Trictrac: A Guide to Rules, Instructions & How to Win Strategy

Introduction

Trictrac is a game I’ve played for years, and it’s got a rich history. It’s a traditional board and dice game from France, and it’s been around since the 17th century. It’s similar to backgammon, which I’ve written a guide on before, but with its own twists.

The game is played on a board with two sides, each with twelve narrow triangles called points (hence the backgammon comparisons). These points are grouped into six on each quarter of the board, making it a game of strategy and luck.

The goal is to move all your checkers around the board and bear them off before your opponent does. But there’s more to it than just rolling dice and moving pieces. Trictrac has special rules and scoring that make it stand out.

Rules for playing Trictrac

Now, let’s dive into the rules. First, you need two players, each with fifteen checkers of their own color. The checkers are set up symmetrically on the board. Each player has a home board and an outer board, divided by a bar in the middle. The points are numbered 1 to 24 for each player, with point 1 being the furthest from your home board.

The game starts with each player rolling one die. The player with the higher number goes first, using both numbers rolled as their first move. From there, players alternate turns, rolling two dice at the start of each turn. The numbers on the dice tell you how many points you can move your checkers.

You can move any checker the full count of one die, or split the dice roll between two checkers. But here’s where it gets interesting: you can’t land on a point occupied by two or more of your opponent’s checkers. If you land on a point with just one, you hit the opponent’s checker and send it to the bar.

There are also special moves called ‘hits’ and ‘enters’. A hit is when you land on a single opponent’s checker, and an enter is when you bring your checker back onto the board from the bar. But remember, you can’t move any other checkers until all your checkers are off the bar.

Scoring in Trictrac is unique. It’s not just about bearing off all your checkers. You score points, or ‘hits’, by completing certain actions, like bearing off a checker or hitting an opponent’s checker. The first player to reach 12 points wins the game.

Equipment and Setup for Trictrac

Trictrac is typically played on a board similar to a backgammon board, comprising twenty-four points or “fleches” – twelve on each side. The board is divided by a bar into two tables known as “jans,” each containing six points.

Each player is equipped with fifteen checkers, two dice, and a dice cup. Additionally, scoring is facilitated through the use of three disks and pegs placed in twelve holes along the board.

I’ve found that different sources may employ varying notations for identifying points on the Trictrac board. In this guide, I’ll adopt a notation system familiar to backgammon players, utilizing labels like B1 through B12 for points on the top half of the board and W1 through W12 for the bottom half. It’s essential to understand these notations from both players’ perspectives for clarity in communication and strategy.

How to Play Trictrac

Trictrac is a strategic game designed for two players, involving the movement of checkers on a board with the aim of scoring points through various strategic plays and positions. The ultimate objective of the game is to be the first player to achieve victory by winning twelve games, each consisting of twelve points. It’s important to note that Trictrac isn’t merely about speed; it’s a game deeply rooted in strategy and tactical thinking.

A turn in Trictrac commences with a player rolling two dice and announcing the resulting numbers. The player then assesses the board position to determine potential scoring opportunities based on the dice roll. After announcing and recording any points scored, the player proceeds to move their checkers according to the dice values.

Playing Trictrac involves a few key mechanics. Here’s a rundown:

1. Setup: Position your checkers as described in the setup section.
2. Gameplay: Roll the dice and move your checkers accordingly. Aim to block your opponent and protect your checkers from being hit.
3. End of the Game: The game ends when a player reaches 12 points. Points are scored through hits and bearing off checkers.

Checker movement in Trictrac follows a specific pattern: Black moves clockwise from B1 to B12 and then W12 to W1, while White moves counter-clockwise from W1 to W12 and then B12 to B1. The game transitions from a standard phase to a “heading for home” phase once a player advances their first checker onto the opponent’s side of the board, triggering additional rules and considerations.

Earning Points

Trictrac features a comprehensive scoring system, with various plays and maneuvers yielding points for the player – a series of strategic moves called “jans,”. The term “jan” is thought to be derived from the Roman god Janus, representing duality, fitting for a game where many scoring plays have two facets.

