Backgammon Pieces: Essential Guide to Styles & Materials

Did you know that backgammon is believed to be some 5,000 years old? That makes it one of the oldest known games in the world, and it’s nearly certainly the oldest game that’s still widely popular. According to one estimate, there are more than 300 million backgammon players worldwide.

And it’s not hard to see why this game has such enduring appeal. While it’s relatively easy to learn, it’s difficult to master, which ensures that no matter how good of a player you become, there’s always something new for you to learn. Throw in the social factor (remember all those millions of people who play backgammon?), and you’ve got a game that will reward you time and time again.

What’s all the more remarkable about backgammon is that despite being thousands of years old, the gameplay has remained largely intact. Aside from a few developments, the board and pieces they were using in the olden days are the same ones we use today.

If you’re planning to become a regular backgammon player — and so you should — then we recommend investing in a good backgammon set. You’ll use it time and time again, and it’ll likely become an important family possession. Though remember — when you’re traveling or just need to brush up on your skills, you can always play a game at 247backgammon.org!

Below, we’ve put together a handy guide on what players should look for when they’re buying a backgammon set, including the material and size of the board, as well as some handy maintenance tips that’ll help to keep your set in tip-top condition.

Choosing the Right Backgammon Pieces

Though you were just going to make a quick search for ‘backgammon pieces’ online and buy the first result that pops up? Think again.

As with most things, there are many different options available to you. Unlike most things, backgammon has thousands of years of history, and you’ll find that expert players all have their own views on what makes a great backgammon piece!

First of all, it’s important to remember that, ultimately, the backgammon set is for you. While you’ll use it to play against other people, in the end, it comes down to what you’re most comfortable with.

There’s also the cost factor to contend with: if you only play on occasion, then you probably don’t need to have gold-encrusted pieces. A plastic set will do just fine.

There are a few key decisions you’ll need to make when choosing the right pieces, including:

Where Will They Be Used?

If you can only ever envision that you’ll play backgammon at home, then you’ll have the option of buying pieces made of sturdier, heavier materials. After all, there’s no reason not to when you don’t have to worry about transporting them from one place to the next!

Players buying for their homes can also focus a little more on aesthetics. Bought correctly, a good backgammon set can help to elevate a home’s decor.

Which Material Do You Prefer?

There’s no shortage of backgammon piece materials you can choose from. Some of the materials people have used are truly fantastic — can you imagine playing with mother of pearl, gemstones, or pieces made from the antlers of a deer? All of those options are available!

But unless you have a penchant for the weird and wonderful, you’ll probably be better off selecting a different material. The most widely available material is, of course, plastic. They’re useful because they’re lightweight and easy to replace, so if a piece is damaged or lost (not uncommon in backgammon!), then it’s not the end of the world. Plastic pieces are not as luxurious as other options, however, and are best suited for casual players or ones who travel a lot, as well as players who really only care about the game.

Wood is a good middle-ground option. Those backgammon pieces aren’t overly expensive, yet they’re highly durable and can look pretty good.

What Type of Board Do You Have?

Ultimately, your backgammon pieces aren’t just for show — they’re for playing with! It’s important to match your pieces to your board. For example, if you have a large board, then buying small pieces (or vice versa) wouldn’t make any sense.

You should also take care to ensure that they match stylistically. For instance, if you’ve bought a gorgeous backgammon board, then it wouldn’t make much sense to buy plastic pieces.

Types of Backgammon Sets

Your backgammon pieces are only one part of your overall set. And in fact, they’re arguably not even the most important part, at least not when it comes down to the overall playing experience.

That lies with the board. The type of board you buy will have a significant impact, influencing everything from the weight to how loud the game gets.

First of all, let’s think about the most commonly offered board type, which is wood. The outer part can be wood, but if the surface is wood, then you’ll have to contend with loud play. Wood reverberates sound like nothing else, which is fine if you’re planning to play in a busy and loud environment, but if you were thinking of playing a few games while your family is doing other things, then you’ll come to regret it.

Most regular players agree that felt is the best surface material. That’s because it’s smooth and relatively robust. Wool also makes for a great backgammon surface, but it can be more difficult to come across.

If you’re looking for a set that has the most visual appeal, then look at ones that incorporate a bit of metal. They always catch the eye — though note that the added weight means they’re not as handy for traveling with.

Strategies for Using Your Pieces

You could spend a week researching the best backgammon sets on the market, spend a small fortune, and then finally make it yours. However, if you haven’t invested time into learning how to play to a high standard, then all of your efforts will be (mostly) wasted. You might have a backgammon set that looks good in your home, but that’ll be it.

We’d recommend playing a few games at 247backgammon.org before you think about buying a backgammon set. You’ll feel much more confident about earning your hard-earned cash on a set if you know that you’re getting better at playing. Plus, playing on the site is completely free.

Beyond that, reading up on some of the best backgammon strategies can really help take your game to the next level. There are a few strategies that, once you know them, will make you better than the vast majority of players. A key strategy to know and use is priming, which involves making a series of points across the board. By setting your pieces up correctly, you can put yourself in a strong position to get ahead and, just as effectively, make it more difficult for your opponent to make moves.

Caring for Your Backgammon Set

If you’ve gone through the process of finding and buying a backgammon set, then it’s in your interest to ensure it lasts for as long as possible. While backgammon might not appear like a game where things can easily become damaged, don’t underestimate how easily your board will begin to show signs of wear and tear, especially if you’re taking it on your travels!

A little bit of maintenance can go a long way toward keeping your backgammon set in perfect condition. First of all, be gentle with your set — even the ones made of the most durable materials will suffer damage if you’re throwing it around.

It’s also recommended to find somewhere to safely and securely store your board when it’s not in use. Buying a travel case for your backgammon set is a good idea — not only will it keep your set protected when you’re on the road, but it makes it easy to look after it when you’re at home. All you’ll need to do is tuck it away in a cupboard in your house.

Even if you do have a case for your set, you’ll still need to be mindful of dust. It can cause damage to the set over time, especially if there’s any metal on your board or pieces. Regularly dusting your set will keep damage at bay.

Beyond that, preserving your set will mostly depend on cleaning the material correctly. There are different processes for cleaning leather, plastic, acrylic, and so forth. Read up on handy tips for whichever you have, and commit to cleaning every now and again.

Finally, remember that you don’t necessarily need a backgammon set to begin playing this five-thousand-year-old game. You can simply point your browser toward 247backgammon.org, and begin playing. Even if you do decide that a set is right for you, it’s worthwhile bookmarking this page, since it allows you to play against the computer or against other people online, which is ideal when there’s no one around to use your set with.

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