Backgammon Buying Guide

Choosing a backgammon set can be overwhelming. With so many options to choose from, the buyer often finds it difficult to select one that will best suit them. However, by taking into account your specific requirements, the choice can be narrowed down significantly. We have put together this handy Backgammon buying guide to help you pick the perfect Backgammon Set.

Before deciding on a backgammon board, it is important to define how often it will be used and what it will be used for. A serious player who is intending to take their backgammon board to tournaments will have different needs to someone who is looking for an inexpensive board that they will use for family play.

Once their needs have been defined, the buyer can start looking at the backgammon sets. The main considerations are size, material, quality and the overall look/design, of course!

Size
One of the key aspects to consider when choosing a backgammon set is the size. The size will determine the overall feel and playing experience.

The 21-inch Tournament Sets are ideal for competition and serious club play, as well as enthusiasts at home. The full-size boards feature a big, bold playing surface and large accessories and the quality of play on these large boards is exceptional. However, 21-inch sets may not be the best choice for the players with limited space.





19-inch Backgammon sets are a perfect choice for the space-conscious, serious players. These are slightly smaller than full-size / tournament backgammon sets but the size does not comprise the quality of play. 19-inch boards are ideal for home use and are a popular choice amongst the serious players.




For those who like to take their backgammon sets on their travels, we would recommend the Compact Connoisseur Backgammon Sets (Typically 15-inch). These boards are more portable and take up significantly less space. However, choosing a smaller board may mean you are compromising the enjoyment of play - the checkers tend to be smaller and it may not feel as nice to move them around.






Material
Another key factor to consider is the material of the backgammon board. It is the most visual part which will affect the playing experience. In our portfolio, we have sets with wooden, felt, cork and leatherette playing surfaces. There are pros and cons to each style and ultimately it comes down to personal preference.

Beginners who are looking for an inexpensive set often choose backgammon boards with felt surface. The felt surface has a nice feel to it and allows the checkers to glide smoothly. However, the playing surface can deteriorate over time and therefore it may not be the best option if you are looking for a set that will withstand extensive use.

For those who are planning to use their board frequently, we would recommend leatherette backgammon sets. Leatherette sets are extremely robust and benefit from a quieter playing surface. However, due to the exceptional quality, these tend to attract a higher price and therefore may not be the best option for those with a tight budget.

A very popular option are wooden backgammon sets. Wooden playing surfaces not only look beautiful but also give out a pleasant noise when the dice are rolled and checkers are moved. In our portfolio we have printed and inlaid wooden boards. Printed surfaces have a smooth finish and tend to be a cheaper option. The inlaid boards on the other hand are made from crafted wood and are more premium.

Some backgammon players find the wooden boards too noisy and therefore opt in for the quieter, cork boards. Cork boards have a natural playing surface which give them a stunning, 'vintage look' and allow the pieces to move gracefully and quietly.



Brand
In our portfolio, we have a wide range of Backgammon sets from leading manufacturers, including Dal Negro, Crisloid, Manopoulos, Italfama and Philos. Each manufacturer is unique and provide sets which will cater for different needs and budgets.

Philos offer good quality wooden and felt sets at affordable prices. These are a great choice for those who are looking for inexpensive, beginner sets to use at home or for a gift that won't break the bank.

Italfama is a brand synonymous with quality and good taste worldwide. They are the world's leading manufacturer of artistic Chess sets and their backgammon sets are made to equally high standards. They specialise in portable, travel-size boards as well as top-of-the-range Backgammon and Chess tables. Their equipment is not just for play but should also be seen as fine piece of furniture.

Manopoulos are a Greek manufacturer specialising in beautifully crafted Backgammon sets and are well established worldwide. Their stunning wooden and leatherette sets combine elegant design with robust construction and exceptional playability. Furthermore, they offer uniquely designed and styled Backgammon sets which are ideal for those who like their Backgammon board to stand out.

The Italian company, Dal Negro, is regarded by many as the world's leading production Backgammon maker. Their boards define quality- they are extremely robust, aesthetically pleasing and are a popular choice amongst serious Backgammon players.

Finally, Crisloid is an American company who specialise in luxury, handmade, cork Backgammon sets. With a superb build quality and playing performance to match, these boards will be cherished for many years.


If you are still struggling to make up your mind, please contact us and our team of experts would be glad to help you with your decision.

See also: Backgammon Sets, Boards & Accessories.