- The MSN Gaming ZonePrevalent and interesting backgammon sets
In the era of online backgammon where it has become easier to play with opponents across the globe that playing with the person at home, on board backgammon still holds its charm for many. Probably that is the main reason why many families play backgammon at home and many backgammon enthusiasts go to backgammon clubs for a good game. The experience of enjoying backgammon is further accentuated by the wide range and vivid variety of gaming boards and sets that are available in the market. These styles range from traditional designs that were prevalent years ago to more contemporary styles. These backgammon sets are interesting, diverse and come in a mind-boggling array. With styled detailing and novel approaches many of the ancient styles have even found a place in museums. Given below is a brief history on the origin of backgammon sets, followed by descriptions of a few popular styles in backgammon sets, from past and present times across the world. You can also read some of the history of online backgammon in another section on the site
The origin of backgammon sets
The earliest backgammon set was unearthed in Iran belonged to 3000 BC and is said to have comprised 60 pieces as compared to today’s 30 pieces. While the game has evolved through its long history, the backgammon board has remained more or less the same. Through its history, the game has had a universal appeal and as a result, it has been played on a wide range of surfaces with a range of markers. The materials include wood, ebony, bone, ceramic, wood and ivory. Drawing inspiration from the old and ideas from the new, today there is a wide range of backgammon sets in the world.
Concealed backgammon sets
These backgammon sets are designed to look like something else from the exterior. One example of such a game set is the book type. The board closes to appear like a book, complete even with title names of the book. These books open into standard backgammon boards that come with dice boxes and dice. One such model of backgammon book model is stored at the Games museum in Waterloo. Another concealed style is backgammon suitcases that close up to look like a suitcase or briefcase. The checkers, dice and dice cup neatly fit inside the suitcase. These are often made of real or imitation leather and come complete with suitcase like clasps and a suitcase handle. These even include usage of vinyl and other materials, which may be used for creating the playing surface on the inside. These may come as a single game or at times games of chess and checkers are also included.
Backgammon boxes
These are a prevalent style for backgammon since ages and are popular even today. As the name implies, here the gaming board folds up as a box. The dice, checkers, dice cup easily fit inside the box which can be made from a range of materials like leather, wood, paper or inlaid with ivory and mother of pearl. Some even come with a wooden exterior, velvet interiors and the playing surface made of materials like zinc alloy or paper. The wood used in these sets is exquisite like the woods of mahogany, oak, walnut or beech wood. These boxes are often hand painted, may have workmanship with semiprecious stones or pearls and have clasps that secure the box carefully. Box sets of backgammon often also come along with other games like chess and checkers that fit in the same box. The oldest set of backgammon found in Iran in 3000BC, was a box set that was uncovered with sixty pieces. The set was rectangular and made of ebony with a high degree of craftsmanship. The costs of backgammon boxes range from very little to very high prices depending upon the type of material used and the work done on the box.
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Backgammon tables
Backgammon tables have also been quite prevalent in old times and many backgammon enthusiasts still sport such tables in their homes or casinos. The backgammon tables are specially inlaid with the design of a backgammon board. These are quite prevalent in varied parts of the world. These tables often also have removable drawers where the backgammon pieces, dice box and the dice can be stored. Many of these units also come with reversible boards that allow for the addition of more games like checkers or chess on the other side. Backgammon tables also come as four in one or six in one sets that allow for as many board games as the user likes. These tables are often made of wood (like teak, mahogany, walnut etc), paper, and brass or can be inlaid with ivory depending upon the tastes of the maker and purchaser. Today many such backgammon tables with seating for two or four members are available in the market and can be purchased offline or online.
Ceramic backgammon sets
Ceramic sets of backgammon are also quite popular. While these are not the ideal choice for travel, these are a unique kind to possess. These sets are a little heavy and often suitable as the centerpiece in a well-designed room. The sizes of ceramic backgammon sets vary and those interested in possessing these sets need to specify the size they require. One can also choose whether the materials of the checkers in ceramic or wood. The dice upholder and even the dice can also be taken in ceramic as per liking.
Travel backgammon sets
Travel backgammon sets are a popular choice for people on the move. These are small, compact and easy to carry. These come in a range of materials like wood, vinyl or cardboard. Travel backgammon often comes in combination with other board games. Magnetic travel sets are also quite popular as the pieces stay in place and do not fall off while travel-playing. One of the less prevalent styles, fold up backgammon sets, as the name implies can be folded or rolled up. These are made of cloth and sizes of the playing surface vary. These are an ideal choice for travelers as cloth backgammon sets are easy to carry around. The checkers, dice cup and dice can be chosen from a variety of materials like wood, plastics or metal.
While choosing the backgammon set of your liking can be overwhelming because of the large choice available, online shopping sites make the experience quite pleasurable. You can surf through the various sites, choose the backgammon board style you like, select the colors and compare the prices. Most importantly many companies also offer customization features, so you can customize your backgammon board as per your liking. To add more fun into the experience you can even opt for backgammon or gaming tables and gaming chairs which are available for a couple or for more people.