Dated back to about 5,000 years, the first of what will eventually become the game we all know and love - “backgammon” – was discovered in Mesopotamia. Over the years, backgammon has evolved to have a better rules structure and playing method. Not to mention, the emergence of the internet has also allowed game developers to “digitalize” this well-beloved game and share them for all to enjoy.

However, many players still stick firmly to the traditional method of playing backgammon. They refused to get on the bandwagon, so to speak, due to a variety of reasons, some of which might be sentimental in value. There are some that complained that online backgammon games don’t provide players with the excitement of actually rolling the die or even the chance to look your opponent in the eye as you do so. Although all of the mentioned points are indeed the disadvantages of online gameplay, I still believe that the advantages that online backgammon brings far outweigh the downsides.

One of the main features that almost all online backgammon games provide is the ability to play with players from all around the world. Online backgammon games fully utilize the internet’s amazing “superpower” of being able to connect people from all corners of the globe. Granted that you could always participate in live play backgammon tournaments to meet people from different cultures, but not many people have the opportunity of the skills to do so. Online backgammon games are the key in linking up enthusiastic backgammon players into a thriving community.

There’s another great point when an online community, specifically a backgammon-loving community, is established. When people of different ideas and views come together, magic happens! Players will be able to freely share and discuss backgammon strategies and help each other to improve their game while having fun in the process. By pitting your skills and wits against a bigger pool of opponents, you’ll be exposed to a wider range of playing styles and strategies as well, and from there, you can incorporate whatever you’ve learned you’re your own gameplay. This is, admittedly, not something you can easily do if you play backgammon “offline”.

Of course, being an online game, online backgammon games provide you with the convenience of deciding when to play it and where to play it. Have a bit of time while waiting for the train? Or perhaps you’re stuck on a long and boring road trip with almost nothing to do? Well, you can pop in a backgammon game or two, or even three if you like! If something came up in the middle of a game (such as your ride arriving), you are not committed to finish the game and can leave whenever you like too.

Furthermore, there will always be players who are willing to challenge you to a match via online backgammon, which is not something you can say for the traditional form of backgammon. Not to mention, you won’t even need to bother with the hassle of bringing along a board, its playing pieces or a pair of die to play. Just boot up the app or game on your electronic device and you’re ready to go!

It’s not only convenient to play backgammon online; it is also convenient for players who enjoy playing backgammon for real cash. If you’ve won a match and would like to cash out, you can easily receive your earnings via trouble-free online payment methods. Unlike live play where you might be constantly worried that your opponent might just leg it and doesn’t pay up, online backgammons are more trustworthy, particularly established sites or games. You can rest easy while playing knowing fully well that the team behind the game is doing their very best to prevent any form of cheating from taking place.

As an added bonus, online backgammon is a lot more fun to play as some games even allow you to customize your board, checkers, and dice with just a few clicks of the mouse button. This is definitely not something you can do with a traditional board and checkers, unless you happen to own a large collection of backgammon-related boards or pieces.

If you’re new to backgammon, traditional backgammon can be a rather bad place to start playing. Instead, you might want to hop into the tutorial or lesson matches provided in certain online backgammon games. Even if you encountered any problems or have any inquiries, a simple message typed on the chat box will yield tons of helpful answers from well-meaning players in the game... as long as you ask politely, of course.

Everybody likes freebies and game developers know that. Hence, for online backgammon games, the developers often organize giveaways and freebies that you can earn by merely being online for a certain period of time, playing a few rounds of backgammon or even by simply logging in. Doesn’t that sound incredible?

Although it’s true that playing backgammon online may not give you the exact feeling that you may get by playing it offline, online backgammon games have a slew of features and advantages to make up for its far fewer downsides. Online backgammon is not only convenient to play regardless of the time of day or the place you’re at; you can also meet, discuss, and chat with fans of the game from around the world. You can even customize your game to your liking and needn’t worry about any cheating taking place as you play the game.

Thus, if you haven’t checked out any of the online backgammon games already, you really should. It is certainly as great as it sounds in this article and BoardGames65 is the best place to start!