What is Loutraki Backgammon?

Some historians believe that the origins of Backgammon come from the land of Egypt. While this may be the case, the game of Backgammon undoubtedly has roots in the Mediterranean as well. There are three games that can claim almost a purely Mediterranean heritage. They are Tavli Backgammon, aptly named Greek Backgammon, and of course Loutraki Backgammon. There is some variation concerning the names of these games, however what makes these games unique does not.

Loutraki is a town in Greece and is a beautiful tourist destination. It is also a Backgammon lovers dream and many have traveled there to play this timeless classic the way that it was meant to be played. Both fortunately, and unfortunately, the modern player does not have to travel to exotic locales to play with the best that Loutraki Backgammon players have to offer. Before, a player would have to travel the globe in search of the Backgammon masters, today they are found online and game play is much easier.

The primary objective of Loutraki Backgammon is the same as traditional Backgammon. A player must get all of their game pieces to their home board and then subsequently bear those pieces off of the board to win the game. If the player fails to do so, or is hit, the player must begin their journey all over again.

After the players have managed to get all of their pieces to their respective home boards the race to the finish begins and both players play frantically to throw good dice combinations. For a player wanting a taste of the Mediterranean they would be well advised to pour a nice glass of Chianti, nibble on an olive, a play a leisurely game of Loutraki Backgammon.