Rolling the Dice in the Windy City: Your Ultimate Guide to Where to Play Backgammon in Chicago

 There is something timeless about the sound of dice hitting a wooden board and the tactical "clack" of checkers moving across points. Whether you are a seasoned "shark" who knows the doubling cube inside out or a curious beginner looking to learn the ropes, Chicago has one of the most vibrant gaming communities in the country.

If you’ve found yourself searching for "backgammon near me" while wandering through Lincoln Park or the Loop, you’re in luck. Chicago isn’t just a city for deep-dish pizza and jazz—it’s a premier destination for backgammon enthusiasts.

In this guide, we’ll explore the best spots for casual play, competitive tournaments, and why joining the local scene at ChicagoBackgammon.com is your best move.

Why Backgammon is Making a Major Comeback

In an era of smartphone apps and digital distractions, backgammon offers a refreshing return to face-to-face social interaction. It is a game of perfect information, high-speed math, and just enough luck to keep things spicy.

Chicago has a rich history with the game, hosting some of the most prestigious tournaments in the world. But you don’t have to be a Grandmaster to enjoy it. The local community is welcoming, diverse, and always looking for new players to join the fray.

Where to Play Backgammon in Chicago: The Top Spots

Finding a game shouldn't be harder than hitting a blot on the five-point. Here are the go-to locations for players in the Chicagoland area:

1. Weekly Club Meetups

The heart of the local scene lives within organized clubs. These meetups happen at various pubs and cafes across the city. The beauty of playing with a club is the structured environment—you’ll find professional boards, clocks, and players who are happy to review your moves after the game.

2. The Chicago Bar Scene

Several bars in neighborhoods like Lakeview, Wicker Park, and Andersonville are known for being "board game friendly." If you bring your own board to a quiet corner of a local tavern on a Tuesday night, don’t be surprised if someone taps you on the shoulder asking for a game.

3. Public Parks and Social Clubs

During the summer months, the lakefront becomes a hub for outdoor gaming. From the Chess Pavillion (yes, they play backgammon there too!) to local social clubs, the opportunities to play in the fresh air are endless.

How to Find "Backgammon Near Me" Right Now

If you are itching for a match today, the best resource is the Chicago Backgammon community website. Instead of wandering the streets with a board under your arm, you can check our events calendar to see exactly where the next gathering is happening.

Benefits of joining the local Chicago community include:

• Access to Tournaments: From local "chouettes" to sanctioned ABT (American Backgammon Tour) events.

• Skill Improvement: Play against varying skill levels to sharpen your strategy.

• Camaraderie: Meet people from all walks of life who share a passion for the 5,000-year-old "Game of Kings."

Tips for New Players in Chicago

• Don’t be intimidated: Everyone was a beginner once. Most Chicago players are thrilled to teach the basics to a newcomer.

• Learn the Doubling Cube: If you’re transitioning from casual home play to club play, the doubling cube adds a whole new layer of excitement.

• Invest in a Board: While many venues provide them, having your own 1-inch or 1.5-inch checker board makes you "game-ready" anywhere.

Final Thoughts: Join the Action

The Chicago backgammon scene is more than just a hobby; it’s a community. Whether you want to test your luck or master the mathematics of the game, there is a seat waiting for you at the board.

Stop searching for where to play backgammon in Chicago and start playing! Visit ChicagoBackgammon.com today to find our next meetup location, tournament schedules, and tips to improve your game.

See you at the tables—and may your rolls be nothing but double sixes!

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Celebrities Who Play Backgammon: From Hollywood Legends to Today’s Cultural Icons

 

Backgammon’s Celebrity Appeal: Then and Now

While often linked to traditional café culture and intellectual play, backgammon has long held a place in celebrity circles. Spanning generations, the game has attracted actors, musicians, and cultural icons who value its blend of strategy, psychology, and social engagement.

The question is why. Examining the celebrities who play backgammon helps explain how this ancient game has managed to stay relevant, stylish, and socially engaging in the modern era.

