Luxury Backgammon Sets: How to Choose One Worth Keeping

A luxury backgammon set is one built to be left out: a solid case in wood, leather or lacquer, a playing surface that keeps dice quiet, and checkers with enough weight to slide cleanly. Good sets start at around €170. Above €300 you are paying for design and finish more than for play.

What comes in a backgammon set?

A complete backgammon set contains a board with 24 narrow triangles called points, 30 checkers (15 per player), two pairs of dice, usually two dice cups, and a doubling cube. The doubling cube is a six-sided die marked 2, 4, 8, 16, 32 and 64, used to raise the stakes of a game. The full rules are set out on Wikipedia's backgammon page.

What makes a backgammon set luxury?

• The case. Solid wood, wood burl, leather or lacquer rather than vinyl over cardboard. It should close flush and open flat.
• The playing surface. Inlaid wood looks beautiful and is loud. Leather, eco-leather or felt interiors soften the sound of the dice.
• The checkers. Heavier checkers slide across the points and stack neatly on the bar.
• The details. Dice cups with a lip, a proper doubling cube, and hinges and clasps that will survive years of use.

Which luxury backgammon set should you choose?

All five sets below were in stock when this guide was published.

Walnut Wood Luxury Backgammon

The traditional choice from Greek maker Manopoulos, in warm walnut. €170

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Red Eco Leather Interior Backgammon

A red eco-leather interior that softens the roll of the dice. €186

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Luxury Champagne Beige Colour Backgammon

The same quality in a calm champagne beige for lighter rooms. €186

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Colourful Design Checkerboard Backgammon

Jonathan Adler's pop-colour take, closer to decor than to a board game. €339

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Sorrento Juego de Backgammon

The most graphic set we stock and a regular bestseller as a gift. €399

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Is a backgammon set a good gift?

Yes. Backgammon is a two-player game that takes minutes to learn and a lifetime to master, and a well-made set works as decoration between games. It suits couples, travellers and anyone who already owns a chess set. If you are unsure which game to give, the 2 in 1 chess and backgammon set covers both for €70.

How do you care for a backgammon set?

1. Store it closed, away from radiators and direct sun, so the wood does not warp.
2. Wipe wood, lacquer and leather with a dry, soft cloth. Avoid sprays and water.
3. Use the dice cups. Throwing dice by hand marks inlaid wood over time.

For more ideas, see our guide to luxury board games for adults, browse all design games or explore games and gifts for adults.

Frequently asked questions

How many checkers are in a backgammon set?

Thirty: 15 in one colour and 15 in another.

How many points are on a backgammon board?

Twenty-four, arranged in four quadrants of six, with a central divider called the bar.

What is the doubling cube for?

It tracks the stakes. A player who feels ahead can offer to double; the opponent either accepts and plays on for twice the points, or concedes the game.

How much does a luxury backgammon set cost?

At Playoffside, handcrafted sets start at €170 and designer sets run from €339 to €399.