Fevga — Play Fevga Tavli Online

What is Fevga?

Fevga is the most tactical and "pure" of the three variants. Because there is no hitting or pinning, it relies entirely on positioning and building walls (primes).

It is essentially the Greek version of the Turkish Moultezim and is related to several Balkan variants. It arrived in Greece from Asia Minor and Smyrna, spreading as the "third" part of the traditional series to balance the luck element of Portes and the aggression of Plakoto.

Fevga is a favourite among experienced players because luck matters far less than in the other two variants. Over a large sample of games the better player almost always wins — which is why it is also known as the 'game of the expert'.

Fevga Rules

  1. All 15 checkers per player start at the same end: white on the 24-point, black on the 12-point.
  2. Both players move in the same direction (counter-clockwise).
  3. There is no hitting or pinning — no interaction between checkers of different players.
  4. You cannot land on any point that has even one of your opponent's checkers.
  5. You cannot place more than 1 checker on the opponent's first 6 points until you have passed through them yourself.
  6. Doubles are played four times, as in the other variants.
  7. Once all 15 of your checkers reach your home board, you start bearing off.
  8. The winner is the first player to bear off all their checkers.

Fevga Strategy

  • Build a prime of 6 consecutive closed points in front of your opponent to trap them behind you.
  • Don't advance checkers in isolation — your power is in moving as a unit.
  • Watch the '1 checker maximum' restriction on the opponent's first 6 points until you have passed through yourself.
  • During the bear-off, don't leave checkers behind if the opponent still has a prime — they can block you.
  • Play patiently: since you can't hit, the only way to win is through speed and precise positioning.
  • When pip counts are equal, whoever holds the better prime usually wins.

Common Mistakes — Fevga

  • Trying to 'hit' — there is no hitting in Fevga.
  • Wasting a roll on points occupied by the opponent and forfeiting the move.
  • Violating the '1 checker' rule in the opponent's first 6 points without noticing.
  • Racing to bear off without stabilising their last checkers.
  • Ignoring the patience the game demands and looking for aggressive moves that don't exist.

Glossary — Fevga

Term Definition
Prime Consecutive closed points. The longer it is, the harder it is for the opponent to pass.
Closed point A point with 2+ of your checkers. The opponent cannot land there.
Rule of 1 You cannot place more than one checker on the opponent's first 6 points until you have passed through them yourself.
Doubles Same numbers on both dice; played four times.
Bearing off The phase where you remove your checkers from the board.
Expert's game A popular expression for Fevga — because the more thoughtful player almost always wins.

Fevga: How It Differs from the Other Variants

Compared with Portes, Fevga is the exact opposite: zero contact with the opponent's checkers, no ability to send them back. All strategy is positional, not aggressive.

Compared with Plakoto, Fevga doesn't trap — if the opponent has a checker on a point you simply cannot pass there. Its difficulty is purely intellectual: luck counts for less, thinking for more.

FAQ — Fevga

Why is it called Fevga?

The name means 'flee' in Greek — all checkers simply race toward the far end of the board with no hitting.

Is it easier or harder than Portes?

Harder strategically. You lose no time to hits or pins, but you must plan every move carefully.

Is it the same as Moultezim?

Yes, Fevga is the Greek version of the Turkish Moultezim and is related to several Balkan variants.

What is the "rule of 1"?

Until you have moved your own checkers past the opponent's first 6 points, you cannot leave more than one of your checkers on any of those points.

Is there a gammon in Fevga?

Yes. If you finish while the opponent has not borne off any checker, you win a double victory.

How long does a game of Fevga take?

Usually 15–25 minutes. It is the slowest of the three variants because there are no dramatic swings from hits.

Is it played internationally?

Yes, as "Moultezim" or under various Balkan names. It is not widely known in international online backgammon — it is mainly a Greek and Turkish tradition.

Why is it called the 'expert's game'?

Because the luck factor is smaller. If you know what you're doing, you will almost always beat a beginner — something that doesn't always happen in Portes.

Other Variants Beyond Fevga

  • Portes — The classic tavli variant — Greek backgammon as played in every kafeneio.
  • Plakoto — Pin your opponent's checkers. They can't move until you let them go.

New to tavli? Start with the beginner's guide — covers the basics of all three variants.