Hrachya Ohanyan

Journal

Buying guides, game rules, care tips and the stories behind our hand-carved chess and backgammon sets.

Handmade wooden chess set with the Mount Ararat outline
Chess Rules for Beginners: How to Play Chess Step by Step
Board setup, how each piece moves, check and checkmate, castling, en passant and promotion — a clear guide to your first game of chess. Read more...
Handmade chess and backgammon gifts by Hrachya Ohanyan
Handmade Gift Guide: Chess, Backgammon and Wooden Gifts for Every Occasion
Ideas for weddings, birthdays, business partners and collectors — handmade games and wooden gifts that will be kept for a lifetime. Read more...
Walnut backgammon set with a hand-carved Noah's Ark scene and Mount Ararat outline
Mount Ararat in Our Designs: The Story Behind Our Signature Outline
Why Masis is so meaningful in Armenian culture — and how its outline became the signature of our chess and backgammon sets. Read more...
Handmade walnut backgammon set with Armenian coat of arms and world map
Walnut vs. Beech: Which Wood Is Right for Your Game Board?
Colour, grain, hardness, carving detail and ageing — how the two woods we use most compare, and which one suits you. Read more...
Handmade walnut chess and backgammon set
How to Care for a Wooden Chess or Backgammon Set
Cleaning, humidity, sunlight, beeswax and bronze hardware — simple habits that keep a handmade wooden board beautiful for decades. Read more...
Handmade walnut backgammon board with the Mount Ararat outline
Backgammon Rules for Beginners: Learn to Play in 10 Minutes
Board setup, moving, doubles, hitting, the bar and bearing off — everything you need for your first game of backgammon, plus a note on long nardi. Read more...
Handmade walnut backgammon set with hand-carved geometric pattern
How to Choose a Handmade Backgammon Set: A Buyer's Guide
Wood, size, carving, hardware and pieces — what to look for when you choose a handmade backgammon set that will last for generations. Read more...