Crash Course in Backgammon Notation

Learning backgammon notation is a must especially if you want to review your matches in a backgammon tournament. Nowadays we use what is a numbering system that uses 24-points. This notation system is more efficient than the one previously used. What we have below is a short description of what this notation method is and how to interpret it.

In the notation method used today, each point on the backgammon board is assigned a number. The points or pips are numbered one to 24. The sequence goes around from your side of the board starting with the Ace point all the way to your opponent's side towards the 24-point.

These said numbers also indicate checker positions. If a checker is on the bar, the word "bar" is used to represent the said location. The word "off" is used in this notation to signify a checker that is borne off. Moves are therefore written down starting with the original position followed by the new checker position.

An example will be 7/5, which means that the original position of the checker was on the seven-point and it is moved to the five-point. If you move a checker twice, for instance, you don't have to note a 24/18 followed by 18/13. This can be represented as 24/8 instead, which actually takes up less space when writing things down during a match.

However, if you hit your opponent's blot while doing this, you note it as 24/18*/13, where an asterisk shows a hit made. Another example of a hit in this method of backgammon notation would be 13/7*. This indicates that a checker moved from the 13-point to the 7-point and hit a blot there.

When you roll doubles and move two checkers from the same point you will add a "(2)" to your notation, which indicates that two checkers were moved in the same way. An example would be 9/3(2) where two checkers from the nine-point were moved to the three-point.

However, if you can't make a valid move then you write down "(no play)". If you offer to double use the words "Double to" followed by the value the game was doubled. The other player's action to either take or pass will then be written down. An example of this backgammon notation will be "10. Double to 2" and then "Take".

An example of a full transcript will look something like this "8. 6-6 24/18, 13/7, 9/3(2) 6-1:13/7*, 8/7". Each turn will be numbered, which means this example shows the eighth turn using "8." followed by "6-6" which shows a double roll. It is then followed by the moves made by the first player. The next part of the line shows the dice roll and the moves of the next player.

Learning notation is a must for recording and reviewing your matches in a backgammon tournament. It is fundamental for every player who is serious about backgammon.

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