Backgammon is a popular board game, played by two players and requiring strategy to be the winner. The supplies required include one board, two sets of 15 checkers in red and black, two pairs of dice, a dice up and a doubling cube. While there is an element of chance in the game, some players are devoted to learning new types of strategy in order to succeed. While traditionally players have required all of the equipment present in order to physically play backgammon, there are now alternative options. Of course, one can still purchase the boards and play among friends at home, or there are options to play backgammon for free online. Here is some information on the history of backgammon, and different ways it can be played today.

The History of Backgammon
The game of backgammon is one of the oldest board games on earth. In the year 3000 BC, the ancient civilizations of Persia began playing a game remarkably similar to the current version played around the world. This ancient game was also played with two dice, but with 60 checkers total instead of 30. The rules are not entirely clear, but it is the logical precursor to the modern version of backgammon. Thousands of years later, in the 6th century AD, the game of nard began to be played routinely in Persia, which is almost identical to today’s version of backgammon. Other countries and civilizations also had versions of the game, which undoubtedly contributed to the current version played by millions. Ancient Egyptians played what was called the Royal Game of Ur, and the boards and pieces were buried with royals in their tombs. Even the ancient Romans enjoyed a similar 12 point board game, called Tabula.

Backgammon Boards
Although the board has evolved slightly over time, in modern society backgammon boards are designed in a consistent way with each set sold. The board features two sides, each of which has 12 points, or triangles. By rolling dice to determine movement, the checkers are moved around the board in a horseshoe pattern according to the number on each die. The overall object of the game is to remove each of your checkers before your opponent is able to do the same. When one player has won, or removed all the checkers before the other player has removed any of theirs, it is called a “gammon”. If a player is able to do even better and remove all of his or her checkers before their opponent has even moved all their checkers off the opposing side of the board, then the victory is called a backgammon. This is the highest win possible in the entire board game, and of course the origin of the game’s name.

Backgammon Games
There are plenty of different ways to find a game of backgammon to enjoy. Most enthusiasts purchase a backgammon board of their own so that they can play backgammon games whenever they want at home. However, there are also plenty of other options, including playing at clubs, in tournaments or online. There are also software programs so that the player can use the computer itself as an opponent. The difficulty level can be changed to make it either harder or easier for the real life player. If playing a computer with a limited number of scenarios, however, the player may begin to win repeatedly and take the element of surprise and enjoyment from the game.

Free Backgammon Online

There are countless players who are constantly seeking out opponents to play a game of backgammon with. Unfortunately, not everyone has a friend or partner available to play at all times. Like mentioned previously, the computer is not always a reliable or consistent opponent. This is what brought about the creation of online backgammon. In fact, backgammon was one of the first games to be played regularly online, beginning in 1992. The First Internet Backgammon Server, or FIBS, was created in that year to allow players to enjoy a game of backgammon entirely for free. It had remained one of the most popular ways to play free backgammon online, and is a completely not for profit organization.

Play Backgammon Online Free
Since the creation of the First Internet Backgammon Server, there have been several newer companies that pop up to allow users to play backgammon online free. Others charge for their services, or facilitate gambling in the process. Gambling on the outcome of the game adds to the element of excitement, and creates a more serious game for players. Just a few of the possible places to play backgammon online for free include
-Play 65
-Great Day Games
-Backgammon Galore
-Yahoo Games
Each of these places differs greatly in quality of graphics, intensity of games and skill of the players. There are of course many sites which offer backgammon to paying members, many of which place a larger emphasis on gambling on the outcome of the games.

Backgammon Tournaments
For those elite players who take the game of backgammon very seriously, there are lots of ways to move up the ranks and create a reputation as a great backgammon player. Many local clubs put on live tournaments, where the winners will advance onto the next level. The United States Backgammon Federation is one such organization which helps to facilitate tournaments and encourage growth of the sport in the country. Of course, in modern society simply playing online is much easier than traveling across the globe, so many tournaments are held virtually, in online communities. There are often entrance fees involved to join a tournament, while others are held by invitation. Prizes can range from simple recognition to cash awards of significant amounts, especially if gambling is involved.

Backgammon Around the World
Backgammon today is a popular game around the world, played in many different countries by groups of all ages, genders and nationalities. It is most popular in the country of Greece, where young and old gather to play the game in the streets with an excited and vibrant audience. In large part due to the efforts of the United States Backgammon Federation, the sport is also growing in popularity in the United States, and being introduced to a brand new group of young players.

Although backgammon has been around for thousands of years in different forms, it has changed little over the course of time. It remains a popular game that involves some chance, some skill and plenty of excitement. Whether played online for free, in serious tournaments or recreationally among friends, it is an enjoyable way to pass the time.