Choosing the right backgammon set makes a bigger difference than you might think. The weight of the checkers, the surface texture, the dice quality — all of it affects how the game feels and plays. This guide breaks down the best options across every budget in 2026.
Key Takeaways
- For most casual players, a $50–$120 mid-range set hits the sweet spot of quality and value
- Tournament players need precision dice with sharp edges and a firm, non-slippery surface
- Checker diameter should be at least 1 inch (1.5 inches for tournament play)
- Magnetic travel sets are great for portability but sacrifice play quality
- Luxury sets from Hermès, Gucci, and bespoke craftsmen can exceed $5,000
What Makes a Good Backgammon Set?
Before diving into specific recommendations, here’s what separates great sets from mediocre ones:
Playing Surface
The surface affects how checkers slide and stop:
- Velvet — Luxurious feel, checkers glide smoothly. Best for home use.
- Felt — Durable, slightly more grip. Preferred for tournament play.
- Leatherette/faux leather — Easy to clean, durable, mid-range quality.
- Genuine leather — Premium feel and longevity. Found in high-end sets.
Avoid: Cheap cloth or paper surfaces that wrinkle and cause uneven play.
Checker Quality
Checkers are the most tactile part of the game:
- Size: Tournament standard is 1.5 inches in diameter. Casual sets use 1–1.25 inches.
- Weight: Heavier is better. Look for at least 10–12g per checker for a satisfying feel.
- Material: Acrylic (most common), bone/clay composite (premium), or bakelite (vintage/collector).
- Edge quality: Checkers should have clean, smooth edges with no flash or roughness.
Dice Quality
This matters more than most beginners realize:
- Precision casino dice — Sharp edges, perfect cube shape, most accurate rolls. Used in serious play.
- Razor-edge dice — Near-precision quality at lower cost.
- Standard dice — Rounded edges, less predictable. Fine for casual play.
- Dice cups: Leather or leatherette cups with a baffle (interior ridges) ensure fair rolls.
The Doubling Cube
Every serious set should include a doubling cube with faces marked 2, 4, 8, 16, 32, 64. Many cheap sets omit it or include one too small to read easily. Look for a cube at least 1 inch in diameter.
Best Backgammon Sets by Budget
Budget Sets: Under $50
Best for: Beginners, gift-giving, travel, children
What to expect: Smaller boards (15–18 inches), lightweight plastic or thin acrylic checkers, basic dice, leatherette or vinyl cases.
Top picks in this range:
Longfield Games 15-inch Backgammon Set (~$30–$40) A solid entry-level set with a compact fold-up board. The checkers are lightweight but adequate for learning. A good first set that won’t feel embarrassing.
Yellow Mountain Imports Backgammon Set (~$40–$50) Better build quality than many in this price range. Features a real doubling cube and decent dice cups. The 17-inch board is a practical size.
What you sacrifice: Checker weight, surface quality, dice precision. Fine for learning; not suitable for serious play.
Mid-Range Sets: $50–$200
Best for: Regular home players, intermediate players, gifts for enthusiasts
What to expect: 18–21 inch boards, weighted checkers (1–1.25 inch diameter), leatherette or vinyl cases with magnets, proper doubling cube.
Top picks in this range:
Hathaway Games Backgammon Set (~$60–$90) Consistently well-reviewed for its price. Felt playing surface, 1-inch weighted checkers, magnetic closure. A reliable everyday set.
WE Games Backgammon Set (~$80–$120) Slightly above average construction. The leatherette case holds up well with regular use. Dice cups are better than average. Comes in multiple color options.
Silverman & Co. Premium Backgammon Set (~$120–$180) A step up in surface quality and checker weight. The felt surface is noticeably smoother than budget options. Good entry point into quality play.
Luxury feel at mid-range: Some sets in the $150–$200 range use genuine wood for the board interior and real leather for the case. These make excellent gifts and will last decades with proper care.
Tournament-Grade Sets: $200–$600
Best for: Serious club players, tournament participants, players who want equipment that matches their commitment
What to expect: 21–24 inch boards, 1.5-inch weighted checkers, precision dice, velvet or premium felt surface, sturdy hinged case.
Top picks in this range:
Crisloid Backgammon Set (~$250–$400) The gold standard for American tournament players. Crisloid has been manufacturing backgammon sets since the 1950s. Their acrylic checkers have excellent edge quality and weight. Precision dice included.
