I own the board. My accessories and interchangeable surfaces x3 are being made The boards are first class. Love watching these reviews. It’s fueled my passion for collecting.
Craig, I know we share the 'passion' (or obsession) for collecting! I'm very curious to see which surfaces you're getting and how versatile your board is with them in. Are you getting any new checkers to go with them?
I already have marbleized black & white, brown & creamy Brown & blue and white blue. The surfaces I’ve selected will work with these. Although I have my eye on the yellow checkers. Will see once the surfaces arrive.
Chris, this is one of my favorite boards, and it is in use on my dining room table as I write this comment. The leather accessories are very nice; I take the dice container with me to tournaments! Cheers!
Skill Set, the interchangeable surfaces are amazing! It’s like being able to have two distinct boards, even with the same checkers! It is a worthwhile investment in a piece of art that could potentially last for generations. Worth the 💰‼️‼️🎲🎲
Dujuan, I'm very happy to hear that this board exceeds your expectations! I play on my Talat all the time; it's definitely one of my favorite all-time boards. I'm sure you will enjoy yours, kudos!
It shouldn't be a question of "if," it should be a question of "WHEN!" If you're passionate about backgammon, it is a worthwhile investment. These boards will last generations; you can pass the passion for the game down to other members of the family. It's impossible to not like backgammon when you play on a board of this quality, which holds true for any FM board. Cheers!
Thanks for all these reviews. It’s one thing to see a few pics online but to get such a wonderful review on a video is quite a treat. All the boards are a treat for the eyes. The versatility FM has for switching out fields of play is wonderful and a BIG plus. But for me, what’s immensely important are the sounds of the board and the travel abilities (that would include durability). I do love the sounds of those checkers clicking against the wood bumpers. A beautiful wooden board on an airplane, tho, in the overhead compartment; can you imagine the angst you’d have every time another passenger would throw up a heavy suitcase? You wouldn’t be forced to check that case with normal luggage, would you? On small planes you might. 🤷🏽♂️ Thanks again so much.
Craig, I completely agree with you regarding the sound of the dice and checkers on the wood frame bumpers, it’s beautiful. No doubt, these solid wood boards are hefty, but with the protective carry bags that come with them, I think I’d be OK with travel, assuming I was otherwise packing light! Cheers, and thanks for your comment.
Harvey - I know exactly how you feel! This board is top quality in every particular. The color is gorgeous and the tones are amazing. What color checkers and playing surfaces did you play with?
Chin, I agree, this is a stunning board, especially with the interchangeable surfaces; it can feel like two totally different boards within moments. Cheers! 👍🏼🎲🎲💫
Another beautiful board and great review Justin!! I saw this on their website and it’s on the wish list, some day haha. I just ordered the Belene white board, should arrive in a week or so. Can’t wait!
Hello Justin Have been playing on my new Talat Premium and you are right FM is at the top of their game. Like you said fast and super safe shipping, came in a custom create, also got the 011 blue and white surface and a extra set of the blue and white marble checkers. This board is a dream to play on and the quality is unmatched. Have you a shout out to them, as it was seeing your video helped me decide on what premium board I wanted Hope all is well
Scott, glad to hear you’re enjoying the Talat as I knew you would! I love the blue and white against the honey mahogany. Did you get the wood-grain ones as well? That’s for the kind words regarding my video. So glad it aided someone in acquiring one of these gorgeous boards. It’ll be a treasure for decades to come! Cheers! 🙌🏼🎲🎲⭐️
Yes I have the checkers that came with the Talat, and added the blue/white surface and checkers, the board looks great with either. The quality of the wood is outstanding. Now just need to up my game to match my board
@@scottfelson289 - Lol, I know what you mean! Sometimes I feel that my game is inadequate to, or insulting to, the board! I’ve been playing seriously now for almost three years, have been taking lessons with a coach who regularly competes with the world’s top players, and it still galls me when I make a huge blunder! And, I still do that regularly, lol. 🥸🎲🎲✨
@@jjmckenna I know what you mean, I am an amateur at best, have been watching a lot of videos but a coach sounds like a great idea, I need to try and find a coach or a place that teaches near me. Want to do right by this board
You are correct that your checker play has improved noticeably, but that didn't keep you from committing a blunder on your move of 4-4 coming in off the bar. Hitting that third checker on the ace point is the error; XG wanted you to simply come down from the midpoint, 13/9. But hitting that third checker feels so good! Nice job anyway, and that's a GORGEOUS board! So jealous!!
Counting on you to keep my checker play honest, John. I should have held back, but the draw of hitting that third checker was too great. Hopefully it wasn’t a huge blunder, but it’s all in good fun anyway. Thanks for the ongoing feedback, I like that you geek out on checker play! 🎲🎲✨🧮🎯
Love it. You never need to buy another backgammon board, just keep purchasing different playing surfaces. I know that is not going to happen though :) Not purchasing other boards, that is. I think it is a great use of your son getting him to film the review, you have given me an idea :)
You’re correct that the interchangeable playing surfaces make it much easier to have different ‘vibes’ with the same frame, perhaps multiple checkers to give it color. It’s an interesting development and I like it very much! Cheers!
