The first thing you need to have in mind as a beginner is the fact that Backgammon is a game based not only on luck but on your skills and knowledge. What I am going to cover on this article are precisely those two basic, general Backgammon principles: Learn the rules and practice as often as possible. Let us start then with the most valuable tip for beginners I could offer, prepare intellectually to play the game by immersing yourself in the world of Backgammon. It is true that the scope of the Backgammon community both online and offline is vast. However, once you become familiar with it you will know where to go for knowledge.

Read everything you come across with that has to do with how to play Backgammon; books, magazines, blogs, forums, ezines, articles, etc. The most you read about analytical examination of games, strategies, tips by the pros, how others play the game and so on, the more exposed you will become to the possibilities of Backgammon and the more aware you will be of your options when playing a game. It is also important to develop powerful observation skills to help you establish the theoretical background for analytical study on your own. Watch tournaments on television, on the net, at your local Backgammon club, and follow every move the players make.

Aim to pinpoint and understand what kinds of moves, what playing style, what strategies are put into practice and which ones of those are successful, when and how. Keep track of your favorite professional Backgammon players, the tournaments they play and the articles they write. They are an excellent source of knowledge and experience. Participate in tournaments! Tournaments are fantastic tools to learn from yourself and assess your level and analytical capacities under pressure. Other than that, tournaments represent the opportunity to gain some public recognition together with cash, and are the best way to meet other Backgammon players.

The second major Backgammon tip for beginners is simple and not at all a secret: PRACTICE! Play against Backgammon software and real players for money or for fun, and try to determine what is going on the board. The moment you can be on top of your own game and follow without obstacles your opponent’s you will be far ahead. The next step will be to truly be able to determine the probable outcomes of the game according to what is happening on the board at a particular point.

Remember practice is pointless without the analytical foundation knowledge presents, but knowledge is meaningless without practice. Good Luck!