Play Tavli Online — Portes · Plakoto · Fevga
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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.
Free Tavli Against the Computer
Want to play free tavli against the computer? Start right here: pick a variant, roll the dice, and the computer answers in seconds. The AI opponent plays all three variants correctly (Portes, Plakoto and Fevga) and is available around the clock, with no waiting for a partner.
Playing against the computer is the best way to practise: test openings, learn the bear-off, and see your mistakes without pressure. When you feel ready, play a friend via a room link — or tap Play Anyone and we find an opponent.
Pick a game and start: Portes tavli for classic backgammon, Plakoto tavli for the pinning game, or Fevga tavli for pure strategy with no hitting. Want a human opponent? Play tavli online with a friend or against anyone.
Why Tavli.net?
- 3 variants in one place — Portes, Plakoto, Fevga.
- Play vs the computer — a strong AI opponent, available 24/7.
- Play online with a friend — create a room, share the link, play live.
- Play anyone — queue for a random opponent, first to 3.
- One-tap play — tap and start. No sign-up.
- Works everywhere — mobile, tablet, desktop.
- 100% free — no premium, no subscription, no paywall.
- Clean playing experience — nothing interrupts your game.
- 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 →
Looking for the board layout? The tavli board setup guide shows the starting position for Portes, Plakoto and Fevga with diagrams.
Variant Comparison
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 is the Greek board game with dice and 15 checkers per player. It has roots thousands of years old — variants were played in Mesopotamia, ancient Egypt and Rome (as ludus duodecim scriptorum) — and in Greece it evolved into the three modern variants: Portes, Plakoto and Fevga.
Today online tavli is the easiest way to play: from the kafeneion to the browser, it is played by all generations. On Tavli.net you play all three variants free — against the computer, a friend, or anyone. 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
What is tavli?
Tavli is the Greek board game with dice and 15 checkers per player. In Greece three variants are played — Portes, Plakoto and Fevga — usually together as a "trio". The goal is to bear off all your checkers first.
Where can I play tavli online free?
On Tavli.net. Play tavli online free in your browser — Portes, Plakoto and Fevga — against the computer, a friend via a room link, or anyone from the queue. No registration and no app download.
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?
Yes, 100% free. There is no premium subscription, no paywall and no locked features. You can play every variant without paying anything.
Can I play with a friend?
Yes. Create a room, share the link, and play live. You can also take turns on the same device in 2-player mode. No friend around? Tap Play Anyone and we find an opponent.
Can I play tavli online against anyone?
Yes. On the board tap Play Anyone, join the queue, and when someone else wants the same variant you start a first-to-3 match. No registration, no link to send.
Can I play tavli against the computer for free?
Yes, completely free. Tap "Play" on any variant and a game against the computer starts immediately, with no registration and no setup. The AI opponent is available 24/7.
How do I play tavli online?
Open Tavli.net in your browser and play tavli online instantly: against the computer, a friend via a room link, or anyone from the queue. Nothing to download, no account needed.
Which variant should I choose as a beginner?
Portes is classic tavli — the same game as international backgammon. That is where most people start. Then try Plakoto (you pin instead of hit) or Fevga (a race with no hitting).
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 in 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.