Another fantastic board and a great video! I've been waiting for it since I saw your comment some day ago at FM's video presenting this miracle. 😊 The board is amazing, really beautiful combination of wood and other fine materials. If I can see it well, the outside part is leather and wood - I would have a slight fear that it can become scratched, but this is definitely very beautiful. The changeable playing surface is amazing, it gives the feeling of playing on different boards. I saw at Ed Collins for the first time that he changes and combines the checkers (same board with different checkers), which can give the feeling of having a new set every time. This solution of FM Gammon is more, as here you can actually change the playing surface itself and thus, you can "renew" the board from time to time. If you also vary the checkers with it (as you do it in the video), this one board can give many-many combinations! Thank you for the great presentation again! I like your videos, as they bring closer to me many fantastic boards, which I most probably will never own (or even not play on), but which I can at least see in this way in details and in "operation". I don't know until when you will continue your passion for new boards and for these presentation videos, but I personally hope that you will keep it up for a long time! 😊
I almost forgot it: what happened to your beard? This is a permanent style changing or you just felt that such a premium board fits with a shaved face? 😊
Péter- You are correct that this is really a game-changing technology advancement that will allow people to change surfaces and have a ‘new board’ within moments. It’s pretty stunning to have this board and be able to make it different within moments. I don’t know how many different boards I can unbox and review at this point, but I’ll keep looking. I think there is an ArtGammon in my future and perhaps some other boards from Turkey, who knows? That’s for your continued support, cheers! 🎈✨
@@petermittak7960 - Believe it or not, I shaved my beard for a girl, and I think she’s happy I did! I don’t mind, as I think it makes me look younger. What do you think?
@@jjmckenna Indeed, the possibility of changing the playing surface is really a good feature! I think the P-40 boards also have this feature, although their solution is not as quick and easy as this one. FM Gammon's solution really opens up new ways! 😊 By the way, do you plan to buy also a P-40 board? This is also great, although it rather represents a more modern line.
Thanks, Greg! I knew you would appreciate this video, as you already enjoy your FM board. We should meet up in the Bay Area and play on this board sometime in the near future!
Hi Justin, your videos have led me to decide on an FM Gammon board as a gift for my father’s birthday. They are absolutely beautiful! It’s taken the best part of 6 months to save up to get to the budget for one of FM’s luxury boards but now having a hard time deciding on which board! It’s a huge expense so am a little nervous. I’ve narrowed it down to 3! The Talat, it is so classy, but would only be able to get the standard package and not special without all the leather accessories (which is fine), or the Onur or the Mete. Would you have any opinions or guidance although I understand it’s personal choice…but very hard when buying for somebody else! Thank you
RolyPolly, Kudos to you for saving up to buy such a wonderful gift for your dad! I love all three of the boards you mention as candidates for this gift. What I would point out about the different boards is the ‘finish’ on the exterior and what you think would look best. The Talat board has a shinier finish than either the Onur or Mete board. It does show wear and tear on that shiny surface, perhaps a bit more than the matte finish of the other boards, which are made from beechwood. You could also consider the gorgeous Colorado board, which is made from Walnut! The key point to complete the set is to choose surfaces and checkers that will both really ‘pop,’ but make playing over the board even more enjoyable for hours at a time. Rich browns and oranges will go better with the Talat, while the dark wood of the Onur board begs for darker hues on the surfaces. It’s my favorite part about putting a board together, these little details! Good luck and I hope your father loves this gift! 🙏🎲🎲‼️
Thank you for taking the time to respond! You have made some very valid points and I do prefer the matte wood and cannot understand how I bypassed the Walnut! A beautiful board. I also love the oak on the Marc Olsen board (just not the green inlay!) I adore the oranges and browns and love the brown and white marble chequers which remind me of a latte coffee 😊 I do also love blues. I do wonder if the orange/brown would fit the tones of the Colorado or Marc Olsen. I now do feel the Onur and Mete may be too dark. And as beautiful as the Talat is the finish a bit too shiny. A real 360 on my initial ideas! I’m sure dad will very much cherish whichever board he receives but such pressure to get it right! I may pop an email over to the FM Gammon team to see if they may have additional suggestions. Thank you so much again 🙏🏻🎲
Good luck! I think the Colorado board in Walnut would look amazing with a variety of surfaces and checkers. If you can work with Onur Ihtiyar at FM, he is a friend of mine and I played doubles with him at the Backgammon Feast in Istanbul a couple years ago. Feel free to drop my name. He’s a swell guy, and a US-trained architect to boot! Good luck with your gift!
