The backgammon board game has been a feature of human leisure activities from the earliest times of recorded history. Although today's backgammon rules may differ from those known to the Romans and other ancient peoples, the familiar backgammon set with its board divided into twenty-four triangular segments and the fifteen checkers assigned to each player, as well as the dice and the throwing cup we know today, would not have looked strange to our ancestors. Backgammon has been such a favorite of all generations, from schoolchildren enthusiastically learning how to play backgammon from their friends, to experienced players in an international tournament, it is no wonder that it has taken off as a leading Internet game.

Prior to the 1990's the Internet was a subject that the average personal in the street was unfamiliar with, but the spread of personal computers and Internet connections has made it a feature of so many homes in the western world and in many developing countries. Internet gaming has become big business and backgammon software ranks high on the list of the most popular games. The backgammon game download can be found on any number of sites and the free backgammon slogan has proved to be a highly successful way of attracting new players to that extent that it seems appropriate to write of the online backgammon explosion.

A number of factors have come together to account for the success of Internet backgammon. The high qualify of the software now provides an excellent level of visual reproduction of the backgammon set look with 3-D used to good effect. New players are made particularly welcome with sites furnishing full backgammon instructions so that they can easily learn acquire the information they need to understand the rules and objectives of the game. In additional, new players are assisted in developing their skills by the opportunities of playing practice game against a sophisticated backgammon computer. They can begin by playing at a beginners level and increase the level of skill of their computerized opponent as their own competence at the game improves.

The social element of Internet backgammon also pulls in many people. The game brings together a much broader range of players than can be found in the typical backgammon club, not to mention the local café. It is also an interesting experience to take on an opponent from the other side of the world and perhaps start to notice that players from certain countries favor one backgammon strategy over another, perhaps their play will emphasis hitting the opponent's pieces or trying to block their opponent's checkers.

Backgammon gambling has become the other key factor accounting for the growth of Internet backgammon. The costs of participating in matches are very moderate and the returns for experienced players are generous. Although not every player can be a winner, most players think they are in with a fair chance and are encouraged to log on. Try a game of online backgammon and get in on the action.