Most backgammon sets look identical in a listing photo and feel completely different on a table. The best backgammon set for a family that plays every Friday is rarely the one that fits in a carry-on, and the one that survives a rucksack trip rarely belongs on a display shelf. We spent weeks comparing twelve sets across board size, playing surface, dice weight, closure type and what actually comes in the case, so you can skip the guesswork.
Here is the short version. The Get The Games Out set is our best backgammon set overall because it pairs a 22.5 by 18 inch folding board with a proper briefcase, spare checkers and a 4.7 star rating across 13k+ reviews. For travel, the Sondergut roll-up rolls flat with no rigid case and adds almost no weight. For beginners who just want to learn, the Purple Cow magnetic tin is a 7.6 inch square board that disappears into a bag.
Everything below is written for people who want to play, not collect. We explain what each format actually feels like in a real game, where cheap sets cut corners, and which specifications matter if you ever move past casual games with friends.
Our Top 3 Backgammon Sets for 2026
Get The Games Out Set
- 22.5 by 18 inch folding board
- Soft felt playfield with leatherette trim
- Briefcase case stores every piece
Crazy Games 18-Inch
- True 18 inch playing surface
- Substantial weighted checkers
- Metal clasp folding case
Purple Cow Travel Tin
- Slim 7.6 inch magnetic tin
- Rules printed inside the lid
- Weighs 112 g
The three sets above cover the three genuinely different use cases. One is a full-size board that stays open on a dining table, one is a heavier board for players who want a large surface and weighty pieces, and one is a pocket tin built to survive airports and long car trips.
Comparing All 12 Best Backgammon Sets Side by Side
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One quick note before the individual reviews: the board size listed in a product title is not always the size of the playing surface. Several sets here advertise a number that refers to the closed case, which is why we quote both figures in each section.
1. Get The Games Out Folding Set – Best Backgammon Set Overall
Get The Games Out Backgammon Set, Classic Board Game Case, 2 Players, Includes Strategy & Tip Guide, Perfect for Parties and Family Game Nights – Large, Map
Opens to 22.5 x 18 inches
Felt board with leatherette trim
4.1 pounds
✓ The Good
- Board is among the widest in this group
- Built-in storage for every piece
- Spare checkers and dual-color dice included
- Quiet felt playfield
- Briefcase-style case
✕ The Bad
- Chips can be undersized for the storage troughs
- Written rules are thin for new players
The first thing I noticed when this case came out of the box was how little the interior moved when I tilted it. Nothing slid, nothing rattled, and every piece had a defined home. That matters more than it sounds, because a set that cannot be closed is a set that ends up with dice rolling under the sofa halfway through a game.
Opened flat, the board gives you a 22.5 by 18 inch playing surface, which is among the most generous in this group. Two adults can sit across the table without elbows colliding, and the map-themed felt looks far less institutional than a plain green field. The leatherette trim around the points gives the whole thing a finished, gift-ready appearance.
At 4.1 pounds, this is not a travel set, and it is not trying to be. It is the set you leave open on a sideboard and use for a weekly game with family. Owners consistently mention the extra spares as a genuine quality-of-life feature, because one missing checker ends a game until the box is ransacked.
Why the felt surface earns its place
Felt is one of the quietest common playing surfaces, and this set uses it across the full interior. On a hard wooden table in an apartment, the difference between felt and a bare laminate board is the difference between a game you can talk over and a game where people raise their voices. The leatherette points also resist the wear that shows first on printed paper surfaces.
The trade-off is dust and compression. Felt eventually flattens in the travel trough if you leave the case in a hot car, so store it flat and cool. That is routine care, not a defect, and it applies to every felt board in this list.
Storage design and the chip sizing complaint
The most common criticism across 13k+ reviews is that the chips are slightly small for the storage troughs, so they slide rather than seat. During play it makes no difference. It only becomes a nuisance when you are trying to close the case with one hand while holding a coffee cup in the other.
The written rules get the second-most mention. A printed strategy guide is included, and it covers the basics, but a first-time player will learn more in twenty minutes of actual play than from the booklet. If you are teaching someone the game, plan on walking them through the bar and bearing off yourself.
Who it suits and who should skip it
Buy this if you play at home, host game nights, or are buying a gift for someone who will use it weekly. The combination of board size, spares and organized storage is the best overall package we found, and the review volume suggests very few buyers regret it.
Skip it if your game happens in hotel rooms and airports. Nothing in the design prioritizes packability, and 4.1 pounds is a deliberate choice. For that scenario, read the roll-up and magnetic sections further down.
2. Crazy Games 18 Inch Board – Best for Adult Players Who Want a Big Surface
Premium Backgammon 18″ Large Brown – Backgammon Sets for Adults and Kids
True 18 inch board
Leatherette case with compartments
2.3 pounds
✓ The Good
- Large 18 inch surface sized for adults
- Substantial checker weight
- Storage compartments for accessories
- Non-marking base
✕ The Bad
- Some sets arrive with bent point tips
- Spare dice pouches can be mispacked
- Bulky for frequent carrying
This is the set I recommend when two adults are the primary players and the table has room. The playing surface is a true 18 inches, and the checkers have enough weight to feel like real playing pieces rather than thin plastic discs sliding around a fold.
