Est. 2026 · Derby, England
A friendly club for players of all levels — from complete beginners to seasoned competitors. Join us for an evening of strategy, skill, and good company.
Backgammon combines strategy, skill, and just the right amount of luck. Whether you've never played or you've been rolling dice for years, you'll find a warm welcome at Derby Backgammon Club.
Updated weekly after each Tuesday session.
Derby Backgammon Club was founded in 2026 to bring together players from across the city and surrounding area who share a passion for one of the world's oldest and most enduring board games.
We meet every Tuesday evening at the Spondon Old School — a welcoming venue in the heart of Spondon, well suited to an evening of focused play, friendly rivalry, and good conversation.
Whether you've been playing for years or you've never touched a backgammon board, you'll find a warm welcome here. Experienced members are always happy to sit down with newcomers and walk through the rules.
The club has close ties with Nottingham Backgammon Club, one of the region's most established clubs, and members are encouraged to take part in events and tournaments across the East Midlands.
Derby Backgammon Club is affiliated with the UK Backgammon Federation (UKBGF), the national governing body for the sport in the United Kingdom.
Everything you need to know before your first visit.
"The best way to learn backgammon is to play it."
Come along, sit down, and roll the dice. That's all it takes.
Backgammon is a two-player board game combining strategy, skill, and an element of chance. The aim is simple: move all your checkers around the board and bear them off before your opponent does.
The board is divided into four quadrants with 24 narrow triangles called points. Each player starts with 15 checkers at specific positions. The bar divides the board down the centre.
Each player rolls two dice and moves their checkers the corresponding number of points — always towards their home board. You can split the roll between two checkers or use both on one.
A point with just one checker is a blot. If your opponent lands on it, that checker is hit and placed on the bar — it must re-enter the board before any other moves are made.
Two or more checkers on a point block your opponent from landing there. A run of consecutive blocked points — a prime — is one of backgammon's most powerful weapons.
Once all 15 checkers are in your home board, you can begin bearing them off. The first player to remove all their checkers wins the game.
At any point a player may offer to double the stakes. The opponent can accept or concede. This adds a thrilling layer of strategy and psychological pressure to every game.
Ready to give it a go?
Details of Derby Backgammon Club's first tournament will be announced here shortly.
In the meantime, check the UK Backgammon Federation for national and regional events.
As a club affiliated with the UKBGF, members are encouraged to take part in regional and national events. The East Midlands has a thriving backgammon scene, with regular tournaments at Nottingham Backgammon Club and major national events throughout the year.
Spondon is a suburb of Derby with good road and bus links from the city centre. Street parking is available on Chapel Street and surrounding roads.
Not sure if the club is for you? Come along any Tuesday and try a game — no booking required, no obligation. Your first visit is completely free.
Spondon Old School · Chapel Street · Spondon · Derby DE21 7JR
One of the East Midlands' most established backgammon clubs, based at Nottingham. Regular club nights, multiple league divisions, and an annual open tournament — the Robin Hood Open.
The national governing body for backgammon in the United Kingdom. Organises tournaments and rankings, and supports clubs across the country.
Whether you have a question before your first visit, want to find out more about the club, or are interested in arranging a group visit, we'd love to hear from you.