Boards and pieces: the Backgammon game set

A standard set of the backgammon game consists of the backgammon board, fifteen black playing pieces, fifteen white, two dice. In ancient times, the backgammon set consisted of double the number of the modern set, i.e. sixty pieces. Each of the players pieces is evenly distributed on the board. You have to collect all of your rivals pieces onto one side of the backgammon board this is your objective. Once you have done this, your goal is to take all of them out before your rival can do so. A recent development in the backgammon set is to have a doubling cube alongside the two dice; this cube speeds up the game and adds another dimension to the game and its strategy. The doubling cube made its appearance in the 1920s.

Experienced players of the game like to have a backgammon set made of leather. The leather muffles the noise of the dice being thrown on the board, and the sound of the pieces being moved, so that they can have a much quieter game. You also have boards covered with felt; this, too, creates a soundless board, and it is also less expensive than the leather one. A traditional backgammon board is made of inlaid wood in two colors which can be folded in half. So you have a compact box in which the pieces can be stored. This type of backgammon set has been in use since the 17th century and is still prevalent today.

Whatever be your preference in the size or the sound of the board, the simple set of the backgammon game has been around from time immemorial. The game was known in ancient Mesopotamia and has come down the ages, and still challenges the modern day players of today.