How Backgammon—Yes, Backgammon—Became the Chicest Accessory of the Summer

In late spring, while spending a long, rainy weekend at a friend’s mid-century home on the southern shore of Lake Michigan, I found myself—for the first time in years—engrossed in a game of backgammon. Notably, it was not the game that was the main topic of conversation but the vintage cherry wood-framed cork board with its period-appropriate (for a 1958 residence that calls to mind Philip Johnson’s Glass House) Bakelite checkers. By cocktail hour, everyone wanted one of their own.

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Backgammon, as we know it, derived from an old Roman board game called Tabula. Popularity surged in the 1960s thanks in no small part to the charismatic, jet-setting Russian Prince Alexis Obolensky, who established the World Backgammon Club of Manhattan and attracted other royals and celebrities to the scene. Prior to Obolensky’s intervention, the game had been largely relegated to obscurity on the back of checkerboards, at least in this country.

If Instagram indications are to be trusted, backgammon is back this summer and no one has made it look quite so chic as Rome-based Le Tre Sarte . The brand, which specializes in custom-tailored clothing for men and women, created a modern riff on the classic board— with a touch of la dolce vita —in the form of a plush beach towel. Generously sized, it’s perfect for impromptu matches on the sand or on deck (a great sub for a tablecloth) and may very well prove itself as indispensable to an Italian summer as the Aperol Spritz . Robb Report favorite Métier debuted its own set in the form of a compact leather roll-up and there’s currently a waitlist for all four colors.

Now, about the aforementioned Midwestern board. A fervent eBay search ensued, natch, but any remotely promising results proved far too damaged for purchase. Not easily deterred, I put my editor hat on and finally, this summer, tracked down the original manufacturer. Based in Providence, Rhode Island, Crisloid has been turning out backgammon, domino, and mahjong sets since 1948. Very little has changed, other than Bakelite ceasing production, and that’s just how the company’s clientele (which includes nearly every private club of note in North America) likes it. Vintage Bakelite checkers were procured, measurements taken, and a new board is now a work in progress. I’ll keep you posted.

In the meantime, here are six travel-friendly recommendations for wherever summer takes you:

Metier Leather Travel Backgammon Set

In sunny yellow calfskin, this portable set already has a waitlist on the brand’s own site. Fortunately, Abask has a few in stock.

Noble Macmillan Lazy Days Travel Backgammon

A trusted source for handmade English leather photo albums and accessories, Noble MacMillan applies its expertise to an ultralight, easily packable backgammon set.

Smythson Backgammon Roll in Panama

Whether the firm’s signature Nile Blue or this bold Mediterranean turquoise, no one does blue quite like royal-approved Smythson of Bond Street.

Giobagnara Leather Backgammon Set

Handcrafted in Italy from rare woods and wrapped in leather, this may be slightly less portable than the other options but it has the feel of an heirloom in the making.

Le Tre Sarte Backgammon Beach Towel

Guaranteed to be the hit of any summer beach gathering, Le Tre Sarte’s backgammon towel features a hidden pocket to house all your backgammon accessories.

Crisloid Anchor Blue Travel Set

Crisloid’s classic cork board in a smaller, foldable format for travel.