The case is a scratch-resistant leatherette folder with internal compartments for the doubling cube, shakers and dice. It folds along a center hinge and latches with metal clasps that hold position better than the small brass latches used on cheaper folding cases. Opening it flat and leaving it open is how most owners use it.
At 2.3 pounds, it is meaningfully lighter than the larger board above, which helps if you move between rooms, but it is still a full-size board rather than a travel format.
Checker weight and why players notice it
Backgammon is a game of placement and sliding, and piece weight affects both. Heavier checkers land with a satisfying clink and stay where you put them, which reduces the frustration of watching a piece drift after a legal move. Reviewers consistently call out the substantial weight as the step up from entry-level sets.
Heavier is not automatically better. On a small board with tight points, very heavy pieces can feel stiff to slide between adjacent points. On a full 18 inch surface with generous spacing, that resistance basically disappears.
Quality control on arrival
A recurring theme in reviews is minor damage out of the box: bent point tips on the board, loose threads on the case seam, and dice packed into the wrong self-locking pouch. None of these are serious, and all of them are fixable with a minute of attention. Trim the thread, flatten the tip with the back of a spoon, and sort the dice before the first game.
The tradeoff is size. An 18 inch board in a briefcase is a substantial object to carry, and a few owners regret that when the game is not at home. Know your venue before you commit.
Who it suits and who should skip it
This suits adult players who want a proper adult-sized surface and a case that looks good on a coffee table. It is a strong gift choice as well, because the leatherette finish reads as more expensive than the box implies.
Skip it for children, since the manufacturer lists it for ages 12 and up, and skip it for travel. The board is a full 18 inches open; the travel formats further down are built for that problem instead.
3. Purple Cow Magnetic Tin – Best Budget Travel Set
The Purple Cow Magnetic Travel Backgammon Game for Kids & Adults. Game for 2 Players. Hours of Fun, from 4 to 99 Years
7.6 inch magnetic tin
112 g item weight
Printed rules inside
✓ The Good
- Fits a purse or small backpack
- Magnetic pieces pause a game instantly
- Rules printed inside the case
- Weighs 112 g
✕ The Bad
- Dice and pieces are very small
- Tin lid can be hard to close
- Limited playing surface
The travel question is not really about the game. It is about whether the set takes up space you cannot spare. At 7.6 inches square and 112 grams, this tin is the smallest board here, and it disappears into a bag in a way nothing else in this list does.
Everything is magnetic. Pieces cling to the inside of the case, which means you can close the lid mid-game, put it in a drawer, and resume an hour later with the position exactly as you left it. That single feature makes it genuinely useful at restaurants, in waiting rooms and on long flights.
The rules and play instructions are printed on the inside of the tin, so there is no separate booklet to lose. For a game with this much fixed layout, printing the setup diagram directly on the board is a smart space-saving choice.
Where the 4.2 rating comes from
The rating reflects a deliberate trade rather than poor manufacturing. Small format means small pieces, and small pieces and dice are genuinely easy to misplace. If a checker rolls off a table in a cafe, recovering it is a real possibility rather than a certainty.
The tin closure is the other recurring complaint. A slim magnetic tin has very little tolerance, so the lid can need a second push to seat. On a hard surface it is not an issue; in a soft bag with a phone against it, it can pop open.
What the small board actually costs you
With 15 pieces per side, even a compact field becomes crowded during the middle phase of a game. You will find yourself playing more by placement than by sliding, and the 30 pieces plus a full setup occupy much of the available surface. That is fine for a relaxed game with a child, and frustrating for a serious match.
Buyers overwhelmingly use this as a travel companion and a way to keep children occupied, not as a main board. Treat it that way and the limitations stop mattering.
Who it suits and who should skip it
Pick it if you travel often, want to learn the game on a low-commitment set, or need something to hand a child on a long journey. The manufacturer lists it for ages 4 and up, and its simple all-in-one design makes it an easy addition to a party bag.
Skip it if you already own a proper board. This is a second game for a bag, not a first board for a home, and anyone who plays seriously will find the small pieces and limited surface frustrating within a few sessions.
4. Yellow Mountain Imports 17 Inch Cascadia – Best Wood Inlay Board
Yellow Mountain Imports Wooden Inlaid Backgammon Set, Cascadia – with Acrylic Playing Pieces & Wooden Dice Cups, 17-inch Board
17 inch folding board
Detailed inlay inside and out
Inset magnet closure
✓ The Good
- High-detail wood inlay workmanship
- Wooden dice cups included
- Full complement of 30 checkers and 4 dice
- Also offered in smaller sizes
✕ The Bad
- Hard wood surface is louder than felt
- Acrylic checkers feel light
This is the set you put on a shelf when you are done playing. The inlay work runs across the inside and the outside of the case, and that double-sided detail is what separates an inlaid wood board from a printed one. It is the reason a 4.4 rating reads as a design judgement rather than a defect report.
