History of backgammon

The first real version of Backgammon has likely originated in India or in China. Due to the trade connections between the two civilizations it is difficult to point out a definitive origin of the game, but the Indian game Parcheesi bears enough similarity to modern Backgammon to be recognized as the first ancient version of the game. [http://winningbackgammon.info/]

The very origin of Backgammon is sill not sufficiently clarified but it is believed to have originated in Mesopotamia - today Iran, Iraq and Syria. But it might be the case that it received some of his final touch in India. Maybe some Indians were playing backgammon around Jaipur a long time ago sitting on the wall same as Chloe and Eva here. Looks like another way to backgammon enlightenment…

Steps to enlightenment

oolongs match versus buddha was main topic in Bagan for quite a while and even eclipsed his victory over Ken - “the prime minister” during the xbg trophy. Ken was so thrilled by oolongs stories touching backgammon heaven that he planned to do the same. But how if there is no buddha around? Exactly!

There we go! Closer to backgammon heaven! Ken managed to convince Spanish backgammon shooting star Xavi - better known as “el cabrón” - to play a match on the very top of an ancient temple close to Bagan.

Ken was happy to be close to backgammon enlightenment while Xavi was fighting vertigo… Result: 17-0!

Buddha Backgammon

oolong was still in ecstasy after proceeding to the semi final of the India xbg trophy as he received an invitation to play a friendly match against buddha around the Bagan area. What an incredible privilege! Honour whom honour is due! I do not have to tell you that oolong had no chance at all in the game - doubled down to earth… Buddha was impressively demonstrating that it’s a long and stony way to backgammon enlightenment and that life equals suffering. oolong asked for deliverance…

Burmese roulette!

The extreme backgammon competition is in full swing (and this one counts!) but we surly do not want to forget about the “All India extreme backgammon trophy“. The xbg crew is still on the road to cover this unique event staged on another upper extremity level. And we are proud to provide you details from one of the quarter finals. It is our backgammon star oolong facing Japanese Grandmaster Ken “the prime minister” Sato.

The match took place on the ancient temple site of Bagan / Myanmar. The trophy organizers decided to set an important sign for the people of Myanmar and the world choosing this spot. Although “the prime minister” is up to every trick playing Russian Backgammon for 25 years, oolong eventually won a dramatic game although it looked like Russian Roulette in deciding situations.

oolong made it thus to the semifinal - Congratulations by now for this extraterrestrial performance! Be prepared for more thrilling action! Semis soon!!!

The competition - Half time!

Yes - 3 pictures found their way to this blog - taking part in the extreme backgammon competition. But there are still almost 4 weeks left! Check out the submitted photos and keep some new ones coming…

Backgammon, Wellness and re-birth…

Scenario: unspoiled nature
Predominant element: water
Mission: wellness

These words describe the Spa center of Pré-Saint-Didier, a wonderful treasure that is now sparkling again in the heart of the Valle d’Aosta, a timeless location that gives a new meaning to the concept of Spa center, wellness and re-birth.

This passage is scraped from the official site of Terme di Pré-Saint-Didier - close to Courmayeur. Nothing much to add there as you can see:

Juan and Vincenzo had of course other things in mind:

• Scenario: the winner gets the free spot next to beautiful lady in typical Prés-Saint-Didier gear…
• Predominant element: testosterone
• Mission: extreme backgammon

Over the edge!

Jennifer sent us a photo to enter the extreme backgammon competition. There must be some extreme backgammon fans out there in climbing the Mont Blanc and chilling around Courmayeur…

Your are wondering where the opponent is?

For my extreme backgammon debut, I decided to up the Mont Blanche in Courmayeur to ski (not sit in a bar, some one needs to explain extreme sport to Mattia and Roberto : ). Having had several nights enjoying ’socialising’ in the town, my opponent beat me without effort. As any self respecting Nordie would do, I was forced to push my opponent over the edge, hence why she ’s not in the photo …it was however when the rock you can see in the photo proceeded to outwit me that I decided it was time to throw myself off… extra points for being first female on the blog??

Extreme points for being the first female on the blog!