How to Buy a Backgammon Set

Every serious backgammon aficionado is bound to buy a backgammon set of their very own. You can relate to it as a pro golfer buying his own professional golf clubs. This is true even for those who play backgammon mostly online in front of a computer. Nothing beats the experience of actually setting up your board and rolling the dice during play.

When you buy a backgammon set you are actually bringing home an elegant piece of art. Anciently, backgammon sets were made of any unspoiled material available. Looking back a bit into the relics of the past, you'll find backgammon sets that are made of wood, ceramic, ivory, and even ones made from bones. Today's backgammon sets may not be made from the same indigenous materials, but you can be sure they are as elegant of those boards of old.

Before you buy a backgammon set, you should consider a few things first. Before heading out to the store, you should decide what you're going to use your set for. Is it for home gaming, will be part of the décor, or will it be used for professional tournaments? Depending on your use of the set, you should pick one that will suit that particular need.

If you plan to buy a backgammon set that will be used for your games in the club then you should buy one that is fit for a tournament. You shouldn't get the cheap plastic ones if you intend to use it for tournaments.

You should rather opt for the more elegant looking tournament sized boards that are about 21 by 26 inches long when opened. You should expect it to be made of wood with sturdy inlays to withstand the wear and tear of carrying the set around. The ceramic ones or ones made of glass will be more suitable for home use. You may buy the 24 by 15 inch sets, which are obviously lighter, but you should check if the size of the checkers will get in the way of good play.

Be sure to inspect the checkers, dice, dice cups, and doubling cube. Your set should come with precision dice if you plan to use it for clubs and tournaments. Regular dice and checkers will be just fine if you only intend to use your set at home.

You should also expect that the ceramic sets will be more expensive than the ones made of wood. That basically means you should check for prices when you buy a backgammon set. You should buy one at a reasonable price but make sure that it will last.

Remember that when you buy a backgammon set you are not just buying a prop. It's an elegant work of art that you will cherish as you learn the game.