Tavli Trio: Play the Full Greek Tavli Match Online

Play a tavli trio online free

Play a tavli trio the way it is played in a Greek kafeneio: Portes, Plakoto and Fevga in one match, with one running score, up to the points you choose. Against the computer or a friend, online or on the same device, no sign-up.

  1. Tap “Play” on the board and pick an opponent: the computer, or a friend online via a link or on the same device.
  2. Choose how many points the match goes to (1, 3, 5, 7 or 11).
  3. Leave “All three” selected and tap “Start”.
  4. After each game the “Next” button takes you to the next variant, and the score carries over.

How the trio works

Greek tavli is rarely just one game. The traditional match, the “trio”, rotates the three variants: Portes first, then Plakoto, then Fevga, and round again. Points from every game add up to one running score.

The match ends as soon as someone reaches the agreed total. In a match to 5, if nobody has 5 points after Fevga, game four is Portes again. So the winner is whoever plays all three games well, not just their favourite.

How points are scored

  • Single win: 1 point — you bore off all your checkers after your opponent had borne off at least one.
  • Mars (gammon): 2 points — you finished before your opponent bore off a single checker.
  • In Plakoto, pinning your opponent’s “mother” (their last checker on its starting point) ends the game on the spot and counts as a mars.
  • There is no doubling cube: every game is worth 1 or 2 points, the way it is played in a Greek kafeneio.

How many points to play to?

  • To 3: a quick match, usually 2–4 games. Good for a short break.
  • To 5: the classic kafeneio match. It usually goes through all three variants.
  • To 7 or 11: a long match for when you really want to settle who is better.

Strategy for a full match

  • Switch mindset every game: in Portes you hit and stay safe, in Plakoto you pin and guard your mother checker, in Fevga you build walls with no contact at all.
  • Play to the score. When you lead and need one point, a safe single win is enough — do not gamble for a mars.
  • When you are behind, a mars is the fastest way back. In Plakoto, an attack on your opponent’s mother checker can earn 2 points in one move.
  • Do not neglect the variant you like least. In a trio, one game lost by a mars costs as much as two wins.

The three games of the trio

  • Portes tavli — classic backgammon with hitting. Game one of the match.
  • Plakoto tavli — you pin instead of hitting. Game two.
  • Fevga tavli — no contact at all, everyone runs the same way. Game three.

Need the rules first? Read the Portes rules, Plakoto rules and Fevga rules, or start with the beginner's guide.

FAQ — Tavli Trio

What is a tavli trio?

It is the traditional Greek tavli match: you play Portes, Plakoto and Fevga in turn, and the points from each game add up to one score. Whoever reaches the agreed total first wins, usually 5 points.

In what order are the variants played?

Portes, then Plakoto, then Fevga. If the match is still undecided, it starts again from Portes.

How many points is a mars worth?

A mars is worth 2 points and a single win 1. In Plakoto, pinning the opponent’s mother checker also counts as a mars.

Can I play a trio against the computer?

Yes. Tap “Play”, choose the computer and a difficulty, then the points and “All three”. The computer switches its play style for each variant.

Can I play a trio with a friend?

Yes. Choose “Play a Friend”, then “Online with a link” to send them a link or “Pass & Play”, and pick “All three” with the points. Online, once you both press “Next”, the board switches to the next variant by itself.

If I close the page, is the match lost?

No. The score, the current variant and the board position are saved on your device, so if you refresh or come back soon you continue where you left off.

How long does a match to 5 take?

Usually 30–60 minutes, depending on how many mars wins there are. Fevga is usually the slowest game.

Just want one variant? Head back and play tavli online.