History of Backgammon

Backgammon is the oldest known game in the history of mankind. It is a well known fact that the game originated in Mesopotania in the old Persian regime, now known as Iran, Iraq and East Syria. The game used to be played on wooden tablets which were also used as tables. Stones were used as the figures and numbered dice made from bone, stones and wood.

Throughout the history of the game, it was always identified with Kings and nobility, especially under the aristocrats from Persia, Greece, Rome and the far east. The Persians called the game "Takhteh Nard", which meant as much as "battle on wood"! (Takhteh = Wood) and (Nard = Battle) Later, when Persia invaded Egypt, the game became popular under the name "Tau". Tau was played in wooden blocks, usually consisting of 30 sqaures (3x10) and was the forefather of "Senat". The Roman game "Ludus Duodecim Scriptorum" was played on 3x12 squares and was thought to be a derivitive of the game "Senat", later known as "Tabula", which was then seen to be the template of todays table game. Approximately in the 6th Century, "Tabula" became known as "Alea".

Through the invasion of the Persian King Nader, the game made its way to China, where it was called "T-shu-p-u". Later, the Japanese also started playing the game which they called "Sugoroko". In Italy, it is called "Tauola Reale", in Spain, "Tablas Reales". Both mean "King's table". The Greeks still call the game "Tavli". When the Romans invaded Great Britain, they brought the game with which then became known as "Tables" The book "Codex Exoniensis" (Two sitting at a table), published in the 11th century, is the first time the game "tables" was officially mentioned. It is assumed that Backgammon got its' name from both English words "Bac Gamen" which basically means "Back Game". The Welsh called it "Back-Gammon", which translates into "Wee Battle".

In 1743, an Englishman, Esmond Hoyle, documented the rules of the game. Thereafter the game became popular throughout Europe. In France it was known as "Tric-Trac", in Germany as "Puff". These rules were upheld until 1931, when the rules were revised in America, which have remained as they are until today. During this stage, many variences of backgammon were found, eg. the multigame "Chouette", "Kotra", "Tabard", "Sixey-Acey", "Acey Deucey", the Arabic "Jioul", the Greek "Plakoto", to name just a few.