Understanding these scoring opportunities, from basic movements to complex strategic plays, is crucial for success in the game. Additionally, there are distinctions between scoring in different areas of the board, such as petit jan, grand jan, and jan de retour, each offering unique scoring possibilities and challenges.

Since the early 18th century, scoring rules have remained consistent, though there’s some variation in the number of recognized jans, with some sources listing eight and others eleven. Nonetheless, the scoring principles remain constant across all sources.

Here are all the ways to score in a table in Trictrac along with the corresponding points:

1. Jan de trois coups or Jan de six dames:

• Score: 4 points
• Criteria: Leaving one checker each on the two through seven points after the third throw of the game.

2. Jan de deux tables:

• Score: 4 points (non-doubles) or 6 points (doubles)
• Criteria: Player has two checkers cleared from the talon, opponent has not made the coin de repos, and the roll brings a checker to each of the two coins.

3. Contre jan de deux tables:

• Score: 4 points (non-doubles) or 6 points (doubles)
• Criteria: Player has two checkers cleared from the talon, opponent has made the coin de repos, and the roll brings a checker to each of the two coins.

4. Jan de mézéas:

• Score: 4 points (one) or 6 points (two ones)
• Criteria: Player has cleared only two checkers from the talon, player has made the coin de repos, opponent has not made the coin de repos, and the player rolls a one or two ones.

5. Contre Jan de mézéas:

• Score: 4 points (one) or 6 points (two ones)
• Criteria: Player has cleared only two checkers from the talon, player has made the coin de repos, opponent has made the coin de repos, and the player rolls a one or two ones.

6. Petit Jan:

• Score: 4 points (non-doubles) or 6 points (doubles) for hitting one way, 8 points (non-doubles) or 12 points (doubles) for two ways, 12 points (non-doubles) or 12 points (doubles) for three ways.

7. Grand Jan (scores same as Petit Jan).
8. Battre sur une demi-case:

• Score: 4 points for hitting one way, 8 points for two ways, 12 points for three ways (non-doubles); 6 points for hitting one way, 12 points for two ways (doubles).

9. Battre a faux:

• Score: 4 points (non-doubles), 6 points (doubles) for false hits in petit jan; 2 points (non-doubles), 4 points (doubles) for false hits in grand jan.

A Trictrac match consists of twelve games, each comprising twelve points. Players aim to win individual games as well as achieve a “partie bredouille” – a double game won by scoring twelve consecutive points. The decision to continue or restart a game after scoring points introduces strategic depth and tactical considerations, influencing the overall flow and outcome of the match.

How to Win at Trictrac

Winning at Trictrac isn’t just about luck; it’s about strategy. You need to know when to be aggressive and when to play it safe. Blocking your opponent’s checkers can prevent them from making certain moves, and setting up your checkers to make it hard for them to re-enter the board after being hit is key. Also, focus on bearing off your checkers as quickly as possible while keeping an eye on the score.

Best Strategies for playing Trictrac

Some of the best strategies involve controlling the board and being mindful of your checker positions. Try to create ‘anchors’—points with two or more of your checkers—on your opponent’s home board. This can give you a strong defensive position and make it easier to hit their checkers. Also, try to avoid leaving single checkers vulnerable to hits, and be strategic about when to bear off checkers for points.

Variations

There are a few variations of Trictrac that change the rules slightly. For example, some versions have different scoring systems or allow for different starting positions. These can add an extra layer of challenge to the game.

Scenarios

In good scenarios, like having a strong board position, you can be more aggressive. In bad scenarios, like having multiple checkers hit, focus on re-entering those checkers and rebuilding your board presence.

Frequently Asked Questions about playing Trictrac

1. Q: Can I move all my checkers with one die?
   A: No, you can move one checker per die, or split the total between two checkers.
2. Q: What happens if I can’t make a legal move?
   A: If you can’t play one or both dice, you lose your turn.
3. Q: Can I bear off checkers before all my checkers are in my home board?
   A: No, all your checkers must be in your home board before you can start bearing off.

External Links

Trictrac Original Game Table [Video]

The Metropolitan Museum of Art Game Boards, including Trictrac