Backgammon plays a very important part in your life. You play it on the weekends, you belong to the local backgammon club, you are a great fan of online backgammon and you consider yourself good enough to take part in regional competitions. There is no reason then, that you should scrimp when it comes to purchasing a backgammon set. For the ultimate indulgence, consider handmade backgammon games.

Just take a look at the difference between factory and handmade backgammon games. There is simply nothing to compare. A handmade game exudes luxury and extravagance. Each game is lovingly made by a master of the trade who takes every care in the world to pass his own personal stamp onto his work of art. And a work of art it is. Whether a handmade set is minimalist and beautiful in its simplicity, or opulent and largely decorative, nothing can remove the fact that it has been made by the hands of an artist.

Owning a homemade set will remind you each time you take the game out that backgammon is special to you. It will remind you that you consider yourself important enough to own such a wonderful game, and this confidence will almost certainly spill over into your game playing. Every time you use a luxurious, hand made dicing cup, your poise will be felt in the game and your opponent will know that there is no fooling with you. Handmade backgammon games – the ultimate indulgence!

The word “gambling” usually comes with so many negative connotations, especially when mixed with messages from the government, particularly in the form of legislation. I find that there is a lot of hypocrisy involved with these messages because governments not only sanction, but they encourage gambling in the form of playing state lotteries.

What is a lottery if not a clear cut form of gambling? If you make a friendly bet with a buddy over a football game (let’s say the bet is to take him out for a beer if you lose) does this make you a “sports betting gambler?” Where are the lines drawn?

My grandmother has been playing the lottery every day for as long as I can remember? Does this make her a gambler? She even takes the group bus from her retirement center to one of the local casinos in Florida to play the slot machines twice a month. Is this actually gambling or is this just an old woman spending a couple bucks on some casino games instead of on a new pair of shoes?

I’m an avid poker player and recently online poker was outlawed in the United States. In certain states in the US it’s even illegal to play poker in the privacy of your own home. Strangely, this is considered a negative form of gambling, and these laws seem to be infringing on our personal freedoms. Who knows. I just hope Grandma gets to continue with her routine and I’ll continue to watch poker games on ESPN. Ah, the irony.

When I first started to learn backgammon setup I was really confused.  I had this board in front of me that didn’t seem to go in any direction and it had big triangles all over the place.  I think that’s a typical reaction for most newcomers to backgammon.  Now, some people can read instruction books and figure everything out, but I need to see and do it.  I found my answer online with internet backgammon.

There are free online backgammon sites that allow new players to learn backgammon setup, rules and strategy risk free.  When I first started playing online backgammon I would play the computer because that was the best way to play and not embarrass myself.  It would only allow me to make correct moves and when I made wrong moves there was an information button that I could press to find out why I wasn’t allowed to make the moves.  When I combined that with tips I found for playing online, it didn’t take long to move past basic backgammon setup and rules understanding and on to the fun part of strategy.

Another great thing about online backgammon is that thousands of people from all over the world are online playing every day, so when you want to play real opponents you’ll never have trouble finding one.  And, when you outgrow the free tables, the real money tables are a click away.

Whether you’re just learning how the backgammon setup works or you’re a seasoned player looking to make money, online backgammon has what you’re looking for.