The historians and archaeologists can trace back the game of backgammon to 3100 BC. While the game is a bit archaic, to say the least, it is still very much alive today, with millions of people from all over the world playing it on a regular basis.
So, what makes backgammon special and why are people still mesmerized by it? We decided to list some reasons that may convince you why this is still one of the best board games in the world. Here we go!
5000 Years of History
It is believed that the game of backgammon was invented in the region of Mesopotamia, around 3100 BC. To get a grasp of how long ago this was, think about the fact that people invented the wheel just mere 400 years prior to that.
Moreover, similar board games such as Go and Chess took several more millennia to be invented than backgammon, and video games have existed for only 60 years now. This puts backgammon as one of the oldest games made by humankind.
Throughout the ages, as the game spread around other regions of the world, the rules of backgammon started to vary, and today there are dozens of backgammon variants that diverge from the standard settings.
300 Million Players Worldwide
Backgammon was a go-to game that was popular centuries back, but the same can be said for the present time as well. Some stats suggest that over 300 million people from all corners of the globe play backgammon today. It’s one of the most popular old school games next to chess.
Sure, chess is still enjoyed by more people than backgammon (around 600 million), but the number of backgammon players is impressive nonetheless.The game of backgammon unites all nationalities, races, and religions. Even all age groups enjoy playing backgammon, as the game is popular among children and elderly people alike.
Online Accessibility
Not only is backgammon fairly common in its physical form, but the game has recently had an online craze and became virtual to many people. The Internet has allowed backgammon fans from all across the globe to connect and play with each other over websites such as Backgammon Live.
Moreover, you can play this game on both desktop computers and mobile devices. You don’t need a board, figures, and pieces anymore. The entire game can fit in your pocket now, and you can carry it with you anywhere you go.
Even when it comes to things like Zing Events wellness retreats, backgammon can be accessed from everywhere as long as you have a stable internet connection.
Strategy and Complexity
Unlike popular card and table games that rely more on luck than skill, the game of backgammon can only be played effectively if you construct a good strategy. You will still have to hope for the dice to go your way, but even if you’re unlucky on that end, the set of right moves can put you in the advantage over your opponent.
While it looks simple on the surface, backgammon is actually a very complex game. Mathematicians calculated that the total number of possible positions is 1019. Just for comparison, it is estimated that the total number of grains of sand on all sandy beaches combined amounts to around1021.
If you thought chess was unique, think again. People are still trying to figure out the full math behind backgammon. In fact, the game is so complex, that the AI bots still haven’t figured out how to solve it.
Aesthetic Boards Are Awesome
Although the game is complex, the board and the pieces are fairly simple. Backgammon layout gives the manufacturer an ability to play with endless choices of colors, patterns, and shapes. That’s why every board can look different, with styles ranging from simple and minimalistic to very decorative and festive. The same applies to dice, Dice Tray and pieces.
This all may seem irrelevant when we’re talking about the game of backgammon in general, but playing on a nice board is part of the fun. It’s a game that has its own uniquely ancient aesthetic.
It’s Chock Full Of Historic Trivia
One of the most interesting reasons why backgammon’s gained so many fans deals with its historic background. Tons of interesting trivia exists about the game, its biggest fans in history, and how it’s played a role in pop culture throughout the years.
For example, the ancient Japanese believed the board to be a sacred item. They considered the two dice as the Sun and the Moon, four quadrants as the seasons, 12 points as the months, and 30 pieces as days of the month.
Chess and checkers might be more visible in the West, but we’re pretty sure that they weren’t ever held in such high regard. Once you give this game a try, you might find out why it’s had such a long staying power.
