Backagmmon rules

Backgammon Rules

Tavli

While Greece was under the occupation of the othoman people starting the 14' century, and lasting more than 400 years, many things where changed in every day life.
Apart of the syrup sweets that everybody likes, another famous game started it's way - Tavli

Tavli is one of the most popular games played in Greece, from the youngest till the oldest age.
It's fun, time consuming and profit bringing occupation for some.

First, a word about the board itself. There exist many cardboard- type backgammon boards with little plastic pieces and a pair of dice. These are sold all over the United States. They are all right for studying the game on an individual basis, but don't ever use it when you are actually playing a game with an opponent. You should get a heavy wooden board with at least one-inch ledges all around so that the dice stay within the board when they are thrown.
The pieces should also be made of wood or of heavy plastic so that they will stay in position when they are hit by the dice. This advice on the type of board is not given in order to promote the sale of expensive backgammon sets. Backgammon is not only a game- it is a ritual. A visit to a typical Greek coffee shop will easily convince you of the truth of this observation. The players are completely engrossed in their game. The melodious sound emitted when the dice hit the board, the rhythm of the game, and the smashing of the pieces on the board when a move is made (particularly a hit) are all part of the engrossing drama of the game. They may sound like a cacophony to the occasional observer. To the players, it is a deep experience, an escape from the realities and agonies of family and job. No man can release his innertensions with a backgammon board made of cardboard.

Greek Tavli is divided in three games:

Portes
Plakoto
Fevga
Gioul

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