How to play Ludus Lumbardorum?

Ludus Lumbardorum, also known as “Game of Lombards,” is a medieval board game that was popular in Europe during the Middle Ages. It is a two-player game that involves strategy and luck.

This variant of Backgammon is a close-fight battle. So if you love those kinds of battles this is the game for you. The game is called Ludus Lumbardorum, and it is an early member of a family of games –  including Revertier and Swedish Tables. Ludus Lumbardorum is approximately invented in the 13th century and in this article, you will learn how to play it.

How to play Ludus Lumbardorum?

The basic concept is like the concept of classic Backgammon – for a refresher of the backgammon rules click here.

Here are the differences between Backgammon and Ludus Lumbardorum:

• The game is played only on half board, so the starting position is very different from backgammon:

• Because of the unique starting position, the moving directions are as follows:

• It is important to say that the points numbers are different from Backgammon, in Ludus Lumbardorum the points numbers are as follows (reverse of backgammon):

• Doubles are not benefits here. This means you play them as regular dice – 2 instead of 4.
• Entering from the bar has the rules as Backgammon, notice that the points number are reversed.
• Unlike Backgammon here there are restrictions on closing points. You cant put more than one piece on points 3,4 and 5 in the opponent’s home.
• You also can’t put more than one piece on point 1 of the opponent’s home (although all your pieces start there).
• You are free to pile pieces at any point in your own home.
• Bearing off is the same as Backgammon, notice that the points number are reversed.
• There are no gammons and backgammon wins.

Ludus Lumbardorum strategy

If you want to be a good Ludus Lumbardorum player, here is a strategy to begin with:

Try to block your opponent’s 6 and 2 points. This fastly will paralyze your opponent.

Be careful of your opponent’s pieces at point 3,4 and 5 since they block you from closing the game.

• Try to have a plan for entering. This should be done as soon as possible because it is a race to close points.
• Keep track of the pip count so that you can understand which pieces are more important for bearing off.
• Try to build points in your own home and avoid building them in your opponent’s home. This will help you close points faster.

Ludus Lumbardorum is an engaging and strategic game, so go ahead and give it a try! You are sure to have some fast-paced battles with this classic game of the Middle Ages. Have fun!