Rules
Abak Evolution

Abak Evolution Backgammon is a Backgammon variant that adds 5 classes of checkers, each with its own set of features and unique behavior.

Abak Evolution adds 5 classes of soldiers, plus the regular one. Each of these classes has different properties.

Abak is to BackGammon as Chess is to Checkers

This document explains the Abak Evolution Backgammon's rules. It requires previous knowledge of Classic Backgammon.

The same rules of Backgammon, with these guys.

Guard
⨯2

more powerful than the rest

General

moves backward and forward

Druid

traps and holds

Even Wounded

only plays EVEN numbers

Odd Wounded

only plays ODD numbers

Soldier
⨯9

same as classic Backgammon

General Rules

These rules entail slight changes in the game mechanics. Note that one is fairly implicit yet it didn't have to be enforced in classic backgammon, and the other one already exists in some versions of the game.

You must move the highest checker of each point first.

You can't move a checker if there is another checker on top of it.

There’s a 5 checker limit per point.

In the field positions, you can only stack five checkers per point.

Abak Evolution transforms Backgammon into a bidimensional game. This means that the vertical position of a stone in the column matters and therefore the order of movements in a turn is a new factor in the game.

Starting Position

The starting position is very similar to backgammon, but instead of two checkers in the back, you start with 4:

The wounded (⨯2) start at the back [p.24-1] [p.23-1], each placed to reach the 18-point with its maximum dice face number.
The druid starts with them, as far back as possible [p.24-2]. Its radius of action is the midfield, so it's better to wait back.
The guards (⨯2) are close to home [p.13-3] [p.8-2], ready to form structures but not ready to move, they are both under a soldier at the start.
The general starts at home [p.6-4], to help form structures in both directions.
The rest, the normal soldiers, start at: [p.23-2][p.13-1][p.13-2][p.13-4][p.8-1][p.8-3][p.6-1][p.6-2][p.6-3]

Starting Position

Soldiers

Each class of soldiers has its own set of properties that modify its behavior.

Guard⨯2

The Guards are like two soldiers together but can be trapped by the Druid and hit by other Guards or other soldiers if both can hit. Each team has 2.

blocks like two soldiers

can be trapped by the Druid

can be hit by other Guards

To hit a guard with two (non-guard) soldiers, you must be able to hit it with both of them in consecutive movements during a turn.

General

The General can move backward and forward with some limitations. It can travel in only one direction per turn and can go backward only once.

If it goes forward, it can't move back on the same turn.

If it goes backward, it can no longer move during the turn.

After moving from the bar, it CAN move backward.

It can't move backward if all other soldiers of its team are in the team house.

Druid

The Druid can trap an adversary if it’s alone in midfield. The trapped soldier can't move while the Druid is over it.

Druid can trap a single soldier

Druid can’t trap a blocked column

Druid has trapped a soldier

Druid will be hit

Druid is trapped by a Druid

Druid is safe

Inside any house, Druid behaves as a regular soldier.

midfield

black house

white house

Druid traps

Druid hits

Even Wounded

The Even Wounded can only play EVEN numbers.

only plays EVEN numbers

When leaving the bar or bearing off, it can move any number.

Odd Wounded

The Odd Wounded can only play ODD numbers.

only plays ODD numbers

When leaving the bar or bearing off, it can move any number.

Abak vs Classic Backgammon

While Abak Evolution's only difference with Classic Backgammon is the added classes, this produces a significant change in the game and has two major consequences.

Abak has (3.346.200)² possible positions for any given Classic Backgammon’s position

This position of your team in a Classic Backgammon