Backgammon vs Poker

Backgammon: The game of constant action

This article is designed for all poker players who would like to learn about the exciting game of Backgammon. I have been playing backgammon for more than 30 years and I can tell you that it is a game of excitement and drama just as much as poker.

Some of our greatest poker players are also great backgammon players. Gus Hansen is likely one of the five best players in the world and could be the best. Other poker luminaries that are backgammon stars include Erik Seidel, Dan Harrington, and "X-22" Paul Magriel.

Stu Ungar made the finals of the Las Vegas tournament in 1984 losing to Leslie Stone. She had knocked me out in the round of 8 two matches earlier. Also 1983 WSOP Champion Tom McEvoy plays competitive backgammon to this day.

There was even one World Poker Tour final table that included Gus Hansen, Abe Mosseri and Tino Lechich who are all backgammon players.

Even poker's infamous hooded wonder Phil "The Unabomber" Laak has been known to partake in a game of backgammon or two.

Backgammon was the "In" game in the 70's. Games were played at disco's, restaurants and among celebrities like Hugh Hefner and the late Don Adams.

I used to play backgammon with Don Adams at the Cavendish West club in West Hollywood in the 80's and more recently I played poker with him at Hollywood Park Casino.

Some current stars who, enjoy backgammon include Tobey "Spiderman" Maguire and Leonardo DiCaprio. I even had the distinct pleasure in instructing Nicole Kidman how to improve her backgammon game several years back.

I believe that backgammon can share the limelight with poker and televised competition would be a great way to share the excitement of backgammon with the viewing public.
These could take the face of celebrity-pro consulting matches as well as head to head competition between top players with expert commentary that you enjoy on many of the televised poker shows.

I am a backgammon player but I also play poker and I can tell you that I enjoy both games for some different and some similar reasons. For those of you who have not played backgammon before or would like to refresh your knowledge on the rules please click on the link here for an introduction to this fascinating game. How to play Backgammon