Backgammon: The King of Games

Backgammon has been described as the King of Games. It is played in various forms all over the world. Now, because of the Internet, it is enjoying unprecedented popularity. The enduring fascination with backgammon through the ages is testament to the uniqueness of the game. Combing skill and an element of luck, backgammon is the ultimate challenge.

Assuming you are a game player, the purpose of this article is to whet your appetite to the point that you will investigate the potential backgammon has to offer. Here are some of the advantages of backgammon:

? It’s a fast game. Once you learn and can master the moves, a typical game takes about 10-15 minutes.
? A reversal of fortunes. No other game can offer a player who is losing a final chance of winning, even on the last throw of the dice.
? You can find backgammon players everywhere and if you are using the Internet, you can play 24/7.
? With the invention of the doubling cube (by an American), backgammon became a favorite among gamblers. If you enjoy playing for money, backgammon is your game.
? Backgammon is easy to learn, but it can take years of playing to become an expert player. Even though the game is played with dice, the skilled player will triumph over time.

If you’ve ever played checkers, then you probably noticed a backgammon board printed on the reverse side. I urge you not to use that as a learning tool. Most game and toy stores sell inexpensive backgammon boards that are complete with two sets of dice, a dice cup, a doubling cube and a set of instructions.

Ideally, it is best to learn the game with a friend. The board consists of 24 triangles (points) in alternating colors. Each player uses 15 checkers. The board is divided into two halves, with each player owning their side of the board. To begin the game, the board is set up according to a diagram. Each player takes a turn throwing the dice and attempts to move all his checkers into his ‘home board.’ The winner is the first player to move all his checkers off the board. Throws of the dice dictate the number of points for each player to move his checkers. The challenge comes in being able to block your opponent from getting his checkers to his home board while you advance your checkers and get them off the board in a timely manner.

This is a simple explanation of an overview of the game. The instructions that will come with your game will give you details about rules, opening moves, use of the doubling cube etc. After playing a dozen or so games, you will begin to get the feel of the game and eventually develop a rhythm. Don’t become discouraged by having to count out your moves. If you learn to play with one particular person, then try to find others who play the game. Once you learn the rules of backgammon, try to find opponents who are your equal or better. Nothing is more frustrating than to play backgammon with a novice who cannot count correctly or who becomes easily confused. Backgammon combines skill and luck. Many experts agree that luck accounts for 20% and that 80% of the outcome of the game depends upon skill. To improve your game, there are books available at your local library.

Now there is the Internet! Backgammon made first appeared on the Internet in July of 1992 and that Website, FIBS.com, is still available and offers free play. There are several excellent backgammon Websites, my favorite being Pogo.com. They have been around a long time and have fine tuned their program to the point where it is easy to use and there are players of all ages and skills available to play 24/7. Websites offer chat rooms where you can exchange comments with your opponent as your game progresses.

I learned to play backgammon in the late 1960’s. I was able to entice one or two of my friends into the game and they shared my enthusiasm. Eventually I took some private lessons, bought some books to improve my game and even played in some local tournaments. I played a tournament at the famous Pips Club in Beverly Hills. I won a trophy for First Runner Up in the Intermediate Class at the Petfinders 4th Annual Backgammon Tournament, July 1978. I also played a tournament at the famous Harold Lloyd mansion in Hollywood. It was a fund raiser where a few celebrities showed up. I sat next to Lucille Ball who was a serious backgammon player and was able to hold her own.

Backgammon peaked in the US during the 1970’s. It was popular everywhere. In California, there was even a chain store, Chess and Games, which stocked backgammon sets, tables and other gaming paraphernalia. I suspect that backgammon remains popular with the advent of the Internet plus players, like me, who have never lost interest in this “King of Games.” If you enjoy a game that combines skill, a bit a luck and is fast paced, give backgammon a try.