Play Tavli Online — Portes · Plakoto · Fevga
Nickname (optional)
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.
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 tavli online with a friend — create a room and send them the link.
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? See how to play tavli online with a friend.
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.
- 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?
Yes. You can play online with a friend: create a room, share the link, and play live against each other. You can also take turns on the same device in 2-player mode.
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 — no registration, 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, or with a friend via a shared room link. Nothing to download, no account needed.
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.