FTH Tournament Backgammon Set Unboxing

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Link to *MY T-SHIRT BAND* - Cobalt: • Cobalt - Gin & Elephan...
My unboxing and review of my brand new FTH Tournament-size backgammon board, direct from Fazil and Hanim Terlemez's workshop in Michelstadt, Germany. I worked directly with Fazil, via email, after seeing him post on a Facebook page that I follow. I already knew of FTH boards, due to their ubiquitous use in backgammon tournaments in the USA. There are also a handful of 'unboxing' videos of FTH boards on RU-vid.
In negotiating with Fazil regarding this board, I decided to go with an 'entry-level' board with no upgrades. Thus, the exterior of this board is black leatherette (vinyl). The playing surface, however, is a lovely merino wool felt, which is very rich, and on which the checkers glide effortlessly. The dice cups are lined with the same merino wool felt as the playing surface, with a trip lip.
The checkers are nicely marbled, with the black checkers having a smoky marbling, while the horn checkers are partly translucent and very rich looking. The checkers are 45mm wide and 9mm thick.
This is a 'large' tournament-size board, coming in at just under 23 inches long, with the playing surface, corner to corner, coming in at a whopping 32 inches. The board is not overly heavy, however, and is finished with bright, stainless steel hardware (corner protectors and locks), and a nice chunky handle.
I love this board and I know that it will be a regular 'player' from my growing pool of tournament boards! Assuming I can find checkers that are 9mm thick, I'd love to add a dash of color to the playing experience on this board.
If you have any questions about this video or the board, please post them in the Comments. Links to my other videos can be found below:
FMGammon 'Mystery Board!' A birthday gift and Thank you for Fuat Erdag of FMGammon, pure beechwood with interchangeable playing surfaces Unboxing
• FMGammon ‘Hera' Board ...
FMGammon 'Talat' Premium backgammon set, with interchangeable playing surfaces and multiple leather accessories *Unboxing*'
• FMGammon ‘Talat’ (Prem...
869 Backgammon / Erhan Boards Backgammon set, a custom-designed "board of my dreams" designed in collaboration with the board maker Unboxing • 869 Backgammon / ‘Erha...
Gammoner "X-22" Paul Magriel Commemorative Backgammon set, a limited edition board (only 22 produced worldwide) with stunning custom checkers Unboxing • Gammoner "X-22" Paul M...
FMGammon 2020 'Hamdi' Backgammon set w/ precision dice and scoreboard Unboxing • FMGammon 'Hamdi' Backg...
FMGammon 'Mete' VIP Backgammon set, pure Beechwood, precision dice, and scoreboard Unboxing
• FMGammon 'Mete' Backga...
Wycliffe Bros. Prestige Class 23” Backgammon Set w/ nickel plated 44.5mm checkers Unboxing
• Wycliffe Brothers 23” ...
Crisloid Tournament Attaché Backgammon set, custom-designed Unboxing
• Crisloid Tournament At...
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Опубликовано:

7 янв 2021

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Комментарии : 77

@Marcolino10DK 3 года назад

Congrats with a beautiful board Justin!! The merino felt is awesome! In my opinion FTH has the best and most beautiful checkers!

@jjmckenna 3 года назад

Thank you, Marc! I love the merino wool felt on this FTH board, and how the beautiful checkers glide over it effortlessly. Speaking of beautiful checkers, I hope to see you do an unboxing video of the amazing 'Earth' board from FMGammon. That is a truly gorgeous board, with stunning checkers and features. Kudos on the continued success of Backgammon Galaxy's board series!

@sethplate7176 Год назад

I have luxury FTH board for about 8 years now and I cannot be happier with it! Fazil is a friend of mine and a great guy. Super correct person and easy to work with. I highly recommend him and FTH brand. Once you play on such board, you will feel cripled playing on a plain and simple wood board.

@jjmckenna Год назад

Seth - Thank you for your comment! I agree that Fazil is wonderful and easy to work with. The boards are built super-solid. I may need to obtain one of his ‘medium’ size boards one of these days! Cheers! 🙌🏼💭🎲🎲✨👑

@paperweight57 3 года назад

Blue and orange checkers would absolutely pop on this gorgeous board.

