A CYPRIOT BACKGAMMON GAME
CYPRIOT COFFEE CULTURE
Played in cafes and coffee shops all over the island, Cyprus backgammon, or Tavli as it is locally known, is a popular Cypriot version of Backgammon. Steeped in both history and tradition, it has also become a favoured Cypriot cultural pastime that embodies not just a form of recreation for locals but also the social fabric of the Cypriot coffee shop culture.
A HISTORICAL EVOLUTION
To understand the popular game of both skill and chance, the history of backgammon itself must first be explored. The origins of modern-day Backgammon trace back thousands of years. Its history intertwines with the historical evolution of other similar dice-based board games. Sharing common elements with contemporary versions of the game today, Several ancient cultures, mainly from the East, and across several ages, introduced games of a similar nature.
AN EGYPTIAN ORIGIN
Cypriot ‘Tavli’ in particular, is believed to share its roots with the ancient game of Senet. First played in Egypt around 3100 BC, the game of Senet emerged at around the same time as the Royal Game of Ur, which was played in Mesopotamia. The game’s evolution then took significant strides in Persian society, where it became known as Nard.
A FIRM SOCIAL & CULTURAL FAVOURITE
These early versions of the game went on to establish themselves as firm social and cultural favourites in the greater Eastern Mediterranean during the Byzantine era. Further diverse adaptations of the game then spread to Western Europe throughout the Middle Ages. Backgammon then became the game of choice amongst the French and English nobility. This eventually culminated in the modern version of the game known today.
THE GAME IN A CYPRIOT CONTEXT
‘Tavli’ in its Cypriot context is a direct descendant of all of these ancient games. The term ‘Tavli’ itself derives from the Greek word meaning ‘board’. The game is thought to have been introduced to Cyprus during the Byzantine era, when games that used a form of dice enjoyed immense popularity.
A COMPETITIVE FORM OF ENTERTAINMENT
The game today creates general camaraderie between players. This helps to often create a very competitive environment. Its relevance and importance are often highlighted during national holidays, festivals, and even simple gatherings. This is when the game often becomes a central activity, encouraging dialogue, laughter, and fierce competition, especially within a coffee shop environment.
THE BASIC PRINCIPLES OF THE GAME
Although they all follow the same basic principle, there are still many versions of Tavli. This two-player game uses dice to dictate the movement of pieces, which are then used to capture or trap an opponent’s pieces.
THE SOUND OF ROLLING DICE & CLATTERING PIECES
It is not uncommon to hear the sounds of rolling dice and clattering pieces resonating from several households, street coffee shops, and cafes throughout the day and most evenings in Cyprus. The game also plays an essential role in fostering social connections, bridging generations. and various social classes. This allows grandparents to teach grandchildren the intricacies of the game’s strategy and its set moves.
THE 3 MAIN VERSIONS OF CYPRUS TAVLI
Cypriot Tavli comprises three main versions. These are known as Fevga, Porta, and Tsilito. Although each variant of the game comes with its own rules, they all share the common goal of the movement of pieces around the board based on dice rolls.
FEVGA
Fevga: This version of ‘Tavli’, is often considered the simplest version of the game. Fevga serves as an excellent introduction for beginners wanting to master set moves.
TSILITO
Tsilito: This version of ‘Tavli’ allows players to capture opponent pieces by landing on them. This creates an additional layer of strategy. Tsilito, because of this, is considered the most difficult version of the game.
PORTA
Porta: This version of ‘Tavli’, is particularly engaging and features a bar where pieces can be sent to after being trapped. Players must skilfully manage their pieces while trying to block their opponent, whilst trying to free trapped pieces.
HOW TO PLAY
FAMOUS STORIES SURROUNDING THE GAME
There are some famous stories surrounding the game that have created memorable experiences and topics of conversation in recent history.
Double sixes: This particular story involved a group of friends who decided to hold a ‘Tavli’ tournament over a weekend. This went on to become more than just a friendly match, with the stakes rising high and each having a reputation to uphold. As the tournament progressed, tensions mounted, and rivalries intensified. After a particularly heated game, one player, known for his dramatic flair, lost a crucial point. He then dramatically tossed his dice across the room. The dice then ricocheted off a wall and landed perfectly on top of a nearby pot of tzatziki, showing double sixes. This incident became a cherished memory, recounted with laughter during subsequent gatherings. The player in question became known thereafter as ‘Exaris’, the Greek word for sixes.
A generational gap: This delightful tale involved a grandfather who invited his grandchildren to play ‘Tavli’. Confident in his skills, he repeatedly boasted about his past victories, and he went on to give several tips about strategy and set moves to his grandchildren. They, however, knew how to play, but decided to let him win the first two games and then surprise him by winning the final match. Little did they know, however, that the old man’s luck was unmatched in the final game, and he remained undefeated. The old man’s jubilant celebrations, thinking that he was a far superior player, are still fondly remembered within his family today.
A case of mistaken identity: An amusing story featured a taverna owner who decided to host rotating ‘Tavli’ nights. Players would compete at multiple tables, and the pairings would then shift each round to face a different opponent. On one of these evenings, a famous ‘Tavli’ player graced the tournament with his presence. This led to an unexpected strategy shift by several of the local players. As the evening progressed, it became obvious that most of the local players had become nervous when facing this opponent. Several of them began to overthink their moves, making a series of mistakes. The famous ‘Tavli’ player, after winning the tournament, however, revealed that he was not who everyone thought he was, but rather that he just looked like the famous ‘Tavli’ player. He also revealed that he did not really like playing ‘Tavli’, and that he preferred to play cards.
AN ENDURING SYMBOL OF CYPRIOT CULTURE
A CAPTIVATING & ENGAGING ACTIVITY
The evolution of Tavli from an ancient eastern board game to its relevant status in contemporary Cypriot society remains unequalled. The game provides camaraderie, excitement, and humour and all of this is embodied in the stories that surround the game. This captivating and often engaging activity allows patrons of the game to highlight both the game’s adaptability and its relevance.
A FREETHINKING STRATEGY
To some, Cypriot Tavli is not just merely a game, but a timeless tradition that continues to enrich Cypriot social life. Others uphold that it is also a symbol of Cypriot culture that represents history, freethinking strategy, and social interaction.
FOUNDATIONAL TO THE CYPRIOT IDENTITY
Whether it is played as a casual game among friends or within a heated high-stakes championship, it remains foundational to the Cypriot identity. Cypriots share joy and laughter whilst playing the game that continues to create lasting memories whilst forging newfound social connections.
