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ABPA BACKGAMMON

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Backgammon was one of those early games that was initially released with full color documentation, as well as overlays displaying the American Backgammon Players Association (ABPA) logo.

BackgammonGraphics: 2
Sound: 2
Replay Value: 2
Notes: 1- or 2-player game; one of the few early releases with a computer opponent

The sound used for the computer's "thinking" is the same as the one used in Checkers. It's a fine game, and I really do enjoy the traditional board game, but why make it into video game? Sure, you can play even when you can't locate a live opponent, but come on! We're talking a video game console here!


ROMNo ROM variants have been identified.
BoxThe Intellivision, Inc. white label version and 'sleeved' French-Canadian versions are quite rare. The standard French-Canadian version is uncommon as well. So far, seven variations have been found.
ManualTwelve variants have been identified.
OverlaysVersions with and without the ABPA logo are the primary difference. Two different overlay variations are known to exist.
LabelTo date, three labels have been recorded.
Easter EggsNo Easter Eggs have been found.


A total of seven Backgammon box variants have been documented.

ImageVendorPart NumberYearOriginDescription
Backgammon Box (Mattel Electronics 1119-0910)Mattel Electronics1119-09101979U.S.A.Plastic tray; part number on top; © Mattel, Inc. Hawthorne, CA on bottom; refers to Keyboard Component on cover
Image not available.Mattel Electronics1119-09101979Hong KongPlastic tray; part number on top; © Mattel, Inc. Hawthorne, CA on bottom; refers to Keyboard Component on cover
Backgammon Box (Mattel Electronics 1119-0910-G1)Mattel Electronics1119-0910-G11980Hong KongPlastic tray; no part number on top; © Mattel, Inc. Hawthorne, CA on bottom
Backgammon Box (Mattel Electronics 1119-0510)Mattel Electronics1119-05101979Hong KongFrench-Canadian; plastic tray; no part number on top; © Mattel Canada Inc., Toronto, Ontario, Canada on back
Backgammon Box (Mattel Electronics 1119-0910)Mattel Electronics1119-09101979Hong KongFrench-Canadian outer sleeve refers to original Keyboard Component; internally, same as standard 1119-0920 (Hong Kong); did the internal box vary?
Backgammon Box (Mattel Electronics 1119-0810)Mattel Electronics1119-08101979Hong KongInternational Edition; plastic tray; no part number on top; © Mattel, Inc. Hawthorne CA on bottom of box; slots in back for extra manual(s); slots inside for overlays; ABPA logo removed from front and spine
Backgammon Box (Sears 3878-0910)Sears3878-09101978Hong KongPlastic tray; blue game title on top and back


A total of twelve Backgammon manual variants have been documented.

ImageVendorPart NumberYearOriginDescription
Backgammon Manual (Mattel Electronics 1119-0920(A))Mattel Electronics1119-0920(A)1979U.S.A.Full color; on back cover, both the Mattel logo and text beneat the running man logo have the registered trademark symbol
Backgammon Manual (Mattel Electronics 1119-0920(B))Mattel Electronics1119-0920(B)1979U.S.A.Green monochrome artwork
Image not available.Mattel Electronics1119-0920(C)1979Hong KongNEED CONFIRMATION; Green monochrome artwork; submitted by Hankster
Backgammon Manual (Mattel Electronics 1119-0920-G1)Mattel Electronics1119-0920-G11979Hong KongGreen monochrome artwork
Backgammon Manual (Mattel Electronics 1119-0720)Mattel Electronics1119-07201979Hong KongFrench-Canadian; green monochrome artwork
Backgammon Manual (Mattel Electronics 1119-8920)Mattel Electronics1119-89201979CanadaFrench translation; included in 'sleeved' version with a 1119-0920-G1 (Hong Kong) English manual; green monochrome artwork; plain paper as opposed to glossy
Backgammon Manual (Mattel Electronics 1119-0820)Mattel Electronics1119-08201979Hong KongBritish English; green monochrome artwork; plain paper rather than glossy; ABPA logo removed; also contains replacement overlay order form and Intellivision Game Owner's Club application
Image not available.Mattel Electronics1119-0820-G11979Hong KongNEED CONFIRMATION; British English; green monochrome artwork; plain paper rather than glossy; ABPA logo removed; submitted by Hankster
Backgammon Manual (Mattel Electronics 1119-0121)Mattel Electronics1119-01211979Hong KongGerman version; blue monochrome artwork; ABPA logo removed
Image not available.Mattel ElectronicsPC-1119-09201979U.S.A.PlayCable version; ABPA logo removed from front cover; green monochrome artwork; part number on back
Image not available.Intellivision Inc.1119-0920-G1NoneU.S.A.Staple along top edge
Backgammon Manual (Sears 3878-0920)Sears3878-09201979Hong KongStates FOR 2 PLAYERS on cover, but game can be 1- or 2-player

There were also some variations of the 'Running Man' and Mattel logo on the back cover.

Running Man Logo and Text on Back (rev. A (U.S.A.))

Back cover of rev. A (U.S.A.)—note ® next to Mattel Electronics logo in the center of the 'running man' rectangle

Running Man Logo and Text on Back (rev. B (U.S.A.))

Back cover of rev. B (U.S.A.)—note ™ next to Mattel Electronics logo in the center of the 'running man' rectangle

Running Man Logo and Text on Back (rev. G1 (Hong Kong))

Back cover of rev. G1 (Hong Kong)—note ™ next to Mattel Electronics logo in the center of the 'running man' rectangle and missing ® in the 'available from Mattel Electronics' text



A total of two Backgammon overlay variants have been documented.

ImageVendorPart NumberYearOriginDescription
Backgammon Overlay (mattel 1119-4289)mattel1119-42891979U.S.A.Includes ABPA logo
Backgammon Overlay (mattel 1119-4289 (A))mattel1119-4289 (A)1979U.S.A.Rev. A—ABPA logo removed


A total of three Backgammon label variants have been documented.

ImageVendorPart NumberYearOriginDescription
Backgammon Label (Mattel Electronics)Mattel ElectronicsN/ANone No origin; ™ lower left, next to ABPA logo; purple background; lists American Backgammon Players Association beneath BACKGAMMON label
Backgammon Label (Mattel Electronics)Mattel ElectronicsN/ANoneHong KongGreen background, no APBA logo; origin upper right
Image not available.Intellivision Inc.N/A1980U.S.A.Origin lower right; © I.I. 1980 to left of origin; ™ small, centered vertically on right edge; smaller label, rounded corners; submitted by Hankster


Title ScreenTitle screen for Backgammon.
Game BoardNot much to describe here. It's Backgammon!