A Greek version of backgammon, Tavli is thought to help build community by bridging generations. Its promoters say it teaches children respect and reminds them of past times. For these reasons, some encourage its use throughout the U.S.
Tavli is a millenarian game. It’s origins are attributed to Mesopotamia, and it is currently considered a national game in Greece, as well as some other nations. The game has been mentioned on Plato and Homer’s writings. It has also been associated with royalty.
The first part of the game, Portes, only differs slightly from traditional backgammon. Then comes Plakoto, where a player is allowed to put a checker over the opponent’s checker. The third part, of Turkish influence, involves getting all checkers off the board the quickest possible.
In the state of Florida, some are organizing weekly games and an October 2007 championship. Part of promoting the game involves writing the rules. So far, the game has mainly been transmitted by oral instruction.
A Greek version of backgammon, Tavli is thought to help build community by bridging generations. Its promoters say it teaches children respect and reminds them of past times. For these reasons, some encourage its use throughout the U.S.