Perfect. I will drop them an email and of course will mention you as your videos have been my ultimate decision on board manufacturer. Thank you again for the invaluable input. It’s very exciting and cannot wait to see dad’s face one he unwraps his gift 😊
Thanks, David! I had a blast, winning the Advanced Jackpot and splitting the first place prize money in the DMP event. I was a finalist in bracket #1, but had to leave early, before bracket #2 was finished. I ended up with about $1000, which covers the plane ticket I bought to Istanbul, where I’ll attend the Istavder Tavla Anniversary tournament in April! Thanks for the kind words! 🎈
Hi Justin! Do you prefer this straight style cup or the concave style found in Hamdi/Mete? I guess maybe the concave is more comfortable/ergonomic but I could be totally wrong since I never played with these. :) Love your videos, invaluable stuff!
Máté - Thank you so much for the kind words! ☺️ I like both styles of dice cups from FM. Of my current boards, all of them have the straight style (Earth, Hera, VOID, Talat)! As you state, only my Hamdi and Mete boards had the concave cups! 😳 What I like about FM Gammon cups is the tone. 🎶 They have a pleasant ‘moist’ sound that is easy on the ears for hours. Cheers! ✨🎲🎲✨
Tobias, I know what you mean. This is pretty much a game-changer from FMGammon, and they've really knocked it out of the park with this Talat board, as well as the redesigned Mete board, which looks amazing with the green and black playing surface. Cheers!
@@jjmckenna Yes! They knocked it out of the park! And yes: I’ll go for the new Mete Board. That’s the plan...Thanks for sharing the passion for beautiful Backgammonboards! It’s not easy to explain this to ... almost anybody else.
@@tobiasbilz9633 - Lol, I know what you mean. People ask me, 'How many backgammon boards do you own?" and I answer, "Only seven or eight, but they are all different." People look at me like I'm crazy, but "they don't understand!" You do! Cheers!
Wow what a great Board! And that system to change the surface seems very fantastic! 😊👍 Would it be later possible to order only surfaces and checkers for use in the same Board? Greetings from Germany! 👋
Patrick - Yes! One could order new surfaces and checkers to match for this board at any time. The surfaces are made for this exact size, and FM continues to produce beautiful checkers, and will soon be offering custom-made checkers in any color desired, even if only one set is ordered. Pretty amazing, which is why I think FMGammon is the best in the business right now. Cheers!
Pete - No! I was very lucky to receive such a gorgeous alternative playing surface (blue is my favorite color, btw), and I happen to have a set of blue and white checkers from my first FM 'Mete' board, which happen to go 'perfectly' with the blue and white surface. The brown and white checkers with the 'Taki' surface, of course, complement each other perfectly. It just worked out really well. Thanks for noticing!
Hi Justin. When I go to the fm gammon page and see the interchangeable surfaces, I see the prices and variety of surfaces, but I don't see sizes, how to order them, or what they are made of. I want to know if they have surfaces for my board that supports 2 inches checkers. Thank you very much. Nice board by the way.
Señor Rangel - I believe the playing surfaces come in only one size that fits the Talat, Mete and Frederick boards that come with the interchangeable surface technology. The surfaces that came with this board measure 53.9cms long by 26.8cms wide, so basically 54cm by 27cm. They fit very snug but slide into the area easily.
@@jjmckenna Thank you very much, i am going to measure my board to look for thjose surfaces. I hope someone make them because you know in some future of much use they can wear away and i am gonig to get in into crisis jaja (just kidding). By the way, i love to use on acrylic surface those metal and resin checkers, love to play with, it is 100% recommended. Every time i play with acrylic (every day), love more the way they slide and the dice dances.
@@jjmckenna I love so much those checkers, i do not regret having asked them by mistake hehe. Wish you live near my home to see them for yourself with some beers, wine, coffe or just water jeje.
The best source of information on checkers is on the FMGammon website (fmgammon.com). This board uses a certain ‘type’ of checker, which I think are around 44.5mm wide and about 12mm thick. They are dished and very nicely marbled. Looking at FM’s website, they have a whole bevy of new checkers available. I may have to get some new ones myself! Good luck! 👍🏼
Justin I am in the process of trying to order this board from FMs web site and having trouble, Set up a profile but the web site address drop down la don’t have my city Did you have a hard time ? Please let me know, I have sent an email to fm bit even that was a pain Thank you
Scott: I know that FM’s website is not that great. My friend, Onur, who is involved with FM knows this, and has advocated for an update, but it’s still pretty weak. I will let him know that you are trying to purchase a board, and I suspect that your email will get very rapid attention. Good luck! You can also reach out via FB, to Friend Onur Ihtiyar. He’s super cool; a US college-educated architect with whom I played doubles in Istanbul last year. Cheers and good luck! 👌🏼✨🎲🎲
@@jjmckenna Can’t thank you enough, and will try what ever it takes. It was your video that sealed it for me, now I absolutely need that board 😀 If I am correct your in the Bay Area, hope your staying dry, I am in Santa Barbara and we are getting drenched
@@scottfelson289 Glad to hear that you’re excited about this board. I’m in the Sacramento area, and like you, we’re getting drenched! Cheers! And I hope to see you ‘over the board’ sometime. 🎲🎲
@@scottfelson289 My friend Onur asked that you send an email to info@fmgammon.com. I think he will personally make sure you get the response you need to make the purchase. Good luck! 👍🏼🍀 🎲🎲
@@jjmckenna Thanks again for your help it’s really appreciated. On their website it appears you get an extra surface. I love the blue and white you had in your video, and want to defer the blue and white marble checkers. How did you specify getting the extra blue surface and is there much difference in the physical side of the checkers or just the color Thanks again, need to find a way to get you my number and I can just text
Who is the ass-hat that would 'dislike' this video?! Must be a novice player, lol, who can't afford this board. Well, neither can I, but I still like your videos! Those leather accessories alone are amazing! And the board is incredible. You're very lucky, but when will you run out of money, or room in your house for all these boards? Keep up the good work!
