Backgammon Travel Sets
The Backgammon Game Crosses All International Boundaries
The backgammon game has enjoyed an international following for thousands of years. Children all over the world learn how to play backgammon at an early age, and games of backgammon can be found in schools, clubs and cafes across the globe. We may well wonder how a game that originated an estimated five thousand years ago has become such a world conqueror? Certainly the straightforward nature of the game’s objective – to be the first player in a position to remove (bear off) all their checkers from the board, and the easy to understand nature of the other backgammon rules, have been factors in its appeal since they ensure that players can learn to play backgammon faster than board games. Yet a game that is boring, even if it is easy to learn, is not going to become so popular. Therefore, the excitement backgammon generates and the demands for quick thinking it makes on participants are without doubt much more important factors in explaining its spread.
People brought up in the age of the internet and computers might come to the conclusion that Internet backgammon has been the prime factor in making the game into an international favorite. The fact is that backgammon was being taken from country to country thousand of years before backgammon online was ever dreamed about. The Romans played a significant role in carrying the game from the areas of Iran and Iraq where it originated to the many other lands that formed part of the Roman Empire. It is also interesting to note that backgammon gambling was also a very important feature of the game in this early stage of its history. The Roman version of backgammon was called “Tabula” and it was only played for money, with a number of famous Romans, including Emperor Claudius ranking among the enthusiastic players. It was not exactly the same as the game commonly played today. For example, Roman players needed to enter all their checkers to the board from square 1 and they had to be moved in an anti-clockwise direction. In addition, they threw three, instead of the two dice commonly used today, and up to three checkers could be moved according to the results of this throw.
As backgammon traveled from country to country, additional local variations of the game developed. For instance, Tavla, the Turkish version of backgammon shares much in common with the most commonly played backgammon game, but there is no doubling cube nor cup for throwing the dice – the dice are flicked against the wooden side of the Tavla board.
The unique contribution of online backgammon with its free backgammon software downloads has been to give access to broaden access to the game beyond what was possible in pre-Internet days. Although international backgammon competitions have been in existence for a number of years, the regularity and easy access to the tournaments offered online is a new development. Everyone who has a connection to the Internet can now download backgammon software and take part in international competitions.
About the Author
Internet backgammon professional Gene Marshall writes for several top backgammon web sites. The author contributes articles about online backgammon and recommended backgammon playing strategies. More works by Gene Marshall related to backgammon can be obtained on the net.
World Backgammon Championships 2005 presented by Kara Scott
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Rose 19 Burnt Red Folding Tournament Chess Checkers Backgammon Games Set $39.95 The Rose 19″ Red Tournament Games Set features three classic games in one set: Chess, Checkers and Backgammon. One side of the board is a Chess/Checkers board and the other side is a Backgammon board. The chess board comes with a letter and number grid and it folds to create a storage for pieces which makes this 3 in1 game set great for tournaments, clubs, next door and even traveling. The board a… |
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New Trademark Kasparov International Master Chess Set Handmade Folding Wooden Chess Board $71.33 Chess is a game that will challenge, excite and captivate you. The game of chess involves deep levels of strategy and tactics. In the game of chess each player commands an army of 16 chessmen and has the ultimate goal of beating the opposing army…. |
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New Trademark Kasparov Circular Tabletop Chess Set Hand Carved Wooden Chess Pieces W/Kasparov Design $76.99 Chess is a game that will challenge, excite and captivate you. The game of chess involves deep levels of strategy and tactics. In the game of chess each player commands an army of 16 chessmen and has the ultimate goal of beating the opposing army…. |
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3-in-1 Magnetic Travel Game Set by Trademark GamesT $14.10 This incredible Trademark 3-in-1 Game Set will provide you and your family and friends with hours of enjoyment at home or on the road. With three different gaming options in one convenient compact set there is certain to be something that everyone will enjoy. The magnetic gaming surface and pieces assure that the game play will be rock steady during even the most tumultuous trip!Features include:M… |
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NEW DELUXE WOODEN CHESS, CHECKER & BACKGAMMON SET HIGH QUALITY $62.39 This high quality wood constructed three in one game contains game surfaces and pieces for chess, checkers, and backgammon. The game board folds in half for easy storage and features a convenient handle for transport…. |
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NEW ELEGANT INLAID WOOD CABINET W/ STAUNTON WOOD CHESSMEN HIGH QUALITY $52.79 Take your gaming to the next level with the royal game, the game of chess! This beautiful chess set has been cleverly designed with fabric lined drawers on each side of the board for convenient piece storage. The Staunton pieces are excellently crafted from extravagant woods and feature a polished finish. All the pieces are easily stored inside the board for safe keeping…. |
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Travel Backgammon Game $22.94 … |
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Jumbo Checker Rug Game $10.50 Now play checkers with jumbo sizes pieces! With the rug board, you can play on the floor, table or just about anywhere. Endless fun for all ages…. |
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Drueke 877.10 Magnetic Chess Set $18.91 877.10 Enjoy chess on your own time. This easy-to-transport set allows you to play chess anywhere, anytime. The Magnetic Chess Set is perfect for long car and plane rides. The plastic chessmen are equipped with a magnetic bottom so they won’t move or slide when you encounter some rough terrain. The magnetic set is also perfect for when time is short. Squeeze in as much chess as you can during bre… |
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Backgammon Attache 18 $27.99 When it comes to winning backgammon, are you all business? Professional game briefcase opens to reveal a felted play surface, game pieces included. Vinyl case is great for tournaments and travel. For ages 7 yrs. and up… |
