A comparison between chess and backgammon

Both board games have long standing historical roots that stretch to various locations across the globe. Both chess and backgammon require two players, and are board games that are played on unmarked numbered points. They share strict starting positions and use pieces that are identified by the points that they occupy. Both board games are recognised as intellectually stimulating and have championships competitions dedicated to them.

Although chess and backgammon both enjoy simple rules, they both require lots of thoughtful tactical play. The opponents moves and choices must be monitored at all times, and any responses to their moves must take into account the possibilities of future moves. Both board games have lots of literature both online and offline dedicated to cracking strategies that work.

However, the similarities between chess and backgammon end there. Firstly, the board games differ as backgammon belongs to the tabular collective. These involve dice and so require different tactical play. Chess relies solely upon the decisions made by the player whereas the backgammon game is restricted by dice rolls.

Another noticeable difference is the way the pieces move around the board. Both games are reliant on the position of the opponent, but movement in chess, pieces can move in multiple directions. The movement in any backgammon game is linear.

The aims of these board games also differ. Backgammon players aim to bear all their pieces off the board before their opponent whereas the chess player wins by trapping their opponents king. The backgammon game does not offer a draw equivalent to stalemate. Chess and backgammon have few similarities and in essence and strategy they require completely different approaches.