Backgammon game
Backgammon is a game for two players. It is played on a board consisting of two halves. Players roll the dice and move their checkers, with the number of moves determined by the points on the dice. The goal of the player is to move around the board and bear off their checkers before the opponent.
History of the game
The prototype of backgammon was known in ancient Egypt as senet in the 4th century BC. In Mesopotamia, there was the royal game of Ur. In the state of Shahr-e Sukhteh, located in modern-day Iran, people used two dice and 60 checkers three thousand years ago.
The direct ancestor of backgammon is the Roman tabula, described by the Byzantine emperor Flavius Zeno in the 5th century. This game already featured a board with 24 points, and players rolled the dice and moved their checkers toward each other. Thanks to detailed descriptions, we know that the rules have remained almost unchanged.
For a long time, backgammon was forgotten in Europe, only to be rediscovered in the 12th century when the Crusaders brought it back from their campaigns. At that time, the game was called "tric-trac." The rules of short backgammon, close to the modern version, were formulated in 1743 by the Englishman Edmond Hoyle. Long backgammon is more common in the East.
Today, backgammon is popular worldwide, with many countries having clubs for game enthusiasts and hosting tournaments.
Interesting facts
- According to legend, in ancient times, the Indians sent chess to the Persians without explaining the rules. In this way, they sought to demonstrate their intellectual superiority. Soon after, a caravan arrived from Persia, containing an ornate backgammon board and a parchment with chess rules.
- In Persia, backgammon was highly regarded, and the game's attributes and rules were considered symbolic. The 12 points on the board corresponded to the months of the year, while the 24 points across both halves of the board represented the hours in a day. Court sages would make predictions about wars, harvests, and other significant matters based on games played at specific times.
- Backgammon players believe in superstitions. For example, one should not speak ill of the dice, as it may drive away luck, and it is better not to look at them while rolling.
You no longer need to search for an opponent to play backgammon—you can start a game anytime. Start playing now, completely free and without registration! Set up your checkers, roll the dice, and may luck be on your side!
