In Greece, there are various versions of backgammon that are played. The Greek name for the classic version of backgammon is “portas,” which translates to “doors” in English. In this version, each point on the board is considered a “porta,” with the implication of a closed door.
Plakoto is a unique variant of backgammon where players are allowed to stop on an opponent’s piece, but not remove it from the board. The opponent’s piece is immobilized until the player moves their own piece off. The objective is to bear off all of one’s pieces while preventing the opponent from doing so by landing on their pieces and immobilizing them, similar to Moultezim. The player with the highest roll starts first, and leaving one’s pieces exposed is riskier in Plakoto compared to traditional backgammon. Creating points is crucial in Plakoto to prevent one’s pieces from being immobilized by the opponent.
Interesting facts about Plakoto:
- Plakoto is a variant of backgammon that is commonly played in Greece and Turkey.
- In Plakoto, the players move their pieces in opposite directions around the board, with the objective of bearing off all their pieces before the opponent does.
- One of the unique rules of Plakoto is that a player can stop on an opponent’s piece without removing it from the board. The opponent’s piece is immobilized until the player moves their own piece off.
- Plakoto is a game of skill and strategy, as players need to balance the risks of leaving their pieces exposed against the rewards of creating points.
- The game starts with the highest roll, and players take turns rolling two dice and moving their pieces accordingly.
- To win in Plakoto, a player must move all their pieces to their home board and bear them off the board.
- Plakoto is one of several variants of backgammon, each with its own unique rules and strategies.
- The game can be played both in person and online, with many websites and apps offering Plakoto as a game option.
