Board games
Long Nardy
Same way round, no hitting, one off the head
Long Nardy is the backgammon of Russia, Ukraine and the Caucasus. All 15 checkers start on the head in opposite corners and both players run the same way round; there is no hitting — a single checker holds its point. Only one checker leaves the head per turn, and a wall of six is allowed only once an opposing checker is past it.
- Players
- 2 players
- Length
- 10–20 min per match
- Type
- Board games
Play Long Nardy online with friends
At Masa, Long Nardy is a game of its own right next to Tavla: pick it in the games list, open a table and share its code or link with your friends, or sit at a house table. Bots fill the empty chairs, and voice chat keeps the table talking.
How to play
- 1
All 15 checkers start on one point. Race them round, bring them home and bear them off first. The match goes to 3 points.
- 2
Both players move the same way round the board, starting from opposite corners.
- 3
No hitting: a single checker holds its point. You may neither land on it nor touch down on it in a combined move.
- 4
Only one checker may leave the head (the starting point) per turn — two on your first roll if it is 6-6, 4-4 or 3-3.
- 5
You may not build six points in a row unless at least one of your opponent’s checkers is already in front of them.
- 6
The players take turns to open the games of a match.
Frequently asked questions
Is Long Nardy the same game as Tavla?
No. Long Nardy is played at the same kind of table as Tavla, but with rules of its own — see “How to play” above. At Masa it is a game of its own, with its own tables, stats and achievements.
Can I play Long Nardy online with friends?
Yes. Open a Long Nardy table and share its code or link. Empty seats fill with other players or bots, so a game always starts.
Is Long Nardy free to play?
Yes. You play with Chips, which have no cash value: nothing can be won or cashed out.
