Play backgammon with a friend
Send a friend a link and play backgammon or Turkish tavla together, live or one move at a time. Neither of you needs an account, there are no ads, and the dice are sealed before the game so both of you can trust them.
How it works
- Choose the game: tavla or backgammon, the match length, the rules and a clock.
- Create a room. You get a link to copy, share on WhatsApp or show as a QR code.
- Your friend opens the link and taps Join this game. The first roll comes as soon as you are both at the table.
No sign-up for either of you: the site gives each player a private guest session. Sign in later and your games come with you. Only rated games need a verified account.
Live or turn-based
- Live game: pick Untimed, Blitz, Rapid, Classic or your own clock. Rapid, the default, gives 10 seconds a move plus 1 minute per point of the match in reserve. The clock never resets when someone reconnects.
- Turn-based game: each move has 24 or 72 hours, and the site can notify you when it is your turn. Good for a game that lasts all week.
- Same room: on one phone or tablet, Pass and play on this device on the home page hands the board back and forth.
Dice you can both trust
The dice for every game are sealed before the first roll. Nobody, not even us, can change them, and after the game you can check that every roll matches the seal. How fair dice work.
At the table
Send a quick preset message (Good luck, Well played), offer a rematch when the match ends, and review the game with the engine afterwards. If a connection drops, the game picks up where it was; a bot never takes anyone's seat.
Questions people ask
Do we need an account to play together?
No. Open the link and play. Accounts are only needed for rated games and for keeping games across devices.
Can we play tavla instead of backgammon?
Yes. Choose Tavla before you create the room. The traditional Turkish rules are the default, or pick Modern for tavla with the doubling cube.
Does it cost anything?
No. TavlArena is free, with no ads and no coins.