Backgammon Sets and Backgammon Boards

Backgammon is generally recommended from age seven upwards. The rules involve counting, probability and basic strategy, which suits primary-school-age children well. Younger children can learn the movement rules with adult guidance. Because the game grows in tactical depth as players improve, it genuinely suits the whole family from mid-childhood through to adulthood.

Wooden boards sit flat, feel stable during play, and do not warp or crack the way thin vinyl or cardboard sets do. The weight and texture of proper wooden pieces make the game more satisfying to handle. A well-made wooden set also looks good on a shelf or coffee table, so it actually gets used rather than stored away.

Look for a solid wood or high-quality wood-veneer board, a smooth felt or baize playing surface, and weighted checkers, ideally in wood or resin rather than hollow plastic. Good dice cups made from leather or wood stop dice scattering. Metal or solid-plastic doubling cubes with clearly engraved numbers are worth having over printed stickers that wear off.

Keep it away from direct heat sources and prolonged sunlight, both of which can cause wood to dry and warp. Wipe the surface with a lightly dampened cloth if needed, then dry immediately. A very occasional rub with a good furniture wax will keep the wood looking its best. Store it closed, and the felt playing surface will stay protected for years.

Backgammon sets make excellent gifts for birthdays, Christmas, or milestone occasions because they are genuinely used rather than simply displayed. For family play or gifting to someone new to the game, a medium board around 15 to 17 inches open is the most practical: big enough to play comfortably, compact enough to travel. Larger boards suit dedicated players who play at home regularly.

Backgammon has fewer rules than chess and most children pick up the basics within a single session. The core movement rules take about ten minutes to explain, and meaningful games follow quickly. Jaques sets include clear rule sheets, so you do not need prior experience to get started. Playing together is genuinely the fastest way for children to learn.

Longevity comes from solid materials, good joinery on the board, and playing pieces that do not chip or discolour over time. Jaques of London has been making games since 1795, and a well-cared-for wooden set from a maker with that kind of history will outlast many cheaper alternatives many times over. The game itself is around 5,000 years old, so the set has plenty of time to prove itself.