Manopoulos Robusto Cigar Backgammon set

Last updated on October 30, 2022

Deluxe Backgammon saw the eye-catching Manopoulos Robusto Cigar Backgammon set last month. It is part of the Manopoulos Creative Collection. It’s a significant step away from the typically traditional designs of the quality backgammon sets we have previously recommended. However, at Deluxe Backgammon we recognise the need to move with the times and accept that some people may prefer a luxury backgammon set with a more modern style. As a result, we decided to take a more detailed look at the Robusto Cigar Backgammon set. What we found was fun and decorative, a piece that would be at home in a trendy urban bar.

Construction

The striking Cuban cigar design on the outer cabinet is the first thing you notice about this board. When you open the set, you see that the points are laid out with alternating cigars and tendrils of smoke. It’s a striking and novel effect. Apart from the points, the playing field is otherwise void of design, with a solid background of dark grey. The board doesn’t include the standard slots for holding the checkers that have been borne off. This is an observation, not a criticism. Everything about this board is eye-catching, it would be a pretty cool decorative piece just to have sitting on a coffee table.

According to all of the online resources we found, the cabinet is made of ‘laminated wood’. Likewise, the playing field is simply made from a ‘wood veneer’. Manopoulos is normally quite specific about the materials it uses and how the set is made. There is no mention of marquetry or inlays. In this instance, in the absence of additional information, we will have to make a few assumptions.

The cigar and smoke designs on the playing field and the outer case are printed. This is fine, it is not pretending to be something that it isn’t. The owner of this set is looking for a quality backgammon set that is modern and decorative, they are not looking for something crafted by traditional methods.

Accessories

The set includes 4 plastic dice and a doubling cube. The white and brown checkers are made of resin and have a marbleised effect. They are finger-dish checkers, which makes it easy to move them around the playing field. There is also a synthetic organza drawstring bag for storing all of the accessories. Finally, the set we viewed contained two deluxe dice cups made of wood and cloth-lined. This is a nice finishing touch for a quality backgammon set.

Dimensions

This luxury backgammon set weighs approximately 2kg. The dimensions when closed are: 7.1cm x 47.2cm x 25.2cm and when open: 3.6cm x 47.2cm x 50.3cm (H x W x D).

Conclusion

This quality backgammon set is quirky, different and fun. There is a bit of an enigma about what materials have been used and how it was constructed, but Manopoulos produce quality backgammon boards and we don’t see why this one would be any different. If you are looking for a contemporary and unconventional piece the Manopoulos Robusto Cigar Backgammon set could be a perfect choice. This particular set would be the ideal gift for a cigar connoisseur. It’s also worth taking a look at the other luxury backgammon sets in the Manopoulos Creative Collection. Each set has got its own personality and there is bound to be one that will suit your taste. RRP price at the time of writing £129.99.