Board games are a fascinating, exciting world that combines elements of history, culture, tradition, as well as entertainment and logical thinking. Over the millennia, games have evolved to reflect the variability of human life. In this article, we will tell you how backgammon originated, where the oldest game was born, and why it has become so popular.
Few people know, but backgammon is the oldest board game that originated more than 5000 years ago and has spread its popularity to many countries on different continents. This educational activity has fairly simple rules and consists of a special board, dice, and fifteen black and white chips. The essence of the game is to move all the chips to the home board faster than your opponent. The movement of chips occurs after the dice are rolled. This entertainment involves logical thinking, skill and luck.
Backgammon game in ancient times
Egypt
According to scientists and archaeologists, backgammon first appeared in Ancient Egypt. At that time it was called “senet” or “30 squares,” created around 3000 BC, a board with a picture and squares placed in rows, as well as dice, were used for the game. The rules of this activity are still unknown and have not been found, but historians share the opinion that this version was very similar to the modern popular game.
Greece
In this region, an entertainment close to backgammon was called “tabula,” first mentioned in a satirical poem by the Byzantine emperor Zeno. It was a board with 24 dots, 12 on each side, and 15 chips per player, unlike backgammon, whereas backgammon had three dice, not two.
Rome
In Rome, the game was called “twenty dots,” with 20 dots placed in three rows on a specially equipped board, suggesting that the game was actively developed during the times of Republican and early Imperial Rome. Around the first century AD, the game was changed, and a number of fields were removed. According to the stories, the Roman emperor was so fond of this activity that he even installed everything in his own carriage and had fun during various trips.
Playing backgammon in the Middle Ages
Board games in Europe became popular in the eleventh century. There is documentary evidence from writings and stories that in England (1025) people had fun playing a game similar to modern backgammon, probably one of the modern forms of board games.
Such an interesting entertainment came to England thanks to the Crusades. Knights returning from other countries brought interesting board games with them, and the same way the entertainment was born in France, where it gained immense popularity among officials and townspeople, that the emperor had to issue an order banning this game.
The Renaissance period
This period is characterized not only by the development of culture, new views and styles, but also by the spread of board games described by artists, depicted in their paintings, and literary works, where “playing at tables” is often mentioned. Among the famous artists were William Shakespeare, Peter Bruegel, etc.
United States of America
Backgammon has existed in America for more than 250 years, but it became popular after the First World War. In the process of entertaining, it is easy to recognize the American identity, namely the use of doubling the dice, the use of the “schuette” style in the game, as well as the holding of international tournaments and competitions.
An interesting fact is the increase in the number of backgammon fans in the 1970s, due to the economic crisis and inflation, which contributed to the development of home board games. Magazines and well-known publications talked about the rules of the game and conditions, thus increasing their relevance. The first major tournament in the Bahamas was organized by Alex Obolensky, a Russian immigrant, and later games were held in different cities of America. The first backgammon world championship was held in Las Vegas.
Thus, backgammon in the United States of America has had its ups and downs, depending on economic difficulties. Despite the fact that the game is becoming less and less popular on this continent, it is famous for the best games of famous players and those geniuses who are trying to improve the game and computerize it. In 2010, the Delaware Federation of Backgammon Foundation was established. The purpose of the organization is to teach game techniques, rules for personal purposes, clubs, and various institutions, funded by donations and grants.
Modernity
In the XXI century, backgammon is still popular, because this entertainment helps not only to have fun but also develops and trains logical thinking, wit, and intuition. With the development of technology and computerization, people have the opportunity to play backgammon online, and developers offer different options and levels of interesting activities or prefer live communication and tactile processes.
Interesting facts
- As the game evolved, participants believed that crossing arms and legs during the game process preceded bad luck.
- It is forbidden to wear new clothes to an important game, as it is considered to be a bad luck charm.
- There is a monument in the world dedicated to successful players.
- Backgammon is a great birthday gift, as it is considered a symbol of success and wisdom.
- The longest game of backgammon lasted 12 hours.
- Eastern countries of the world use backgammon chips for divination.
- Winston Churchill's favorite board game was backgammon.