The board folds in half with hidden inset magnets that hold the case shut without a clasp catching on clothing. Closed, it measures about 17.3 by 9.8 by 2 inches. Open, the board gives you a 17 inch playing surface, which sits in the comfortable middle of the size range.
Two sets of 15 acrylic checkers, four dice, a doubling cube and a pair of wooden dice cups are included, along with illustrated English instructions. Nothing is missing.
The sound and feel trade-off of a hard surface
A wood play surface is firm and fast. Dice land with a sharp click rather than the muted thud of felt, and pieces slide on a hard plane with less drag. Players who like a crisp, responsive board tend to love this. Players in a shared apartment often do not.
Reviewers describe the acrylic checkers as pleasant but light, especially compared with stone or solid wood pieces. The acrylic is also quieter on a hard surface than glass or ceramic would be, so it is a reasonable middle ground for a decorative set.
Why the wooden dice cups matter more than they sound
Wooden dice cups change the whole rhythm of a roll. They are deeper and heavier than plastic shakers, so dice are thrown rather than shaken, and the cup absorbs the sharp edge of impact. Two wooden cups also make the game feel symmetrical, since each player rolls with their own vessel.
The set is also produced in 13 inch and 15 inch versions, which is worth knowing if you like the inlay but want a smaller footprint for a table where space is tight.
Who it suits and who should skip it
Buy it for a display shelf, a study, or as a gift for someone who notices craftsmanship. The inlay is the feature, and the playing specs support it well enough for regular use.
Skip it for a small apartment with thin walls, or for a family that plays constantly and does not want a hard surface. If quiet is your priority, the velvet interior board later in this list is a better fit.
5. Mainstreet Classics 18 Inch – Best for Quiet Play
Mainstreet Classics 18-Inch Backgammon Board Game Set
Velvet and leatherette interior
Open 23 by 18 inches
4.7 pounds
✓ The Good
- Soft velvet interior keeps dice quiet
- Well-weighted pieces with a smooth finish
- Sewn leatherette points stay flat
- Felt-lined dice cups
✕ The Bad
- No carrying handle on the case
- Divider trays can catch chips
- Felt needs a break-in period
Long-term owners consistently report that the stitching holds up and the board keeps playing well after years. That is the single most valuable thing a set can do, because backgammon boards fail at the seams and hinges long before they fail at the playing surface.
Open, the board measures 23 by 18 inches, making it the widest playing surface in this group. Closed, it is 18 by 11.5 by 2 inches. The extra width is genuinely useful when four people are watching a game, since pieces stay visible from the sides.
The interior is velvet and leatherette, and it is one of the quietest surfaces here. Dice do not clatter, which matters in a home, a hotel room or a shared office space where other people are working.
What the break-in period actually involves
New felt is slightly stiff, and pieces do not glide across it as smoothly as they will after a few weeks. Most players notice the difference within a month of regular use, and long-term owners describe the surface as settling into a very consistent glide. It is a normal characteristic of felt rather than a flaw.
The interior divider trays are the most criticized component. They can sit slightly proud of the surface and catch a sliding piece, and a few owners report lifting felt or transit damage on arrival. Check the trays before your first game and press any lifted edge back down.
Points, weight and the missing handle
The sewn leatherette points stay flat and do not interfere with sliding, which is the opposite of the complaint that appears on stitched travel sets later in this list. The playing pieces are well weighted with a smooth finish that produces a clean clink when they meet.
The most consistent practical complaint is the absence of a carrying handle on the case. At 4.7 pounds, moving this set between rooms is a two-handed job. If you plan to game away from a dedicated table, that matters more than the extra two inches of board width.
Who it suits and who should skip it
Choose it for home play where noise is a factor, for older children and adults, and for anyone who values a board that will survive years of regular use. The black case with white stitching also looks good on display.
Skip it for travel, both for the weight and the lack of a handle. A home and travel edition is produced as well, which may be a better fit if you want the same styling in a smaller footprint.
6. Queensell 15 Inch PU Leather Set – Best for Gifting
Large Backgammon Sets for Adults – Classic Board Games for 2 Players Adults and Kids – Premium Backgammon Set 15 inch Board and 32 Backgammon Pieces in Quality PU Leather Case – Gift for Man
15 inch folding board
PU leather with strap closure
1.52 kg
✓ The Good
- Leather straps close more securely than clasps
- Spare pieces and spare dice included
- Six color options
- Built-in accessory storage
✕ The Bad
- Hinges and latches feel light
- Checkers are thinner than expected
If you are buying for someone whose taste you do not know, color choice matters more than specifications. This set is offered in six finishes, and the brown version we tested has a uniform PU leather exterior that looks considerably richer than a plastic-latch case of similar size.
