hungry for new challenge ? for something funny ? here it goes: new, crazy backgammon version ...

1. Every player has 6 checkers numbered from 1 to 6 ...
2. Checkers are placed in the opposite player's home section of the board in exact order ... number 6 touches the bar, then 5, 4 and so on ...
3. Play is like in regular backgammon with 3 novelty twists.

4. Twist number 1: checker with the number that corresponds to the number of a dice may, but do not have to, move twice the space ... example , we rolled 5 and 2 ... checker with the number 5 may move 5 spaces or 10 spaces if the player chooses so ...same with the number 2 ... player cannot transfer unused jump
to another checker ...  player may choose regular backgammon moves for all his/her checkers instead.
******
This twist gives the player new perspective in the game ... let's look at our roll 5 and 2 again:
- checker number 5 can be moved: 5 spaces, 10 spaces and also 5 spaces plus 2 spaces, or 10 spaces plus 2 spaces ...
-checker number 2 can be moved: 2 spaces, 4 spaces and also 2 spaces plus 5 spaces, or 4 spaces plus 5 spaces ...
5. Twist number 2: Double roll is the killer ... when you get double (6-6, 5-5 etc) you choose opponent's piece (any) and send it to the bar ... if you are already on the bar and you roll double, you have to leave the bar if possible, if not, you may choose opponent's checker and send it to the bar ...

6. Twist number 3: gathering all the checkers in home section is NOT required to start bearing off ...
You jump out of the board whenever you get the roll that allows you to do it ...

Have fun ... grab your board at home, put some stickers with numbers on your 6 checkers  and try it.
Andy.