Dr. - A very good question about how many more boards I can reasonably fit into my humble home. I'm thinking another dozen would be the limit! I don't worry about Dislike votes; people are always going to complain about something. This guy left a comment (since deleted) saying he would Dislike anything he couldn't hear clearly. My videos are very low-tech for the simple reason that I use my iPhone and don't have a bunch of fancy audio-visual equipment. Glad you like them regardless! Cheers!
Sam, It is an expensive piece of art, but when one considers that the board could last for generations, becoming a family heirloom, I think it’s worth it! 🎲‼️🎲🙌🏼
@@jjmckenna Indeed, my 25th wedding anniv is next summer, maybe this is in my future. I would love to see one in person. Our family plays backgammon all the time, and our young daughter as well, what a great thing to hand down.
@@samfraulino6623 I’ve had the same thing happen multiple times when I play with my mentor, Sam Ahmed, here in Sacramento. ‘OMG, I think I know this game! What is it? My Nana played this with her brother!’
Thank you for the comment. You’re not the first to mention this, so I now have a microphone I’ll be using in my next video, which I hope to complete very soon. Cheers! 🎲🎲
J - Gotta disagree with you on that score! This is a full-size tournament board, with exterior hardware and handle. The Earth board (also made by FM, as you likely know) is a compact board, with no handle or exterior hardware, and magnetic closures, and removable checker trays. This leather-wrapped behemoth is in another class, but both are very intriguing, charismatic boards that are worthy of anyone’s attention and investment. I’m sure you agree? Cheers! ✌🏼✨🎲🎲
@@jjmckenna So besides the cube dice holder, the interchangeable felts and the nice dice cups it's different in all the other respects you have highlighted. Fair enough
@@jgeorgiou3307 Good points, sir! Fact is, I would love to own and/or play on an Earth board, but haven’t laid my eyes or hands on one. I highly recommend the FM boards, as you can see. What do you play on?
@@jjmckenna My board is very basic, suits my playing ability ;) But my one friend I play with has the earth board and another 23" one that I don't know the name of. Very luxurious though But the earth board is the best iv played on so far
I own the board. My accessories and interchangeable surfaces x3 are being made The boards are first class. Love watching these reviews. It’s fueled my passion for collecting.
Craig, I know we share the 'passion' (or obsession) for collecting! I'm very curious to see which surfaces you're getting and how versatile your board is with them in. Are you getting any new checkers to go with them?
I already have marbleized black & white, brown & creamy Brown & blue and white blue. The surfaces I’ve selected will work with these. Although I have my eye on the yellow checkers. Will see once the surfaces arrive.
A very classy looking set. The leather accessories are a nice touch.
Chris, this is one of my favorite boards, and it is in use on my dining room table as I write this comment. The leather accessories are very nice; I take the dice container with me to tournaments! Cheers!
This is absolutely stunning... Blessed are those who can play on such a gem !
Thank you, Marc! I heartily agree and am very grateful for ALL the boards I have, but this one does stand out! 👌🏼✨🎲🎲 Cheers!
I am so jealous - superb looking board
Thank you for watching! And keep an eye out for my upcoming ‘head to head’ video showing this Talat in comparison to my Gammoner board.
Such a gorgeous set 😍🤩
Thank you so much! I’ve been playing on it recently. ✊🏼🎲🎲
The interchangeable surfaces are the best. Love the empty wallet because that is what happens when you start shopping for boards.
Skill Set, the interchangeable surfaces are amazing! It’s like being able to have two distinct boards, even with the same checkers!
It is a worthwhile investment in a piece of art that could potentially last for generations. Worth the 💰‼️‼️🎲🎲
Just got my board in the mail today it's everything you said in your video all I can say is THANK YOU !!!
Dujuan, I'm very happy to hear that this board exceeds your expectations! I play on my Talat all the time; it's definitely one of my favorite all-time boards. I'm sure you will enjoy yours, kudos!
That is a great looking board. If I get another board, I'm definitely going with an FM board based on your videos.
It shouldn't be a question of "if," it should be a question of "WHEN!" If you're passionate about backgammon, it is a worthwhile investment. These boards will last generations; you can pass the passion for the game down to other members of the family. It's impossible to not like backgammon when you play on a board of this quality, which holds true for any FM board. Cheers!
