Origins of the game
    The origin of Backgammon has been lost, but among those credited with its invention is Ardshir, king of Persia AD 226-241. The first mention of Nardshir, the Persian name for Backgammon, is in the Babylonian Talmud, written AD 300-500. It was introduced from India into China as Chu-Pu in the 3rd century. The Greeks knew it as Tabla or Taula in the 6th century. By the 18th century the game had achieved popularity in England and USA as Backgammon, France as Tric-Trac, and the Middle East as Taula.

Basic rules and objectives
    Backgammon is a racing game for two opponents, in which each player strives to bring his checkers around the board into his home table, and bear them off the board before his opponent.
    Because the players move their checkers in opposite directions, they must try to occupy spaces, called 'points', to prevent the opponent from utilising them.

Clubs, societies, etc.
British Isles Backgammon Association
International backgammon club list 1
International backgammon club list 2