Backgammon is a two-player game—but becoming good at it? That’s a solo journey.
I’ve spent more hours than I’d care to admit talking to myself over a board. No opponent. Just me, the dice, and my own poor decisions staring back at me like ghosts. But that solitude? That’s where the real progress happens.
Practicing alone sharpens your instincts. It lets you rewind bad moves. Test weird strategies. Relearn lessons the dice tried to teach you last week.
So if you’re serious about leveling up—whether you’re prepping for a tournament or just want to beat that friend who keeps bragging—here’s how to train alone and actually get better.
Why Practice Backgammon Solo?
Before we dive into methods, let’s be clear: practicing solo is not about simulating full matches. It’s about building specific skills, building confidence, and building muscle memory for the board.
Practicing alone helps you:
- Understand patterns without pressure
- Analyze decision-making in slow motion
- Improve your doubling cube judgment
- Train for speed and accuracy
- Explore new openings and positions without consequences
Samuel’s Take: You don’t need a crowd to become dangerous. You need a board, a bit of focus, and the willingness to lose to yourself a hundred times in a row.
Drill #1: Position Puzzles (Set-Up and Solve)
This is my favorite solo exercise. Pick a common situation—like a race, a back game, or a checker on the bar—and play both sides of the board.
How it works:
- Set up a midgame or endgame position (use books, videos, or your own games).
- Play it out as both players, switching sides each turn.
- Focus on making the best move for each side—not the easiest.
What it teaches:
- Critical thinking from both perspectives
- Risk assessment and tactical awareness
- Spotting traps and counterplays
You’ll notice that when you know your opponent’s plans, you start making stronger ones yourself.
Drill #2: Bear-Off Races
Set up bear-off positions and roll your way through them. Time yourself. Make mental notes about when mistakes happen.
Try this:
- Place all checkers in your home board.
- Roll and bear off using correct rules.
- Track how many rolls it takes to finish.
- Repeat and aim to reduce total rolls over time.
You can also use pip count estimates to evaluate your decisions mid-race.
Drill #3: Opening Reps
Opening moves win games more often than people think. Memorize the best responses to key first rolls.
Here’s how:
- Roll every possible starting combo (there are 15 unique ones).
- Practice the correct response for each (e.g., 3-1 = make the 5-point).
- Then try variations—what if your opponent hits early? What if you leave a blot?
Over time, your first 3–5 turns will feel automatic—leaving you more time to think later in the game.
Drill #4: Cube Decision Practice
This is where solo backgammon turns into a mind game.
Method 1: Review Past Games
If you’ve saved match records from online games, revisit points where the doubling cube came into play. Would you double earlier now? Would you take or pass?
Method 2: Use Problem Books
Books like Backgammon Boot Camp or Advanced Backgammon are filled with cube puzzles. Read the position, decide your action, then check the answer.
Method 3: Solo Simulation
Play through a game and periodically ask:
- Should I double now?
- Would I take this double?
- How many pips ahead am I?
Write your answers down. Track your instincts. With repetition, cube judgment becomes second nature.
Drill #5: Speed Training
Being fast doesn’t mean being reckless. It means trusting your prep. And solo is the perfect time to build speed.
Timer Drill:
- Set a timer for 15 seconds per move.
- Roll and play both sides with the timer running.
- Try to complete a full game this way—win or lose.
The goal isn’t perfection. It’s fluidity. You’ll get used to thinking clearly under pressure—and that’s half the battle in real games.
Tools That Help You Train Solo
You don’t need much, but the right tools make solo practice smoother.
📚 Books
- Backgammon by Paul Magriel – for basic principles
- Backgammon Boot Camp – for practical drills and analysis
- Advanced Backgammon – for solving high-level problems
📱 Mobile Apps
- Nextgammon: Best option for practicing against real opponents online, with fast games and a competitive player pool.
- XG Mobile (iOS): Great for reviewing positions, analyzing equity, and practicing against bots.
- Backgammon Galaxy: Clean, fast, and perfect for testing openings and races.
- Backgammon NJ: Known for strong AI and analysis tools.
🧠 Position Databases
Sites like bkgm.com have entire libraries of positions and puzzles. Pull up a scenario, set it on your board, and play it out multiple ways.
📋 Your Own Game Notes
Review your last 5–10 online matches. Write down:
- Cube errors
- Missed hits
- Unnecessary blots
Then recreate those positions and play them again solo, making better choices.
Practicing Mindset: How to Get the Most Out of Solo Time
Practicing alone can get boring if you don’t bring the right mindset. Here’s how to stay sharp:
1. Make it Purposeful
Don’t just roll dice for the sake of it. Go into each session with a goal:
- “Today I’ll focus on bearing off.”
- “This hour is just for cube decisions.”
- “I’m going to solve 10 tactical problems.”
2. Record What You Learn
Write it down—especially the mistakes. They’re gold. Noting where you hesitated, or why you misread a position, helps you internalize the fix.
3. Revisit Positions You Hate
Everyone has that one scenario that always burns them—maybe a late race, a split-and-slot gone wrong, or a back game you never win. Rebuild it. Play it again. Learn to love it.
4. Visualize Without the Board
On a walk, at the airport, during lunch—imagine positions in your head. Ask yourself:
- “If I’m on the 13-point and roll 6-3, where should I move?”
- “Would I double if I were 9 pips ahead with two checkers to bear off?”
Visualization reinforces what the board teaches.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you get good at backgammon by practicing solo?
Yes. While live opponents are essential for testing your skills, solo practice builds the foundations—decision-making, speed, opening strategy, and cube handling.
How long should I practice each day?
Even 15–30 minutes daily can make a difference. Focused reps matter more than long, unfocused sessions.
What’s the best solo drill for beginners?
Opening move practice. Learn what to do with each starting roll and how to respond to common counters. It sets the tone for every game.
Should I use a physical board or an app?
Both. Apps are fast and portable. But a real board trains your muscle memory, spatial awareness, and checker handling.
How do I know if I’m improving?
Track your decisions. Revisit old positions. If you’re making stronger moves with less hesitation, you’re on the right path. Online ratings and analysis tools can also show your growth.
Can I simulate full games solo?
Yes—but focus on learning, not beating yourself. Switch sides honestly and reflect on each choice.
What if I get bored practicing alone?
Mix it up: Use videos, solve puzzles, join forums, or teach a friend. Variety keeps your brain engaged.
Conclusion
The best backgammon players don’t just play—they practice. And the best practice often happens in silence. With no audience. No opponent. Just you, the board, and a desire to get better.
Solo practice isn’t glamorous. But it’s effective. It gives you control. Repetition. Insight. It teaches you to think before the dice land—and to act like you’ve seen it all before.
So roll the dice, play both sides, and trust the process. Because sooner or later, you’ll sit across from someone else—and they won’t stand a chance against the hours you spent playing in the shadows.
Solo practice helps, but playing against real opponents is where decision-making really improves.