Backgammon Board Buying Guide: Price Tiers Compared
Published on May 4, 2026 · Updated on July 6, 2026
The range of backgammon boards and cases spans from simple beginner sets to luxury editions costing over $300,000. This overview helps you quickly find the right category based on price tier, material, and intended use.
| Price tier | Examples | Material | Best suited for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entry-level (from ~$20–30) | Standard travel sets, simple wooden cases | Plastic, basic wood | Casual players, first experience with the game |
| Mid-range (~$60–100) | Tournament cases, wooden sets from Philos | Wood, felt lining, faux leather | Regular players, tournament rounds with friends |
| Premium (~$200–500) | Elessar Premium, Manopoulos, Wycliff | Fine hardwoods, mother-of-pearl, crocodile-look leather | Collectors, special occasions, gifts |
| Luxury (from $2,000) | Geoffrey Parker | 18-karat gold, genuine crocodile leather | Collector’s pieces, official World Championship equipment |
| Travel alternatives (~$15–50) | Sondergut leather travel set, Melia travel set | Leather, roll-up | On the go, vacations, carry-on luggage |
What to look for regardless of price
Whatever your budget, the same basic criteria apply that we describe in our detailed board buying guide: well-made, comfortable checkers, well-balanced dice, and a closure that holds up even with frequent use.
Only travel occasionally? A leather travel set is usually more than enough — see our backgammon gifts page for more compact alternatives.
Playing regularly with friends? A mid-range tournament case with a felt lining is a solid investment.
Looking for a special gift or collector’s item? The premium and luxury tiers offer handcrafted, one-of-a-kind pieces made from fine hardwoods and rare materials.
For the full buying guide with all the details on sizes, materials, and craftsmanship, see our in-depth backgammon board article.
About the Author
Ulf Mayer
I love backgammon in all its forms – whether it's a quick match on my smartphone to pass the time, or a glass of wine alongside a beautiful wooden board with family and friends. As the founder of backgammon-meister.de, I share my passion, tactics, and tips to help both beginners and ambitious players dominate their next match. Dice cup ready? Let's master the game!
backgammon-meister.de has been online since 2008.