Play Tavli Online — Portes · Plakoto · Fevga
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Choose a Variant
All three Greek tavli variants in one place. No registration, no paywall, no app download. Pick a variant below and start playing in under 5 seconds.
Why Tavli.net?
- 3 variants in one place — Portes, Plakoto, Fevga.
- Play vs the computer — a strong AI opponent, available 24/7.
- One-tap play — tap and start. No sign-up.
- Works everywhere — mobile, tablet, desktop.
- 100% free — no premium, no subscription, no paywall.
- No pop-up ads — the experience stays clean.
- 2-player mode — play with a friend on the same device.
How Tavli Is Played
Tavli is played between two players, each with 15 checkers, and two dice. The goal is to be the first to bear all your checkers off the board. While the dice introduce an element of luck, the better thinker wins consistently in the long run.
In Greece, three variants are played — usually together in a sequence called a "trio": Portes first, then Plakoto, then Fevga. The first player to win 5 games takes the match. Read the full beginner's guide →
Variant Comparison
| Variant | Difficulty | Short description |
|---|---|---|
| Portes | Easy | Play with 15 checkers per player. Goal: bear them all off before your opponent. |
| Plakoto | Medium | All checkers start from the opponent's home point. You pin instead of hit. |
| Fevga | Hard | No hitting or pinning. You simply cannot pass through any point the opponent occupies. |
How to Start in 3 Steps
- Choose a variant. Tap one of the three cards above. The page loads the game instantly.
- Roll the dice. Each player rolls one die; whoever gets the higher number plays first with both values.
- Move, finish, opponent's turn. Continue until you bear off all your checkers first.
About Greek Tavli
Tavli has roots thousands of years old. Variants were played in Mesopotamia, ancient Egypt and Rome (as ludus duodecim scriptorum). It reached Greece through the Byzantine Empire and blended with influences from Asia Minor, giving rise to the three modern variants we know today.
Today tavli is an inseparable part of everyday Greek life: from the kafeneion to online play, it is played by all generations. The World Backgammon Federation (WBF) organises professional tournaments, while in Greece the tradition of the "trio" keeps all three variants alive.
Play on Mobile, Tablet, or Desktop
Tavli.net was built mobile-first. The board adapts automatically to iPhone, Android, iPad and desktop. No download needed from the App Store or Google Play — just your browser.
On mobile, drag to move your checkers. On desktop, use the mouse or tap. Works on Safari, Chrome, Firefox and Edge.
Frequently Asked Questions About Tavli
Do I need to create an account?
No. Tavli.net plays directly in the browser — no registration, no app to download.
Does it work on iPhone and Android?
Yes. It works on all modern phones and tablets as well as desktop. On a small screen, use landscape orientation to see the full board.
Is it really free? Any ads?
It is 100% free. There is no premium subscription and no pop-ups or paywalls.
Can I play with a friend?
In the current version you can take turns on the same device (2-player mode). Online player-vs-player is coming in a future update.
How do I play tavli against the computer?
Tap "Play" on any variant and a game vs the computer starts immediately. No setup needed — the AI opponent plays straight away.
Which variant should I choose as a beginner?
Portes (classic backgammon) is the easiest starting point. Once you feel comfortable, try Plakoto for more tactics and Fevga for more patience.
What is the difference between Portes, Plakoto and Fevga?
In Portes you hit checkers off the board. In Plakoto you pin them — they stay but cannot move. In Fevga there is no interaction with the opponent's checkers at all.
How many checkers does tavli have?
Each player has 15 checkers — 30 total on the board. They move across 24 points (triangles) according to the dice. The goal is to bear them all off before your opponent.