About Backgammon Tables

Backgammon tables are a combination backgammon board and table. It has four legs and a table top just like your own kitchen table, but it also has a built-in backgammon board and slots for the game pieces and dice. Most backgammon tables are handmade from ash or maple, and some have inset or inlaid points made of another material like marble, leather or stone. They are a convenient way to play this game, because the board is already set up on a table of its own.

Function

A backgammon table, unlike a backgammon board, allows players to sit down and play the game on a nice table designed just for backgammon. The table allows the players plenty of room to play the game, and it also has side walls that keep dice from bouncing off the board. In some cases, backgammon tables can also be converted to play chess, checkers or even poker, using different slide in or slide out game boards.

Types

The most common types of backgammon tables include 2-in-1 or 4-in-1 combinations. The 2-in-1 tables usually have a game board for backgammon with a game board for chess on the opposite side. It flips over to play either game. These tables are actually 3-in-1 because you can play chess, checkers and backgammon. The 4-in-1 tables are exactly the same as far as the games are concerned, but they are also decorative. The table acts as a regular end table when games are not being played.

Features

Most backgammon tables include a drawer for storing dice and game pieces, as well as the reversible board. Handmade backgammon tables have a range of other features, including expensive, exotic woods, luxuriously carved table legs and polished granite table tops. A few backgammon tables have one center leg, but most feature a four-leg design. Other more expensive backgammon tables are antiques or antique reproductions.

Size

Backgammon tables come in many sizes, ranging from 19 inches long and 19 inches wide to 30 inches or more. Most are lower to the ground than traditional tables, making throwing the dice easier.

Identification

A backgammon table has a regulation backgammon board built into the table top. The game board consist of two halves, along each side there are a series of 12 points. There are fifteen checkers or pieces set up along those points. The players must move their pieces around the entire board before removing them. A backgammon table has a space to store these pieces and a compartment for the doubling cube and dice cups. Most are made of oak or maple, but the material really makes little difference.