Letter: Balmy days a must for backgammon

Sir: Christopher Bray, in his article about backgammon ('Whatever happened to backgammon', 21 February), gave an account of the reasons why backgammon is not as fashionable as it used to be in the Seventies. He lists some of the criteria for 'a successful game in this modern era' as clubs, tournaments and media coverage. I would like to add sunshine and relaxation as two more factors.

I'm from Greece and backgammon there is like a national sport. There are no tournaments, no clubs, and no media coverage, but people go crazy every summer. Sitting beside a beach or in a cafeteria, backgammon gives you an opportunity to spend your time creatively and to socialise. Strangers sit at a table together rattling the dice. The backgammon board and pieces are made of wood, so you can imagine the noise.

A simple game, not glamorous, but a good way to spend your time. British people should try it. They will feel quite free. But on the other hand, the sunshine, the sea, the beach and the cafeteria, are also needed, which are absent from Britain.

Yours sincerely,

G. BOULOUGOURIS

Beeston, Nottingham

22 February