As one of the oldest board games in history (dating back almost 5,000 years to Mesopotamia, now modern-day Iran), backgammon has been loved and played by untold millions.
It’s as popular as ever today, with plenty of cool sets and flashy designs to draw in a whole new audience. The two-player game is a combination of strategy and luck, and involves twenty-four points and thirty checkers (also known as pieces or ‘men’).
As we look for slower, screen-free pastimes to give our eyes and anxiety levels a break, why not try this classic game for size? Our selection of boards are perfect for beginners and pros alike.
See our favourite backgammon games below
Best backgammon sets at a glance
- Best for modern design: Jonathan Adler Milano Backgammon Set - £245, Flannels
- Best for creative craftsmanship: Alexandra Llewellyn Travel Butterfly Backgammon Set - £1800, Alexandra Llewellyn
- Best for luxury lovers wanting to spend less: Jaques of London Backgammon Set - £48.99, Jaques of London
- Best for simple, sophisticated play: The Conran Shop Travel Backgammon Set - £195, The Conran Shop
- Best for traditional style: Yellow Mountain Imports Wooden Inlaid Backgammon Game Set - £142.49, Amazon
- Best for travel: Not-Another-Bill Portable Backgammon Set - £49, Not Another Bill
- Best for gifting: Aspinal of London Backgammon Set - £650, Aspinal of London
- Best for total luxury: Dior Small Leather Backgammon - £2,550, Dior
Jonathan Adler Milano Backgammon Set
Best for: modern design
This pastel rendition is the ideal gift for a serious backgammon fan. Wrapped in a high gloss lacquer box with velvet liner, it’s a luxe design from design supremo Jonathan Adler. Perfect for play as well as display.
Buy now £245.00, Flannels
Alexandra Llewellyn Travel butterfly backgammon set
Best for: creative craftsmanship
This piece is a thing of beauty, measuring a compact 41 x 31 x 3cm when unfolded and the result of multiple master craftsmen’s efforts. The marquetry brings photographic butterflies to life on the board, and is a total labour of love; they’re set on textured leather in an azure hue. The luxe details don’t end there, either - the laser-cut dice is cut from turquoise while the game’s counters are made with tiger’s eye and rose quartz. Exquisite.
Buy now £1800.00, Alexandra Llewellyn
Jaques of London Backgammon Set
Best for: luxury lovers wanting to spend less
It is no wonder that this is one of the bestselling backgammon sets on Amazon, the board offers a luxury feel without a luxury price tag. Jaques of London is one of the premier brands in the space and has thought of everything to ensure the ultimate play. It comes in a travel size with heavy pieces to withstand the knocks and bumps of your holiday. The set comes wrapped and ready to gift.
Buy now £48.99, Jaques of London
The Conran Shop Travel Backgammon Set
Best for: sophisticated, simple play
This sophisticated set will smarten up any home office. The suitcase format isn’t all fashion over function though and makes travelling with your favourite game a breeze. The beautiful set is made from a luxe combo of solid wood with leather handles.
Buy now £195.00, The Conran Shop
Yellow Mountain Imports Wooden Inlaid Backgammon Game Set
Best for: traditional style
This backgammon set from Yellow Mountain Imports takes a traditional approach to its aesthetic. Made from wood, it has a sleek finish and an easy to carry construction where the pieces stay in place thanks to hidden magnets.
Buy now £156.72, Amazon
Not-Another-Bill Portable Backgammon Set
Best for: travel
Alongside specialist tea and pots of preserves, the Royal grocer Fortnum & Mason also offers lifestyle products like this backgammon set from Not Another Bill. It’s perfect for taking on trips thanks to the roll nature of the canvas and leather design. The set includes resin counters and brass dice, offering a sense of style that makes it ideal for gifting too.
Buy now £49.00, Not-Another-Bill
Aspinal of London Backgammon Set
Best for: gifting
If you’re looking for a special gift, Aspinal of London’s briefcase-style backgammon set can be personalised with up to four initials. The set is bound in leather and also comes in a tangerine orange. Keep it safe until your next game by clicking the lockable clasps.
Buy now £650.00, Aspinal of London
Dior small leather backgammon
Best for: total luxury
You can count on luxury fashion house Dior to up the ante of your backgammon board. The game was a favourite of Monsieur Dior himself and as such, the Maison has created this logo adorned set in hommage to its founder. The board is designed with blue and bronze detailing that sets the tone for the leather exterior. The piece are engraved with a gold-tone star.
Buy now £2550.00, Dior
