Q 01/05

How many pieces does each player start with in standard backgammon?

A) 10

B) 15

C) 16

D) 24

Answer · why

B) 15

The pieces were traditionally called men, short for tablemen, and are increasingly called checkers in the United States.

Q 02/05

How many points, the triangular spaces, does a backgammon board have in total?

A) 12

B) 16

C) 20

D) 24

Answer · why

D) 24

Each side of the board carries a track of 12 isosceles triangles, forming a horseshoe-shaped path.

Q 03/05

What is the term for removing your pieces from the board at the end of the game?

A) Homing

B) Cashing out

C) Bearing off

D) Bearing down

Answer · why

C) Bearing off

You may only start doing it once all fifteen of your pieces are in your home board.

Q 04/05

A single opposing piece sitting alone on a point is called what?

A) A stray

B) A runner

C) A pip

D) A blot

Answer · why

D) A blot

Landing on it sends it to the bar, from where it must re-enter through your home board.

Q 05/05

Where is a piece placed after it has been hit?

A) Off the board next to the winner

B) On the midpoint of the track

C) On the opponent's 1-point

D) On the bar dividing the board

Answer · why

D) On the bar dividing the board

Early backgammon simply lifted hit men off the table; boards with a working bar came in by around 1850.