 

Frank Sinatra

Frank Sinatra wasn’t just a legendary singer—he was an avid backgammon player. Known for his love of games that blended skill, risk, and style, Sinatra reportedly played often, especially in Las Vegas and private social settings. Backgammon fit perfectly with his sharp mind and competitive streak.

Paul Newman

Paul Newman’s love of competition extended far beyond acting and auto racing. He was a serious backgammon enthusiast and even participated in tournaments. Newman appreciated the game’s balance of probability and strategy, treating it with the same focus he brought to everything else he pursued.

Hugh Hefner

At the Playboy Mansion, backgammon was more than a game—it was part of the social fabric. Hugh Hefner regularly hosted backgammon games, often featuring custom boards. The game’s blend of sophistication, psychology, and social interaction made it a natural fit for the mansion’s atmosphere.

Orson Welles

Legendary filmmaker Orson Welles was famously passionate about backgammon, often playing for hours at a time. He appreciated the game’s psychological elements and once remarked that it revealed more about a person than many other forms of competition.

Sting

The legendary musician Sting is another well-known backgammon fan. Frequently spotted playing during downtime on tour, he’s spoken about enjoying the game’s mental challenge and calming rhythm. For many creatives, backgammon serves as both a competitive outlet and a form of meditation.

Whoopi Goldberg

Whoopi Goldberg has been open about her love for backgammon, even joking in interviews about how addictive the game can be. Her enthusiasm highlights how accessible backgammon is—it’s easy to learn, yet endlessly deep.

Ben Affleck

Ben Affleck is widely known for his love of strategy games, including poker—and backgammon is no exception. His interest reflects a broader trend among celebrities who gravitate toward games that reward long-term thinking and calculated risk.

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A New Generation Embraces Backgammon

While backgammon has long been associated with classic Hollywood and cultural icons, a younger generation of celebrities is embracing the game—and helping introduce it to new audiences. For them, backgammon represents a break from screens, a social ritual, and a stylish way to compete.

 

Leonardo DiCaprio

Leonardo DiCaprio has been photographed playing backgammon on multiple occasions, including on yachts and during downtime on film sets. Known for his strategic thinking and competitive nature, DiCaprio’s interest reinforces backgammon’s image as a thoughtful, refined pastime with modern appeal.

Tobey Maguire

A longtime friend of DiCaprio, Tobey Maguire is well known for his love of strategy games. While poker often gets the spotlight, backgammon is another game he’s been associated with in private social settings, favoring games that blend skill, psychology, and chance.

Jake Gyllenhaal

Jake Gyllenhaal has spoken about enjoying games that promote focus and connection, and backgammon fits perfectly into that mindset. His interest reflects a broader cultural shift toward meaningful, in-person social activities.

Alexander Skarsgård

Alexander Skarsgård has been seen playing backgammon during travel and downtime. His involvement reflects the game’s popularity among creatives who appreciate its balance of elegance, competition, and international flair.

Sienna Miller

Often spotted in café culture and social settings where backgammon boards are present, Sienna Miller embodies the game’s fashion-forward, social appeal. Her interest highlights backgammon’s crossover into lifestyle and culture, not just competitive play.

Cara Delevingne

Model and actress Cara Delevingne has been photographed playing backgammon in social environments, helping reinforce the game’s image as a chic, creative, and social alternative to screen-heavy entertainment.

 

Backgammon’s Cultural Revival

As more people seek authentic, in-person experiences, backgammon is enjoying a cultural resurgence. Celebrity interest has helped elevate the game from a niche pastime to a symbol of stylish, intelligent social play. Today, backgammon clubs, tournaments, and social leagues are popping up in major cities, connecting players across generations.

 

Final Thoughts

From Frank Sinatra and Paul Newman to Leonardo DiCaprio and Cara Delevingne, backgammon has proven it’s far more than just a game. It’s a cultural connector—bridging generations, industries, and lifestyles through strategy, luck, and conversation.

Whether inspired by celebrity players or simply looking for a richer social experience, backgammon offers a timeless way to connect, compete, and unwind.