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The ancient game of backgammon has been enjoyed by millions worldwide since as early as 3000 BC. The history and evolution of this classic board game is partially unclear, but older, similar variations of the game have been found in countries such as Rome, India, Persia and France.

Backgammon is a game that involves moving your set of checkers into your ”home board,” so that you may eventually remove all of the checkers from your board and win. The object may seem simple, but tons of strategy is involved in keeping your opponent from moving his or her checkers. Since players may only move their game pieces to an open point (triangle), it can be a strategic move to block any potentially open spaces, for example. Game play is usually pretty quick, so players will often set stakes or play to a certain number of wins.

One ancient variation of the game was believed to have been played in Egypt, and it goes by the name of Senet. While the exact rules of the game are obviously unclear, it is believed players moved a set of pawns across the 30 squares contained on the game board. Another variation is the ”Ancient Game of Ur,” which is believed to have been played in Mesopotamia.

In Rome, evidence of a game called ”Ludus Duodecim Scriptorum” has been found. This game involved a game board with two rows of 12 squares, 15 ebony markers, and 15 ivory markers. The game was also referred to as ”Tabula,” and it became extremely popular. It was even partially responsible for a gambling craze that swept throughout Rome. Due to this gambling frenzy, eventually the game was declared illegal despite its extreme popularity amongst average citizens. A similar history has been noted in France and England.

While multiple variations of the game have been found, such as the game of Nard in Asia, the modern style of play as we know it in America has developed in the US and in England. For example, in the 1920’s the doubling cube was created in New York. This increased the stakes of the game, which made it more popular, but it was mostly limited to the upper class. In the 1960’s, the game saw a huge rise in popularity thanks to the promotion of popular tournaments and titles associated with the game. Currently, backgammon is a popular computer game that can be played with worldwide opponents thanks to the internet.

Today, backgammon has certainly secured its place as one of the oldest and most well-known board games to date. Just about every game box set you find includes backgammon. Beautiful and often elaborate game boards have been created to match everybody’s individual taste and sophistication. For example, the Brown and Black Wood Attache Backgammon with Drawer or the Tournament Burgandy Backgammon sets are attractive, high-quality sets designed to add a touch of beauty to any game room. Functional boards like the GLD Backgammon Set or the Sheesham Wood Folding Magnetic Backgammon Set feature a magnetic board and pieces to ensure clean, organized game play every time!

Whether you’re playing for the first time, or an experienced, skilled backgammon player, it’s interesting to know you are partaking in a pastime enjoyed by millions worldwide throughout time! At Dazadi, we want more than anything for you to have fun. If backgammon is the game for you, we are happy to provide you with a selection boards from the affordable, to the most lavish of boards in addition to our large collection of toys and games. So, get out your dice, grab a friend, and see what people have been talking about since 3000 B.C.!

As the weather warms up, more and more of us are moving outside to enjoy the sun and recreational possibilities that were otherwise out of the question during the cold months. As camping, tailgate parties, backyard BBQ’s and more become staple weekend activities, people are searching for fun and exciting activities. As a result, lawn games such as Bocce Ball and Croquet become popular amongst players of all ages.

Not only are lawn games a great way to get your family outdoors, they are perfect for P.E. and recreational clubs. Games like horseshoes, ring toss, Bocce Ball, and Croquet test your aim and accuracy and help develop hand-eye coordination. While these classic games bring back fond memories of outdoor summer fun, new popular games are transforming backyards, campsites, and tailgate parties everywhere.

One example is BlongoBall. Very much like ladder ball and bolo toss, BlongoBall requires 2 BlonGoals, 2 BlongoBalls, and is made for 2 players or teams. The BlonGoals are PVC ladder-like frames that feature 3 rungs.  Simply stand 25 feet away from the BlonGoals and toss the BlongoBalls, which are 2 smaller balls attached to by a string, towards the BlonGoals. Each rung of the BlonGoal is worth a different value. The first is worth 1 point, the second is worth 2 points, and the third is worth 3 points. Bounce the ball off the ground onto the ladder for a whopping 5 points! The first player to reach 21 first without going over is the winner! But be careful! Other players can knock off your BlongoBalls causing you to lose points.

Blongo Washers is very similar to a bean bag toss game. It requires 2 game boards and 2 sets of 3 washers. The Blongo Washer boards stand in a slanted position and contain 3 holes. Place the 2 boards 6 feet apart so that they are facing each other. Stand behind one box and try to toss your washers into the 3 holes on the opposite game board. Each hole is worth a different value. The closest hole is worth 1 point, the middle is worth 2, and the farthest hole is worth 3 points. The first player to reach 21 without going over is the winner! When you’re done, the boards latch together and feature carrying handles for maximum portability!

Lawn games are fun for all ages and are usually portable, so you can take them to any party or outdoor activity. Guests will crowd around and be entertained for hours as they toss their way into a good time. So, put down the game controller, turn off the TV, put on some sunblock and have some outdoor fun this summer with a quick and easy-to-learn lawn game!

Spotty historical records have made the origins of Chess a matter of theory and speculation rather than absolute proof. The most commonly held belief is that Chess originated in India, where it was called Chaturanga, which is believed to have been invented in the 6th century AD. Chess quickly found its way to Persia, where its name changed to Shatran. Read the rest of this entry »