Backgammon Tournament Board Requirements

Backgammon tournaments can be found almost anywhere there are backgammon clubs. Dedicated players like nothing more than taking up the challenge of new opponent. Some people may be surprised to learn that there are no official rules or regulations that define what kind of backgammon board is used. As long as a board has the right arrangement of pointers and enough backgammon checkers for a game you are all set to go.

However, although there are no rules written in stone, there are basic guidelines that players adhere to when bringing a board to backgammon tournaments. This is so that the game will be enjoyable to both players and not just the board owner. Most important is size and that tends to be big. The size of a board depends on the size of the backgammon checkers used. The checkers should fit well enough that they can sit six abreast in the home section for each player. The weight and heft of the checkers is also important and they should slide well. The most common sizes are the 1.5 inch and 1.75 inch checkers found in most backgammon boards sets.

The surface of your board should also be in good condition if you intend to bring it to backgammon tournaments. If the pointers are sown on to the surface then they should be flat and well attached and not torn or peeling. Seasoned players move their backgammon checkers with a well practiced flick and a peeling pointer will get in the way. A damaged backgammon board that has cracks or chips may also interfere with the way the dice roll.

Backgammon tournaments are not only fun but they also give players an opportunity to show off their favorite boards. A handmade backgammon board can be a work of art and a visual pleasure to go with the game as the players duel over their backgammon checkers.