Create, Join or Watch a Game

To create a new game or series of games (called a match) which other players can join, just go to the Lobby and select the 'Create Game' button. You will have the option to set a number of details, including:

  • Games: You will be asked for the following - your stake per point, your maximum desired stake, and whether or not you want the doubling cube, beavers and raccoons to be available.
  • Matches: You will be asked for the following - your stake for the match, length of the match, whether or not you want the doubling cube, if you want to have Crawford rule to be applied and the game speed.

Once you have created a game, you will be its 'owner' with certain privileges and rights. The offer of a match can only be withdrawn by its owner pressing the 'Leave' button. Please note, however, that the offer of a match cannot be withdrawn once it has begun.

Players can set their maximum desired stake by setting the 'limit', which takes precedence over the doubling cube. The second player can request to alter the parameters when attempting to join a game, subject to the owner agreeing to the amended parameters.

Newly-created games or matches, including the game details, will be saved and displayed on the list of games in the Lobby under either the cash or play money category.

A player cannot create a match with a greater cash limit than his account balance.

Join a game

You can play up to four simultaneous games of backgammon.

Simply go to the Lobby, select a game that is open for play, enter the game details, and click 'OK'. Your details and your request to join will be sent to the game owner.

If your request is accepted, PartyGammon.com will deduct the cash limit from your account. Your available balance will then be updated in the Lobby window. If your request is rejected, you will be sent the following message: 'Join rejected by [Player name].'

Once your request has been approved, you will be shown the backgammon board, set up with all 30 checkers in position for a game.

Watch a game

If you want to experience the excitement of a backgammon match without actually playing, you can watch some of the live games taking place at PartyGammon.com.

You have to be logged in to watch a game - select a game in the Lobby, and watch as much as you want.

Players can choose to play private games, which you will not be able to watch.