Backgammon is one of the oldest board games in human history alongside the likes of chess, Go, and mahjong. If you don’t already know the rules, there are many great websites to learn them and put your skills to the test against other players.

Expect layers of fun and challenges as you try several variations of the same goal: to get all your checkers off the board. The range of features on the following online resources will let you play backgammon according to your tastes.

1. 247 Backgammon

This is a very simple and free website to learn and practice classic backgammon. You can play at different levels of difficulty, either against an AI opponent or a real one.

The second option only works in pass and play style, though. Two players need to use the same screen to progress the game, so a smartphone would work as well as a computer.

The design of the digital backgammon board is nice and simple, but with lots of features to make things interesting. When you roll the dice, for example, the board highlights which checkers you can move and where.

You also have access to a doubling cube, which can multiply a player’s final score up to 64 times. But don’t get carried away. Take your time reading up on the website’s instructions and playing at your own pace.

2. iTavli

Get to know the different ways to play backgammon on an even easier platform. iTavli has its flaws, like unclear instructions when it comes to the rules, however, it is a rare online opportunity to escape classic gameplay.

Choose between Greek, Turkish, Russian, and other styles before playing against the computer or an online player. Since iTavli’s manual fails to deliver, you may want to read up on how each variation works to fully enjoy the experience.

There’s also a leaderboard to keep track of who the site’s best players are. You can even challenge each other on a board of your choice. Sign up for free and watch your name climb those ranks.

All in all, the aim of this humble site is to let you spend your evenings playing traditional backgammon against a calming beach-themed background. Just like online jigsaw puzzles, it’s a great way to exercise your brain.

3. VIP Backgammon

If you’re looking for a more modern design, VIP Backgammon is a better choice than 247 Backgammon. The domain is part of the greater VIP Games community, full of online versions of beloved card and board games.

Through the backgammon section, you can play against the computer on a sleek, wood-style board. The choice to double your score exists here too.

One major difference is that each turn is on a timer, so you need to think and move fast. VIP also offers many more social options, from playing with friends to competing in tournaments.

Keep in mind that competitions demand chips, which you collect from each session you play. And how much you earn depends on how well you perform against your opponents, whether real or AI.

This platform is a community where you can set up a profile, build up your rank, and go head to head with backgammon fans. Of course, the better you get, the more exciting each game becomes.

4. Backgammon Galaxy

Once you’re fluid with the rules, you may want to focus on live games more. There’s nothing wrong with playing against a computer, but the experience is different when you know there’s an actual person on the other end of the virtual board.

Backgammon Galaxy is perfect for the job, as it only accommodates online players. You can create or join a session with fans from all over the world. In terms of other features, you face a timer of different speeds and collect points to climb up the leaderboard.

Points aren't essential to joining tournaments like on VIP Backgammon, but the competition is still fierce. Make sure you’re up to the task before buying in.

If, on the other hand, you don’t feel up for a game but still want to keep learning, the website even lets you watch sessions. You can develop a good head for backgammon by just studying the techniques of more experienced players.

5. Extreme Gammon

Even though you have to download Extreme Gammon on your computer, smartphone, or tablet, the provider is worth a mention because of its fame in the field of backgammon. Apart from being behind Backgammon Galaxy, Extreme Gammon is the go-to program for serious competitors.

Players and organizations from around the globe rely on this software to practice and analyze their games. While the 2D or 3D fully customizable board is a plus, the platform's winning features go beyond smooth design and performance.

Once you download and install it, you can play against the computer or a second player. But Extreme Gammon’s main purpose is to help you train with lots of tools and settings.

For example, it lets you choose the difficulty level of your AI opponent. Additionally, it breaks down your sessions and shows you which moves were bad and why. You can even import games from websites while playing, so Extreme Gammon can analyze them as you go.

The downside is that the software isn’t free like most browser-based options. It costs $59.95 per computer, but you can get a free trial and various discounts if you’re a member of GammonSite or the US Backgammon Federation (USBGF).

6. Backgammon Studio

If an analytical backgammon site is what you want, there’s nothing better than Backgammon Studio. Be warned that the signup process and overall navigation of the platform are tricky to get used to.

Nevertheless, once you work out what’s available and where things are, you’ll realize just how invaluable Studio is to dedicated players. Like Extreme Gammon, it's designed to help you improve, not just play.

In addition to analyzing your games, it offers a huge database of specific moves and checker positions. You can jump in at different degrees of difficulty and work your way through them.

Since you don't get a clock here, you can go the extra mile and work on your response time too. Use your watch or a helpful timer app to make sure you react well under pressure.

If all that's not enough, there are even quizzes you can try to ace, as well as another handy panel that lists matches from live tournaments. You can watch the recordings while playing a session on Studio’s live match domain, which is aptly named Heroes.

Play Backgammon Online to Master the Game

From simple browser games to professional online communities, the internet is full of ways to enjoy backgammon in its modern and classic forms.

If you’re new to it, you should start with smaller options, like iTavli, just to get the hang of the rules and tricks. From there, you can move on to bigger and better hubs.

Like chess and other brain games, backgammon is worth all the effort. Pitting your tactics against each platform’s best players is thrilling, but you also get to join a global community of fun-loving tacticians.