Backgammon: The favourite game of casino lovers!

The game of backgammon has roots that date back to ancient Egyptian times, over 5,000 years ago.  The game has evolved over the years in casinos throughout the world, and its endurance is a testament to the very nature of the game.  The game involves warlike strategy, a will to win, a sense of anticipation and a thirst for competition. 

Today, online backgammon is a staple in the best online casinos which feature a wide assortment of backgammon variants.  Depending on your locale, you might favour one particular type of backgammon over all other backgammon variants.  There is no doubt that the “search and obliterate your competition” factor is at least partly responsible for the popularity of the game of backgammon.  The fact that you can play the most popular online variants of backgammon from the comfort of your home doesn’t hurt its popularity either.

Popular Online Backgammon Variants

Here are some of the most popular backgammon variants played in large numbers on the best of the online casinos today:

• Acey-Deucey – This is a type of backgammon variant in which players start with no pieces, called checkers, on the board.  The object of the game is to bring your checkers onto the board and then remove them off the board to win the contest.  The main feature of the Acey-Deucey variant is that, for each time you roll a 1 and a 2 with two dice, you get extra turns.  There are three main types of Acey-Deucey backgammon variants common in online casinos:  American, European and Greek.  You can check any online backgammon glossary to review the distinguishing characteristics of each game.
• Hyper-backgammon – This is a favourite in online casinos because these backgammon games can be played with alacrity, allowing you to play many games in a relatively short time.  The big difference in Hyper-backgammon is that each side starts with only three checkers, as opposed to fifteen in regular backgammon.
• Nackgammon - This type of backgammon variant is named after its founder, Nack Ballard.   It is identical to the regular game of backgammon, except that each side starts with two additional back checkers.
• LongGammon – This backgammon variant differs from the original in just one regard – all fifteen of your checkers start on your opponent’s one-point.  Otherwise, the rules are the same in both games.  The doubling cube is employed, and gammons and backgammons count for double and triple as is customary.

Since 1992, software companies have developed software for backgammon play which not only analyses but also facilitates interactive play on the ‘Net.  Today, modern technology has allowed for a genuinely realistic online backgammon experience for players.