The board folds from a closed 15 by 9.6 by 2.2 inches to an open 19.2 by 15 by 1.1 inches, so the playing field is a 15 inch board. That is a real compromise on table space, and it is the main thing to understand before choosing it over a larger set.
Included are 32 playing pieces, four dice, a doubling cube, two dice cups and instructions. Spare pieces and spare dice are bundled, which is a quietly excellent gift feature because the recipient will not have to buy replacements.
Straps beat small clasps in our experience
The closure is the detail that separates this from most sets in its class. Leather straps wrap around the case and hold it shut with more even pressure than a small brass clasp, which reduces the chance of a case springing open in a bag. It is a simple change with a real effect on daily use.
The playfield is a deluxe felt with detailed points, and it is smooth enough that pieces slide without catching. The one aesthetic complaint is that the checkers are thinner than some buyers expect, particularly if you are used to heavy wooden or stone pieces.
Where the hardware is weaker
Hinges and latches are described as light rather than flimsy, and a few owners report that the case feels less rigid when the board is folded. The board is held by a fold rather than a rigid frame, so repeated use over years will eventually loosen the crease slightly.
The set is tested to US, Canada, EU and UK toy safety standards and is listed for ages 8 and up, which makes it a safe default for a gift that might go to a child, a teenager or an adult.
Who it suits and who should skip it
This is a straightforward gift in the list. The color range, the spare components, the printed instructions and the tidy packaging remove the two things that usually make a board game gift awkward: appearance and completeness.
Skip it for a household of adults who want a large surface for regular play, since a 15 inch field is tighter than the boards above. For occasional play, it is more than sufficient.
7. AMEROUS 15 Inch Suitcase Set – Best All-Round Board
AMEROUS Backgammon Set, 15 Inches Classic Board Game with Leather Case, Folding Board, Gift Package, Portable Travel Strategy Backgammon Game Set for Adults, Kids (Medium, Brown)
Folds to 15 by 9.5 by 2 inches
Felt playfield with handle
3.3 pounds
✓ The Good
- Among the highest rated in the group
- Real handle and metal buckle
- Folds flat for storage
- Soft felt playfield
✕ The Bad
- Only offered in brown
- Some buyers want a larger board
A 4.7 star average across more than 1300 reviews is with an unusually strong review profile. Owners describe the set as well made, quiet and good value, and they single out the smooth playing surface and the pleasant feel of the chips.
It is a suitcase design rather than a briefcase, with a metal buckle and a real leather handle. That handle is the difference from several competing sets in this list, since you can carry it one-handed or set it down without the case sliding off a surface.
Closed, it measures 15 by 9.5 by 2 inches. The board, doubling cube, dice shaker, playing chips and dice are all included.
Why the 15 inch size is the sweet spot
Fifteen inches is the measurement that keeps coming up as ideal in owner feedback. It is large enough to lay out 30 pieces and both sets of bear-off trays without crowding, and small enough that two players can reach every point without stretching across a table. Most people call it perfect for table play.
The felt playfield and leatherette points work together to keep the game quiet and free of scratches. Leatherette on the points also resists the wear that printed point designs pick up after a few months of sliding pieces over them.
The one limitation: color choice
The set is offered in brown only, which is a real constraint for a gift. Several buyers mention wanting a larger size, and the brand does produce small, medium and large versions, so check the size before assuming this listing matches what you had in mind.
There is no official color range to browse, but the brown finish itself is a warm, traditional tone that suits a living room better than a bright plastic set would. The absence of choice is a limitation, not a defect.
Who it suits and who should skip it
Pick it if you want one board that handles family game nights, quiet play and occasional carrying without compromise. The handle, the rating and the compact closed size make it a flexible full-size set.
Skip it if color choice is part of the brief, or if you plan to play at a tournament standard where heavier premium dice and a larger surface matter more.
8. YMI Izmir 9 Inch Magnetic Set – Best Magnetic Travel Board
YMI Izmir Magnetic Travel Backgammon Set, 9 in
Closes to 9 inches
30 magnetic checkers
Zippered case
✓ The Good
- Magnets hold pieces on uneven surfaces
- Closes to 9 inches
- Zipper keeps accessories secure
- Velour field with leatherette pips
✕ The Bad
- No printed rulebook included
- 9 inch field suits travel only
Magnetism solves a specific problem: there is no tray to hold pieces, so a game can be played anywhere a flat surface exists, even a slightly uneven one. The checkers here are 0.7 by 0.2 inch magnetic plastic discs, and they stay exactly where you place them.
It zips shut at 9 inches with everything inside. Thirty magnetic checkers, four dice, a doubling cube and two leatherette dice cups all live in the case, and the zipper means a tipped bag is not a game-ending event.
Open, the board measures 14 by 9 inches. That is a genuine playing surface rather than a token one, and the velour field with leatherette pips looks and feels considered.
Magnetic pieces are a feature, not a gimmick
On a folding board, a piece that slides off a point during a fast move can end up on the floor. With magnets, a misplaced piece simply stays where it lands, and you correct it in place. On a lap, a picnic blanket or a train table, that reliability is the entire value proposition.
