The Backgammon Board

For over five thousand years plus the backgammon board hasn't changed much, the basic layout and design has remained the same for the whole time. Of course the materials of the board have changed and now the game is played online so that the graphics are far superior to probably traditional boards, but the undeniable fact is the board is still the same as it was in the very beginning.

No matter what materials are used to make the board whether wood or card board or hand made timbers, or add-ons like cotton or velvet, that give extra padding below the board for better surfacing, or artistic woodworks to add glitter to the playing ambience. The playing surface hasn't altered.

The board's heritage remains constant; tracing the roots of the board will take you on a journey that passes through many different decades and dynasties.

The Basic Design

The layout of the board consists of four distinguishable quadrants and a thick ridge bar in the middle separating the two boards of the two players.

Don't forget backgammon is a sort of war game, two armies of 15 men each trying to defeat each other in an open combat game; a good way to illustrate this picture is with the two divisions which make up the points, which look like spear heads pointing at the opposition.

Between them lies No Man's Land or the Bar.

Inner and Outer Boards

Divided into four quadrants containing six triangles each, each with its own colour to differentiate itself and centrally divided by the Bar. Each portion has two quadrants. The two sides of the Bar are referred to as Home Boards of the two players. The Home Board is the one nearer to you and the one furthest from you the outer Board. This applies in equal part to the opposition.

Remember the Bar not only divides you and your opposition but is also the place when or if any checker is hit, that checker is placed on the bar and cannot move until the correct number is thrown.

Hence, No man's land.

Although boards do come in all different shapes and sizes and materials and are available on line, the fundamental backgammon board hasn't changed in over 5000 years and probably never will.

After all if it isn't broken, why try to fix it?

Want to learn more about backgammon rules ? Get the know the rules and strategies for winning backgammon games. Basic backgammon rules, advanced and variation. The site also includes a full game play glossary. Enjoy the game !