@jjmckenna 3 года назад

That’s one reason why I like this board, it just begs to have colorful checkers and accessories on it. With that in mind, I’ll be ‘unboxing’ some custom made checkers for this board very soon, along with a unique cube from an artisan cube maker here in the USA. Stay tuned!

@DrFly-ek4sx 3 года назад

This is the board I own, and I love it! I'm glad to see that you highlight how popular these boards are in the USA, because I see them all over RU-vid at tournaments. Very interesting playing surface colors; I went for much brighter colors on mine, and I would like to try again, but don't think I can afford a second FTH board.

@jjmckenna 3 года назад

I really like FTH boards, and they are very reasonably priced, especially if you reach out to Fazil directly with an idea for a color combination or design for the playing field. Enjoy yours for a long time!

@petermittak7960 3 года назад

Another fantastic board and a fantastic video, congratulations! As far as I can see, FTH boards are indeed very high quality boards, and they are popular on tournaments. For my taste some of their color combinations are quite "interesting", but this one is "moderate" and very elegant with this monochrome style. For me this seems similar to your X-22 Gammoner board, at least as to the colours. Enjoy your new board! By now you have a very impressive collection of backgammon boards, I really like to see your boards and videos. Unfortunately, I do not have so high quality boards, but last week I finally got for my birthday a beautiful Wycliffe Brothers 21 inch backgammon board (mustard field with green and white points) - this is amazing, I like it very much! Honestly speaking, your Wycliffe Brothers unboxing video was also an inspiring factor to go for this board (although, your board was even larger and with slightly different coloring), so thank you! 😀 Keep up the good work!

@jjmckenna 3 года назад

Péter - Thank you for the thoughtful compliment! I’m really glad that my videos played a part in you getting such a nice backgammon board! The 21” Wycliffe Bros. boards are very nice, and an excellent value. I’m sure that board will increase your enjoyment of the game. Have a fantastic time improving your play, and look for more videos from me, eventually. Cheers! 🎈

@Rumpletweezer7 3 года назад

Another great video Justin. I got an FTH board with some upgrades last summer. I found the company a pleasure to deal with & they built the board exactly as I imagined it. Enjoy you new board.

@jjmckenna 3 года назад

Rumple, Fazil was very easy to work with, and his is an exemplary company. What kind of ‘upgrades’ did you get with your FTH board, and what kind of colors? Thanks for the encouragement!

@Rumpletweezer7 3 года назад

@@jjmckenna I went for bright colours, blue field with red & white points. Same checkers as your board. Added cube pockets, pair of the smaller round cups, customised plaque, extra cube & board cover.

@jjmckenna 3 года назад

@@Rumpletweezer7 Sounds really nice! Kudos on getting something so well thought out.

@Rumpletweezer7 2 года назад

@@jjmckenna It only took me a year to reply Justin. I went for the corner cube pockets, round & oval dice cups & a personalised plate. Blue field with red & white points.

@DerBitfluesterer 3 года назад

How great! I ordered two of these Backgammon also. One with a blue field (b/w) and one with a brown field (b/w) . What you here biught looks amazing! For me the best Manufactur for Backgammon Boards in the world! A absolut high end german standard. By the way..., Fazil and Hanim are amazing people. Thx for the inspiration with the great grey field. Maybe it‘s my next choice too! Regards and stay healthy Steffix

@jjmckenna 3 года назад

Steffix, Thank you for the kind words! Good to know that you support Fazil and Hanim in their excellent work! These are lovely boards, and I think they are an excellent value, too. I hope you continue to enjoy your boards and good luck in 2021! Hopefully we can play ‘over the board’ without any health concerns soon! Cheers! 👏🏼💨✨🎲🎲

@osumarko 3 года назад

Great vid. FTH shared this vid on their facebook. I am planning on getting an FTH board soon.

@jjmckenna 3 года назад

Osumarko, Thanks for the tip about FTH’s FB post, that was a nice surprise! You will love the FTH board if you get one. It plays beautifully, especially the way the checkers glide over the gorgeous merino wool felt. Cheers! 👍🏼💨✨🎲🎲🎈

@agerray 3 года назад

Amazing collection! I loved the dice bag - a really nice touch. And thanks for the info on the checkers. Keep the reviews coming... :-)

@jjmckenna 3 года назад

Raymond, you’re the reason I’m getting specific about board dimensions and checker thickness. Thanks for the ongoing encouragement!