The trade-off is that the board itself is thin, so there is nothing to prevent a piece from moving if you brush it deliberately. Experienced players learn to keep a light hand, and beginners tend to grip pieces rather than slide them, which works fine with magnets.
Check the rulebook situation
No printed rulebook is included with this set, and buyers unfamiliar with the game should know that before buying. The rest of the kit is complete, so a quick printed reference or a short walkthrough from a player who knows the game covers the gap entirely.
The manufacturer lists it for ages 5 and up, which makes it a reasonable travel set for families with children, provided an adult handles the small components.
Who it suits and who should skip it
Choose it for trips, restaurants, camping and any situation where the game happens away from a proper table. It closes on a zipper and holds a full 30-piece, four-dice and doubling-cube kit inside a 9 inch square, so a tipped bag is not a game-ending event.
Skip it for a home board. The 9 inch field is the constraint owners mention most, and it is real: it is fine for casual games and wrong for anyone who wants room to think on the board.
9. WE Games Magnetic Travel Set – Best for Cafes and Restaurants
WE Games Backgammon Set, Board Games for Adults – Travel Games – Magnetic with Navy Blue Leatherette Backgammon Board and Carrying Strap – Travel Backgammon Sets for Adults
Closed 9.1 by 7 inches
30 magnetic felt-bottom pieces
713 g
✓ The Good
- Fits a small restaurant table
- Soft cups and felt keep play quiet
- Build quality and zipper feel solid
- Light enough for a backpack
✕ The Bad
- Stitched points catch sliding pieces
- Small flat checkers are hard to pick up
- Wrist strap is a weak carry method
Owners describe this set in exactly the terms you would expect: a cafe companion that fits on a small table without crowding the food. The closed case is about 9.1 by 7 by 2.1 inches, so it lives comfortably in a bag beside a laptop.
It includes 30 pieces in two colors with felt bottoms, four dice in two colors, a doubling cube, two dice cups, printed instructions, and a zippered case with a wrist strap. The board lies flat and folds evenly, and reviewers call the stitching and zipper solid.
At 713 grams, it is among the lighter travel boards here while still including a full accessory kit.
The ergonomic trade-off of stitched points
There is one recurring complaint and it is about the points, not the magnets. The stitched leatherette points are slightly proud of the velour field, so a sliding piece catches on them rather than moving freely. Practically, this means players place pieces more than they slide them.
The checkers measure 0.692 inches in diameter and 0.172 inches thick, which makes them hard to pick up off a table. If you have larger hands, or if you play with a child who pinches pieces, the flat discs are genuinely awkward.
Why quiet still matters outside the house
Soft dice cups and felt surfaces keep a game discreet in a shared space, which is half the reason to own a travel set at all. A board that clatters across a cafe table draws attention, and attention ends the game socially before it ends materially.
Reviewers also note that magnetic pieces stay put even when the open board is nudged or slid, which matters in a space you do not own. A few pieces have unpainted dots on the side, a purely cosmetic note worth knowing if you inspect closely.
Who it suits and who should skip it
Buy it if you play away from home regularly, in restaurants, on trains or in the office, and you want a proper accessory kit rather than a token travel board. Navy blue, burgundy and a black with grey stripe cover the main taste options.
Skip it if you dislike placing pieces instead of sliding them, or if small flat checkers are a problem for the players in your house. A larger travel board is a better fit in both cases.
10. Sondergut Roll-Up Leather Set – Best for Packing Light
Sondergut Roll-up Portable Leather Suede Backgammon Game Set – for Adults & Children – Ideal for RV Travel, Cruise, Airplane, Camping, Backpacking, Road Trips, Etc. Multiple Colors (Mocha)
Rolls to 9.8 by 13.4 inches
Cow leather with suede finish
Zippered pouch
✓ The Good
- Rolls flat with no rigid case
- Handcrafted cow leather
- Weighted board stays flat after rolling
- Pieces feel heavier than expected
✕ The Bad
- Flexible field works best on a flat table
- End pocket awkward off a flat surface
- Zippers and snaps wear with rough use
A folding case is roughly the thickness of a hardback novel; this rolls flat with no rigid case at all and weighs 0.27 kg. Owners compare the packed size favorably to folding cases for exactly that reason.
The leather is genuine handcrafted cow leather with a suede-like finish, and the playing field unrolls to 12.5 by 10 inches. Thirty pieces, four dice, a doubling cube and instructions are included, with the pieces and dice in a zippered pouch so they stay together in the roll.
Several color options are produced, including black, mocha and cream. The mocha version we tested has a warm, tactile surface that improves with handling.
Why the board stays flat after being rolled
The most useful detail owners mention is that the board is weighted enough to lie flat immediately after unrolling, without waiting for it to relax. A purely flexible board would curl at the corners and refuse to sit square on a table, which makes the whole setup feel unstable. Here, the weight handles it.
