By Dr Shane Geha and Stephanie Wigan

Tawle (طاوله ) is a traditional Lebanese boardgame, which is very similar to the western game of backgammon. Tawle (known in formal Arabic as Tawla) is an Arabic word meaning “table”. This beloved game requires intelligence, strategy and a bit of luck with how the dice are rolled. Tawle has been played for centuries and has long held a significant place in Lebanese history, culture and identity. 

Credit: https://www.lebanontraveler.com/en/magazine/backgammon/ 

It is very common to see Lebanese playing Tawle mid-afternoon, usually with a black coffee (ahweh) and some snacks at hand. In Lebanon, Tawle is often played by men at tables in street alleys and cafés. By comparison, in the western world it is most often played in Lebanese homes. Lebanese designer George Geara  has been quoted as saying that:

 “Tawle is one of the oldest social games, and it has a lot of meaning for the Oriental man”

Credit: https://www.lebanoninapicture.com/search/frangieh 

In recent years, there has been a resurgence and newfound appreciation for Tawle in younger generations both in Lebanon and in the Lebanese diaspora of the western world. Tawle is also now available as an online gaming app. However, for many it is the experience of playing with a friend in person which makes Tawle a rewarding past-time, social activity, and a well-recognised part of Lebanese culture. 

The game is likely to be Turkish in origin, judging by the names given to the numerals on the dice. It’s a lot of fun hearing men and women yelling out the Turkish names as the dice are thrown. There are three types of Tawle games: the most common is called Frangieh or the French (this version is known as “backgammon” outside the Middle East); Moughrabieh or the Moroccan; and Mahbousi or the Entrapped. All versions are a lot of fun, having varying degrees of luck, tactics and strategy. Mahbousi is the least reliant on luck, which is still up to 50% of the game. 

With beautiful and intricate wood engravings, some Tawle boards have become collectors’ items as well as family heirlooms that are passed down from one generation to the next.

If you would like to share your tips, photos or experiences of this beloved game, please email info@wlcusydney.org.au.