules
Tavla Rules
Old English Rules
Nackgammon Rules
Nardegammon Rules

Tavla is very popular in Turkey. Tavla is very similar to classic backgammon, but there are some differences, which make the game quite complicated.

Beginning of the game

On first turn both players roll a single dice. Who ever gets a higher pip count, rolls both dice again. This is a difference from backgammon. Only after the second roll the player makes a move.

Moving the checkers

Moving the checkers is done the same way as in backgammon with one exception. You can not hit an opponent’s checker in a your home and continue the move. This means that you can’t “hit and run” in your home. This creates an element of danger, since your checker can be hit in this situation. It is recommended to cover this checker with another checker.

Bearing checkers off

The rule for bearing checkers off is the same as in backgammon but with one exception. You must always bear a checker off the board if the pips allow it.

For example, your checker is on the third position. You rolled 5:2. You have to bear the checker off the board, using dice 5. You can not move two positions forward. This way Tavla becomes more difficult, since you are not able to move your checker forward and cover your open checkers.

The result

The rule for bearing checkers off is the same as in backgammon but with one exception. You must always bear a checker off the board if the pips allow it.


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