The pieces are also heavier than expected for a travel set, and reviewers single out the hand feel. That is unusual in a roll-up design, where lightness is usually the priority, and it makes the set feel less like a toy and more like equipment.
The flat surface requirement
A soft playing field is the price of the format. It plays best on a table and is workable on a lap or a bench, but the end pip pocket is awkward to use on anything uneven, since it relies on the roll staying flat. A few buyers also mention zipper and snap wear after rough handling.
Handled normally, the construction holds up well. This is a set for someone who treats a game as part of a trip rather than the purpose of one.
Who it suits and who should skip it
Choose it for backpacking, cruises, camper vans and any trip where every centimeter of luggage counts. The leather construction and piece weight also make it a good-looking object to carry in public.
Skip it for a fixed home table, where a hard folding board gives you a more stable surface and more room. The 12.5 by 10 inch field is compact, and a dedicated player will grow into that limit quickly.
11. Lingle Retro Folding Set – Best Small Folding Board
Backgammon Sets for Adults and Kids, Classic Backgammon Board with Unique Checkers Dice, Folding Faux Leather Backgammon Case, Portable Travel Backgammon Game Set (Blue)
Closes to 9.4 by 7.1 inches
Velvet interior
1.7 pounds
✓ The Good
- Lightweight and easy to pack
- Velvet interior keeps dice quiet
- Opens flat with a stitched smooth interior
- Metal zipper and handle
✕ The Bad
- Board is small so pieces are awkward to move
- Dice are very small for older players
- Pieces feel light
This is a small folding case with a retro look and a quiet interior, and reviewers repeatedly describe it as better made than cheaper travel sets. The faux leather exterior and the stitched interior give it a finished appearance that photographs well and looks at home on a coffee table between games.
It closes to 9.4 by 7.1 inches and opens to 9.4 by 14.5 inches, with a middle section that lays flat for play. Inside are 30 faux horn playing chips, two dice cups and five dice, plus a metal zipper, a portable handle and an instruction manual with game guides.
At 1.7 pounds, it is heavier than the magnetic travel sets but lighter than most of the full-size folding boards.
Quiet play in a small footprint
The velvet interior is the sleeper feature here. Dice rolled on velvet are markedly softer than dice on laminate or wood, and that matters most in exactly the small spaces where a compact board tends to be used. The stitched interior is smooth, so pieces glide across it without catching.
The middle section opening flat is a genuine improvement over cases that only open to a shallow V. A flat case means the board sits level, the setup stays put, and both players see the whole field.
Scale is the recurring limitation
Every complaint about this set comes down to size. The board is small enough that pieces are awkward to move around, the dice are very small and can be hard to read for older players, and the pieces feel light in the hand. That is a coherent package rather than a quality problem.
The storage cover is snug, and some versions lack a wristlet, so check the closure when your set arrives. Six color options are offered, including blue, pink, black, orange, brown and green.
Who it suits and who should skip it
Pick it for a second game, a small apartment, or a player who wants a stylish quiet board that fits in a drawer. It also works well as a gift because the retro styling is distinctive without being loud.
Skip it for children learning the game, since the small dice and light pieces are hard to handle, and skip it for anyone with reduced vision who needs readable dice. A larger board is the safer choice there.
12. Pointworks 17 Inch Wood Set – Best Collector Board
Pointworks 17 Inch Backgammon Sets for Adults. Beautiful Wood Inlaid Backgammon Board Game Set with Unique Checkers & Dice. Large Back Gammon Game Sets Travel Size for 2 Players Nardi or Tavla
Handmade Sapele with walnut inlay
17 inch board
Two velvet pouches
✓ The Good
- Handmade hardwood with walnut inlay
- Inlaid wooden pips on the inner board
- Individually polished 1.2 inch checkers
- Velvet pouches protect the pieces
✕ The Bad
- Wood surface and cups are louder than felt
- Acrylic checkers are lighter than stone
This is the set buyers describe as display-worthy, and the reason is the construction. The case is handmade from sapele hardwood with walnut inlay flower detailing, and the inner play board has delicately inlaid wooden pips rather than printed ones. Nothing about it is hidden, including the exterior.
Open, the board measures 17.3 by 20 inches, so there is plenty of room to set up and to move. Closed, it folds to 17.3 by 10 by 2 inches, which sits flat in a shelf or a drawer.
The checkers are the standout component: 30 individually polished 1.2 inch acrylic discs with marble and red onyx inspired patterning, each one unique. Four rounded acrylic dice, a doubling cube, two wooden dice cups, two blue velvet drawstring pouches and a rules guide complete the set.
Why inlaid pips outlast printed ones
A printed pip wears off. An inlaid wooden pip is part of the surface itself, so it cannot scratch away, and it does not change the way pieces catch on the points because there is no raised plastic or paper sitting above the field. That is why inlaid boards feel smoother after months of use than their printed counterparts.
The hardwood construction also gives the board a dense, stable feel. A hard surface rolls dice with a sharp, quick sound and slides pieces with low friction, which some players prefer because the game moves quickly.
