If you have ever spent an evening searching for a premium, heritage-quality board game online, you have likely typed the phrase "jacques backgammon" into your search bar. Yet, as any tabletop gaming purist or collector will quickly point out, there is a fascinating linguistic, genealogical, and historical tangle behind that simple query.

First and foremost, the legendary manufacturer you are likely looking for is Jaques of London (spelled without the "c"). Established in 1795 by Thomas Jaques, a craftsman of French Huguenot descent, the brand has remained a cornerstone of British family leisure for over two centuries. The family's Huguenot ancestry explains why their name carries its French phonetic roots, leading thousands of modern players to search for "jacques backgammon" instead of the historically accurate "Jaques of London backgammon".

To complicate matters further, "Jacquet" (with a "c" and a "t") is also the name of a historic French board game variant that was highly popular throughout continental Europe during the 19th century. In the traditional French game of Jacquet, players move their checkers in the same direction around the board, and gameplay is governed by a lead checker known as the "courier".

Whether you are trying to uncover the rules of the antique French game Jacquet, or—as is much more likely—you are hunting for a gorgeous, heirloom-quality board from the world's oldest games manufacturer, you have come to the right place. In this definitive guide, we will dive deep into the modern lineup of Jaques of London backgammon boards, evaluate their materials and craftsmanship, clear up common misconceptions, and help you select the perfect set for your home or travels.

1. The Heritage of Jaques of London: Clearing Up the "Jacques" Confusion

To understand why a "jacques backgammon" set is so highly coveted, one must first understand the weight of history behind the brand. Founded in 1795, Jaques of London is the oldest games manufacturer and sports distributor in the world. The company did not merely sell games; they actively shaped modern play. Under John Jaques (Thomas's son), the firm expanded exponentially. The company is credited with popularizing croquet in the mid-19th century and inventing iconic games like Ping Pong (table tennis), Ludo, Snakes and Ladders, and Happy Families.

Perhaps their most famous contribution to gaming history came in 1849, when Jaques secured the exclusive manufacturing rights to a chess set designed by Nathaniel Cooke. Endorsed by world chess champion Howard Staunton, the "Staunton Chessmen" became the international standard for chess tournament play.

During World War II, the British War Office (specifically MI9) collaborated with Jaques of London to support Allied prisoners of war. The company manufactured special chess and backgammon sets designed for POW camps. Hidden inside the hollowed-out wooden checkers, chessmen, and composite boards were miniature brass compasses, fine silk escape maps, and foreign currency. These historically rich, clandestine sets saved countless lives and cemented Jaques as a legendary name in board gaming history.

When modern players search for a "jacques backgammon" set, they are looking to tap into this extraordinary lineage. However, the spelling variant "Jacques" remains incredibly common due to the name's original French Huguenot origins. While the company officially dropped the "c" generations ago to match the English phonetic spelling, the brand's luxury appeal remains thoroughly tied to its continental roots.

2. In-Depth Comparison: The Current Jaques Backgammon Set Lineup

Jaques of London caters to a wide spectrum of players, from absolute beginners looking for a budget-friendly introduction to seasoned players seeking high-end luxury pieces. Below is an analytical review of their core backgammon sets, evaluating their materials, portability, and tactile playability.

A. The 12-Inch and 15-Inch Card and Linen Folding Sets

If you want to experience the heritage of the brand without making a significant financial commitment, the Jaques Card and Linen sets are an exceptional starting point. Designed with retro aesthetic sensibilities, these boards feature a heavy-duty folding cardboard base lined with a classic linen finish.

• Materials: Rigid cardboard, linen-textured paper, handcrafted wooden checkers, and solid wooden dice.
• The Feel: While lightweight, the linen board offers surprisingly good grip for the playing pieces. It folds flat and slots neatly into its trademark gift box.
• Best For: Beginners, children, or as a secondary "beater" set for casual outdoor play.

B. The 15-Inch Club Leatherette Backgammon Set

Representing the middle-tier of the Jaques collection, the Club set mimics the classic tournament attaché style of the mid-20th century. It is housed in a robust, briefcase-style storage case wrapped in cocoa-brown leatherette.

• Materials: Premium leatherette exterior, contrasting hand-stitched cream trim, and solid brass-finished hardware (latches and hinges).
• The Feel: The felt-lined interior mutes the loud clatter of the dice, making it a very polite and satisfying board to play on in quiet environments. It comes equipped with solid resin checkers, dual dice cups, and a doubling cube.
• Best For: Intermediate players who want a heavy, portable briefcase board with a traditional aesthetic.

C. The 15-Inch Mahogany Backgammon Set with Intarsia Inlays

For those who love the natural warmth of timber, the Mahogany board is a true standout. Rather than using cheap screen-printing to mark the board's iconic triangles (points), Jaques employs traditional "Intarsia" wood inlay techniques. Each point is a separate piece of perfectly fitted contrasting wood veneer, inlaid by hand into the mahogany frame.

