Whether you are looking to purchase a beautiful, display-worthy board for your living room or hoping to sharpen your tactical skills with expert strategy books, the selection of barnes and noble backgammon products offers the perfect intersection of aesthetics and intellect. As one of the world's oldest and most enduring board games, backgammon blends the unpredictable whims of dice rolls with deep mathematical strategy. While digital versions abound, nothing compares to the tactile satisfaction of rolling physical dice and sliding wooden checkers across a beautifully crafted board. Barnes & Noble has carved out a unique niche as the premier destination for high-quality, "classed up" versions of classic tabletop games, making it the go-to spot for both casual players and dedicated strategists.

In this ultimate guide, we will explore the best backgammon boards available at Barnes & Noble, dive into the top strategy books to elevate your game, and provide a comprehensive primer on setup, rules, and advanced tactics. By the end of this guide, you will know exactly which board fits your lifestyle and how to use Barnes & Noble’s exceptional literary resources to dominate your next match.

The Aesthetic Appeal of a Barnes and Noble Backgammon Board

When shopping for board games, many retail chains offer cheap, plastic-laden options that are meant to be hidden away in closets when not in use. Barnes & Noble takes a completely different approach. They specialize in beautifully designed, heirloom-quality editions of classic games that double as home decor. Over the years, Barnes & Noble has gained a stellar reputation among board game collectors for carrying exclusive, upgraded versions of traditional favorites—such as the famous Parker Brothers "Onyx Editions" of Monopoly, Risk, and Stratego.

While there isn't an official "Onyx Edition" specifically branded for backgammon, Barnes & Noble curates an outstanding selection of wooden boards that capture that exact same sense of luxury, sophistication, and high-end design. Here are the standout backgammon sets you can find in their collection:

1. Premier Backgammon by Intex Entertainment

If you are looking for a true centerpiece board, the Premier Backgammon set by Intex Entertainment is the gold standard. This beautifully crafted classic backgammon set is constructed from handcrafted solid beech wood and sealed with a rich, dark rosewood veneer finish. It features a stunning folding suitcase design, making it as portable as it is elegant.

• Aesthetics and Materials: The dark rosewood veneer gives the board an old-world charm with a clean, modern finish. The playing field features gorgeous inlaid wood points that contrast sharply with the background, allowing players to easily calculate distances and plan their moves.
• Dimensions and Portability: When folded, the board measures approximately 13.5 inches by 9 inches by 2.5 inches and weighs about 3.45 lbs. It is compact enough to fit on a bookshelf or slip into a travel bag, yet substantial enough to feel incredibly sturdy during intense play.
• What's Included: The set comes complete with a solid wood folding case, premium wooden checkers, matching wooden dice cups, standard dice, and a high-contrast doubling cube.
• Best For: Players who want a high-quality, display-worthy wooden board that can be passed down through generations without breaking the bank.

2. Heirloom Backgammon Set by Intex Syndicate

Very similar to the Premier set, the Heirloom Backgammon Set by Intex Syndicate is designed with generational longevity in mind. It uses high-grade solid wood with a slightly lighter veneer playing board, offering a warm, traditional aesthetic.

• Design Details: The board features integrated storage compartments for the checkers and dice, secured by classic brass-plated hinges and a robust metal latch. The veneer on the playing board is meticulously applied to prevent warping over years of use.
• Gameplay Experience: The wooden points are seamlessly inlaid into the surface, ensuring that checkers slide effortlessly without catching on rough edges.
• Best For: Families looking for a classic, reliable tabletop game that will provide years of enjoyment and serve as a staple for family game nights.

3. Legacy Deluxe Wooden Backgammon by Spin Master

For those who prefer a minimalist, modern design, the Legacy Deluxe Wooden Backgammon set by Spin Master is a phenomenal choice. Designed with simplicity and high-quality materials in mind, this board uses a gorgeous mahogany wood base.

• Design and Layout: The mahogany board offers a stunning red-brown hue that looks exceptionally sharp on any coffee table. The points are printed or inlaid with clean, minimalist geometric precision, stripping away excess ornamentation in favor of a sleek, contemporary look.
• Value Proposition: Spin Master’s Legacy Deluxe line focuses on providing premium wood aesthetics at an incredibly accessible price point, making it one of the most popular gift items at Barnes & Noble.
• Best For: Budget-conscious buyers who refuse to settle for plastic boards and want a clean, minimalist wooden set for casual play.