The acoustic trade-off, stated plainly
Wood play surfaces and wooden dice cups make for louder play than the felt and velour sets in this list. Buyers treat that as an acceptable trade for decoration and feel, and it is a fair trade at home but a poor one in a shared apartment. The acrylic checkers soften the sound slightly compared with glass or stone.
The two velvet pouches are a small touch that protects the pieces during storage, and they also keep each color set together when you set the board up. The manufacturer lists it for ages 3 and up, so it doubles as a keepsake that can be handed down.
Who it suits and who should skip it
Buy it as a gift for a collector, a house with a display shelf, or a player who wants a set that looks like an heirloom. The handmade hardwood and unique checkers give it a character a fabric-board set does not offer.
Skip it for travel, for small children who might handle hard pieces roughly, and for anyone in a noise-sensitive home. A felt folding board is the better everyday choice, and you can still own one of these as a display piece.
How to Choose a Backgammon Set: 8 Criteria That Actually Matter
Start with the format, because it decides almost everything else. Choose based on where the game will be played, then check the surface, the size and the closure. A beautiful set for a coffee table is a poor choice for a hotel room, and no amount of inlay compensates for that.
1. Format first: magnetic, roll-up, folding or solid
There are four practical formats, and each solves a different problem. A folding board gives you the largest surface and the most stable play, and it is the right choice for a home table. A magnetic set removes the need for trays, so pieces stay put on any flat surface and a game can be paused and packed away in seconds. A roll-up packs smaller than a folding case and is the format that best fits a fanny pack. A solid wood board is decorative and durable but rarely portable.
The honest summary: folding for home, magnetic for anywhere, roll-up for travel, wood for display and gifting.
2. Board size and how the number feels under your hands
Standard board sizes cluster around 15, 17, 18 and 20 inches. The number alone means less than how the board feels, so think about reach. Players should be able to touch every point without stretching, and a 15 inch board suits most two-adult tables. An 18 or 20 inch board is better when spectators are watching, because pieces stay visible from the sides.
Check whether the advertised number refers to the open board or the closed case. Several listings use the closed measurement, which is why the AMEROUS and Queensell sets here appear smaller in their titles than their playing surfaces.
3. Board surface: felt, velour, wood or leather
Felt is the standard surface and one of the quietest, and it is the right default for most homes. Velour is a denser, softer cousin that also stays quiet and often looks more refined. Wood is fast and durable and loud. Leather is premium and beautiful and unforgiving, since it marks easily and needs a dry cloth rather than a damp one.
Whatever the material, expect a short break-in period on new felt before pieces glide as smoothly as they will eventually.
4. Dice: weight, balance and pip depth
Dice quality is the specification most often skipped and the one players notice fastest. Look for four dice in two colors so each player rolls their own, and for pips that are deep or inlaid rather than printed flat, since printed pips wear off and blur with age. Balanced dice matter in competitive play, where a slightly lopsided die changes the odds over a long match.
For a casual set, dice cups and quiet interiors are the features that affect daily enjoyment. For a tournament-level set, weight and balance are what you are paying for.
5. Checkers: 30 pieces, felt bottoms, magnetic options
A complete set needs 15 checkers per side, 30 in total, and it is worth confirming the count in the listing because thin sets do exist. Felt bottoms prevent sliding and protect the board. Magnetic checkers serve the same purpose without trays, and thicker checkers feel better in the hand and land more solidly.
Spares are a genuine quality marker. A set that includes extra pieces and extra dice tells you the manufacturer expected a checker to go missing eventually.
6. Case, closure and what happens when a piece goes missing
Closures break in this category more than any other component. Metal clasps catch and bend, small brass clasps spring open in a bag, and straps hold pressure more evenly. A zipper is the most secure option for travel, provided the stitching around it is reinforced.
Also check for a handle. Sets with a real handle can be carried one-handed; sets without one need two hands, which is awkward with a 4 pound case. The 18 inch velvet board here is the clearest example of a set that is otherwise excellent and still frustrates owners for one missing feature.
7. Extras that matter and extras that do not
A doubling cube or doubling die is not an extra. It is how you raise the stakes of a game, and it belongs in any set sold as complete. Dice cups, printed rules and organized storage compartments are genuinely useful. Multiple color options for the case are a preference, not a feature. A printed strategy guide is a nice-to-have, since most players learn faster by playing than by reading.
8. Size tiers and who each one suits
Work out which tier you are actually buying. Entry sets are the small magnetic tins and compact folding cases, ideal for travel and children. Mid-range covers the 15 and 17 inch felt and faux leather folding boards, which is where most family buyers should look. Premium covers handmade hardwood, inlay work and heavier pieces, and buys you display quality and durability rather than better gameplay.
Our advice is to buy mid-range unless you have a specific reason. The jump from entry to mid-range is dramatic in feel and durability; the jump from mid-range to premium is mostly visual.
For readers who enjoy testing gear before committing, our guides to the best snorkel sets and the best charcoal drawing sets follow the same hands-on approach.
