Best Christmas Gifts for Backgammon Players
There is a particular sound a serious backgammon player loves: the click of a checker settling onto a point, the rattle of dice against a hardwood surface. For the person on your list who plays with intent, the right set matters as much to them as a good racquet does to a tennis player.
Backgammon rewards attention to detail, and so does choosing a gift for someone who takes it seriously. The surface, the weight of the checkers, the roll of the dice — these are the things that separate a set that gets played once from one that becomes a fixture on the table for decades.
A sensible first check is safety and standards. Any set worth giving should meet UKCA and CE testing requirements, which govern the materials and finishes used in games sold in Britain. It is quiet reassurance that the thing you are handing over has been made properly.
What to Look for in a Quality Backgammon Set Before You Buy
Start with the playing surface. A good backgammon board gives you 24 points, 15 checkers per player and two six-sided dice — the standard confirmed by the World Backgammon Federation. What varies is how those elements are made and how they feel in use.
Look at the checkers first. Weighted, well-turned discs sit flat and move cleanly across the points. Thin, light checkers slide and skid, which frustrates anyone who plays for position rather than luck.
Then consider the points themselves. Crisp, evenly spaced triangles in contrasting colours make the board easy to read at speed, which matters when a serious player is thinking several moves ahead.
The dice deserve attention too. Precise, square-edged dice roll more fairly than cheap rounded ones, and many committed players will insist on using a cup and a baffle to prevent manipulation.
A doubling cube is the mark of a set built for real play. Introduced to the game around 1925, as Jacoby and Crawford record in The Backgammon Book, it added a layer of strategy and wager that transformed how backgammon is played at a competitive level. A set without one feels incomplete to anyone who takes the game seriously.
Finally, think about the case. A folding board protects the pieces and travels well; a cabinet-style board stays open and ready. You can compare the range across our backgammon sets to see how these features differ by format. The right combination depends entirely on how, and where, your recipient likes to play.
Which Types of Backgammon Sets Make the Best Christmas Gifts for Serious Players
For a serious player, the format of the set shapes the experience. Three broad types suit most people, and the best choice depends on whether they play at home, travel, or both.
A cabinet or board-style set is the natural home choice. The Wooden Backgammon Set - 15" Mahogany Backgammon Board is built for exactly this kind of player: a generous surface, weighted checkers and a finish that looks at home on a side table rather than in a cupboard. It is a gift that signals you understand how much the game means to them.
A folding set answers the player who likes to carry the game with them. The Folding Backgammon Set - Backgammon Board & Pieces closes neatly around its pieces and slips into a bag, making it ideal for holidays, pubs and visits to friends who share the habit.
Between those two sits the all-rounder. The 15 Inch Club Backgammon - Luxury Game Set gives the heft and presence of a home board with a size that still stores sensibly, which suits players who want one proper set rather than several.
If you are not certain which format fits, browsing our traditional games alongside the backgammon range helps you weigh the options. Many serious players also keep a few classics to hand, so a glance across our board games can reveal a complementary gift. The point is to match the set to the way they actually play, not to the most impressive box on the shelf.
The Best Backgammon Gifts for Every Level of Player and Budget
Budget need not dictate quality, and there is a sensible gift at every level. The question is who you are buying for.
For someone new to the game, or for a second set to keep in a holiday home, the Folding Backgammon Set at £14.99 is a dependable starting point. It plays properly, travels well and leaves room in the budget for a cup or a book of strategy.
For the player who takes the game seriously but does not need a showpiece, the 15 Inch Club Backgammon at £41.99 is the natural middle ground. It offers the size, weight and finish a committed player will notice every time they sit down to a match.
For the enthusiast who deserves something to keep for life, the Mahogany Backgammon Board at £79.99 is the considered choice. It is the set that gets passed between generations rather than replaced.
If your recipient enjoys more than one game, pairing a backgammon set with a title from our board games makes a thoughtful combination. Chess players in particular tend to overlap with backgammon enthusiasts, and our guide to the best Christmas gifts for chess lovers is worth a look.
And for households with younger members, the full range across our wooden toys covers gifts well beyond the backgammon table, so a single order can suit several people on your list.