He looks like Harvey Specter from Suits!😎💪👍good job, man! I enjoy your reviews, and looking at the ,,about” section, I ve seen you are a lawyer! 😅
Lol, I had to look up the actor, and I was going to mention that I am a lawyer. You beat me to it, funny!
Thanks for the kind words! 🙌🏼💭🎲🎲‼️
@@jjmckenna 😇😇you’re welcome! Keep up with that! it will be nice to see some matches between you and your friends!
Thanks for all these reviews. It’s one thing to see a few pics online but to get such a wonderful review on a video is quite a treat.
All the boards are a treat for the eyes. The versatility FM has for switching out fields of play is wonderful and a BIG plus. But for me, what’s immensely important are the sounds of the board and the travel abilities (that would include durability). I do love the sounds of those checkers clicking against the wood bumpers. A beautiful wooden board on an airplane, tho, in the overhead compartment; can you imagine the angst you’d have every time another passenger would throw up a heavy suitcase? You wouldn’t be forced to check that case with normal luggage, would you? On small planes you might. 🤷🏽♂️ Thanks again so much.
Craig, I completely agree with you regarding the sound of the dice and checkers on the wood frame bumpers, it’s beautiful.
No doubt, these solid wood boards are hefty, but with the protective carry bags that come with them, I think I’d be OK with travel, assuming I was otherwise packing light! Cheers, and thanks for your comment.
Stunning and innovative board!
It is stunning, isn’t it? I’m super impressed with FMGammon’s solid wood boards. 😁👏🏼💨✨🎲🎲
I played a match on one of these very boards yesterday. It is absolutely beautiful. Loved everything about it.
Harvey - I know exactly how you feel! This board is top quality in every particular. The color is gorgeous and the tones are amazing. What color checkers and playing surfaces did you play with?
most beautiful board ive seen
Chin, I agree, this is a stunning board, especially with the interchangeable surfaces; it can feel like two totally different boards within moments. Cheers! 👍🏼🎲🎲💫
Another beautiful board and great review Justin!! I saw this on their website and it’s on the wish list, some day haha. I just ordered the Belene white board, should arrive in a week or so. Can’t wait!
Ashkan - Thank you, and congratulations on the Belene board, that has amazing character and style! I'm sure you will love it!
Stunning board .... great video ... great channel
Thanks so much for the kind words! Glad you enjoy the videos, and I'm sure you enjoy backgammon. Cheers!
Hello Justin
Have been playing on my new Talat Premium and you are right FM is at the top of their game. Like you said fast and super safe shipping, came in a custom create, also got the 011 blue and white surface and a extra set of the blue and white marble checkers.
This board is a dream to play on and the quality is unmatched.
Have you a shout out to them, as it was seeing your video helped me decide on what premium board I wanted Hope all is well
Scott, glad to hear you’re enjoying the Talat as I knew you would!
I love the blue and white against the honey mahogany. Did you get the wood-grain ones as well?
That’s for the kind words regarding my video. So glad it aided someone in acquiring one of these gorgeous boards. It’ll be a treasure for decades to come! Cheers! 🙌🏼🎲🎲⭐️
Yes I have the checkers that came with the Talat, and added the blue/white surface and checkers, the board looks great with either. The quality of the wood is outstanding.
Now just need to up my game to match my board
@@scottfelson289 - Lol, I know what you mean! Sometimes I feel that my game is inadequate to, or insulting to, the board!
I’ve been playing seriously now for almost three years, have been taking lessons with a coach who regularly competes with the world’s top players, and it still galls me when I make a huge blunder! And, I still do that regularly, lol. 🥸🎲🎲✨
@@jjmckenna
I know what you mean, I am an amateur at best, have been watching a lot of videos but a coach sounds like a great idea, I need to try and find a coach or a place that teaches near me. Want to do right by this board
You are correct that your checker play has improved noticeably, but that didn't keep you from committing a blunder on your move of 4-4 coming in off the bar. Hitting that third checker on the ace point is the error; XG wanted you to simply come down from the midpoint, 13/9. But hitting that third checker feels so good! Nice job anyway, and that's a GORGEOUS board! So jealous!!
Counting on you to keep my checker play honest, John. I should have held back, but the draw of hitting that third checker was too great. Hopefully it wasn’t a huge blunder, but it’s all in good fun anyway. Thanks for the ongoing feedback, I like that you geek out on checker play! 🎲🎲✨🧮🎯
Love it. You never need to buy another backgammon board, just keep purchasing different playing surfaces. I know that is not going to happen though :) Not purchasing other boards, that is. I think it is a great use of your son getting him to film the review, you have given me an idea :)
You’re correct that the interchangeable playing surfaces make it much easier to have different ‘vibes’ with the same frame, perhaps multiple checkers to give it color.
It’s an interesting development and I like it very much! Cheers!
Beautiful board.
I think so too! Thanks for watching the video. 🎲🎲👍🏼‼️
Another fantastic board and a great video! I've been waiting for it since I saw your comment some day ago at FM's video presenting this miracle. 😊
The board is amazing, really beautiful combination of wood and other fine materials. If I can see it well, the outside part is leather and wood - I would have a slight fear that it can become scratched, but this is definitely very beautiful.
