A great backgammon set makes every game more enjoyable. Whether you’re looking for your first set, a travel option, or a professional-grade board worthy of serious competition, this guide covers everything you need to know.
Key Takeaways
- Backgammon sets range from under $20 (basic magnetic travel) to over $1,000 (professional tournament leather)
- Case size is measured in inches: 13" (travel), 15–17" (standard home), 18–21" (tournament/club)
- Quality checkers should be 1.5" diameter, weighted, with a smooth roll and satisfying click
- Leather or leatherette surfaces play better than fabric — checkers slide smoothly and dice roll evenly
- Look for double-entry hinges on larger boards for durability; magnetic closure is fine for travel sets
- Tournament sets require specific specs: typically 19–21" boards with 1.625" weighted checkers
What to Look for in a Backgammon Set
Board Size
Backgammon boards are measured by the case size when closed:
| Category | Size | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Travel | 13–15" | Carry-on travel, portable games |
| Standard | 15–17" | Home games, casual clubs |
| Club | 18–19" | Regular serious play |
| Tournament | 19–21" | Competitive tournaments |
Playing surface width matters most: The points (spikes) should be wide enough for checkers to sit comfortably without crowding. A 21" board gives the best playing experience.
Materials
Board surface:
- Leather (genuine): Best feel, most durable, premium price. Checkers glide smoothly.
- Leatherette / vinyl: Good feel, affordable, widely used in mid-range sets.
- Felt/baize: Common in budget sets. Dice don’t roll well; can fray over time.
- Wood: Beautiful aesthetically; checkers don’t slide well. Better for display than play.
Checker material:
- Acrylic (plastic): Standard for most sets. Lightweight, consistent.
- Weighted acrylic: Much better feel — satisfying click, better stability.
- Bakelite: Vintage material, excellent feel, increasingly rare and expensive.
- Clay composite: Premium option with excellent weight and sound.
Frame:
- Leatherette-wrapped: Looks professional, protects well.
- Wood frame: Beautiful, heavy, permanent.
- Vinyl: Lightweight, affordable.
Dice Quality
Good dice are essential. Look for:
- Perfect square edges — dice that roll fairly and consistently
- Size match to the board (19mm dice for large boards, 15mm for travel)
- Pair matched in weight and balance
- Casino-style precision dice for serious play
Cheap sets often include poorly made dice that roll inconsistently — a significant problem in a game based on dice outcomes.
Doubling Cube
The doubling cube should be large enough to read easily during play. For standard home sets, a 1.5–2" cube is appropriate. Some premium sets include engraved or weighted cubes.
Carrying Case and Build Quality
- Hinges: Double-entry hinges are strongest for regular use.
- Closure: Magnetic or snap closures for travel; zippered for padding.
- Interior: Separate compartments for checkers and dice prevent scratching.
- Handle: Quality sets include a reinforced handle for carrying.
Backgammon Set Categories
Travel Sets ($20–$80)
Best for: Commuters, travelers, casual players who want portability.
Features to look for:
- Magnetic board (checkers stick in place when traveling)
- Compact fold-flat design
- Lightweight (under 500g)
- Sufficient for casual play; not suitable for serious games
What you sacrifice: Playing feel. Magnetic sets have a plastic surface that doesn’t play like real leather. Dice sometimes slide without rolling properly.
Home/Recreational Sets ($50–$200)
Best for: Family games, casual home play, beginner to intermediate players.
Features to look for:
- 15–17" board
- Leatherette or felt surface
- Standard (non-weighted) checkers in a classic color combination
- Dice cups included
- Attractive appearance for display
Good entry points: A $80–$120 set in this category will serve well for years of casual play.
Intermediate Sets ($150–$400)
Best for: Regular players, club members, gift for a backgammon enthusiast.
Features to look for:
- 17–19" board with leatherette playing surface
- Weighted, matching checkers (1.5" diameter)
- Quality hinge and closure
- Well-matched pair of dice with dice cups
- Attractive checker colors (brown/cream, black/white, or more exotic combinations)
This is where the experience significantly improves. Weighted checkers and a smooth surface transform how the game feels.
