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Backgammon set

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04-09-2011 , 09:55 AM

vulture

enthusiast

Join Date: Feb 2003 Posts: 92

Hello everybody,

I am planning to buy a new professional backgammon set. I already know that it has to be pretty big one, probably a leather one and one with big (45mm) checkers. The price is not really an issue. I'd like to know what are good brands, where it's best to buy online, what specifications to look for, what are your experiences with different types of sets, etc. Any experiences and recommendations are welcome. Thanks in advance!

Best,

Vulture

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04-09-2011 , 10:19 AM

Robertie

old hand

Join Date: May 2004 Posts: 1,954

If you want a leather set and price really isn't an issue, you want a Geoffrey Parker set. Go to www.geoffreyparker.com. They're made in England, and you can specify your board and checker colors for a bespoke set. They've always been the top of the line for commercially-made backgammon sets.

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04-09-2011 , 10:49 AM

vulture

enthusiast

Join Date: Feb 2003 Posts: 92

Thank you for the reply Mr. Robertie.

Do you have any recommendations from your own experiences about board material/size, checker material/size (maybe even color) and so on, that I have to consider before buying? Also, I'd like to thank you for the great books you wrote. I just started playing backgammon and your books immediately fueled my enthousiasm for the game. I hope to hear from you (and others) soon.

Best,

Vulture

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04-09-2011 , 12:58 PM

vulture

enthusiast

Join Date: Feb 2003 Posts: 92

Hello,

I just watched the recommended site and indeed they have beautiful backgammon sets, but maybe I have to change one sentence in my first post. 'The price is not really an issue' should be 'The price is not really an issue until about $1500' ;-). Any recommendations that are a little cheaper than the ones of Geoffrey Parker? Thanks in advance,

Vulture

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04-09-2011 , 01:32 PM

mute

Carpal \'Tunnel

Join Date: Apr 2005 Posts: 11,815

http://www.zontikgames.com/backgammon

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04-09-2011 , 01:45 PM

vulture

enthusiast

Join Date: Feb 2003 Posts: 92

Thanks Mute that was very helpful.

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04-09-2011 , 01:56 PM

vulture

enthusiast

Join Date: Feb 2003 Posts: 92

Last question,

What minimum size would you recommend?

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04-09-2011 , 03:31 PM

Robertie

old hand

Join Date: May 2004 Posts: 1,954

For tournament play the size choices are 1.5" checkers and 1.75" checkers. Most players use 1.75" sets. The smaller size (1.5") is big enough to be playable. Avoid sets with 2" checkers (too big to comfortably fit on a table and reach across the board) and 1.25" checkers (just too small to roll the dice well).

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04-10-2011 , 11:35 AM

Doubledouble1984

centurion

Join Date: Mar 2010 Posts: 141

I've said it before and I'll say it again. By far the best set in your price range is made by a company in Michigan called brahma boards. I bought one a few years ago after having several others, including a tak set, and there is no comparison. The big difference is that they are clearly cabinet makers that decided to make backgammon boards, rather then bg players that decided to try out cabinet making. They run about 1200 usd.

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04-12-2011 , 11:20 AM

#10

higonefive

journeyman

Join Date: Sep 2010 Posts: 317

Anyone ever played a Dresen board? I will vote again for Gammoner boards. The maker of this boards deconstructed a Dresen board to get the secrets. But 1300 € is beyond your treshhold. If you go to Gstaad, then a Parker board will also fit...

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04-14-2011 , 12:25 AM

#11

svilo

newbie

Join Date: Dec 2009 Posts: 15

May I humbly suggest www.gammoncity.com for a choice of sizes, materials, colors, playing surfaces, newer models www.golden-anchor.com/0new.

Last edited by svilo; 04-14-2011 at 12:27 AM. Reason: wrong url

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04-20-2011 , 01:59 PM

#12

VaporTrail

enthusiast

Join Date: Apr 2011 Posts: 53

I would look on ebay for a nice older bakelite set in mint shape...prolly can get an awesome set for $300 or under

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04-20-2011 , 02:15 PM

#13

RealNick

journeyman

Join Date: Apr 2010 Posts: 217

Quote:

Originally Posted by VaporTrail

I would look on ebay for a nice older bakelite set in mint shape...prolly can get an awesome set for $300 or under

I got an old Crisloid board with 1 1/2" bakelite checkers, cube and dice. Has a cork board. it's in fair condition. PM me if you're interested.

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04-26-2011 , 02:14 PM

#14

franzinator

journeyman

Join Date: Sep 2006 Posts: 271

Svilo , a gut from bulgaria was selling some yaers ago very good tables. I saw him here around also. try to look around

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