@agerray 3 года назад

@@jjmckenna there is one detail I would like to see (in your future reviews!): when the bar is covered by the playing surface, how well do the checkers sit on the bar?

@johnk.1103 3 года назад

@@agerray - Dang, dude, you must be a bit OCD!

@agerray 3 года назад

@@johnk.1103 I don't have OCD. I have CDO. Same thing, just in alphabetical order. Like they should be. :-)

@s.p.thornton1686 3 года назад

Thank you for all of your great reviews, Justin. I have been woking with Fazil over the past 5 weeks on colors and upgrade options. He has been an absolute pleasure to work with and has been very helpful. As I narrowed down my choices a few weeks ago, I found it hard to make a decision on the one stand out color I would be using. Fazil was always more than helpful in sending over color choices at my request. Ironically, mine is somewhat similar to yours. So, thank you for posting this video so I could get a better view of the quality craftsmansship and features of Fazil's work. I know he doesn't disappoint. This is my first custom leather board purchase, so the entire process has been both fun and indecisive in the myriad of color options one has to choose from: The possibilities are limitless.

@jjmckenna 3 года назад

S.P., I am very curious to know what your final board will look like, and I will keep my eyes peeled on FTH's FB page, because I think Fazil posts pictures of his completed boards there. Very cool that you're going with the leather upgrade, and I'm sure the board will NOT disappoint. Mine is lovely; the playing surface is smooth as glass, and I love the checkers, too. Enjoy your board, and thank you for the encouragement!

@s.p.thornton1686 3 года назад

@@jjmckenna Justin, I look forward to receiving my board in about 4 weeks. I can't see that Fazil has made this exact combination before, but it's a close variation of what he and Volker have already done. Fingers crossed! It would be horrible if I had to order another board with different color combinations. As you have had your board for a week now, what size dice do you feel work well in the oval cups?

@jjmckenna 3 года назад

@@s.p.thornton1686 - Interesting question. The board came with some standard dice, not precision dice. I've been using either 12mm dice (1/2") or 14mm dice (9/16"), and they are both fine. I'd say that I tend to use the slightly larger 14mm dice, which were standard with both of my FMGammon boards, and the Gammoner board. They are substantial, without feeling to chunky.

@s.p.thornton1686 3 года назад

@@jjmckenna Thank you for the feedback, Justin. I plan on ordering several sets of precision dice in various colors to compliment my new board. Be on the lookout for flecked graphite, flecked rust and flecked light gray on FTH's Facebook postings. On another note, I have to ask you about your artwork behind you on all of your videos. I'm intrigued!

@jjmckenna 3 года назад

@@s.p.thornton1686 - Your color combination sounds wonderful, and I'm certain it will be a gorgeous board, and make you very proud. Thanks for asking about my artwork. The piece on the left side of the screen in my videos, with the mother and child, is a limited edition, hand-finished giclée produced by Page Hamilton, founder and guitarist of the heavy metal band, Helmet. The piece commemorates Helmet's 10th anniversary, and that was back in 2009. The piece contains images from Page's life and family, and was hand-finished by him, using lyrics from a Helmet song that I specified, from a compilation album of their early work (1989-1993), Born Annoying. I've been a fan of heavy metal music since my teen years. The other piece is an abstract work from a Northern California artist, Robin Carey, purchased at a gallery in Santa Rosa. It's acrylic on resin on wood panel, entitled Arizona Nights. Cheers!

@flyingpigsracing5018 3 года назад

You've got a serious addiction! Appreciate your videos, helped me make up my mind what first board I'm going with.

@jjmckenna 3 года назад

Flying Pigs, Thanks for the kind words, and acknowledging my addiction! What, pray tell, is the 'first board' you're going with? I'd love to know! Good luck!

