Where to Play
Regional Clubs and Competitions
Backgammon can sometimes be challenging, but it is always meant to be fun. While many often play online, it is a game best played in the company of friends and acquaintances in a convivial environment.
Island of Ireland
Check out one of the many small groups and regional clubs that arrange periodic games nights, leagues and local tournaments in your area.
New players of all levels are always welcome, and you will always find a friendly soul eager to impart a little wisdom to backgammon beginners.
Dublin South Backgammon Club
The Dublin South Backgammon Club typically meets every third Tuesday in Fitzgerald's pub, Sandycove (close to Dun Laoghaire). There is always a mix of experienced and newer players enjoying the friendly and fun atmosphere at these nights. The typical format is a small knock-out tournament or a round-robin. The club has been in existence since the mid-2000s and was founded by Dama Cunningham (RIP).
Belfast Backgammon Club
The Belfast Backgammon Club is an online club that meets on the first Sunday of each month at 2:00p.m.
We play a double-elimination knockout tournament, using the Challonge website for the bracket, and the Heroes website for matches.
Everyone is welcome - just drop us an email by the Friday to be entered into the draw.
Contact: belfast@irelandbg.com
Cork Backgammon
An enthusiastic group of experienced players led by Vic Sprake and friends based in the Cork region. Regular events culminate in the hotly contested annual Cork Open.
Palmerstown Backgammon Club
Founded in 2017 by Eileen Mulvany, this regional Dublin backgammon club typically meets every third Wednesday in the Palmerstown House pub for a small knock-out tournament. There is always a friendly atmosphere and beginners are always welcome.
Wicklow Backgammon Club
The club holds a monthly session in the Ashford House pub in Ashford, Co. Wicklow. The sessions are held on the last Monday of the month (or the previous Monday if it coincides with a bank holiday).
Online Leagues and Tournaments
Irish Backgammon League
Organised by the Belfast Backgammon Club, the Irish backgammon league runs over three-month cycles. Points are awarded to match winners, with bonus points for the player with the lowest Performance Rating.
The league is open to residents on the island of Ireland and Irish nationals living abroad.
WBIF Tournaments
WBIF is an international organisation which runs tournaments suitable for all levels of play. There are free tournaments, as well as those with paid entry and prize money. There is a yearly National Irish Championship which is open to all Irish or Ireland-based players.
International
From London to Gibraltar, from Copenhagen to Monte Carlo, regular backgammon tournaments and other matches take place across Europe throughout the year. Take a look at the Upcoming Events page to find out more.
Online Venues
Online play became much more popular during the Covid-19 pandemic and it still offers many play options. The UKBGF launched an online league and annual knockout tournament for members in January 2021, both of which are completely free to join. Members may sign up to join the league and they will be included in the next quarterly season, and for the annual knockout they may join before the start of the next event which runs for a full calendar year.
Backgammon Studio Heroes – heroes.backgammonstudio.com
A relatively new and growing server offering free membership. Alternatively Premium membership offers many additional features with a discounted upgrade cost ($25 instead of $30) for UKBGF members (upgrade link here). Analysis is available and there are tournament modes where spectators can see analysis as the decisions are made while players can’t. Growing in popularity as it is integrated into the WBIF tournament system. Heroes offers a multitude of features and a comprehensive instructional manual for the platform, courtesy of David Sanders of Worcester Backgammon Club, can be downloaded here.
Backgammon Galaxy – www.backgammongalaxy.com
A popular online server, run by Danish grandmaster Marc Olsen, where both amateurs and grandmasters play together. The design is fresh and easy to use making it ideal for beginners. More serious players can make use of the XG powered analysis to study their moves and to lower their PR in order to climb the Galaxy Rating System. All matches are played ‘on the clock’ with various time settings available. The ‘Academy’ section includes numerous tutorials for beginners.
DailyGammon – www.dailygammon.com
A free, and fun, online turn-based site with some top players and a discussion forum (see ‘Forums’ above). Play is not live so you can make your moves whenever convenient. All players have a rating which is determined by matches won and lost in the numerous site tournaments. Many private tournaments are also organised by users of the site.
Gridgammon - www.gridgammon.com
Gridgammon is an online club which players can join by invitation or through a club/organisation. While the platform is still running, its popularity seems to have declined, as other platforms have come on stream. Anyone wishing to join can email support@gridgammon.com