Backgammon in Scotland
ScotGammon takes its name from Scotland, and there's a real scene behind it: an organising body, clubs in every major city, a national open each spring, and even a backgammon variant of its own. Here's where to play and what to look out for.
Backgammon Scotland
The Scottish scene is coordinated by Backgammon Scotland, which links the country's clubs and players and helps run events north of the border. It is the natural first stop if you want to find a game, get on a mailing list, or ask about the next tournament. It also keeps an eye on the wider calendar, so Scottish players know when the next event — local or national — is coming up, and it welcomes complete beginners as readily as seasoned tournament regulars.
The Scottish Open
The anchor of the Scottish backgammon year is the Scottish Open, held each spring — usually in May — and run as part of the UK Backgammon Federation Tour. It is an open event that draws players from across the UK and beyond. Recent editions have been held in the Aberdeen area; the current date and venue are on the tournaments page, alongside the rest of the UK calendar.
Clubs across Scotland
You don't have to wait for the Open to play. Clubs meet regularly in Edinburgh, Glasgow, Aberdeen, Ayr, Inverness, Perth and St Andrews, in pubs, libraries and community venues — including several university and u3a groups. Newcomers are welcome at almost all of them, and most are happy to lend a board and explain the rules. Find venues, meeting days and contacts in the club directory, where Scotland is listed first.
The mix is part of the appeal: alongside dedicated clubs you'll find university societies and u3a groups, so whether you're a student, retired or simply curious, there's usually a table within reach. Turnout can vary with the season and the venue, so it's always worth a quick message to a club before your first visit — you'll almost always be met with a warm welcome and the offer of a game.
Quaich — ScotGammon's Scottish variant
A quaich is the traditional Scottish two-handled cup, shared from hand to hand as a token of friendship. Quaich is ScotGammon's own backgammon variant, built around that idea: it follows the standard rules, but the midpoint becomes a shared harbour that either player may use and which is never hit. It is a friendly game by design — try it on the board against a friend.
A scene within the UK circuit
Scottish backgammon sits inside one of the best-organised national scenes anywhere. Results from the Scottish Open and the other UK opens feed the UK Backgammon Federation Tour rankings, so a Scottish player can measure themselves against the whole country without leaving the circuit. Many players first meet the game online and then go looking for a board and real opponents — which is exactly what the clubs and the annual Open provide. Whether you want a relaxed club evening or a serious tilt at a national title, the way in is the same: find a local table, play often, and enter an open when you feel ready.
New to the game?
If you're picking up the dice for the first time, start with how to play backgammon, then come and find a Scottish club to play in person. The whole point of the scene is that it's sociable — a board, a cup of dice, and good company.
Common questions
Is there an organised backgammon scene in Scotland?
Yes. Backgammon Scotland coordinates the Scottish scene, clubs meet regularly in the main cities, and the Scottish Open is held every year as part of the UK Backgammon Federation Tour.
When is the Scottish Open?
It runs each spring, usually in May, and has recently been held in the Aberdeen area. It is an open event and part of the UKBGF Tour. See the tournaments page for the current dates.
What is the Quaich variant?
Quaich is ScotGammon's own backgammon variant, named after the Scottish two-handled cup of friendship. It plays by standard rules with one twist — the midpoint becomes a shared, safe point open to both players.