Mexican backgammon is an exciting twist on the classic board game that encourages strategic thinking and creativity. By incorporating different rules such as playing lower dice first, not being able to place more than 5 pieces on one point, and doubling being highly rewarding, Mexican backgammon offers plenty of ways to challenge your opponents in an interesting way.
Just remember to keep an eye out for the ‘Mexican’ roll of 1 and 2. With this special combination you get an extra turn along with any other double you want to play – allowing you plenty of opportunities
Mexican backgammon is a variation of the traditional backgammon game, with a few differences in the rules.
Mexican backgammon Rules
The basic rules of Mexican backgammon are the same as backgammon – if you don’t know the backgammon rules or need a quick refresher you can find out how to play backgammon here.
Here are the additional rules of Mexican backgammon:
- The player must play first the lower dice, if he can’t do it, the turn goes back to the opponent. For example, if a player rolled 5 and 3, he must play 3 first, if he can’t do it because there is no open point (or any other reason), he won’t play the 5 either and the opponent will start his turn.
- The player cant put more than 5 pieces on one point. For example:
- Doubling can be very rewarding. For every double you roll, you get an extra turn; but if you are unable to play all four numbers of the roll, you won’t roll again.
- The rolling of 1 and 2 is called “Mexican”. If you rolled a “Mexican” you play 1 and 2 regularly (1 is first ), then you pick any double you want and play it, in addition, you roll again. If you roll another “Mexican” you keep going. Of course that if you can’t play the 1 you lose your turn.
- To bear off a piece (piece removal) you must roll the exact number. In the following example, the player must roll 4 to win the game:
Any other number makes the game continue.
Make sure you try this unique version of backgammon.
FAQ About Mexican Backgammon
Ailing from the Middle East, Mexican Backgammon has become increasingly popular in recent years. It is believed to have originated in Egypt, where it was known as ‘Al-Aly’ and then spread to other countries in the region such as Syria, Iraq, and Lebanon. Today, it is played throughout Latin America and the United States.
The main difference between Mexican Backgammon and regular Backgammon is that players must play lower dice first if possible; they cannot place more than five pieces on one point; and doubles are highly rewarding – granting an extra turn or a ‘Mexican roll’ of 1 & 2
To win a game of Mexican Backgammon, players must bear off all their pieces before the other player. This can be achieved by rolling exact numbers to move pieces off the board or by blocking your opponent with skillful plays. The first player to bear off all their pieces wins the game
Mexican Backgammon can be played by two players.
Wins in Mexican Backgammon are determined by the first player to bear off all of their pieces. This involves both strategy and luck, as you must roll exact numbers for your pieces to move off the board.
A ‘Mexican Roll’ is when a player rolls 1 and 2 on their dice. The result is that the player gets an extra turn in addition to playing any double they wish from this roll. This special combination helps give players extra chances to win, so it’s important to remember about it during the game.
Yes, there are different versions of Mexican Backgammon. It is popular in many countries and each variation can have its own rules and regulations. In some versions, for example, the player who bears off their pieces first gets double the stakes; while in other versions the game is played to a predetermined score until someone wins. It’s important to check which version you are playing before starting!
Yes, there are several strategies for playing Mexican Backgammon that will help improve your chances of winning.
Firstly, it’s important to remember about the ‘Mexican Roll’ as this will give you an extra turn or two which could make all the difference.
Secondly, try to block your opponent’s pieces as much as possible and make sure you bear off your own pieces quickly so that you can win the game. Finally, use your dice wisely and plan ahead to ensure a successful game.
Hopefully this guide has helped answer any questions you have about Mexican Backgammon and how to play it. Now that you know more about the game, why not give it a go with some friends? Have fun!
