Backgammon is one of the most popular board games all over the world, and more so, in the Mediterranean or middle-eastern countries, such as Crete and Greece. In fact, it is a common sight to see people engrossed in playing with the best backgammon set in the local cafes of Greece.
Though there are many variants of backgammon available in the market, the one thing that is common in all those variants is the board. The board is usually made of a wide range of materials, styles, and colors. So, you can easily find boards made of leather, wood, cork, vinyl, and more.
If you are an ardent fan of the game, then investing on a quality set that offers you value for the money is one of the first things that you should aim for. The backgammon sets that you get nowadays last really long, allow you to play well and also comes with a reasonable price tag.
Reviews of Best Backgammon Set in 2020
Table of Contents
Here is a list of the top five backgammon sets in 2020
19-inch Backgammon Set – Dark Brown Board
This set comes with high-quality leatherette finishing, which looks amazing. It comes in multiple colors like dark brown; light brown, indigo-brown, green-black, and black-white. It is also appreciable how well the checkers fit in the compartments and everything does not fall from its place even when you close the case.
The hinges are sturdy and strong enough to last for a long time. The set is perfect for those of you who want to take the favorite board game with you on your vacations.
The playing surface is made of smooth, padded, and nice felt. You will not feel any point or seem when you run the fingers through the playing surface.
The good amount of cushioning on the board makes it easy for the checkers to glide. In fact, it is also really easy to clean the board. All you need to do is move a lint roller over the board.
The checkers are hefty and solid as they are made from melamine. With 32 mm diameter and 11 mm thickness, they are the perfect fit for the home boards and have the small gap when placed next to each other.
The dice cups also have felt lining, so, there is no noise while rolling the dice. Each set also has a big doubling cube of one inch and a black and white glossy dice of 5/8 inches. The only issue with this set is that it needs a bigger dice.
Key features:
- Premium quality 19-inch set
- Leatherette outer part, smooth felt playing surface
- Solid latch and sturdy handle
- Melamine playing pieces
- Easy to store and carry
21″ Golden Eagle Russian Luxury Backgammon Set
This tournament size backgammon board is a lot different than the other models. It will not be an exaggeration to say that it looks almost like a fine piece of art! This set from Handmade is made in Ukraine and has a mix of leather and wooden materials.
The golden eagle embossed on top of the case has been made from natural pressed leather to bring out that striking look.
If you are an ardent lover of handmade products, then this one will surely earn your favor. The leather exterior case, wooden playing surface and checkers, combine to make a great product. There are dice cups with this set, as is the tradition in the eastern European countries.
All in all, this set is a beautifully crafted, well priced, and well made. It plays really well and looks very luxurious. So, if you are looking to get a board that does the work well, this one should be your top choice. You can be rest assured that you will not regret buying it.
Key features:
- Leather pressed golden eagle embossing
- 21” tournament size board
- Polished wooden checkers
- Leather exterior case
- Wooden playing surface
Middleton Games Tournament Backgammon Set – 21 in
Backgammon is the best way to provide your child with both chance and skill while continuously keeping them engaged with numbers. This board, in particular, is bigger in size when compared to other brands and the large surface allows smooth rolling of the dice.
It is the best leather, and standard full-size 21” backgammon set available in the market according to me. But if you want a playing surface that is smaller than this one, then you can also go for Middleton’s 18 inches or 15 inches sized boards. The carrying case of this backgammon set is made from simulated leather which is brown in color along with a solid brass fastener.
The handle is quite sturdy so that you can hold the case easily which also gives it a more professional look. No matter where you are going, it is perfect for travel including outdoor and indoor events.
The dice and checkers are of high quality, and when you play, it will give you a good feel. Apart from this, the field material (where you play the game), is made from faux suede and the felt lining helps in avoiding unnecessary noise that the dice make when you roll it.
Key features:
- The play area is large
- Ensures high-quality dice and checkers, adding value for money.
- Convenient to carry
- It has a strong frame
18-inch Luxurious Map Backgammon Set – Brown Board
If you intend on buying a backgammon set that will not only look cool when you are carrying it but also serves as a board game, then Middleton 18-inch Luxurious Map Backgammon Set is the right choice for you.
The unique and special exterior of the case is something that intrigues me the most. The surface has an archetypal vintage world map on it which gives an exquisite look to the set. Apart from the exterior design, it also has leather strips which are durable and nicely stitched to complete the entire look.
Just like the Middleton 21-inch backgammon set, the playing field here is made from faux suede which adds to a smooth texture. The playing pieces are high quality, the checkers are extra thick, and the doubling cube is bigger than the usual size which makes the entire set comfortable to play with.
They also come with matching dice cups. The best thing is that you all these premium quality features at a very reasonable price which will not make a big hole in your pocket.
Key features:
- The board comes with 1 ¼ x 3/8 inch checkers
- Quality and stylish craftsmanship
- It promotes an attaché case style
- Classy and vintage looking world map on the exterior surface
Get The Games Out Top Backgammon Set
If you are new in the world of backgammon or someone with a restricted budget, then this one is my top pick for you. It is the best choice if you want to feel like you have invested in a premium product without paying too much.
Get the Games Out Backgammon Set come in 3 sizes- 11 inches, 15 inches, and 18 inches. The 18 inch one is the largest of them all. The carrying case is made of faux leather also known as leatherette and brass-tinted clasps.
It features an old school design and is also one of the earliest board games available in the market. The three different sizes allow you to choose the one that best fits your requirement.
The space chips and dice that come with this set are each of different color. So when you look at it, the total number of accessories that you get with this board set is-
- playing board
- thirty checkers
- four dices
- a doubling cube
- two dice shakers
- spare chips and an extra dice
- A guide to help you improve your game
Key features:
- Classic felt playing board
- Buckles are made of brass
- Three different sizes
- The leatherette case is neatly stitched
Factors to Consider When Choosing Backgammon Set
Mentioned below are a few things you should keep in mind before buying backgammon set for your child:
- Size: Size of the set is an important point to consider before buying it. If you buy a backgammon set which is too small in size then you might fiddle through the entire time and find it difficult to play. Similarly, a larger board is inconvenient to carry.
- Material: When you are using it at home then you can buy any material of your choice. But, for tournaments it is important to consider the material of the backgammon set. Felt, cork or leather should be your first preference instead of wood.
- Price: Price is again an important factor. If you are low on budget then go for a set that is not highly priced but offers durability at the same time.
- Dice and dice cup: Make sure the dice cup is lipped and dices are précised, this ensures a smooth game.
- Weight: Backgammon boards can get really heavy sometimes, so make sure you check how much they weigh before settling on one.
FAQs About Backgammon
Q.Which is the best backgammon board to buy?
A. It is difficult for me to point out at one specific backgammon board set but from what I have seen; Middleton backgammon set is a better choice. They are the perfect blend of luxury, comfort, and price. The design and structure of the board allow for comfortable playing.
Q. What are the types of backgammon materials?
A. Usually, two materials are available in the market including wood and leather. Wooden boards are beautifully shaped whereas, leather gives an elegant look. Wooden boards can make noise while rolling the dice which leather sets would not.
Q. What is the perfect shape for a dice?
A. Dices vary in texture, shape, weight, etc. Backgammon is all about good rolling, so the perfect dice is the one that has rounded corners to ensure more rolling.
Conclusion
We hope that this article on Best Backgammon Set in 2020 which includes the Buyers Guide as well as the Reviews will help you in choosing the best for you as per your needs and requirements. So, what are you waiting for? Pick the best one and enjoy! Gosports Reviews, tks