• Materials: Real mahogany casing, contrasting wood point inlays, solid wooden dice cups, and beautifully weighted wooden checkers.
• The Feel: This board delivers the ultimate sensory experience of backgammon. The sliding of the wooden checkers across the smooth wooden surface and the sharp, musical clack of the dice against the mahogany rails are unmatched.
• Best For: Serious collectors, home display, and gift-givers who want a centerpiece board that will age gracefully over decades.

D. The 15-Inch Oak Folding Backgammon Set

Very similar in structure to the Mahogany set, the Oak version appeals to players who prefer lighter, more contemporary wood tones. It utilizes the same folding cabinet architecture with secure brass-finished hardware.

• Materials: Rich European oak wood construction, inlaid points, and beautifully finished wooden checkers.
• The Feel: The prominent, rustic grain of the oak provides a tactile, earthy feel. The wood is treated with a light, non-greasy satin sealant that protects the timber without masking its natural texture.
• Best For: Lovers of rustic home decor, traditional woodwork enthusiasts, and those wanting a durable, light-colored wooden set.

E. The Roll-Up Genuine Suede Leather Travel Set

A favorite among jet-setters and hikers, this roll-up design redefines what a travel backgammon set can be. Instead of a bulky box, the board is made from a single sheet of supple, high-quality tan suede leather.

• Materials: Real suede leather, hand-stitched points, and lightweight composite checkers.
• The Feel: The board rolls up like a parchment scroll and is secured by a leather strap and brass press studs. It includes a cleverly integrated zipper compartment at one end to hold the playing pieces and dice.
• Best For: Frequent travelers, beachgoers, or anyone who wants a lightweight, luxury board that fits easily into a backpack or carry-on suitcase.

Comparative Overview Table

3. What Makes Jaques of London Backgammon Sets Distinctive?

In a market saturated with cheap, mass-produced plastic boards and outrageously priced bespoke options, Jaques of London occupies a unique and highly deliberate sweet spot. Three primary characteristics set their boards apart from the competition:

The Legendary Unboxing Experience

Jaques has mastered the art of presentation. No matter which board you purchase, it arrives wrapped in their iconic, hand-finished green and cream presentation box. Inside, the board is wrapped in tissue paper and secured with a hand-tied ribbon. This attention to detail elevates the purchase from a simple game into a grand event, which is why a "jacques backgammon" board is frequently cited as one of the finest gifts you can buy for a tabletop enthusiast.

Exceptional Price-to-Heritage Value

True bespoke luxury boards (such as those handcrafted from exotic skins by luxury artisans) can easily run into the thousands of dollars. On the other hand, generic plastic sets look cheap and feel completely devoid of character. Jaques of London offers an affordable middle ground. For the price of a standard dinner out, you can own a beautifully crafted mahogany or oak board that proudly carries over 200 years of British gaming heritage on its cover.

The Sensory Joy of Play

Backgammon is a game deeply rooted in physical, tactile feedback. It is about the heavy shuffle of the checkers, the rattling of the dice inside a cup, and the clean, rhythmic slide across the points. Jaques designs their boards with these sensory details in mind. The wooden points on their deluxe boards are completely flush with the surrounding surface, preventing checkers from catching or snagging as you maneuver them home. Additionally, the rim heights of their wooden cases are calibrated to allow for easy dice-rolling while keeping the dice contained.

4. Modern Production vs. British Heritage: A Candid Analysis

To write a truly useful buyer's guide, one must address the elephant in the room: Where are modern Jaques of London products actually manufactured?

While the company's marketing heavily emphasizes its 200-year-old English history and London design studio, the reality of modern commerce means that mass-market production has shifted. Most modern Jaques backgammon sets, including their suede roll-up and card-and-linen boards, are manufactured in the People's Republic of China and assembled under strict brand guidelines.

Some purists find this disappointing, hoping for a set entirely hand-carved in a small workshop in the English countryside. However, this globalized manufacturing model is exactly what allows Jaques to offer such highly competitive pricing. If these sets were entirely hand-built in London using local British labor, a mahogany board would cost ten times its current retail price.

Quality Control Considerations

Because of this mass-production model, some users have reported minor quality control inconsistencies. Common critiques in reviews include:

• Glue Residue: Occasional reports of sticky glue residue around the inner edges of the leatherette or wooden cases.
• Wood Grain Variations: As wood is a natural product, the mahogany and oak sets can occasionally feature uneven coloration or slight point misalignments.
• Synthetic Components: Certain elements, like the lining of the dice cups or the backing of the travel boards, utilize synthetic fibers to increase durability.

The Silver Lining: Jaques of London is renowned for its world-class customer service. If you receive a board with any manufacturing defects, missing pieces, or shipping damage, their UK-based support team is incredibly responsive, often shipping out a replacement set or part with no hassle.

5. Step-by-Step Backgammon Setup and Play on a Jaques Board

Whether you are unboxing your very first Card and Linen set or opening up a luxurious Oak folding board, here is a quick-start guide to setting up and playing your first match.

The Anatomy of the Board

A standard backgammon board consists of 24 narrow triangles called "points". These points alternate in color and are grouped into four quadrants of six triangles each. The board is divided down the middle by a raised ridge known as the bar.