The changeable playing surface is amazing, it gives the feeling of playing on different boards. I saw at Ed Collins for the first time that he changes and combines the checkers (same board with different checkers), which can give the feeling of having a new set every time. This solution of FM Gammon is more, as here you can actually change the playing surface itself and thus, you can "renew" the board from time to time. If you also vary the checkers with it (as you do it in the video), this one board can give many-many combinations!
Thank you for the great presentation again! I like your videos, as they bring closer to me many fantastic boards, which I most probably will never own (or even not play on), but which I can at least see in this way in details and in "operation". I don't know until when you will continue your passion for new boards and for these presentation videos, but I personally hope that you will keep it up for a long time! 😊
I almost forgot it: what happened to your beard? This is a permanent style changing or you just felt that such a premium board fits with a shaved face? 😊
Péter- You are correct that this is really a game-changing technology advancement that will allow people to change surfaces and have a ‘new board’ within moments. It’s pretty stunning to have this board and be able to make it different within moments.
I don’t know how many different boards I can unbox and review at this point, but I’ll keep looking. I think there is an ArtGammon in my future and perhaps some other boards from Turkey, who knows? That’s for your continued support, cheers! 🎈✨
@@petermittak7960 - Believe it or not, I shaved my beard for a girl, and I think she’s happy I did! I don’t mind, as I think it makes me look younger. What do you think?
@@jjmckenna Indeed, the possibility of changing the playing surface is really a good feature! I think the P-40 boards also have this feature, although their solution is not as quick and easy as this one. FM Gammon's solution really opens up new ways! 😊
By the way, do you plan to buy also a P-40 board? This is also great, although it rather represents a more modern line.
@@jjmckenna Yes, much younger without the beard! 😊 Sometimes we all need style changing! 😊
Wow. I was happy with my FM Board, but now I have BAS (Board Acquisition Syndrome). Very nice set Justin.
Thanks, Greg! I knew you would appreciate this video, as you already enjoy your FM board. We should meet up in the Bay Area and play on this board sometime in the near future!
Hi Justin, your videos have led me to decide on an FM Gammon board as a gift for my father’s birthday. They are absolutely beautiful! It’s taken the best part of 6 months to save up to get to the budget for one of FM’s luxury boards but now having a hard time deciding on which board! It’s a huge expense so am a little nervous. I’ve narrowed it down to 3! The Talat, it is so classy, but would only be able to get the standard package and not special without all the leather accessories (which is fine), or the Onur or the Mete. Would you have any opinions or guidance although I understand it’s personal choice…but very hard when buying for somebody else! Thank you
RolyPolly, Kudos to you for saving up to buy such a wonderful gift for your dad!
I love all three of the boards you mention as candidates for this gift. What I would point out about the different boards is the ‘finish’ on the exterior and what you think would look best.
The Talat board has a shinier finish than either the Onur or Mete board. It does show wear and tear on that shiny surface, perhaps a bit more than the matte finish of the other boards, which are made from beechwood. You could also consider the gorgeous Colorado board, which is made from Walnut!
The key point to complete the set is to choose surfaces and checkers that will both really ‘pop,’ but make playing over the board even more enjoyable for hours at a time.
Rich browns and oranges will go better with the Talat, while the dark wood of the Onur board begs for darker hues on the surfaces.
It’s my favorite part about putting a board together, these little details!
Good luck and I hope your father loves this gift! 🙏🎲🎲‼️
Thank you for taking the time to respond!
You have made some very valid points and I do prefer the matte wood and cannot understand how I bypassed the Walnut! A beautiful board. I also love the oak on the Marc Olsen board (just not the green inlay!)
I adore the oranges and browns and love the brown and white marble chequers which remind me of a latte coffee 😊 I do also love blues. I do wonder if the orange/brown would fit the tones of the Colorado or Marc Olsen.
I now do feel the Onur and Mete may be too dark. And as beautiful as the Talat is the finish a bit too shiny. A real 360 on my initial ideas!
I’m sure dad will very much cherish whichever board he receives but such pressure to get it right!
I may pop an email over to the FM Gammon team to see if they may have additional suggestions.
Thank you so much again 🙏🏻🎲
Good luck! I think the Colorado board in Walnut would look amazing with a variety of surfaces and checkers.
If you can work with Onur Ihtiyar at FM, he is a friend of mine and I played doubles with him at the Backgammon Feast in Istanbul a couple years ago. Feel free to drop my name. He’s a swell guy, and a US-trained architect to boot! Good luck with your gift!
Perfect. I will drop them an email and of course will mention you as your videos have been my ultimate decision on board manufacturer.
Thank you again for the invaluable input. It’s very exciting and cannot wait to see dad’s face one he unwraps his gift 😊
I’d love to hear about it after you present the gift! 😊
Hey Justin, saw that you won a little money in Texas. Congrats!
Thanks, David!