@flyingpigsracing5018 3 года назад

@@jjmckenna I'm new to the game but have a serious addiction to hobbies and thoroughly enjoy the buying process of picking something unique and to my taste ^.^ I watched your videos and checked out each site, but I live in Connecticut and once I realized Crisloid is a "local" New England business, with the design taste I like, the decision was made. I've decided to spend way more than I had planned on a first board, and designing a somewhat custom Tournament Attache board with them! I was going to order one off the shelf from their site, but its too tempting to just spend a littttle bit more and get exactly what I want. Look forward to more of your videos, and keep up the good content!

@jjmckenna 3 года назад

@@flyingpigsracing5018 - I'm very pleased you are getting a custom Crisloid as your first true board, which is exactly how I purchased my first board, too. Congratulations. I hope it is everything you want in a backgammon board. I'm sure you'll enjoy it very much, and hopefully it can be passed on to future generations!

@flyingpigsracing5018 3 года назад

@@jjmckenna I just wish the process were a little quicker ^.^ been trying to give them my money since Monday and things still havent gone through lol, the wait and anticipation is painful! All worth it I'm sure for something unique and made with care.

@jjmckenna 3 года назад

@@flyingpigsracing5018 - I know how you feel. Thankfully, Crisloid is just around the corner from you, so it shouldn't take long. The two recent boards I received from Germany (Gammoner, FTH) were purchased back in *November*, but due to the holiday season, and both being sent via DHL, which uses the US Postal Service, once they reach the US, both boards sat in Customs for almost a month, while I agonized! I literally had NO updates on the Gammoner board for 30 days, and I thought it might have been lost. Not a fan of the USPS right now! Good luck, and I hope to see pics of your Crisloid somehow, after it arrives!

@johnk.1103 3 года назад

I have to say, your t-shirt collection must be epic! I don't know the band on this shirt (I can barely read it, tbh), but I KNOW that picture! It's Hunter S. Thompson, shooting his typewriter with a .357 Magnum. I don't know when that picture was taken, but if it's on a band's t-shirt, they must be pretty cool! Another excellent video of a very nice backgammon board. Do you think you'll have any issues with the points being pretty similar in shade? Maybe it won't be an issue. Keep them coming!

@jjmckenna 3 года назад

John, Thank you for the ongoing encouragement! Yes, it's true that I have an 'extensive' t-shirt collection of bands that I like and listen to. This shirt is of one such band, Cobalt, a black metal band from Colorado. And you are correct, the picture on the shirt is of Hunter S. Thompson shooting his typewriter. For some reason, I think that may have occurred in Colorado, but I'm not sure of that. As for the monochromatic points on this board, I don't know if I'll have any issues. I played on it for a couple hours recently, and it was not a problem. What I like is that it can handle checkers of a variety of different colors, which I may get around to ordering, if I can stop buying backgammon boards! Cheers!

@jiffypoops 3 года назад

Similar color pattern to the newly announced 2021 fmgammon board ;) Have fun with the new board!

@jjmckenna 3 года назад

Really? I haven’t seen that, Maxime! Now I’m intrigued. Thanks for the comment!

@michaelh9183 2 года назад

Justin, many thanks for this and all the other board reviews. How would you compare the FTH and the Gammoner? What are form you point of view key differentiators of both besides the artificial and real leather, which is on option for FTH as well? They both seem to be of a superb quality but prices vary a lot. Interestingly both are being produced approx. 100 miles away from my place. So I am thinking which way I should dirve - south to Michaelstadt (FTH) or north to Münster (Gammoner) 😊 Many thanks - Michael

@jjmckenna 2 года назад

Michael: Thanks for your comment and questions about the differences between these two excellent boards. You are right to point out the significant price difference, with the FTH boards being more reasonably priced when bound in vinyl (leatherette). Both FTH and Gammoner have beautiful and plush merino wool felt playing surfaces. Both have beautiful checkers, although the more expensive Gammoner boards with 50mm checkers really take those boards to a different level. Some people report having issues with the slightly longer FTH standard tournament boards. I myself don’t notice, but if board length is something one is sensitive to, the standard FTH boards are some centimeters longer than the Gammoner. Both boards are excellent and should last a lifetime if properly taken care of. I love both of mine, but I will say that the Gammoner checkers are hard to top. I hope this helps! Cheers! ✨🎲🎲✨

@patrickbertrand6366 3 года назад

Great Video Justin! Your collection of Boards must be amazing! 😅 Do you ever played on a Hector Saxe Board? Greetings from Germany

@jjmckenna 3 года назад

Patrick, Thank you for the comment and the compliment! I was not aware of the Hector Saxe brand, but I looked into it, and they are very nice, though expensive, boards. Thanks for the tip. I don’t know what board I’ll acquire next, but I do hope to continue expanding my collection and making videos. Cheers! 🎈

@cjfetters Год назад

what is the difference with precision dice? What size do you recommend?

