How to Choose a Backgammon Set

1. The key criteria

Choosing a backgammon set depends mainly on three factors: your playing level, your intended use (regular play, special occasions, travel, decoration) and your budget. Do not be fooled by looks alone — a cheap board that warps, or whose checkers do not slide properly, will make playing frustrating.

2. Board size

The size of a backgammon set is usually measured by the length of the board when open. The common formats:

For comfortable play at home, a 40–50 cm board is ideal. The checkers have room, the dice do not fall out easily, and the board remains easy to handle.

3. Materials

Solid wood — the best choice

A solid-wood backgammon case is the gold standard for durability and looks. The most common woods:

• Walnut: warm, with an elegant grain and very hard-wearing
• Mahogany: reddish, dense, with a luxurious look
• Maple: pale and fine-grained, often used for the markings
• Rosewood: very dense and magnificent, but rarer and more expensive

Leather and faux leather

Many quality backgammon sets use leather to line the inside of the board. Genuine leather is more durable, less slippery for the checkers and has a premium feel. Faux leather (PU) is an acceptable alternative but will not age as well.

Felt and fabric linings

Entry-level models often use glued felt for the points. It does the job, but the edges fray over time. Look for thick, well-stretched felt.

MDF/plywood boards

Boards made of MDF (fibreboard) covered with veneer or printed paper are the cheapest. They may be fine for occasional use but do not have the longevity of solid wood.

4. Checker quality

The checkers (also called men, stones or pieces) are a crucial part of the game. Their quality directly affects how enjoyable it is to play:

• Acrylic checkers: the most common. Light, durable and available in many colours
• Wooden checkers: natural and warm, but they scratch more easily
• Natural bone checkers: the most luxurious and traditional. Ideal weight, incomparable feel
• Resin/stone checkers: heavy and top of the range, often used in tournament sets

A solid-wood backgammon board generally comes with acrylic checkers of a good diameter (38–44 mm). Premium sets offer heavy resin checkers.

5. Dice and the doubling cube

The dice supplied with cheap backgammon sets are often poorly balanced and small. For the best playing experience:

• Dice of 16–18 mm (not small 12 mm dice)
• Precision “casino” dice with sharp edges, perfectly balanced
• Two matching pairs of dice (one per player)
• Dice cups with a felt-lined base (reduces noise and excessive bouncing)
• A good-sized, clearly marked doubling cube (2-4-8-16-32-64)

6. Choosing by budget

€20–40 budget: entry level

At this price you will find MDF or plywood boards with felt linings and light acrylic checkers. Fine for learning and occasional play. Do not expect durability here.

€50–100 budget: good value for money

Wooden boards with quality linings and decent-sized acrylic checkers. Good enough for regular use, and can last several years if well looked after.

€100–250 budget: premium quality

Quality solid wood, genuine leather inside, heavy checkers. A board in this range can last a lifetime. It is the sweet spot for a keen player.

€250 and above: luxury and collector's pieces

Refined finishes, precious woods, engravings or inlays, bone or mother-of-pearl checkers. A luxury backgammon board is also a work of art and an exceptional gift.

7. Luxury solid-wood backgammon

Luxury solid-wood backgammon is enjoying renewed interest. Workshops in Europe, the Middle East and Asia produce exceptional cases:

• Marquetry and precious-wood inlays
• Hand-stitched full-grain leather linings
• Natural bone or semi-precious stone checkers
• Brass hinges and clasps
• Personalisation available (initials, engraved patterns)