Backgammon History

The History of Backgammon

Ever wonder about the history of backgammon? Well, backgammon is the oldest known game in recorded history. It is believed that the game has its origins in ancient Mesopotamia. Backgammon was played on a wooden board for a table (much like today), used stones or small rocks as men (checkers), and the numbered dice were made from either wood, pottery, stones or bones.

The game of backgammon has usually been associated with nobles and the royal people of civilization throughout the history of the game. Among the many backgammon relics discovered, researchers have found artifacts to indicate that backgammon was popular among the aristocrats and nobility of Rome, Greece, Persia, and the Far East.

In the 1st century AD, when the Romans conquered Britain, they brought the backgammon game along with them and introduced it to the locals as a game called “Tables.” Most historians believe that the name “Backgammon” derives from the two English Words: "Bac gamen" meaning "Back Game," either referring to the re-entry of men from the “bar,” or the more advanced style of playing the game known as the "Back Game." There is also another version of the name meaning “Wee Battle” coming from the Welsh heritage, but this is not widely accepted or used since there is no conclusive evidence regarding this name, and also due to the lack of popularity of the game in that region during those times.

The game of backgammon was not documented in detail or with standard written rules until 1743 when an Englishman named Edmond Hoyle took up the task. This contributed greatly to the popularity of the game and it became well known in many European countries. These basic backgammon rules remained unchanged until the year 1931 when the rules were revised to the backgammon rules upon which we play the game today.

Presently, there are many variations to the game of backgammon which use the same board and number of checkers, or men, such as: “Kotra,” “Tabard,” “Sixy-Acey,” “Acey-Deucey,” the Greek “Plakot,” the Arabic “Jioul,” and the multi-player “Chouette.”

The doubling cube was not introduced until recently and was devised mainly to increase the gambling pleasure of the game. Backgammon doubling also has the effect of increasing the skill aspects of the game.

And that is the history of backgammon. To learn more about basic backgammon rules, see backgammon rules, and for more on basic strategy, see backgammon strategy. To read about playing backgammon online, go to online backgammon.

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		Backgammon Backgammon Rules - see rules for backgammon, board setup, movement, blots, hits, & more. Backgammon Strategy - learn basic backgammon strategy including the best opening moves. Backgammon Doubling - learn about the backgammon doubling cube. World Backgammon Championship - read about the annual World Championship of Backgammon in Monte Carlo. Free Backgammon - play our free backgammon game. Backgammon History - read about the history of backgammon.