@jjmckenna Год назад

Chad - The difference with precision dice is that they are pretty much perfectly balanced, so you know you’re playing with pure dice. Some brands come in really cool colors, though I tend to prefer black dice with white pops. I have two sets, one is 14mm and the other is smaller at 12mm. I use them pretty much equally, and depending on which of my boards I’m playing on. They usually cost around $15-$20 per set, but they’re worth the money.

@davidkeller5664 2 года назад

Justin sorry for off topic question, but I'm noticing similarities between this board and the Freistadtler boards. Do you know anything about the latter and their differences? Thanks...new subscriber, by the way; take care.

@jjmckenna 2 года назад

David, first of all, thank you for subscribing to my channel. New videos will be coming in the near future. As for the Freistadtler boards, you are correct, they look VERY similar to my FTH board. My initial impression was that, for the higher price, the Freistadtler board must be wrapped in real leather. However, that is not the case; they are wrapped in the same leatherette (vinyl) as my FTH board. Like my FTH, they are a bit longer than many other tournament-sized boards, and they both have the stainless steel hardware at the corners, with similar locks. I know that FTH works with Gammonstuff.com in the USA as a distributor, but I don't know much of anything about Freistadtler boards, other than they appear to be much more expensive than my FTH board, but with the same features. Sorry I can't be more informative with my insights, other than to suggest you contact Fazil Terlemez via FB and discuss getting one of his amazing boards for a fraction of the price you'd pay on Gammonvillage for a Freistadtler board of similar features. Fazil is willing to work with customers directly, and he will build a board to your exact specifications. Good luck!

@davidkeller5664 2 года назад

@@jjmckenna Thanks for the kind response. Turns out, I threw caution to the wind moments before your response and ordered the Freistadtler. It will arrive tomorrow. I plan on taking it with me to a tournament in LA this weekend, so if you don't mind I'll let you know how it turns out. For what it's worth, I have owned an FTH in the past and they are splendid, so we'll see how the Freistadtler compares. Thx.

@jjmckenna 2 года назад

@@davidkeller5664 - David, Very cool and I’m very jealous that you’re going to the LA tournament. It’s in my home state, so I’m very bummed that I can’t make it, but my job as a lawyer has gotten in the way this time. In looking at the Freistadtler boards, I almost wondered if they aren’t re-branded FTH boards, but that doesn’t make sense. Either way, yes, please let me know how it works out. The boards appear to be very high quality with beautiful craftsmanship. Enjoy, and good luck in the City of Angels! 👼✨🎲🎲✌🏼🌈✨

@davidkeller5664 2 года назад

@@jjmckenna Okay mystery solved. It didn't fit well with me that I couldn't find anything on Freistadtler as a separate business entity. I couldn't because they are not. Well, I decided to write Fazil himself through the FTH Facebook page to see if he could help. He wrote back. Turns out, Fazil claims that he is the one that makes the Freistadtler boards for Gammonvillage. So I figure, the latter buys up Fazil's boards, trademarks the 'Freistadtler' name (means 'free townspeople' in German') then slaps that name onto Fazil's boards and sells them on their website, with a 60% markup! What a scam! I feel taken. I just wrote them to see about returning the damn thing. Oh well, lesson learned, I guess. The board by the way, is magnificent. But still, IDENTICAL to the FTH boards sold on Gammonstuff. Word to the...learned?

@jjmckenna 2 года назад

@@davidkeller5664 - David, wow, that is a scam! I thought that board looked VERY similar to my FTH board, now we know why. I also know that the 'GammonVillage' branded boards ($750) are produced by another company whose boards I have reviewed on my channel. I anticipate that GammonVillage will decline your request to return the board, but I'm sure you will enjoy playing on it regardless. Thanks for getting back to me and good luck!

