Backgammon win types: single, gammon, backgammon
When a player bears off their last checker, the game ends and the winner scores 1, 2 or 3 points depending on how far behind the loser is. The doubling cube multiplies that. There are no draws.
| The loser at the end | Backgammon | Tavla (Turkish style) |
|---|---|---|
| Has borne off at least one checker | Single: 1 | 1 |
| Has borne off none | Gammon: 2 | Mars: 2 |
| Has borne off none and still has a checker on the bar or in the winner's home board | Backgammon: 3 | Still 2 (no triple win) |
Single game: 1 point
Gammon: 2 points
A gammon is a win before your opponent has borne off a single checker. It usually happens after one side was trapped or fell far behind in the race.
Backgammon: 3 points
A backgammon is a gammon where the loser still has a checker on the bar or in the winner's home board. It is rare, but it ends many matches at once.
The doubling cube multiplies the result
If the cube was turned to 2, a gammon is worth 4 and a backgammon 6. If a player declines a double, the game ends at once and the doubler scores the cube's value before the double, with no gammon. See the doubling cube.
The Jacoby rule, used only in money play and off by default, counts gammons and backgammons as a single game unless someone has doubled. It is never used in match play.
Can backgammon end in a draw?
No. The game ends the moment someone has borne off all 15 checkers, and both players can't do that on the same turn. Turkish players call a draw pat, and it is impossible in tavla too.
In a match
Matches are played to a set number of points, such as 5 or 7. The first player to reach that number or more wins; extra points beyond it don't matter. A gammon at 4–3 in a 5-point match ends it 6–3.
Questions people ask
What is a gammon in backgammon?
A win before the loser has borne off any checker. It is worth 2 points (times the cube).
How much is a backgammon worth?
3 points (times the cube): a gammon where the loser still has a checker on the bar or in the winner's home board.
Does Turkish tavla have backgammons?
No. In Turkish-style tavla a mars (gammon) is 2 points and there is no 3-point win. Modern tournament rules in Turkey do use it.