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Backgammon is the oldest known game in recorded history. Archaeological evidence suggests that the game (or at least a basic format of the game) was played by the Romans, Greeks and Egyptians. However, other evidence indicates that the game originated on the eastern borders of Iran, near Afghanistan (Wikipedia).
The word backgammon is thought to have derived from "back" plus the Middle English word "gamen". However, Gambling Gates report that the word is "actually from the Welsh and translates as 'wee battle'" although this claim is refuted by Salar's Backgammon History which says that evidence is scant and that in fact the game lacked popularity in Wales at that time.
Backgammon was first played in England around the 17th Century, but was more commonly known as 'Tables'. A renowned games player, Edmond Hoyle, spread the word and rules of the game and increased it's popularity. The doubling cube was not introduced to the game until the 1920's and is thought to reduce the luck factor in the game. Since the advent of the internet backgammon has steadily increased in popularity. Indeed, a number of experts believe that online backgammon will become bigger that online poker.
According to Pierre Egger of TrueMoneygames.com, sponsors of the Backgammon World Championships held earlier this year in Monte Carlo, "Backgammon is now a popular alternative to online poker. Since 2004 we have seen the number of registrations on our backgammon server double to almost 40,000, and there are more than 500,000 people now playing online backgammon globally."
For more information about the history of backgammon, pictures of old backgammon boards, and a more indepth analysis of the game we recommend the following sites:
Wikipedia - History of Backgammon
Gambling Gates - Backgammon History
Gammoned History
Origin of Backgammon
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