Tavla — The Eastern Duel

• Setup — identical to Modern Backgammon. Each commander starts with 15 checkers in the standard formation.
• The Goal — navigate all troops to your home board and bear them off. Victory belongs to the first who clears the board.

The distinction begins at the very first roll.

• The roll. Each player throws one die to determine priority.
• The re-roll rule. Unlike the modern game, the winner picks up the dice and rolls both again for their opening move.
• Succession. The winner of the previous game always starts the next match.

Movement follows standard pip-counting rules, but strict adherence is required.

• Doubles. Played four times.
• Forced play. You must utilise the maximum number of moves possible with your roll.

• Hitting. Landing on a blot sends the opponent to the Bar.
• Priority entry. You cannot move any checker on the board while you have troops imprisoned on the Bar.

To rule the Tavla arena, remember these five commandments.