Two of the greatest board games ever created, both with histories spanning thousands of years. But they offer fundamentally different experiences. Here’s an in-depth comparison to help you understand — and appreciate — both.
At a Glance
| Feature | Backgammon | Chess |
|---|---|---|
| Age | ~5,000 years | ~1,500 years |
| Players | 2 | 2 |
| Luck element | Yes (dice) | No |
| Average game length | 5–15 minutes | 15–60 minutes |
| Pieces per player | 15 checkers | 16 pieces |
| Board | 24 points | 64 squares |
| Draws possible | No | Yes (common) |
| Gambling component | Traditional | Rare |
| World players | ~300 million | ~600 million |
The Role of Luck
This is the most fundamental difference between the two games.
Chess: Pure Skill
Chess has zero randomness. Both players have complete information and no element of chance. The better player wins more often, and in a long match, skill almost always prevails. This makes chess deeply satisfying for players who want outcomes determined purely by thinking.
Backgammon: Skill + Luck
Backgammon introduces dice rolls, which add an element of chance. However, this doesn’t mean backgammon is a luck-based game. Over time, skilled players consistently outperform weaker ones. The dice create the positions; skill determines how well you play them.
The paradox of backgammon: In any single game, a beginner can beat a world champion (unlikely in chess). But over a match or session, the expert wins comfortably. This is what makes backgammon both accessible and deep.
Strategic Depth
Chess
Chess has an estimated 10^120 possible game positions (the Shannon number). Its strategic depth is virtually limitless:
- Opening theory spans hundreds of years of analysis
- Middlegame planning requires calculating multiple moves ahead
- Endgame technique involves precise maneuvering
- Positional understanding takes a lifetime to master
Backgammon
Backgammon has fewer positions than chess but adds the complexity of probability assessment:
- Every position requires evaluating multiple possible future dice rolls
- The doubling cube adds a unique strategic dimension (no equivalent in chess)
- Position evaluation combines probability, risk management, and game theory
- Match play strategy (based on the score) adds another layer
Expert opinion: Most game theorists consider chess deeper in terms of pure calculation, but backgammon is considered deeper in terms of risk management and decision theory.
Learning Curve
Chess
- Basic rules: 1 hour to learn
- Competent play: Months to years
- Expert play: Years to decades
- Mastery: A lifetime pursuit
Chess has a steep, never-ending learning curve. The gap between beginners and experts is enormous and can feel daunting.
Backgammon
- Basic rules: 15-30 minutes to learn
- Competent play: Days to weeks
- Expert play: Months to years
- Mastery: A lifelong journey (but the initial curve is gentler)
Backgammon is genuinely easier to learn. New players can enjoy competitive games relatively quickly, while still having enormous room for improvement.
Game Length and Pace
Chess
Typical casual game: 15-30 minutes. Tournament games can last 4-6 hours. The pace is often slow and contemplative, with long periods of thinking.
Backgammon
Typical game: 5-15 minutes. Even tournament matches rarely exceed 2 hours. The pace is faster and more dynamic, with the constant rhythm of rolling dice and moving checkers.
For time-pressed players: Backgammon offers a complete competitive experience in a fraction of the time chess requires.
The Social Experience
Chess
Chess tends to be quiet and intense. Talking during a game is unusual. The concentration required makes it a somewhat solitary experience, even with an opponent sitting across from you.
Backgammon
Backgammon is inherently social. Players talk, joke, groan at bad rolls, and celebrate good ones. The dice add drama and conversation. In many cultures (Turkey, Greece, the Middle East), backgammon is a community activity played in cafes and public spaces.
The Competitive Scene
Chess
- Massive global following — hundreds of millions of players
- Professional circuit — Full-time chess professionals earn significant income
- FIDE — A well-established international governing body
- Title system — Grandmaster is one of the most respected titles in all of games
- Online platforms — Chess.com and Lichess have millions of daily users
Backgammon
- Large but less visible — hundreds of millions of players, but less organized
- Smaller pro circuit — Fewer full-time professionals, but significant prize money at top events
- Growing online scene — Platforms are expanding rapidly
- Cultural strongholds — Extremely popular in the Middle East, Turkey, Greece, and Scandinavia
The Gambling Dimension
Backgammon has a historical association with gambling that chess largely lacks:
- The doubling cube was designed as a gambling mechanism
- Many players play for stakes (small or large)
- This adds excitement but also complexity
Chess rarely involves money wagering during play, though professional tournaments offer significant prizes.
Can You Play Both?
Absolutely! Many great game players enjoy both. The skills aren’t identical but they complement each other:
- Chess improves your calculation and planning
- Backgammon improves your risk assessment and adaptability
- Both improve your decision-making and concentration
The Verdict
There’s no “better” game — they offer different experiences:
Choose Backgammon if:
- You want quicker games
- You enjoy the social aspect of gaming
- You appreciate the role of luck in creating exciting moments
- You want a lower barrier to entry
- You enjoy risk management and probability
Choose Chess if:
- You want outcomes determined purely by skill
- You enjoy deep, contemplative thinking
- You want a massive competitive infrastructure
- You appreciate pure strategic and tactical calculation
Or play both — they’re both among the greatest games humanity has ever created.
Further Reading
- How to Play Backgammon — Get started with backgammon
- Strategy Guide — Deepen your backgammon play
- Play Now — Try backgammon for yourself