How to Choose a Handmade Backgammon Set: A Buyer's Guide

October 3, 2026|Hrachya Ohanyan Workshop

Handmade walnut backgammon set with hand-carved geometric pattern

A handmade backgammon set is more than a game. Made well, it becomes a family object — the board that comes out at every gathering and is eventually handed down. Here is what to look for when you choose one, from the wood itself to the smallest details.

1. Start with the wood

The wood decides how a board looks, feels and ages. At the Hrachya Ohanyan workshop we mainly work with two:

Walnut — deep brown tones and an expressive grain. Walnut sets feel rich and formal. Browse our walnut backgammon sets.
Beech — a pale, fine-grained hardwood that holds crisp carved detail and stands up well to everyday play.

For something more contemporary, boards with epoxy resin inlays combine natural grain with glowing resin. For a deeper comparison, read Walnut vs. Beech.

2. Choose the right size

Many of our backgammon boards are 60 cm — a comfortable size for two players at a table, with room for confident dice rolls. If you want a statement piece for a living room or study, consider a backgammon table instead of a folding board.

3. Look closely at the carving

Hand carving is where a board gets its character. Designs range from classic geometric ornaments and braided patterns to churches, coats of arms and scenes from history. Our signature is the copyrighted Mount Ararat (Masis) outline — see all Mount Ararat backgammon sets. Good carving has clean, even edges and a depth you can feel with your fingertips.

4. Check the hardware

Hinges and locks take the strain every time a board is opened and closed. Many of our sets use cast bronze hinges and locks, which are strong, resist corrosion and develop a warm patina with age.

5. Don't forget the pieces and dice

A board is only as pleasant as the checkers you play with. Look for well-weighted, smoothly finished pieces; many of our sets include wooden checkers with soft velvet bases that glide quietly across the board. You can also upgrade an existing set with handmade backgammon pieces and dice.

6. One board, two games?

Some boards are two-sided, with a checkers (draughts) board on the reverse. If the set will be shared with chess players too, a 2-in-1 chess and backgammon set gives you both classics in one piece.

7. Finish, guarantee and care

A natural finish such as beeswax protects the wood while keeping its warmth. Many of our game sets also come with a 25-year guarantee certificate. With simple care — covered in our care guide — a handmade board will last for decades.