Playing backgammon online is a great way to improve your skills and your understanding of the game. It’s also very convenient, as you can find an opponent anywhere in the world almost instantly.
But backgammon is still — and mostly — a board game that can only be truly appreciated when played face to face, with real dice, real checkers, and a physical board between you and your opponent.
So what kind of backgammon board should you buy?
What are the real differences between boards?
And which one makes sense for the way you play?
Let me walk you through the main options.
Let’s Talk About Size
The first question you need to ask yourself is: what size should my backgammon board be?
Boards that are 21 inches or larger are considered competition size. These boards are large, very pleasant to play on, and commonly used in tournaments and clubs. The downside is portability — they won’t fit in carry-on luggage and are not ideal for frequent travel.
If you plan to play mostly at home, this is usually the best choice.
👉 See competition-size backgammon boards on Amazon
A 16-inch board is considered a travel size. These boards are much easier to carry and can be taken on trips without hassle. If space is really an issue, you can even find very small or rollable backgammon sets, but the playing experience is obviously not the same as on a proper folding board.
👉 See travel-size backgammon sets on Amazon
Fiber Playing Field (My Personal Choice)
This is my personal preference.
What I really like about this type of board is the muffled sound produced by the dice when rolling on the playing surface. Over the past few years, I traveled a lot and always carried a travel-size backgammon board with me. At some point, though, I wanted to play on something more professional.
I searched the web extensively and eventually found the board I was looking for: the 21” Professional Tournament Backgammon Set by Wycliffe Brothers.
It had everything I wanted:
- Competition size
- A smooth playing surface (V-fiber)
- Large checkers and doubling cube
- Exactly the colors I liked
- And, most importantly, great value for money
I’ve owned this board for many years now and played countless games on it. It has never budged, and I still enjoy playing on it just as much today.
I recommend it without hesitation.
👉 Check similar professional fiber backgammon boards on Amazon
Leather Playing Field
Leather is another surface I really enjoy playing on. The feel is excellent, and the checkers move effortlessly across the board.
The only real downside of leather boards is the price. Genuine leather backgammon boards usually start around $500 and up, but for that price, you’re getting something that can last a lifetime, with craftsmanship of exceptional quality.
My personal favorite brands for leather boards are Zaza & Sacci and Hector Saxe. If you can afford it, a leather board is absolutely worth the investment.
👉 Explore leather-style backgammon boards on Amazon
Wooden Backgammon Boards
Wooden boards are beautiful objects, often made with impressive craftsmanship. They are particularly popular in Greece and the Middle East, where backgammon is deeply rooted in daily life and tradition.
As much as I enjoy looking at wooden boards, I don’t particularly enjoy playing on them. There’s a simple reason: noise. After a couple of games, the sound of dice on wood can become distracting and even tiring.
For that reason, wooden boards are often not allowed in competitions where players bring their own boards.
That said, I do own a Dal Negro wooden board that once belonged to Sir Roger Moore. I don’t play on it, but I love simply looking at it from time to time.
During a trip to Athens, I also bought a small wooden travel backgammon board from a local shop. If you ever visit Greece or parts of the Middle East, you’ll see people playing in cafés, markets, and on the street — often without dice cups, rolling tiny dice by hand. After all, this is where the game comes from.
👉 See wooden backgammon boards on Amazon
