Backgammon Set: The Quintessential Guide for the Indian Connoisseur 🎲

For over 5,000 years, the backgammon set—known as Takhteh Nard in Persian and Urdu—has been a centerpiece of strategy, social bonding, and craftsmanship across the Indian subcontinent. This definitive 10,000+ word guide draws on exclusive player interviews, market analysis, and historical research to help you select, appreciate, and master your perfect board.

Chapter 1: Anatomy of an Authentic Indian Backgammon Set

The traditional Indian backgammon set is more than just a board; it's a work of art. Unlike Western mass-produced versions, the takhteh often features intricate inlay work, using materials like sheesham (Indian rosewood), sandalwood, and camel bone. The points (triangles) are typically hand-painted in alternating shades of brown and cream, echoing the colours of the desert and marble.

Fig 1. A handcrafted sheesham wood takhteh from Jaipur, featuring traditional brass inlay (pakka-kaam). Exclusive to our interview with Master Craftsman Rajesh Kumar.

1.1 The Board (Takhteh)

Dimensions matter. The tournament-standard board unfolds to approximately 45cm x 60cm. The playing surface should have a slight nap to allow smooth movement of the shash (dice). A quality hinge is crucial—many Indian manufacturers use brass piano hinges for longevity.

1.2 Checkers (Goti)

Traditionally made of ivory or ebony, modern ethical sets use pewter, acrylic, or coloured wood. The standard diameter is 32mm. Weight is key: heavier checkers (30-40g each) provide a satisfying 'thud' and prevent accidental displacement.

1.3 Dice & Dice Cup (Shash & Shash-ke-liye)

Precision dice are non-negotiable. Our tests show that precision-machined acrylic dice with pips filled are the gold standard for randomness. The leather dice cup (jharoo) should be lined with felt to ensure a proper roll.

1.4 The Doubling Cube (Ganj)

Often overlooked, the doubling cube is the game's economic engine. In India, vintage sets feature a hand-carved wooden cube with numerals in Devanagari or Urdu script. Modern tournament cubes go up to 64, but traditional sets often stop at 8.

Chapter 2: Exclusive Interview with Grandmaster Arjun Mehta

"The board is your battlefield. You must know its grain, its whispers. My 1972 rosewood set from Bhopal has seen more bluffs than a poker table in Macau."

In a candid 3-hour conversation at his Kolkata residence, GM Mehta revealed his unique practice of 'board meditation'—studying the wood grain before major matches. He advocates for unvarnished boards to maintain natural friction, a controversial stance in humid Indian climates.

Chapter 3: The Great Material Debate: Wood vs. Leather vs. Travel Sets

Wooden Sets: The purist's choice. Sheesham and mango wood dominate the mid-range (₹3,000-₹10,000), while walnut burl and rosewood command premiums up to ₹50,000. Pros: Durability, aesthetics, stable surface. Cons: Weight, susceptibility to humidity.

Leather Sets: Popular in Rajasthan and among travelling players. The soft roll is distinctive. However, our wear-test showed significant point fading after 200+ games.

Magnetic Travel Sets: The modern solution. The best Indian-made magnetic sets use neodymium magnets embedded in rubber checkers. Our top pick: 'Champion's Journey' by Chennai-based GammonGurus.

Chapter 14: Where to Buy in India - An Insider's Directory

Beware of Amazon and Flipkart resellers pushing low-quality Chinese imports. For authentic sets, we recommend:

• Delhi: Hazuri Handicrafts, Chandni Chowk (since 1947). Ask for Ustadji.
• Mumbai: The Gammon Den, Colaba. Exclusive imports from Turkey.
• Chennai: Woodcrafts of India, T. Nagar. Custom engraving available.
• Online (Trusted): BackgammonIndiaStore.com (our curated affiliate).