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Backgammon Boards & Sets – Buying Guide
Backgammon boards can be found in various sizes, materials, colors and, of course, prices. There are travel backgammon sets that can be folded and carried to the beach and at the other end of the scale there are luxurious, hand crafted backgammon tables made of quality wood. You can shop for a backgammon board separately, or purchase a fully equipped backgammon set that comes with two pairs of dice, two set of checkers in two different colors, the doubling cube and a dice cup.
How to Choose a Backgammon Board
A random search for backgammon board would bring dozens of results in wide range of prices and qualities. However, once you are settled on your purpose, the list of optional backgammon boards shortens. For example, if you are planning to organize a backgammon tournament, you must search for a standard sized backgammon board or even a backgammon table; for travels – there are suitcase tables; if backgammon is jus one of your interests, you can buy multi-game boards or tables, and so on.
Backgammon boards are usually made of wood or leather, plus there are heterogeneous boards with external leather wrap and internal wood surface. Leather backgammon boards are more durable, and they are often more expensive. Their prices range from $42.99 to a 15 inch closed backgammon case 
to over $1,000 for a handmade custom set
 .
Wooden backgammon boards' prices vary according to the board size, the type of wood, the finish, whether the pattern is printed or inlaid, etc. The cheapest backgammon boards can cost a couple of dollars; they are small in size, basically designed and suited for kids. An average, hardwood standardized size (19x14 inch) backgammon board, with inlaid design, and wooden game pieces, costs about $120-150. Obviously, there are antique, custom designed, or ornamented with precious stones, wooden backgammon boards can cost as many as $1,000 or more.
Travel Backgammon Sets
When looking for a mobile backgammon set to accompany you in your upcoming vacation, then the most important features you should pay attention to are the board's size, weight and packaging. Additionally note that not all travel backgammon sets contain the full backgammon game equipment.
The next moves are determined by rolling both dices and taking turns.
The numbers on the two dice can be played in separate moves. For example: if you roll 6 and 4, you may move one checker six spaces to an open point and another checker four spaces to an open point. Your other option is to move one checker a total of ten spaces to an open point, but only if either six or four spaces from the starting point, is also open.
The travelling board is a great idea for people who like to travel light without giving up essential equipment such as a backgammon board. Made of fine leather, these backgammon boards weight less than your beach towel, plus they can be rolled and tucked into your suitcase. They come in 6 different colors with 2 pairs of dice, doubling cube and 2 sets of checkers. They are priced $120-150.
If, on the other hand, you'll be spending your holiday playing backgammon on the porch of your hotel room, you can take with you fancier board such as the one: 13X18 cm backgammon board folded into a tiny suitcase with miniature checkers (but without the dice). 
Backgammon Tables
Backgammon tables are often used in clubs and backgammon tournaments. Most backgammon tables come in the same, standard size and they vary in their colors and designs. The most important quality of a backgammon table has to be the strength and stability of its legs.
Few examples:
A 19X19.5" solid wooden game table with an inlaid backgammon/chess/checkers board, with a drawer for the storing of the board games' equipment. The table is priced at $189.95 including the wooden game pieces with a maple/ walnut finish.
A compact, folded backgammon table with standardized size board with a cut out groove for the storage of the checkers. Export price: $370.00
This popular game table 3 in 1 game table includes a chess top an additional printed backgammon board, high quality hardwood legs and an under-board slot for storage. |