I had a blast, winning the Advanced Jackpot and splitting the first place prize money in the DMP event. I was a finalist in bracket #1, but had to leave early, before bracket #2 was finished. I ended up with about $1000, which covers the plane ticket I bought to Istanbul, where I’ll attend the Istavder Tavla Anniversary tournament in April!
Thanks for the kind words! 🎈
Hi Justin!
Do you prefer this straight style cup or the concave style found in Hamdi/Mete? I guess maybe the concave is more comfortable/ergonomic but I could be totally wrong since I never played with these. :) Love your videos, invaluable stuff!
Máté - Thank you so much for the kind words! ☺️
I like both styles of dice cups from FM. Of my current boards, all of them have the straight style (Earth, Hera, VOID, Talat)! As you state, only my Hamdi and Mete boards had the concave cups! 😳
What I like about FM Gammon cups is the tone. 🎶 They have a pleasant ‘moist’ sound that is easy on the ears for hours.
Cheers! ✨🎲🎲✨
Great. I’ll buy another fm board. Theses changeable surface makes it absolutely impossible for me not to buy a second board.
Tobias, I know what you mean. This is pretty much a game-changer from FMGammon, and they've really knocked it out of the park with this Talat board, as well as the redesigned Mete board, which looks amazing with the green and black playing surface. Cheers!
@@jjmckenna Yes! They knocked it out of the park! And yes: I’ll go for the new Mete Board. That’s the plan...Thanks for sharing the passion for beautiful Backgammonboards! It’s not easy to explain this to ... almost anybody else.
@@tobiasbilz9633 - Lol, I know what you mean. People ask me, 'How many backgammon boards do you own?" and I answer, "Only seven or eight, but they are all different." People look at me like I'm crazy, but "they don't understand!" You do! Cheers!
I must have one🤩
@@EricPetersen2922 - I agree, Eric! You must!
Wow what a great Board! And that system to change the surface seems very fantastic! 😊👍
Would it be later possible to order only surfaces and checkers for use in the same Board?
Greetings from Germany! 👋
Patrick - Yes! One could order new surfaces and checkers to match for this board at any time. The surfaces are made for this exact size, and FM continues to produce beautiful checkers, and will soon be offering custom-made checkers in any color desired, even if only one set is ordered. Pretty amazing, which is why I think FMGammon is the best in the business right now. Cheers!
@@jjmckenna wow that sounds great! 🤗
Excellent job!
Thank you, sir! 🌈
I love this channel
Paul, I’m very glad to hear that, thank you! ✌🏼💨🎲🎲✨
Dude that is amazing. Did you pick which checker colours and inserts it came with?
Pete - No! I was very lucky to receive such a gorgeous alternative playing surface (blue is my favorite color, btw), and I happen to have a set of blue and white checkers from my first FM 'Mete' board, which happen to go 'perfectly' with the blue and white surface. The brown and white checkers with the 'Taki' surface, of course, complement each other perfectly. It just worked out really well. Thanks for noticing!
@@jjmckenna I'm with you I really like the blue combo with the mahogany.
What is the size of the checkers?.
Señor Rangel - The checkers on this FM Talat board are 44mm wide, and 11mm thick.
They are gorgeous!
@@jjmckenna no doubt about it. It is a very beautiful wood board!!. Thank you very much Mr. Mckeena for other nice video showing us those wonders.
So nice !
Thank you! This is definitely one of my most beautiful boards and it is a delight to play on. ✨🎲🎲✨
Hi Justin. When I go to the fm gammon page and see the interchangeable surfaces, I see the prices and variety of surfaces, but I don't see sizes, how to order them, or what they are made of. I want to know if they have surfaces for my board that supports 2 inches checkers. Thank you very much. Nice board by the way.
Señor Rangel - I believe the playing surfaces come in only one size that fits the Talat, Mete and Frederick boards that come with the interchangeable surface technology.
The surfaces that came with this board measure 53.9cms long by 26.8cms wide, so basically 54cm by 27cm. They fit very snug but slide into the area easily.
@@jjmckenna Thank you very much, i am going to measure my board to look for thjose surfaces. I hope someone make them because you know in some future of much use they can wear away and i am gonig to get in into crisis jaja (just kidding). By the way, i love to use on acrylic surface those metal and resin checkers, love to play with, it is 100% recommended. Every time i play with acrylic (every day), love more the way they slide and the dice dances.
@@hectorrangel1580 That’s good to hear, Héctor! You have a very unique setup with the acrylic board cover and the custom checkers from Moldova. Kudos!
@@jjmckenna I love so much those checkers, i do not regret having asked them by mistake hehe. Wish you live near my home to see them for yourself with some beers, wine, coffe or just water jeje.
@@hectorrangel1580 - I'm sure I would have beer, wine, coffee and water over the course of many hours of backgammon with you, friend. Cheers!
What checker sizes are available?
The best source of information on checkers is on the FMGammon website (fmgammon.com).
This board uses a certain ‘type’ of checker, which I think are around 44.5mm wide and about 12mm thick. They are dished and very nicely marbled.
