Standard backgammon is just one branch of a centuries-old family. Across the world, players have developed dozens of variants — some ancient, some modern — each tweaking the core mechanics. Here are the five most popular variants every player should know.
1. Acey-Deucey
Born in the United States Navy in the early 20th century, Acey-Deucey is the most popular backgammon variant in the US. Both players start with all 15 checkers off the board and must enter them onto the opponent's home board. The twist: rolling a 1-2 ("acey-deucey") lets you make any double of your choice and roll again. This unpredictable bonus makes the game more exciting and luck-heavier than standard backgammon.
2. Nackgammon
Invented by Nack Ballard in the 1970s, Nackgammon uses standard rules with a different starting position: two checkers each on the 23 and 24 points, four on the 13, four on the 6, and three on the 8. The result is a more contact-heavy, strategy-focused game where running games are nearly impossible and opening choices matter more. Popular among advanced players who want to deepen their strategic thinking.
3. Hypergammon
Hypergammon is backgammon stripped to its bones: only three checkers per side instead of fifteen. Each player starts with one checker on the 24, 23, and 22 points. Games are fast (often under 5 minutes), highly tactical, and the doubling cube is used aggressively. Because the position is so simple, hypergammon has been "solved" by computers — the optimal play in every situation is known.
4. Tabula
Tabula is one of backgammon's earliest ancestors, played in the Roman Empire around the 1st century AD. The game used three dice instead of two, and all checkers started off the board. Roman Emperor Zeno is famous for losing a difficult position recorded in a 6th-century epigram — the earliest known backgammon problem in history.
5. Plakoto
Plakoto is one of three popular variants played in Greece (alongside Portes and Fevga). The key difference: instead of hitting a blot and sending it to the bar, you pin it — your checker sits on top and the opponent's checker is trapped until you move yours away. This creates long, strategic standoffs and makes the priming game even more powerful.
Which Variant Should You Try?
If you're new, stick with standard backgammon until comfortable with the basics. Then try Nackgammon to challenge your opening theory, Hypergammon to sharpen cube decisions, or Acey-Deucey for a more social game with friends. Each variant teaches you something different about backgammon's underlying strategy. Mastering even one will make you a sharper player overall.