Board games
Tapa
Pin lone checkers instead of hitting
Tapa is the pinning game of Bulgarian tabla, played after the classic game and Gul Bara. Both players start on the other’s first point and run against each other; there is no hitting — land on a lone checker and it stays pinned under yours until you leave. Bear all 15 off first; a win before the loser bears any off counts double.
- Players
- 2 players
- Length
- 10–20 min per match
- Type
- Board games
Play Tapa online with friends
At Masa, Tapa 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 your opponent’s first point and the players move in opposite directions. Bring them home and bear them off first. The match goes to 3 points.
- 2
Opening roll: each player rolls one die; the higher one rolls both dice and starts. Each game’s winner opens the next one.
- 3
No hitting: land on a lone opposing checker to pin it under yours. A pinned checker can’t move until your checker leaves; a pinner or any two checkers hold a point.
- 4
You can bear off only when all your checkers, pinned ones too, are in your home board.
Frequently asked questions
Is Tapa the same game as Tavla?
No. Tapa 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 Tapa online with friends?
Yes. Open a Tapa table and share its code or link. Empty seats fill with other players or bots, so a game always starts.
Is Tapa free to play?
Yes. You play with Chips, which have no cash value: nothing can be won or cashed out.
