What games do they play in Turkey
TURKISH BOARD GAMES YOU CAN PLAY AT HOME
Keeping yourself occupied is especially relevant right now as we are confined to our homes and socially distancing. Netflix, video games and tablets are all well and good, but if you love Turkey and you’re after something different to do, why not try and master a few traditional Turkish board games?
Here’s a lowdown on a few of the most popular.
Traditional Turkish board games you can play at home
Backgammon “Tavla”
Take a stroll through almost any part of Fethiye and you are bound to hear dice rolling and the click-click of counters as you pass a local café or tea house. Backgammon, or “tavla” as it’s called in Turkey, is part of everyday life and culture. It’s the game enjoyed by the majority – the secrets and skill of the game passed down through generations with hardly a Turkish man or boy not knowing how to don a good game face and win over their opponent.
Turks love board games and backgammon has to be the No.1 national favourite. Just watching the seasoned players is a sight to behold: they cast the dice like experts and have mastered some serious shortcuts to be able to move the counters so effortlessly around the board.
True Turkish tavla players take their game seriously. They huff and tut as they slap down the disks to try and emphasise moves or intimidate their opponent. In contrast, the beginners simply fumble along counting across the board as they try and figure out a winning strategy.
Backgammon is a 2-player game and boards can easily be purchased in shops or over the internet, you can even download apps and play online should you wish to practice alone or at home. Here in Fethiye, most bars and hotels have a backgammon board available to use if you ask, and the barman or waiter is often happy to play along or give you pointers if they have time.
Backgammon is a fun game and fairly easy to learn. It’s also a game that will serve you well during electric cuts in or on stormy winter evenings when you don’t fancy braving the elements.
Backgammon sets are widely available and make a great gift or souvenir to take home. So, if you’re bored and looking to keep your mind active during these challenging times, give Turkish tavla a go – you never know, you may be able to win a few games against a local on your next visit!
Play some of ours game while you are here:
Grafitty Time