Backgammon Online - Getting Started

Playing backgammon online is just like playing at home in some ways. After you download the software, which is usually quick and easy to do, you'll see the same board and pieces that you're used to seeing. And most of the online services have excellent graphics.Game Colony is one online backgammon community that really does a good job of bringing the virtual backgammon experience to life. The pieces move the same way and the doubling cube works the same way online as it does at home.

One difference online though, is that there's a community of players to interact with if you want to. Whether you're playing for free or trying to win money, sharing the excitement with other players can be fun. Of course, if you're in the middle of a serious game for high stakes, you may opt to turn off chat and concentrate on your game. It's your choice.

One good thing about playing backgammon online is that you don't have to set up the board over and over again, like you do at home. This gives you more time to play and chat and you can get in more games in less time. It's one of the things that attracts players to online backgammon

Many players who are new to online backgammon start with games against the computer, just to get the feel of it. Then, after some practice, they move on to games that match them against players who are at the same level they are. From there, they may decide to download backgammon software to make it easier to access games.

Whether you play against the computer, against other players or in tournaments, join in the fun of the Backgammon explosion that's going on right now.

The History of Backgammon

By Eb Netr

The Sumerians, who lived in what used to be Mesopotamia, mentioned Backgammon in their writings from more than 5,000 years ago. This may make it the oldest game in history. We do know that it was played in Egypt, because backgammon boards and even a dice box were found in Tutenkamen's tomb. Other boards have been excavated from ancient cemeteries and archeological sites.

The Egyptians called Backgammon, Tau. Later, a game called Senat appeared in Egypt and some historians think that Senat evolved from Tau. Other names for Backgammon are Tabula and Alea from Ancient Rome, Sugoroko from Japan and Tshu-pu from Ancient China. Persia, later called Iran, also had Backgammon, which they called Takh-teh-nard, meaning "Battle on Wood".

Many famous people have played Backgammon. Claudius, the Roman emperor, was so addicted to the game that he even ordered a Backgammon set for his coach and played while he travelled throughout the Roman Empire.

Backgammon has fallen in and out of favor over the centuries. However, sometime in the 1930's someone invented the doubling cube, which revolutionized the game. Suddenly, there were many more options to best an opponent and raise the stakes higher in games played for money. Then, later on, during the 60's and 70's, Backgammon made even more of a comeback. Clubs were formed and magazines and newsletters kept fans in touch with each other and with the game.

With the rise of the Internet, Backgammon has begun to rival poker in popularity online. And while Poker is considered a game of chance, thus making it's legality iffy online, Backgammon is a game of skill. Playing Backgammon for free or for cash has become very popular on the Net. Large gaming sites host Backgammon games for high stakes and many players from novice to expert, are cashing in.