Rolling the Dice on Connection
How the NYC Backgammon Club is Revitalizing a Timeless Game
By Remington Davenport
If someone had told me as a middle-schooler, hunched over a backgammon board with six of my best friends, that this game would shape my life’s trajectory, I might have laughed. Yet today, in the heart of New York City, I lead a vibrant community of backgammon enthusiasts who are breathing new life into one of the world’s oldest games. In fact, I am the founder of the NYC Backgammon Club.
I grew up playing backgammon at home, captivated by the game’s unique blend of strategy, skill, and chance. After moving to New York City, I began attending local backgammon events. What struck me immediately was not just the lack of events but also the lack of diversity in attendees. Few women, and even fewer young people, were present. It became clear that the backgammon scene in NYC was ripe for a shake-up—and I was determined to lead the charge.
In April 2023, the NYC Backgammon Club was launched with a modest gathering of seven players. Today, that small group has grown into a thriving community of 5,200 New Yorkers on the mailing list. The club is more than a place to play backgammon; it’s a hub for connection, a melting pot of personalities, ages, and backgrounds united by a shared love for the game.
The club’s events take place in iconic venues across Manhattan and Brooklyn. These aren’t just tournaments; they’re social experiences designed to welcome everyone—from seasoned players to complete beginners. The NYC Backgammon Club has hosted everything from casual game nights to structured leagues, including its first-ever backgammon league season, which wrapped up in December 2024. With social events as well as more serious weekly competitions, the club offers something for everyone.
Why backgammon? The answer is simple: backgammon is timeless. With origins tracing back over 5,000 years, it has endured through centuries and across cultures. Yet, it remains as dynamic and engaging as ever. In a city that moves at lightning speed, backgammon offers a rare opportunity to pause, connect, and engage in a battle of wits.
But for all its history, the game faces challenges in modern times. Its popularity has waned compared to games like chess, which have seen a renaissance thanks to streaming platforms and pop culture. This is where the NYC Backgammon Club steps in. Its mission is to make backgammon accessible, exciting, and relevant for a new generation. By leveraging social media, hosting interactive events, and fostering partnerships, the club aims to elevate the game’s profile. Creating pathways for women and young adults to join the backgammon community are core objectives because inclusive spaces can empower and inspire.
Looking ahead, 2025 is set to be a landmark year for the NYC Backgammon Club. Plans include expanding events, launching educational initiatives, and building new programs. The club is also exploring sponsorship opportunities to enhance its offerings and bring backgammon to even more people across the city. The dream is to make NYC a global hub for backgammon, where players of all levels feel at home.
Ultimately, the NYC Backgammon Club is about more than rolling dice and moving checkers. It’s about building a community in the truest sense of the word. In a city as vast and fast-paced as New York, finding meaningful connections can be challenging. Yet, around a backgammon board, barriers dissolve, and strangers become friends.
Whether someone is a seasoned backgammon pro, hasn’t played since childhood, or is curious to try it for the first time, the club welcomes them to join. The NYC Backgammon Club is an invitation to step back in time, strategize the next move, and, most importantly, connect with the people around them.
Why not roll the dice? It might just lead to a new favorite pastime—and a community to match.
For more information about the NYC Backgammon Club, including upcoming events and how to get involved, visit the website www.nycbackgammon.club or follow on social media @nycbackgammonclub.
