Hypergammon Introduction

Hypergammon is a fast variant of backgammon in which each player has only three checkers instead of fifteen. Everything else about the board, the dice and the movement is the same, but with so few checkers the game moves at high speed and a whole game can be over in a few minutes. It is a good way to take a break from regular backgammon or to warm up before a longer session.

Starting position

Each player starts with one checker on each of his 24-point, 23-point and 22-point, which are the 1, 2 and 3 points in the opponent's home board. So both sides begin with all three checkers deep in enemy territory and have to bring them all the way around the board.

Rules

The rules are the same as in standard backgammon: the same moves, hitting, entering from the bar and bearing off, plus gammons and backgammons. The doubling cube is used. In money play the Jacoby rule is common, and in matches the Crawford rule applies. A full description is in our article on hypergammon rules.

Luck and skill

With only three checkers each, luck plays a larger part than in regular backgammon. A single big double can decide a game. That does not mean there is no skill: hitting at the right time, building one strong point and handling the cube all matter, and better players still win more often over many games.

Ready to play better? Continue with our guide to hypergammon strategy.