Mastering Strategy: The Best Backgammon Books at Barnes & Noble

The biggest advantage of choosing Barnes & Noble as your backgammon headquarters is their unmatched selection of books. Unlike traditional toy stores, Barnes & Noble allows you to pair your physical board with the intellectual tools required to master the game. Backgammon may appear to be a game of simple luck governed by the roll of the dice, but it is actually a deeply mathematical game of probability, risk management, and psychological warfare.

To transition from a casual roller to a dominant strategist, consider picking up some of the highly rated backgammon books and eBooks available at Barnes & Noble:

1. "A Beginner's Guide to Learning the Game, Rules, Board, Pieces, and Strategy to Win at Backgammon" by Chad Bomberger

This is the absolute best starting point for anyone who has recently purchased a board or is looking to learn the game from scratch. Bomberger walks readers through the fascinating 5,000-year history of the game, originating in ancient Mesopotamia, before diving into the mechanics.

• What You'll Learn: The book provides a detailed, step-by-step breakdown of the geometric board layout, how to set up the pieces, and how to execute your first moves. It also introduces fundamental concepts like safe play, blocking, and probability in a highly visual, easy-to-understand format.

2. "Beginners Backgammon: The Basics" by James Mazzola

If you want to feel comfortable playing in local clubs or understanding online tournament commentary, you need to learn the language of the game. James Mazzola's book is highly praised for teaching the unique vocabulary and fundamental tactics of backgammon.

• What You'll Learn: Mazzola demystifies common terms such as the "Ace Point," "Boxcars," "Close-out," "Blots," and "Anchors." Beyond vocabulary, the book provides practical tactical advice for navigating the middle game and securing your board against aggressive opponents.

3. "Guide to Winning Backgammon" by Walter Gibson

For players who already know the basic rules but find themselves losing consistently, Walter Gibson’s classic guide offers the perfect remedy. This book bridges the gap between novice play and intermediate strategy.

• What You'll Learn: Gibson focuses heavily on the mathematical side of backgammon. You will learn how to calculate odds based on the 36 possible outcomes of a double-dice roll, how to manage your "pip count" (the total distance your checkers must travel), and how to make statistically sound decisions under pressure.

4. "It's Your Move: 101 Backgammon Positions to Improve your Game"

Once you have the basics down, the best way to improve is through position analysis. This highly practical book presents readers with 101 distinct board states and challenges them to find the mathematically superior move.

• What You'll Learn: By studying these curated positions, you will develop an intuitive "positional sight." You will learn when to play aggressively, when to play safely, and how to handle complex late-game scenarios where a single misstep can cost you the match.

Backgammon Board Buying Guide: What to Look For

When browsing the shelves of Barnes & Noble or exploring their online store, it can be tough to decide which backgammon set is right for you. To help you make an informed purchase, let's break down the key factors you should consider before buying:

Wood vs. Felt Playing Surfaces

One of the most important distinctions in backgammon boards is the material of the playing surface.

• Wooden Surfaces (The Barnes & Noble Specialty): Sets like the Intex Premier feature all-wood playing fields with inlaid points. The advantage of a wooden surface is its aesthetic beauty and the highly satisfying, resonant "clack" of wooden checkers sliding across the board. It feels substantial, traditional, and premium. The downside is that rolling dice on wood can be quite loud, and checkers can occasionally slide if the table isn't perfectly level.
• Felt or Fabric Surfaces: Many modern tournament boards feature felt or leatherette linings to dampen the sound of rolling dice. While Barnes & Noble primarily focuses on wooden heirloom sets for their aesthetic appeal, tournament players who prefer silent rolls may need to use felt dice cups or rolling mats to achieve the same effect on a wooden board.

Size and Portability

Are you planning to leave your backgammon set on your living room coffee table, or do you want a board you can pack for weekend trips?

