When it comes to live backgammon, the board you play on matters a lot. I’m personally quite picky when it comes to equipment — not only in backgammon, but in any game. I like my gear to feel noble, solid, and stylish.
A travel backgammon board can do the trick in many situations, but when I sit down to really play, I much prefer a large board with a smooth playing surface. A board where you can enjoy the symphony of the dice rolling on leather or velvet, without harsh noise or distractions.
There is a huge variety of backgammon boards available today. Before buying one, the most important question is not where to buy it, but what kind of playing experience you are looking for.
To help you make the right choice, I’ll share my personal recommendations and explain what you can realistically expect from boards sold on Amazon and eBay.
The Wycliffe Brothers Competition Board – My Personal Choice
When I decided to take backgammon seriously, I wanted a board that offered great value for money, without compromising on playing comfort.
After some extensive research, I came across the Wycliffe Brothers competition backgammon board on Amazon.
I was instantly seduced by its look. I’m a former casino dealer, and for me, green will always be the true color of any gaming layout. It’s easier on the eyes and allows you to play for hours without fatigue. That said, if green isn’t your thing, there are plenty of other color options available.
What really caught my attention was the V-fiber playing surface. According to customer reviews, it produced exactly the kind of muffled sound I was looking for when rolling the dice — and those reviews turned out to be absolutely right.
The price felt fair for a board of this size and quality, so I decided to give it a try. It arrived quickly, and I started playing on it right away. Everything I hoped for was there:
- Smooth checker movement
- Pleasant, quiet dice rolls
- Solid construction
- A large, comfortable playing area
The board combines a generous size with a manageable weight. You can easily take it with you to a friend’s place, though it’s too big for carry-on luggage when flying. The doubling cube is large, the checkers feel great in hand, and the whole set clearly reflects quality craftsmanship.
I’ve been using this board for almost three years now, and despite countless games, it’s still as good as day one. I have no regrets about this purchase and I recommend the Wycliffe Brothers competition board without hesitation to anyone looking for a high-quality backgammon board at a reasonable price.
👉 Check similar Wycliffe-style competition backgammon boards on Amazon
P-40 and Geoffrey Parker – If Money Is Not an Issue
If your goal is to truly impress the next time you walk into a backgammon club, there are a few boards that will definitely do the trick.
P-40 Backgammon Boards
The P-40 is a fully customizable backgammon board that has made hundreds of players happy around the world. You can customize almost everything — from the case color to the checkers and interior design.
Quality has a price. A P-40 board starts at around $995, with additional costs if you add premium options. This board has been recommended by many world champions and top-level players, and it’s often considered one of the best modern boards money can buy.
It’s worth noting that the P-40 appeals mostly to players who like a modern, contemporary design.
Geoffrey Parker Backgammon Sets
If you prefer something more traditional and luxurious, Geoffrey Parker is in a league of its own.
This UK-based company has been crafting luxury games for over 60 years, from chess to Monopoly, and their backgammon boards are true works of art. All boards are handmade, customizable, and designed for collectors and high-end enthusiasts.
Owning a Geoffrey Parker board is a statement. Prices start around £2,215 and can go up to truly extraordinary levels. These boards are often seen at prestigious events in Monte Carlo or London.
They are not practical purchases for most players — but if you love luxury craftsmanship, they are unmatched.
Backgammon Sets on eBay – Cheap, but Often Disappointing
Many beginners wonder where they should buy their first backgammon board, and eBay is often one of the first places they check.
While eBay offers a huge selection, most backgammon boards found there are rarely what I would call top quality.
You’ll find a lot of wooden backgammon boards, which are popular in Greece, Turkey, and parts of the Middle East. I bought one myself during a trip to Athens — more as a souvenir than for serious play. The problem with wooden boards is noise. The sound of dice on wood quickly becomes tiring, and I personally find it very hard to focus after a few games.
Other boards sold on eBay are often similar to what you’d find in toy stores — functional, but clearly more toy-like than professional.
That said, eBay can still be useful if:
- You’re looking for a cheap travel board
- You find a good second-hand deal
- You don’t mind lower build quality
But in my experience, eBay should not be your first choice if you’re looking for the backgammon board of your dreams.
Final Thoughts
If you’re serious about backgammon and want a board that offers real comfort and long-term enjoyment, Amazon is usually the safer choice for quality, variety, and reliability.
For most players, a competition-size board with a smooth synthetic or fiber surface offers the best balance between price, comfort, and durability. Luxury boards are beautiful objects, but they are not necessary to enjoy the game at a high level.
Choose your board based on how and where you play, not just how it looks.