Best Backgammon Sets

Of all the board games we love to play, backgammon is regarded as the oldest. Requiring logic, risk, and concentration, the two-player game—which features dice, a dice cup, checkers, and infinite rules—dates back to Egyptian times. So, when any old set won’t do, here’s our guide to four of the most stylish ones around.

A POP ART ADDITION TO YOUR GAME TABLE

The Op Art Backgammon Set from Jonathan Adler ($415) features a mind-bendingly modernist board (close the set with a magnetic closure for a chic cocktail table accent) and comes with solid resin pieces—all contained in a high-gloss lacquer box with velvet liner.

MADE IN THE U.S.A.

Proudly made in Providence, R.I., the Classic Champion Tournament Sets from Crisloid are packaged in a sturdy attaché, which secures each backgammon piece tightly within its well-constructed case. Available in a wide variety of colors, including brown, green, and blue, the cork backgammon board ($335) is both classic and lasting, includes polished backgammon checkers that will slide smoothly across the board for that ideal gameplay that backgammon connoisseurs love. It also comes with a complete set of dice and two dice rollers.

A SUPER HIP TAKE

Featuring a high gloss wood box with blue carbon fiber finish for dice and chips and a velvet-lined game base, the Matte Black Backgammon Set from Brouk & Co., a Los Angeles-based company that features products “designed for the modern man,” comes in a custom full matte black ebony case and includes dice and chips ($400).

AN ULTRALUXE SET

For those who refuse to settle for less than the absolute best of the best, the French-made Baccarat Crystal and Marble Backgammon Set ($18,000) makes the perfect gift. Designed by Dutch designer Marcel Wanders, the classic game of backgammon is transformed into a stunning work of art. Not only is this a numbered edition, but the backgammon board itself is handcrafted from inlaid white and black marble with red velvet-lined storage for the dice and pieces. The dice, doubling cube, and pieces are made from mouth-blown crystal.