Looking at FM’s website, they have a whole bevy of new checkers available. I may have to get some new ones myself!
Good luck! 👍🏼
Thanks Nice video
Thank you, my long-time fan, Turkiye Vatan!
Justin
I am in the process of trying to order this board from FMs web site and having trouble,
Set up a profile but the web site address drop down la don’t have my city
Did you have a hard time ?
Please let me know, I have sent an email to fm bit even that was a pain
Thank you
Scott: I know that FM’s website is not that great. My friend, Onur, who is involved with FM knows this, and has advocated for an update, but it’s still pretty weak.
I will let him know that you are trying to purchase a board, and I suspect that your email will get very rapid attention.
Good luck! You can also reach out via FB, to Friend Onur Ihtiyar. He’s super cool; a US college-educated architect with whom I played doubles in Istanbul last year. Cheers and good luck! 👌🏼✨🎲🎲
@@jjmckenna Can’t thank you enough, and will try what ever it takes.
It was your video that sealed it for me, now I absolutely need that board 😀
If I am correct your in the Bay Area, hope your staying dry, I am in Santa Barbara and we are getting drenched
@@scottfelson289 Glad to hear that you’re excited about this board.
I’m in the Sacramento area, and like you, we’re getting drenched!
Cheers! And I hope to see you ‘over the board’ sometime. 🎲🎲
@@scottfelson289 My friend Onur asked that you send an email to info@fmgammon.com. I think he will personally make sure you get the response you need to make the purchase. Good luck! 👍🏼🍀 🎲🎲
@@jjmckenna
Thanks again for your help it’s really appreciated.
On their website it appears you get an extra surface. I love the blue and white you had in your video, and want to defer the blue and white marble checkers.
How did you specify getting the extra blue surface and is there much difference in the physical side of the checkers or just the color
Thanks again, need to find a way to get you my number and I can just text
Who is the ass-hat that would 'dislike' this video?! Must be a novice player, lol, who can't afford this board. Well, neither can I, but I still like your videos! Those leather accessories alone are amazing! And the board is incredible. You're very lucky, but when will you run out of money, or room in your house for all these boards? Keep up the good work!
Dr. - A very good question about how many more boards I can reasonably fit into my humble home. I'm thinking another dozen would be the limit!
I don't worry about Dislike votes; people are always going to complain about something. This guy left a comment (since deleted) saying he would Dislike anything he couldn't hear clearly.
My videos are very low-tech for the simple reason that I use my iPhone and don't have a bunch of fancy audio-visual equipment. Glad you like them regardless! Cheers!
1800.00 is a lot for that, but I will say it's gorgeous !
Sam, It is an expensive piece of art, but when one considers that the board could last for generations, becoming a family heirloom, I think it’s worth it! 🎲‼️🎲🙌🏼
@@jjmckenna Indeed, my 25th wedding anniv is next summer, maybe this is in my future. I would love to see one in person. Our family plays backgammon all the time, and our young daughter as well, what a great thing to hand down.
@@samfraulino6623 - My own 21 year old daughter recently asked me to lend her a board while she’s away at college. *Proud Dad Moment* 🥹
@@jjmckenna Now that is cool! We play a coffee shops here in Arizona, and it's cool on how many people stop to talk to us and ask us about Backgammon.
@@samfraulino6623 I’ve had the same thing happen multiple times when I play with my mentor, Sam Ahmed, here in Sacramento.
‘OMG, I think I know this game! What is it? My Nana played this with her brother!’
boost your recording level... low volume, hard to hear even vol 10 output...
Thank you for the comment. You’re not the first to mention this, so I now have a microphone I’ll be using in my next video, which I hope to complete very soon. Cheers! 🎲🎲
This is an amazing set, price is too high though
Saif, No doubt, this board is expensive. But consider that it will last for generations!
King
🤴✨🎲🎲✨✌🏼
خیلی زیباست
Looks like the earth board from galaxy 🤷🤷
J - Gotta disagree with you on that score! This is a full-size tournament board, with exterior hardware and handle. The Earth board (also made by FM, as you likely know) is a compact board, with no handle or exterior hardware, and magnetic closures, and removable checker trays.
This leather-wrapped behemoth is in another class, but both are very intriguing, charismatic boards that are worthy of anyone’s attention and investment. I’m sure you agree? Cheers! ✌🏼✨🎲🎲
@@jjmckenna
So besides the cube dice holder, the interchangeable felts and the nice dice cups it's different in all the other respects you have highlighted.
Fair enough
@@jgeorgiou3307 Good points, sir!
Fact is, I would love to own and/or play on an Earth board, but haven’t laid my eyes or hands on one. I highly recommend the FM boards, as you can see. What do you play on?
@@jjmckenna
My board is very basic, suits my playing ability ;)
But my one friend I play with has the earth board and another 23" one that I don't know the name of.
Very luxurious though
But the earth board is the best iv played on so far
@@jgeorgiou3307 After watching the recent UBC match between Mochy and Hideaki Ueda, I would LOVE to try out an Earth board!