@xxxxbadabingxxxx4543 3 года назад

Hi Justin, I am currently carrying myself with the thought to buy a FTH board and wanted to know from you from experience, if crazy color combinations are too distracting for prolonged play or if one grows tired of them. I already asked Marc Olsen on this and wanted to get your opinion on this, as an avid collector. If I spend that kind of money on a board, I want it to be a life-long investment. Thanks so much, Boris

@jjmckenna 3 года назад

Boris - That's an excellent question. I have definitely favored boards that tend towards my favorite colors. Hence, I really love my Crisloid board (black/blue), my FM Hamdi board (blue/grey), my FTH (monochromatic greys), my Gammoner (greys), and the interchangeable playing surfaces on my new FM Talat board (blues and 'Taki' wood). In terms of 'bold' or 'bright' colors, I think you are fine going in that direction, if you like the color combinations, or they bring you a sense of calm, or happiness. I would tend to shy from colors that I don't like, but that hasn't been an issue for me. I don't think that you will get tired of colors that you prefer. That said, there is a reason why I think that FM's new board surfaces, which can be replaced, will be VERY popular with customers. Fazil and Hanim Terlemez make beautiful boards at FTH, and I don't think you can go wrong with either subtle or bold colors. I'm sure you will enjoy that board. Good luck, and cheers!

@xxxxbadabingxxxx4543 3 года назад

@@jjmckenna Thanks so much, Justin. This has been a tremendous help. Will make up my mind this weekend and then contact the Terlemez. Hope to see some more board presentations in the future. You got yourself a new subscriber. ;) Boris

@jjmckenna 3 года назад

@@xxxxbadabingxxxx4543 Thanls for the encouragement and support, Boris! More videos will be coming in the future, for sure. 🎬🎲🎲🎥✨

@miladalhabib5220 Год назад

I would like just the stones. where can I buy these ?! does anyone have a link

@jjmckenna Год назад

Milad, I suggest you get in touch with Fazil Terlemez (the ‘FT’ of FTH Backgammon). Their website is fth-backgammon.de Also, you can friend him on Facebook and ask about the availability of the checkers from my board, or other checkers he has. Good luck! 💫🎲🎲✌🏼

@miladalhabib5220 Год назад

@@jjmckenna thank u

@jjmckenna Год назад

@@miladalhabib5220 🙌🏼💫🎲🎲

@galagala9552 3 года назад

Rich Guy many many boards wooowww i need only one you have i dont know haha my quesion is what is your favo boards? Nummer 1 2 3 name pleas

@jjmckenna 3 года назад

Mr. Vatan, I remember you! I would say, for ‘normal’ boards (not the special Gammoner), I would put the FTH and FMGammon boards 1, 2, 3, in no particular order. They’re all wonderful. Thanks for the comment!

@paperweight57 3 года назад

Backgammon > chess

@jjmckenna 3 года назад

paperweight - Though I play both backgammon and chess, I tend to agree with you that I prefer the former to the latter. Cheers!

@paperweight57 3 года назад

@@jjmckenna Chess is highly stimulating mentally, but I dislike how it grinds down your opponent--and how a more experienced player can absolutely dominate a beginner. That's the beauty of backgammon--it's not a war, it's a race. And because of the dice, a beginner has good chances to have fun and even match a more experienced player, even though 7 times out of 10, the experienced player will win. It's just plain *more fun* than chess :)

@jjmckenna 3 года назад

@@paperweight57 I agree with you 100%. I enjoy playing chess, but I find backgammon much more stimulating, interesting to learn and challenging to master.

@paperweight57 3 года назад

@@jjmckenna Exactly. Bobby Fischer taught us that chess is, above all, memorization. In backgammon, outside of opening moves, it's impossible to memorize because there's an unpredictable roll of the dice every turn . . . AND the doubling cube ;)

@jjmckenna 3 года назад

@@paperweight57 That’s an interesting point. Regarding Bobby Fischer, I always thought he was known for being incredibly creative in his attacking and overall strategy, not simply memorization. Admittedly, I don’t know much about him. There is no doubt, though, that I prefer to watch backgammon grand masters play as opposed to chess grand masters! ✨🎲🎲