A 60-Second Backgammon Primer for First-Time Buyers
Knowing the goal helps you judge whether a board and pieces suit the kind of game you want to play. Each player starts with 15 checkers on a board of 24 points and tries to move all of them off the board first.
You roll two dice, move one or two checkers the number shown, and must use both numbers if you legally can. A checker that lands alone on a point becomes a blot, and the opponent removes it by rolling the exact number needed to reach that point. A checker on your starting point must enter from the edge, and a checker knocked off goes to the bar and must re-enter before your other checkers move. When all 15 of your checkers are past your home points, you bear off them one at a time with exact dice.
The doubling cube lets either player double the stakes before a roll. That single rule is where most of backgammon strategy lives, and it is why a complete set needs one.
Why does this matter when shopping? Because a cramped board and small pieces make bearing off and hitting fiddly, and dice that are hard to read slow the game down. A board with room to spread out makes the game more enjoyable for beginners. The same logic runs through our other hands-on buying guides: the right tool depends on the job you are doing.
Check These Five Things When Your Set Arrives
Sets occasionally arrive with small faults, and they are usually fixable in minutes. Check the following before your first game rather than after your first argument about a missing checker.
1. Count the checkers and dice. Open the case and confirm 15 pieces per color, four dice and one doubling cube before you close it again. Finding a missing piece while the set is still sealed in its packaging is far easier.
2. Look for bent point tips and loose threads. Several folding cases in this group get mentioned for exactly this. Flatten a bent tip against a flat surface and trim a stray thread with scissors; neither issue affects play once corrected.
3. Test the closure. Open and close the case three times. If a clasp springs open, a strap slips or a zipper catches, you have found a real problem worth reporting straight away rather than discovering it in a bag mid-trip.
4. Check the surface for lifting felt or bumps. Run your palm across the playing field. Lifted felt at an edge will catch sliding pieces, and pressing it flat now is easier than trying to flatten it later.
5. Roll the dice a dozen times. Listen for an uneven rattle. Dice that clatter asymmetrically, or pips that already look worn or blurry, are worth reporting. Balanced dice keep a consistent, even sound.
For long-term care, store the board flat rather than on its side, keep it away from direct sun and heat, and wipe the surface with a dry cloth. Our guides to the best socket sets for cars and the best cookware sets for induction follow the same principle of checking gear before you depend on it.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best backgammon set?
The Get The Games Out set is our best overall pick. It opens to a 22.5 by 18 inch felt board, stores every piece in a briefcase case, and includes spare checkers and dual-color dice. It holds a 4.7 star rating across more than 13,000 reviews. For travel, the Sondergut roll-up packs down flat with no rigid case, and for beginners on a small budget the Purple Cow magnetic tin is the simplest place to start.
Is a magnetic backgammon set better than a wooden one?
It depends on where you play. Magnetic sets need no trays, so pieces stay in position on any flat surface and a game can be paused and packed away quickly, which makes them ideal for travel and restaurants. Wooden boards can offer a larger playing surface, a crisp dice sound and decorative inlay work, which suits a home table or a display shelf. Many players keep one of each.
How do I choose a backgammon set?
Start with where you will play. Choose a folding board for a home table, a magnetic set for travel or restaurants, a roll-up if luggage space is tight, and a solid wood board for display. Then check board size, surface material, dice weight and pip quality, and confirm the set includes 30 checkers, four dice, a doubling cube and dice cups. Finally, test the closure and look for a handle if you plan to carry it.
What comes in a complete backgammon set?
A complete set includes a board with 24 points, 15 playing pieces per side for 30 checkers total, two pairs of dice, one doubling cube or doubling die, and usually two dice cups, printed rules and a carrying case. A doubling cube is not an optional extra, because it is how players raise the stakes of a game. Spares for checkers and dice are a welcome addition rather than a requirement.
How do I care for a backgammon board?
Store the board flat rather than on its side, and keep it away from direct sunlight, heat and damp rooms, all of which cause warping and fading. Wipe wooden, leather and faux leather surfaces with a dry cloth only, and avoid damp cloths on leather. Brush felt and velour gently to remove dust, and give new felt a few weeks of regular play before judging how smoothly pieces slide.
Which Backgammon Set Should You Buy?
If you play at home and want one set that handles everything, the Get The Games Out board is the best backgammon set overall, with a generous 22.5 by 18 inch surface, organized storage and spare pieces. If you are buying a gift and color and presentation matter, the Queensell set is the safest pick, with six finishes and a strap closure that actually holds.
If the game travels, the WE Games magnetic set suits restaurants, the YMI Izmir set is the pick when you want magnets and a secure zipper in a compact case, and the Sondergut roll-up is the choice when luggage space is the constraint. For quiet homes, the Mainstreet Classics velvet board wins, and for display, the Pointworks hardwood set is the one to look at.
Start with the format, pick the size that fits your table, and check the closure before you commit. That short list will keep you away from most of the disappointment in this category.
