NORTHSTAR ACADEMY
Learn the Game. Elevate Your Game.
The educational home of Northstar Backgammon.
Through classes, workshops, and online resources, Northstar Academy helps players learn the fundamentals, develop new skills, and gain confidence over the board.
Botly is Northstar’s free sparring partner. Play a game at any level and get every decision reviewed.
Improve your game between classes, or on your own. Make a decision, see the answer, and read the reasoning in plain language. Free. No account. Runs on your phone.
BACKGAMMON DOWN AND DIRTY
Never played but always wanted to know how? Played years ago and shaky on the basics? This bootcamp is the ticket to start the fun.
One lively, fast-paced session takes you from understanding the goal of the game, setting up the board, moving the checkers, game planning, how to win and, most importantly, how to have fun. You’ll learn 15 habits that are easy to remember and will guide you on the path to greater success.
$50 PER CLASS
All proceeds support the charitable mission of Northstar Backgammon, Inc.
FOUNDATIONAL BACKGAMMON SERIES
A four-session workshop for the world’s greatest mind skill game.
Curious about the growing excitement around backgammon? Ready to join the fun? This four-session series will teach you everything you need to get started. Each class builds on the last in a welcoming, low-pressure environment. No experience is necessary. Just bring your curiosity and pull up a chair.
$25 PER CLASS
All proceeds support the charitable mission of Northstar Backgammon, Inc.
SESSION 1
Learn the Board and Know the Odds
Every great player starts with the fundamentals. Learn how to read the board, understand key terminology and become comfortable moving your checkers.
- Board orientation and setup
- Essential backgammon vocabulary
- Dice probabilities and common rolls
- Why understanding the odds leads to better decisions
SESSION 2
Mastering the Opening
The first few rolls often shape the entire game. Discover the most common opening moves and how to respond to your opponent’s choices.
- The fifteen opening rolls
- Standard opening strategies
- Reading your opponent’s first move
- Choosing strong responses
SESSION 3
Building a Winning Position
Backgammon is a game of plans, not just moves. Explore the strategic ideas that experienced players rely on.
- How to create a game plan
- Building and using primes
- When and how to attack
- The power of anchor games
SESSIONÂ 4
Bringing it Home
Learn how to finish games with confidence and discover the basics of the doubling cube.
- Bearing-off techniques
- Racing concepts
- The fundamentals of the doubling cube
- When to double and when to accept