One of my family’s favorite pastimes is gathering around the kitchen table and competing in a friendly game of backgammon. One is sure to hear the phrase, “Who wants to get a beat down” in my parents’ home when we’re all together. [Translation: who wants to play backgammon?]  We love it so much that we threw my mom a backgammon & Burger King themed party for her 50th birthday (two of her favorite things).

We had about 20 people over for the tournament. John, who I was dating at the time, made it to the finals. It came down to him vs my mom (the woman of the hour). He beat her. SERIOUSLY?? I swore my Uncle’s eyes could have burned a hole through his head. My family eventually moved on…

My dad was so addicted to playing “Masters of Backgammon” online that he had to quit cold turkey. Here he is playing on my wedding day…

wedding…what wedding?

John and I didn’t have the best weather on our Honeymoon in Fiji but we went prepared!

John ready for a beat down.

While we are very competitive, I am happy to report we are still married.

Some beautiful Backgammon boards from around the web…

Needlepoint board by: Jonathan Adler

Love this “Pheasant” board by: ALEXANDRA LLEWELLYN DESIGN.

Maybe we should have brought this ALEXANDRA LLEWELLYN DESIGN on our Honeymoon…JK:)

My sister has this preppy travel backgammon board which we bring to the beach.

John & my mom playing in Nantucket.

My niece, Mazie, a backgammon prodigy in the making. We start ’em young!