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★★★★★ Historically Established Ancient Tables & Medieval Renaissance

Backgammon

The Grand Race of Probability, Tactics & Bearing Off

The dice determine the possibilities. The player determines what to do with them. A game of calculated probability, striking opposing blots onto the bar, and bearing off under pressure.

R750.00 Handcrafted in South Africa
Leather Colour: Off White
Drawstring Colour: Black
Playing Pieces: Glass
Genuine leather circular drawstring pouch board with drawstring pouch, 30 pieces and dice.
Delivery via Pudo, Paxi, or Aramex (Free delivery on orders over R900).
Complete historical rules and tactical movement guide included.

The Story of Backgammon

Backgammon is one of the world's great surviving race games.

Its family tree reaches deep into the ancient world, with related race games appearing in cultures across the Middle East and Mediterranean. The modern game developed from earlier forms of tables and related games rather than appearing fully formed at one particular moment.

What has allowed Backgammon to survive is its remarkable combination of chance, probability and strategy:

"The dice determine the possibilities. The player determines what to do with them."

Objective

Move all 15 of your pieces around the board and bear them off before your opponent.

How to Play

  1. Standard Setup: Each player begins with 15 pieces placed in the standard starting formation across the 24 points.
  2. Opposite Movement: Players move their pieces in opposite directions around the board toward their home board.
  3. Rolling the Dice: Roll two dice at the beginning of your turn. Each die represents a separate movement.
  4. Single Piece Movement: You may move one piece using both numbers, provided the intermediate position is legal.
  5. Doubles: A double is played four times instead of twice.
  6. Blocked Points: A point occupied by two or more opposing pieces is blocked and cannot be landed upon.
  7. Blots & The Bar: A single opposing piece is called a blot. Landing on a blot hits it and sends it directly to the center bar.
  8. Re-entering from the Bar: A player with a piece on the bar must re-enter it into the opponent's home board before moving any other pieces.
  9. Bearing Off: Once all 15 of your pieces have reached your home board, you may begin bearing them off the board.
  10. Victory: The first player to bear off all 15 pieces wins the match.

The Heritage Note

Backgammon is a beautiful example of how an old game can evolve without losing its essential character.

Its ancient relatives may be thousands of years old, while the Backgammon we recognise today is the result of a much later development.

It is not one game frozen in time — it is a game that has travelled through time.
Historical Accuracy Rating: ★★★★★ (Historically Established).

Game Specifications

Players 2 Players
Board 24-point printed genuine leather drawstring pouch board
Pieces 15 per player (30 pieces total)
Dice 2 precision wooden / acrylic dice included
Playing Time Approximately 20–30 minutes
Difficulty Easy to learn / Challenging to master
Historical Confidence ★★★★★ — modern rules are well established