Professional/Tournament Sets ($400–$2,000+)
Best for: Serious competitors, collectors, tournament organizers, gifts for dedicated players.
Features to look for:
- 19–21" genuine leather board
- 1.625" weighted bakelite or high-quality acrylic checkers
- Casino-quality precision dice
- Robust hinges with secure closure
- Luxury checker colors and materials (some custom-made)
- Case with quality lining and hardware
At this level, sets are often made to order. Custom colors, monogramming, and exotic materials (crocodile leather, inlaid wood) are available.
Checker Colors and Aesthetics
Checkers come in many color combinations. Classic and popular options:
- Brown and cream — Traditional, easy on the eyes
- Black and white — High contrast, clear in photos
- Navy and cream — Elegant appearance
- Red and white — Vibrant, traditional in some regions
- Custom — Many premium makers offer custom color matching
The board felt color (the background of the playing surface) and checker colors should contrast clearly. Avoid combinations where checkers blend with the board.
Top Recommendations by Budget
Under $50 — Travel & Casual
Look for sets with magnetic boards and basic accessories. These are widely available at game stores and online. Priority: portability over playability.
$100–$200 — Best Value Home Set
At this price point, you can get a 17" leatherette board with decent checkers. This is the sweet spot for most recreational players.
$200–$500 — Serious Player
A high-quality leatherette board with weighted checkers and quality dice transforms the game. Sets in this range from specialist backgammon retailers are significantly better than general market products.
$500+ — Premium and Tournament
Genuine leather, professional dice, and top-quality checkers. Sets from manufacturers like Wycliffe Brothers, Crisloid, or custom artisan makers belong here.
Accessories Worth Having
Dice cups: Most sets include them, but quality matters. Look for leather-lined cups that roll dice vigorously and prevent dice sliding.
Dice tower: An optional accessory for players who want perfectly randomized dice rolls. Particularly useful for casual home games.
Score pad: Simple paper pad or app for tracking match scores.
Backgammon timer: Chess clocks adapted for backgammon use. Standard at serious tournaments (typically 2 minutes per move).
Felt bag for checkers: Protects checkers during transport and prevents rattling.
Caring for Your Set
- Leather boards: Clean with a slightly damp cloth; condition with leather conditioner 1–2× per year.
- Leatherette: Wipe clean; avoid harsh chemicals.
- Checkers: Store in separate bags to prevent scratching.
- Dice: Keep away from extreme heat (warps precision dice).
- Storage: Store flat or on edge in the case; don’t store heavy items on top.
Frequently Asked Questions
What size backgammon board should I buy?
For most home players, a 17–19" board is ideal. Smaller than 15" feels cramped for adult-sized checkers; 19–21" is better for tournament-quality play. Travel sets at 13–15" are fine for portability but sacrifice playing experience.
What is a standard backgammon checker size?
Standard checker diameter is 1.5 inches (38mm) for home and recreational sets. Tournament-standard checkers are 1.625 inches (41mm). Checkers should be thick enough to stack stably — 6–8mm is typical.
Do I need a doubling cube for casual backgammon?
No. The doubling cube is optional and is typically skipped in casual family play. It’s standard equipment for competitive and club backgammon. Learning to use it adds significant strategic depth.
What’s the difference between felt and leather backgammon boards?
Felt (or baize) is a fabric surface common in budget sets. It’s soft but dice don’t roll well, and it can fray. Leather or leatherette surfaces are smooth, allowing dice to roll and checkers to slide properly. For any regular play, leather or leatherette is strongly recommended.
Are expensive backgammon sets worth it?
For serious players, yes. The playing experience with weighted checkers on a leather board is significantly better than budget sets. However, a $100–$200 set is perfectly adequate for most recreational players. Only competitive players who play regularly benefit from $500+ sets.
Can I play tournament backgammon with any set?
Most tournaments specify minimum standards: typically a board of at least 18" with 1.5–1.625" checkers and a proper doubling cube. Check specific tournament rules. Very small or magnetic sets are generally not permitted in official competition.
Further Reading
- How to Play Backgammon — Learn the game before buying a set
- Backgammon Rules — Complete rules reference
- Backgammon Tournaments — Tournament equipment requirements
- Play vs Computer — Practice online for free while deciding