• Tabletop/Display Boards (13 inches to 18 inches): The 13.5-inch boards carried by Barnes & Noble strike the perfect balance. They are large enough to offer a comfortable, unrestricted playing experience where pieces don't feel cramped, yet they fold up into a sleek, compact suitcase that can be tucked away neatly on a bookshelf.
• Travel Boards (Under 10 inches): If you are looking for a highly portable set to play on planes or trains, look for compact magnetic travel sets. However, for the true, authentic backgammon experience, a mid-sized wooden board is highly recommended.

High-Quality Components

A great backgammon set is only as good as its accessories. When purchasing a set, check the quality of the following components:

1. Checkers: Ensure the checkers are heavy enough to feel substantial in your hand. The wooden checkers included in the Intex sets are perfectly weighted and grooved for easy sliding.
2. Dice Cups: Ergonomic dice cups are crucial for ensuring a fair, randomized roll. Look for sets that include two dedicated dice cups.
3. The Doubling Cube: Many cheap, mass-market sets omit the doubling cube entirely. Since the doubling cube is essential for true strategic backgammon, ensure your set includes one. All the premium sets sold at Barnes & Noble include a high-contrast doubling cube.

How to Set Up and Play Your First Game

Once you’ve selected your perfect board and picked up a strategy book from Barnes & Noble, it's time to set up your board and start playing. Backgammon is played on a board consisting of 24 narrow triangles called "points." The points are numbered 1 through 24, starting from your opponent's home board and ending in your own home board.

The Standard Setup (The "5-3-2-5" Rule)

Setting up a backgammon board can look confusing at first, but it is easy to memorize using the "5-3-2-5" rule. Each player has 15 checkers of a contrasting color (typically black and white, or red and white).

To set up the board, place your checkers on the points as follows (assuming you are moving your checkers clockwise around the board):

• 5 Checkers on your 6-point (inside your home board)
• 3 Checkers on your 8-point (just outside your home board)
• 5 Checkers on your 13-point (the midpoint on the far side of the board)
• 2 Checkers on your 24-point (the deepest point in your opponent's home board)

Your opponent will set up their checkers in the exact mirror image of your layout, moving in the opposite direction (counter-clockwise).

Basic Rules of Movement

The ultimate goal of backgammon is to move all 15 of your checkers into your own home board and then "bear them off" (remove them from the board). The first player to bear off all their checkers wins the game.

1. The Opening Roll: To start, both players roll a single die. The player with the higher number goes first, using the numbers from both their roll and their opponent's roll to make their first move.
2. Moving Your Checkers: On subsequent turns, you roll two dice. The numbers rolled represent two separate moves. For example, if you roll a 4 and a 2, you can move one checker 4 spaces and another checker 2 spaces, or you can move a single checker a total of 6 spaces (provided the intermediate point is open).
3. Doubles: If you roll "doubles" (two of the same number, such as 5-5), you get to play each number twice, giving you a total of four moves instead of two! This is often where games are won or lost.
4. Open Points and Blocks: A point is considered "open" if it is empty, occupied by your own checkers, or occupied by only one of your opponent's checkers. If an opponent has two or more checkers on a point, that point is "blocked," and you cannot land your checkers there.
5. Hitting Blots: A single checker sitting alone on a point is called a "blot." If you land on an opponent's blot, you "hit" it. The opponent's checker is removed from the board and placed on the "bar" (the wooden divider in the middle of the board).
6. Re-entering from the Bar: If you have a checker on the bar, you cannot move any other checkers until that checker is re-entered into play. To re-enter, you must roll a number corresponding to an open point in your opponent's home board. If you cannot roll an open point, you forfeit your turn.

Advanced Tactics to Elevate Your Play

Now that you know the basics of board setup and checker movement, you can start incorporating the advanced tactics discussed in the best Barnes & Noble strategy guides. To win consistently, you must learn to identify the state of the game and adapt your strategy accordingly.

The Running Game

The running game is the most straightforward strategy in backgammon. It occurs when both players have successfully advanced past each other's checkers, leaving no further contact or opportunity for hitting. At this point, the game becomes a pure race.

• Tactical Advice: If you are ahead in the "pip count" (meaning your checkers require fewer total spaces to reach the end), your primary goal should be to play safely, avoid leaving blots, and run your checkers home as fast as possible. If you are behind, look for opportunities to block your opponent's path before they break contact.

