From Valentine’s week gatherings in Miami and New York to candlelit matches in London and afternoon play in San Francisco, this month felt busy in the best way.
We are so excited to announce that we are launching in Los Angeles and Paris. Thrilled to continue growing our community!
March Events (click to register)
San Francisco
• 3.1 — Flores - Best Tacos in the Bay
New York
• 3.11 — Beefbar
London
• 3.4 — The Hero (Sold Out)
• 3.18 — Experimental Cocktail Bar
• 3.29 — The Good Oak
Philadelphia
• 3.4 — Mish Mish
• 3.12 — Tournament Night Frankford Hall
Miami
• 3.4. — Sushi Club
• 3.12 — The Shelborne
• 3.18 — Soho Pool House
• 3.27 — The Moore Tournament Night
• 3.27 — The Bass Museum
Los Angeles
• 3.5 — Soho House Holloway
Paris
• 3.18 — Experimental Marais
Overheard at BGS
We are starting a new section in our newsletters where we explore the moments, the mischief, and the human connections that happen naturally at Backgammon Social. Welcome to Overheard at BGS, where the drama is subtle and the stories are far spicier than your average dinner conversation.
Some people bring flowers on a first date. Others bring wine. Some people bring a rolled-up backgammon board and a plan.
“On the first date with my current boyfriend, before the dessert arrived, I stood up to go to the bathroom, whipped out my rolled-up travel backgammon board from my purse, slammed it on the table, and said ‘set it up,’ before smiling and walking away. He was hooked.”
We do not blame him, we would be hooked too…
Hearts, Hearsay & Hard Numbers
The moments in Overheard at Backgammon are rarely about winning. They’re about conversations that feel pulled from a rom-com: spicy, competitive exchanges alongside unexpected moments of reflection and connection. Stick around long enough and the hearsay turns into wisdom.
The Board Is Where Generations Share Wisdom
At our events, it’s not unusual to see a 23-year-old learning strategy from a 58-year-old.
Backgammon doesn’t erase hierarchy: experience matters, and seasoned players earn respect. But access is shared since everyone sits at the same board. This creates a rare space where generations interact naturally.
San Francisco’s Backgammon Socials at Flores
From Watching to Participating
As more of our social lives move into feeds and reels, we’ve grown fluent in watching other people interact. We consume connection at scale, but practice it less in real time. The backgammon board quietly resists that logic. Watching from the sidelines rarely lasts long.
Eventually, it is irresistible and someone pulls up a chair to play: the BGS equivalent of “I’ll have what she’s having.” (Yes, we are quoting When Harry Met Sally).
When Harry Met Sally Moment
Why This Is Happening Now
This shift toward participation over passive consumption isn’t accidental. In The State of Fashion 2026 (McKinsey & Company x Business of Fashion), the emphasis moves beyond product toward experience, emotional resonance, and community.
The broader data supports the same story. Smaller, curated gatherings are outperforming large-scale events in perceived exclusivity and engagement, and participatory formats are driving stronger long-term loyalty than visibility alone.
The Shelborne, Miami Beach
We are getting ✨intellectual✨: The Experience Economy, by the Numbers
42% of consumers prefer experiences over possessions (over home improvements and clothing) (Paysafe)
Experience-related consumer spending rose from 19% to 22% (Europe consumer data, 2019–2023)
44% of high earners increased experiential spending last year (U.S. Mastercard)
A skier escapes a bear before the game starts in an Alexandra Llewellyn board
BGS Experience Highlight: Alexandra Llewellyn
Noticing, handling, sharing are exactly what the experience economy is recognizing: people crave environments that are carefully designed with intentional objects
At our recent night at Tramp London, co-hosted alongside Isaya Society, backgammon came alive on Alexandra Llewellyn boards each one a masterpiece of design and craftsmanship, where every detail tells a story of care, skill, and vision.
Alexandra’s journey as a designer brings a special factor to the table. She was inspired by childhood games with her step grandfather in the backstreets of Cairo and she has long been captivated by backgammon’s quiet poetry and perfect sense of proportion.
Making of an AL board
What we overheard the most that evening was admiration. Guests couldn’t stop commenting on the beauty of the boards and the tactile joy of handling something so meticulously made.
Moments like these remind us why we play, not just to win, but to connect, to notice, to share.
Hand made details we love
Swimming across the table at our event in London’s Tramp Members Club
At our events, moments like these happen on boards, venues and food that are experiences themselves. We are part of a modern cultural shift towards feeling instead of accumulating.
At the end of the day, places that make connection feel this natural are worth sharing.
Share it with your friends, your loved ones and of course your mom!
A real conversation between our guests.
