How do you play backgammon?

You should go to Yahoo games and read the rules and then play there. Like most games for new users, you'll probably get your **** beat a few dozen times, but that's ok because you're learning different strategies and once you get the concepts down and get a feel for the game you'll be a pro in no time. I haven't played backgammon since I was a kid but you can even sit in on some of the games if you like and watch the other users play if you feel more comfortable with that. If you go that route, just let them know you're learning so they don't get suspicious and boot you out.