A Brief History of Backgammon
Backgammon has been around for a very long time; different versions of the game occasionally turn up in archeological digs. It is estimated to be about 5,000 years old. Different civilizations, from the Egyptians and Greeks, to the Romans and Anglo Saxons, have made modifications and given the game many different names. The modern day name is Welch for “wee battle.” Backgammon has even drawn the attention of the Church, which has attempted on several occasions to ban the game. The current design of the board originated from one such attempt by Cardinal Woolsey in England. Players simply modified the board to work as a folding table, making it easy to hide the board from prying eyes.
It wasn’t until the 1700s that the game was finally documented by Edmund Hoyle. He provided both a history and the rules. The game traveled to America during the colonial period. As could probably be expected, the game was less popular during Victoria’s reign in the late 1800s. Eventually the pendulum swung back, brining Backgammon back in style. The game is still being modified today, largely because of online play. For example, a doubling cube offers a greater wager for those more accomplished in the game.
Because the game requires that players have a strategy, it may take players time to learn the game. Fortunately we have the internet and various types of publications. A person who wants to learn the rules, how to play, the different strategies, or different version has a large host of available media to aid in the endeavor. For those really into the game, there are clubs and groups online to help hone skills, join tournaments, or just provide an arena where players can discuss different aspects of the game. With such a wide variety of coverage and popularity, Backgammon not only has an interesting and diverse history, but a very promising future.