Wycliffe Brothers Tournament Backgammon Set (~$200–$350) Extremely popular in the backgammon community. Precision dice (6 included), high-quality felt surface, 1.5-inch checkers. The case is durable enough for travel. Many club players swear by this set.
Cardinal Industries Tournament Set (~$250–$450) Another respected name in serious backgammon. Clean construction, reliable surface, proper equipment throughout.
Why precision dice matter at this level: Precision casino dice have mathematically flat faces and perfectly sharp edges, ensuring statistically fair rolls. Over thousands of rolls, rounded dice can show measurable bias.
Luxury and Designer Sets: $500+
Best for: Collectors, luxury home décor, serious aficionados who want the finest equipment
Top options:
Bespoke Craftsmen Sets ($500–$3,000) Small workshops and individual craftsmen produce sets with exotic wood frames (walnut, ebony, maple), leather surfaces, and custom-colored suede or velvet playing fields. Check Etsy, specialty game shops, and backgammon forums for reputable makers.
Alexandra Llewellyn (~$1,000–$3,000) London-based designer known for beautifully crafted backgammon boards in exotic materials. Her sets are as much art objects as game equipment.
Hermès Backgammon Sets ($3,000–$15,000+) The ultimate luxury. Hermès has produced backgammon sets in fine leather since the 1970s. Collector items — some vintage Hermès sets trade for far above original retail.
What you’re paying for: Materials (exotic leathers, rare woods), craftsmanship (hand-stitched, hand-painted), exclusivity, and longevity. A well-made luxury set will outlast its owner.
Travel Backgammon Sets
If portability is the priority:
Magnetic Travel Sets (~$15–$40) Thin boards with magnetic checkers that won’t slide during travel. Playable but not ideal — the magnetic resistance changes how checkers feel.
Roll-Up Felt/Leather Sets (~$20–$60) Lightweight boards that roll up for packing. Better playing feel than magnetic sets. The checkers store in a pouch. Good for camping or backpacking.
Compact Folding Sets (~$30–$80) Miniaturized versions of full-size boards (12–15 inches). The most practical travel option for regular play — small enough to fit in a carry-on, large enough to play comfortably.
Recommendation: For travel, the WE Games Compact Folding Set (~$35–$45) offers the best balance of portability and playability.
Backgammon Sets as Gifts
Backgammon sets make excellent gifts. Choosing the right level:
| Recipient | Recommended Budget | What to Look For |
|---|---|---|
| Complete beginner | $30–$60 | Includes rules, decent checkers, doubling cube |
| Casual player | $60–$150 | Better surface, weighted checkers |
| Enthusiast | $150–$350 | Tournament-quality equipment |
| Collector | $500+ | Luxury materials, artisan craftsmanship |
Gift tip: Include a copy of a beginner’s strategy book (Paul Magriel’s “Backgammon” is a classic) with any set for a beginner. It shows thoughtfulness and accelerates their enjoyment of the game.
What to Avoid
- Sets without a doubling cube: The doubling cube is not optional for real backgammon. Skip sets that omit it.
- Dice that are too small: Dice smaller than 5/8 inch are hard to read and often poorly made.
- Cloth playing surfaces that aren’t attached properly: Surfaces that shift during play ruin the experience.
- Sets with no felt or velvet: A hard plastic playing surface causes checkers to bounce unpredictably.
- Unknown brands with no reviews: Backgammon sets from unreviewed manufacturers vary wildly in quality.
Where to Buy Backgammon Sets
Online retailers: Amazon carries the widest range across all price points. Search by brand rather than by generic keyword for better results.
Specialty game stores: Local board game shops sometimes carry quality mid-range sets. Staff can often advise on playing quality.
Backgammon tournaments: Many tournament organizers sell equipment on-site. This is an excellent way to handle a set before buying.
Direct from craftsmen: For luxury and bespoke sets, buying directly from the maker ensures authenticity and often allows customization (color choices, monogramming).
Maintaining Your Backgammon Set
A quality set will last decades with basic care:
- Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight (prevents surface fading)
- Clean the playing surface gently with a lint roller or soft brush
- Wipe leatherette cases with a damp cloth; condition genuine leather annually
- Keep checkers in their tray — loose storage causes edge chips over time
- Replace dice periodically; even precision dice wear slightly after thousands of rolls
Related Articles
- Backgammon Rules — learn the complete rules before you buy
- How to Play Backgammon — beginner’s guide to getting started
- Backgammon Equipment Guide — deep dive into equipment specifics
- Backgammon for Beginners — strategy basics for new players