Tavla: Dünyanın En Eski ve En Eğlenceli Tahta Oyunu
Tavla: How to Play and Win the Turkish Game of Backgammon
Tavla is a popular tables game in Turkey that is similar to but not exactly the same as backgammon. It is a game of skill and luck that involves moving 15 pieces on a board with 24 spaces according to the roll of two dice. The goal is to move all your pieces to your home board and then bear them off before your opponent does.
If you are interested in learning how to play tavla, or if you want to improve your tavla skills and win more games, this article is for you. In this article, you will learn:
tavla
What is tavla and how is it different from backgammon?
How to play tavla online and offline?
How to improve your tavla skills and win more games?
Let's get started!
What is tavla and how is it different from backgammon?
Tavla is a Turkish word that means "board" or "table". It is also the name of a tables game that is very popular in Turkey and other parts of the Middle East. Tavla is often considered a variant of backgammon, but it has some distinctive features that make it a unique game.
The history and origin of tavla
The exact origin of tavla is not clear, but it is believed that it evolved from an ancient game called Nard, which was played in Persia, Mesopotamia, Egypt, and Rome. Nard was brought to Turkey by the Seljuk Turks in the 11th century, and then spread to other parts of the Ottoman Empire. Tavla became a popular pastime among the Turkish people, especially in coffeehouses, where players would bet on the outcome of the games.
The rules and equipment of tavla
The rules of tavla are similar to but not exactly the same as backgammon. The main differences are:
Tavla uses only one die instead of two. Each player rolls one die at the beginning of the game, and the higher roller starts. Then, each player rolls one die on their turn, and moves one or two pieces according to the number shown.
Tavla does not have the doubling cube, which is a device that allows players to increase the stakes of the game.
Tavla does not have the Crawford rule, which is a rule that prevents the use of the doubling cube in the last game of a match.
Tavla has a different starting position for the pieces. Each player has 15 pieces (also called checkers or men) of one color (usually black or white). The pieces are arranged as follows: two pieces on the 24th point, five pieces on the 13th point, three pieces on the 8th point, and five pieces on the 6th point. The points are numbered from 1 to 24, starting from the player's home board (the quarter of the board where they bear off their pieces).
The equipment of tavla consists of a board with 24 triangular spaces (also called points or pips), divided into four quarters by a bar in the middle. The board also has two trays on each side for holding the pieces that are borne off. The board is usually placed on a table or a stand. The players also need two dice (one for each player) and a dice cup for shaking and rolling the dice.
The main strategies and tips for tavla
The main strategies and tips for tavla are similar to but not exactly the same as backgammon. The main objectives are:
How to play tavla online
Tavla rules and strategies
Best tavla boards and sets
Tavla tournaments and championships
Tavla history and origins
Tavla vs backgammon differences
Tavla tips and tricks
Tavla game variations and modes
Tavla app for Android and iOS
Tavla board dimensions and design
Tavla dice probability and statistics
Tavla etiquette and manners
Tavla scoring and ranking system
Tavla software and programs
Tavla accessories and equipment
Tavla lessons and courses
Tavla clubs and communities
Tavla culture and traditions
Tavla legends and masters
Tavla books and magazines
Tavla videos and podcasts
Tavla blogs and websites
Tavla art and graphics
Tavla quotes and sayings
Tavla gifts and merchandise
Tavla terms and glossary
Tavla puzzles and challenges
Tavla jokes and memes
Tavla news and events
Tavla reviews and ratings
Turkish tavla vs Greek tavli
Persian tavla vs Arabic tawleh
Armenian tavli vs Georgian nardi
Kurdish tavle vs Azerbaijani nard
Russian nardy vs Swedish bräde
French trictrac vs German puff
Italian tavola reale vs Spanish tablas reales
Dutch triktrak vs Danish trictrac
English tables vs Irish tablai
Scottish draughts vs Welsh tawlbwrdd
To move your pieces faster and more efficiently than your opponent.
To block your opponent's pieces from advancing or escaping.
To hit your opponent's pieces and send them to the bar, where they have to re-enter the board.
To avoid being hit by your opponent's pieces and losing your position.
To bear off your pieces before your opponent does.
Some of the specific tips for tavla are:
Try to make points (places where you have two or more pieces) on your home board and your opponent's home board. This will make it harder for your opponent to move or re-enter their pieces.
Try to avoid leaving single pieces (also called blots) exposed, especially on your opponent's home board. This will make it easier for your opponent to hit you and send you to the bar.
Try to keep your pieces connected and close together. This will make it easier for you to move them and protect them from being hit.
Try to balance your moves between offense and defense. Don't be too aggressive or too passive. Adapt your strategy according to the situation and the dice rolls.
Try to use the numbers on the dice wisely. Don't waste your moves or miss opportunities. Plan ahead and anticipate your opponent's moves.
How to play tavla online and offline
Tavla is a game that can be played both online and offline, depending on your preference and availability. Both modes have their advantages and disadvantages, which we will discuss in this section.
The best websites and apps for playing tavla online
If you want to play tavla online, you have many options to choose from. There are many websites and apps that offer tavla games for free or for real money. Some of the best ones are:
: This is a popular app that allows you to play tavla with millions of players from around the world. You can also chat with other players, join tournaments, earn coins, and customize your board and pieces.
: This is another app that lets you play tavla with real players or against the computer. You can also play different variants of tavla, such as Gul Bara, Moultezim, and Acey Deucey.
: This is a website that offers tavla games with high-quality graphics and sound effects. You can also learn from tutorials, videos, quizzes, and articles by experts.
: This is another website that provides tavla games with various themes and features. You can also join leagues, challenges, events, and tournaments with prizes.
The best places and events for playing tavla offline
If you prefer to play tavla offline, you can do so with a physical board and pieces, which you can buy online or in stores. You can also find other players in your area or join clubs and associations that organize tavla games and events. Some of the best places and events for playing tavla offline are:
: This is the official organization that regulates and promotes tavla in Turkey. It organizes national and international tournaments, championships, leagues, and festivals for tavla players of all levels.
: This is the global organization that represents backgammon players worldwide. It organizes world-class events, such as the World Backgammon Championship, the World Team Championship, and the World Cup of Backgammon.
: This is a famous coffeehouse in Istanbul that is known for its tavla culture. It attracts many locals and tourists who enjoy playing tavla in a traditional and lively atmosphere.
: This is a social network that connects tavla players from different countries and regions. It helps them find each other, arrange games, share experiences, and learn from each other.
The benefits and challenges of playing tavla online and offline
Playing tavla online and offline has its pros and cons, depending on your personal preference and situation. Here are some of the benefits and challenges of each mode:
Online
Offline
You can play anytime and anywhere, as long as you have an internet connection and a device.
You can play with a variety of players from different countries and cultures, and learn from their styles and skills.
You can access many resources and tools that can help you improve your game, such as tutorials, videos, quizzes, articles, etc.
You can play for free or for real money, depending on your budget and preference.
You can enjoy the physical and social aspects of the game, such as touching the board and pieces, seeing your opponent's expressions, chatting with other players, etc.
You can experience the authentic and traditional atmosphere of playing tavla in coffeehouses, clubs, or events.
You can participate in prestigious and exciting tournaments, championships, leagues, and festivals that offer trophies, prizes, and recognition.
You can support the local tavla community and culture, and make new friends and connections.
You may face technical issues or glitc