Are Wooden and Luxury Backgammon Sets Worth the Extra Money?
The honest answer is that it depends on how much the game means to the player — but for a serious one, the extra outlay usually earns its keep.
A wooden board has a weight and stability that cheaper materials cannot match. The checkers settle rather than slide, the dice roll true against a firm surface, and the whole set stays put during a close game. These are small things that a casual player might never notice and a committed one notices constantly.
There is also the matter of longevity. A well-made wooden set is built to be repaired, re-oiled and handed on, where a lightweight board tends to wear at the hinges and fade at the points within a few years of regular play.
Craftsmanship of this kind has a long lineage. Backgammon itself is among the oldest known board games, with evidence of similar games dating back roughly 5,000 years to ancient Mesopotamia, documented in the British Museum's collections. People have been making and treasuring fine game equipment for a very long time.
Jaques of London has contributed to that tradition since 1795, and the same precision that produced the Staunton chess pieces standardised by Howard Staunton in 1849 informs how a quality backgammon set is made today. That heritage sits quietly behind every board in our backgammon range.
So is luxury worth it? For a player who uses the set weekly and intends to keep it for decades, a board like the Mahogany Backgammon Board is less an indulgence than a sound long-term choice.
How to Care for a Premium Backgammon Set So It Lasts a Lifetime
A premium backgammon set rewards a little care, and the routine is simple enough to become second nature.
Keep the board away from direct heat and strong sunlight. Radiators and sunny windowsills dry wood out over time, which can cause fine cracking and dull the finish. A shaded shelf or a drawer is kinder.
Wipe the playing surface with a soft, dry or slightly damp cloth, and avoid household sprays. Most cleaning products are too harsh for an oiled or lacquered finish and can leave a cloudy residue on the points.
For a solid wooden board, an occasional wipe with a suitable furniture oil keeps the timber nourished and the colour deep. Do this sparingly — once or twice a year is plenty for a set in regular use.
Store the checkers and dice in their compartments rather than loose in the box. Loose pieces knock against one another and against the board edges, and over many games that is what chips a corner or scuffs a checker.
If the set folds, fasten it gently and avoid forcing the clasps. Hinges and catches are the parts that fail first on any folding board, and treating them kindly adds years to the set's life.
Treated this way, a quality board outlasts the fashions and the flimsy sets that come and go. It is the same principle that runs through our traditional games and our board games: well-made things, cared for properly, become the ones a family keeps. A good backgammon set is meant to be played on for a lifetime, not replaced every few Christmases.
£79.99 · gift · tested to UKCA/CE
£14.99 · value · tested to UKCA/CE
£41.99 · all-rounder · tested to UKCA/CE
Shop the range: Best Christmas Gifts for Backgammon Players
Our most relevant picks, made by a British family company since 1795.
Frequently Asked Questions About Christmas Gifts For Backgammon Players
What are the best Christmas gifts for backgammon players?
For serious backgammon players, the finest Christmas gifts centre on quality equipment. A premium backgammon set from a heritage manufacturer such as Jaques of London — established in 1795 and one of the oldest games makers in the world — represents a considered, lasting gift. Beyond the board itself, consider a precision doubling cube (introduced to the game around 1925 to add strategic depth), a set of weighted dice with a proper dice cup, a timer for competitive play, and a quality carrying case. Books on backgammon strategy also make excellent additions for players keen to sharpen their game.
What is the best backgammon set to buy as a gift?
The best backgammon set to give as a gift is one that balances craftsmanship, durability, and playing comfort. Look for sets from established manufacturers with a heritage in precision game-making. Jaques of London, founded in 1795, has produced quality board games for over two centuries — the same company that first manufactured the iconic Staunton chess pieces in 1849. For a serious player, choose a set with smooth, well-weighted checkers, clearly defined points, a sturdy playing surface, and solid dice cups. A folding case with magnetic or clip closure adds practicality and protection.
Are wooden backgammon sets worth it?