• Home Board vs. Outer Board: Your home board is the quadrant directly in front of you on your right. Your outer board is on your left. Your opponent's home board is directly across from yours.
• Direction of Travel: Players move their checkers in opposite directions. You will move your checkers in a continuous horseshoe-shaped path, traveling from your opponent's home board, through their outer board, into your outer board, and finally landing in your home board.

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

Each player receives 15 checkers of their respective color. To set them up correctly on your Jaques board, use the standard numerical point layout (counting from 1 to 24, starting from your own home board):

1. Place 2 checkers on your opponent's 24-point (their furthest home corner).
2. Place 5 checkers on the 13-point (the midpoint, located on the far left of the board).
3. Place 3 checkers on the 8-point (located in your outer board).
4. Place 5 checkers on the 6-point (located in your home board, right next to the bar).

The Basic Rules of Play

• The Opening Roll: To start, each player rolls a single die. The player with the higher number goes first and uses the combined numbers of both dice for their first turn.
• Moving your Checkers: You roll two dice on your turn. You can move one checker the value of both dice, or move two different checkers (one for each die). You can only land on "open" points—meaning points that do not have two or more of your opponent's checkers on them.
• Rolling Doubles: If you roll identical numbers (e.g., 4-4), you get to play those numbers four times instead of twice.
• Hitting a Blot: A single checker sitting alone on a point is called a "blot". If your opponent lands on your blot, your checker is "hit" and placed on the center bar. You must re-enter this checker into play via your opponent's home board before you can make any other moves.
• Bearing Off: Once you have successfully navigated all 15 of your checkers into your own home board, you can begin "bearing off" (removing them from the board). The first player to remove all 15 checkers wins the match!

6. Maintenance and Care: Preserving Your Board for Generations

A quality backgammon set is an investment. If you take care of it, a Jaques of London board can easily be passed down to your children and grandchildren. Here are some essential care tips based on the material of your board:

Wooden Boards (Mahogany & Oak)

• Avoid Extreme Humidity: Wood is highly sensitive to moisture and temperature fluctuations. Keep your wooden cabinet away from direct heat sources (radiators, fireplaces) and do not store it in damp basements or hot attics, which can cause the delicate intarsia wood veneer to warp or lift.
• Gentle Cleaning: Dust the playing surface regularly with a soft, dry microfiber cloth. Avoid using harsh liquid chemical sprays or wood polishes, as these can leave a greasy residue that affects how the checkers slide. If necessary, use a slightly damp cloth followed immediately by a dry one.

Leatherette & Suede Boards (Club & Travel Sets)

• Brushing Suede: The suede travel set can gather lint or dirt over time. Use a specialized soft-bristled suede brush to gently lift dirt and restore the natural nap of the leather.
• Leatherette Conditioning: For the cocoa-brown Club set, wipe the exterior down with a damp cloth to remove fingerprint oils. A tiny dab of mild leather conditioner can be applied once a year to keep the synthetic material supple and prevent cracking along the folded edges.
• Felt Interior Care: Use a clean, dry lint-roller to remove dust, pet hair, or debris from the inner playing field of your briefcase-style sets.

FAQ: Your Jacques Backgammon Questions Answered

Is "Jacques Backgammon" the correct spelling?

No, the official and historically correct spelling is Jaques of London (without the "c"). The common spelling error "Jacques" stems from the French Huguenot ancestry of the company's founder, Thomas Jaques.

What is the difference between Jaques Backgammon and Jacquet?

Jaques of London is a brand that manufactures standard modern backgammon sets. Jacquet is a specific, historic French variant of backgammon popular in the 1800s, played with different setup rules and moving directions.

Does my Jaques backgammon set come with rules?

Yes. Every Jaques of London set includes a clear, comprehensive rule book detailing game setup, checker movement, and strategies for both beginners and experienced players.

Can I buy replacement checkers or dice directly from Jaques of London?

While Jaques does not always list individual replacement pieces on their main webstore, their customer service department is highly accommodating. Alternatively, many budget players purchase their affordable 12-inch Card and Linen set as an inexpensive source for spare wooden checkers and dice.

Are the wooden backgammon sets made of solid wood?

To prevent warping over time, the folding cases of the Mahogany and Oak sets utilize a sturdy engineered wood core wrapped in premium natural wood veneers. The points are individually inlaid using traditional hand-cut Intarsia techniques rather than being cheaply printed.

Conclusion: Making Your Decision

Investing in a "jacques backgammon" board is about more than just buying a game; it is about bringing a piece of living history into your home. If you want a luxurious tabletop centerpiece that will impress guests and double as fine decor, the 15-Inch Mahogany Set with Intarsia Inlays is an absolute triumph of classic design. If you are a social player who loves taking their game to local pubs or cafes, the 15-Inch Club Leatherette Attaché offers the perfect balance of protection, portability, and style. Finally, for the modern nomad who refuses to compromise on tactile luxury, the Roll-Up Genuine Suede Leather Travel Set is an irreplaceable companion for the road.

No matter which board you choose, you are securing a product backed by over two centuries of British craftsmanship and the enduring power of play.