The Blocking Game (Building a Prime)

A "prime" is a continuous wall of secured points. Since checkers can only move a maximum of 6 spaces on a single die, creating a prime of six consecutive blocked points creates an impassable barrier. Your opponent’s checkers behind the prime are completely trapped until you choose to break the wall.

• Tactical Advice: Early in the game, focus on securing points adjacent to each other. Building a 4-prime or 5-prime in your outer board can severely cripple your opponent's mobility and force them to make risky, desperate moves that leave vulnerable blots.

The Attacking Game (The Blitz)

A "blitz" is an aggressive, high-risk strategy where you continuously attack your opponent's vulnerable checkers in your home board. The goal is to keep their checkers on the bar while rapidly securing points in your home board to close them out completely.

• Tactical Advice: If you manage to hit an opponent's blot in your home board early in the game, look to see if you can hit another one on your next turn. If you can trap two or three of their checkers on the bar while building home-board anchors, you have an excellent chance of scoring a "gammon" (winning the game before your opponent has borne off any checkers, which doubles your score).

Mastering the Doubling Cube

The doubling cube is the ultimate test of nerve and mathematical calculation in backgammon. Instead of numbers 1 through 6, the faces of this large die display powers of two: 2, 4, 8, 16, 32, and 64.

• How it Works: At the start of the game, the doubling cube sits on the bar. Before rolling, a player who feels they have an advantage can propose to double the stakes of the game.
• Accept or Drop: The opponent must either accept the double (agreeing to play for twice the points) or "drop" the game immediately, forfeiting the current match and losing 1 point.
• Ownership: Once a player accepts a double, they take physical possession of the cube and are the only player who can propose the next double (redouble to 4x).
• Strategic Tip: Never propose a double when you are already guaranteed to win, as your opponent will simply drop and minimize their losses. Instead, double when you have a distinct but not yet decisive advantage, forcing your opponent to make a difficult mathematical decision.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I find backgammon sets in a Barnes & Noble store?

In physical Barnes & Noble stores, backgammon sets are typically located in the "Toys & Games" department. They are often displayed alongside other premium wooden tabletop games, deluxe chess sets, and classic books on board game strategy. If you cannot find them on the shelves, ask a bookseller to look up the inventory for "Intex Premier Backgammon" or "Legacy Deluxe Wooden Backgammon" on their database.

Are Barnes & Noble backgammon sets suitable for travel?

Yes, the wooden backgammon sets from Intex Entertainment and Intex Syndicate are specifically designed as folding suitcase models. When closed, the board securely latches shut, encasing the checkers, dice, and doubling cube safely inside. At 13.5 inches, they are highly portable and perfect for taking on road trips, weekend getaways, or playing at local coffee shops.

Can I buy backgammon books as eBooks on the NOOK?

Absolutely. Many of the best backgammon strategy and learning books, including Chad Bomberger's beginner guides and James Mazzola's books, are available in digital format. You can download them directly to your Barnes & Noble NOOK eReader or read them on the free NOOK app on your smartphone or tablet, allowing you to study board positions and tactical puzzles on the go.

What is the difference between the Intex Premier and Spin Master Legacy sets?

The Intex Premier Backgammon set is a folding suitcase design made of beech wood with a dark rosewood veneer finish, offering a traditional, luxurious aesthetic with wooden dice cups and a classic latched closure. The Spin Master Legacy Deluxe set features a solid mahogany wood board with a more minimalist, open-table design, offering sleek contemporary visuals at an exceptionally competitive price. Both are excellent wooden boards, so your choice depends on whether you prefer a folding travel-ready case or a modern minimalist open board.

Conclusion

Whether you are a seasoned tournament player or a newcomer looking to learn the ropes of this ancient, geometric game, Barnes & Noble provides everything you need to embark on your backgammon journey. From the luxurious, display-worthy solid wood craftsmanship of the Intex Premier Backgammon board to the brilliant tactical insights found in their curated book selection, Barnes & Noble remains the ultimate destination for enthusiasts of the classic game. Pair a beautifully veneered board with a comprehensive strategy guide like Chad Bomberger’s or James Mazzola’s, and you will not only have a gorgeous piece of home decor but also the knowledge to master the board and conquer any opponent.