Yes, wooden backgammon sets are absolutely worth the investment for serious players and as gifts. High-quality wood provides a stable, tactile playing surface that improves with age and withstands years of regular use. Cheaper sets often use thin veneers or synthetic materials that warp or crack over time. A well-crafted wooden board from a reputable manufacturer such as Jaques of London — with over 225 years of games-making heritage — offers both aesthetic appeal and functional superiority. The weight and feel of wooden checkers on a solid board also enhances the playing experience considerably.
What size backgammon board should I buy?
For serious play, a medium to large board is generally preferable. The standard backgammon board features 24 points, 15 checkers per player, and uses two six-sided dice — and the board must comfortably accommodate all these components without crowding. Most tournament-standard boards measure between 18 and 24 inches when open. A larger playing field allows checkers to be placed and moved clearly, reducing errors during fast or competitive games. For a gift, consider the recipient's storage space and whether they travel to clubs or tournaments, in which case a robust folding set with a carrying handle is practical.
What should I look for in a backgammon set?
When choosing a backgammon set, prioritise the following: a smooth, clearly marked playing surface with 24 well-defined points; 15 checkers per side that are evenly weighted and consistent in size; two dice per player plus a quality doubling cube — introduced around 1925 to add strategic and gambling dimensions to the game; sturdy dice cups with a ribbed interior to ensure a fair roll; and a solid, well-hinged case. For serious players, the feel of the components matters greatly. Sets from established manufacturers such as Jaques of London, founded in 1795, reflect generations of refined craftsmanship.
How do I choose a backgammon set for a serious player?
Choosing a backgammon set for a serious player means prioritising quality over novelty. Serious players notice the weight and finish of checkers, the clarity of the points, the balance of dice, and the reliability of the doubling cube — a component central to competitive strategy since around 1925. Opt for sets made by manufacturers with a proven heritage in precision game equipment. Jaques of London, established in 1795, has produced quality games for over two centuries and understands what players demand. Avoid sets with plastic hinges, flimsy dice cups, or uneven checkers, as these detract from serious play.
What age is backgammon suitable for?
Backgammon is generally suitable for children aged seven and above, as it requires basic counting, simple probability thinking, and strategic decision-making — skills that develop well in middle childhood. The game uses two six-sided dice and 15 checkers per player on a 24-point board, making the rules accessible once a child can count confidently and follow sequential instructions. For older children and adults, the depth increases significantly with the introduction of the doubling cube and advanced strategy. Backgammon is one of the oldest known board games, with evidence of similar games dating back approximately 5,000 years, demonstrating its enduring, cross-generational appeal.
What is the difference between a cheap and expensive backgammon set?
The difference between a cheap and expensive backgammon set is substantial in both feel and longevity. Budget sets typically feature lightweight plastic or thin-veneer boards, uneven checkers, poorly balanced dice, and flimsy hinges that deteriorate quickly. Premium sets — such as those produced by Jaques of London, established in 1795 — use quality materials, hand-finished surfaces, evenly weighted checkers, and robust construction designed to last decades. For serious players, these details directly affect gameplay: consistent checkers move predictably, quality dice roll fairly, and a stable board surface reduces errors. A well-made set is a long-term investment rather than a disposable item.
Do serious backgammon players prefer leather or wooden boards?
Serious backgammon players tend to have strong preferences shaped by how and where they play. Leather boards are popular for their durability, quieter checker movement, and professional appearance — many tournament sets use leather or leatherette surfaces. Wooden boards are favoured for their traditional aesthetic, rigidity, and the satisfying tactile experience they provide. The best sets often combine both: a solid wooden frame with a leather or suede playing surface. Jaques of London, with over 225 years of games-making expertise since 1795, produces sets that reflect this understanding of what discerning players value in their equipment.
What accessories do backgammon players need?
Beyond the board itself, serious backgammon players benefit from several key accessories. A precision doubling cube is essential — introduced around 1925, it adds a defining strategic and gambling layer to competitive play. Quality dice cups with a ribbed interior ensure fair, consistent rolls. Spare sets of evenly weighted checkers are useful for players who travel. A chess clock or digital timer supports timed competitive games. A dedicated carrying case protects the set during transport to clubs or tournaments. For players looking to improve, well-regarded strategy guides complement the equipment and make a thoughtful addition to any backgammon-themed gift.