At first glance it might appear that backgammon and cryptocurrency share few similarities.
One a methodical game believed to have been invented around 5,000 years ago and the other a digital currency not even 20 years old. But look a little deeper and connections can be drawn between the two seemingly disparate pursuits.
Binance, one of the world’s leading crypto exchanges, is using the ancient board game to introduce new users to its revolutionary and successful online marketplace.
In a captivating new video, a young Binance expert meets three older men at the charming Al Seef Heritage Hotel in Dubai. While playing a friendly game of backgammon, the cross-generational quartet begin to talk and gradually start to notice similarities between their favourite pastime and digital currency. By fostering conversation across generations, backgammon acts as a cultural bridge.
In the beloved board game, backgammon players anticipate their opponent’s moves and adjust their strategy accordingly. In crypto, traders analyse market trends and follow news to predict price movements and decide on the optimal time to execute trades. Furthermore, crypto — much like backgammon – benefits from practice. The more people play, the more skills they develop, the more they understand, and the more strategic moves they’re
able to execute.
When comparing backgammon and crypto, Binance Dubai’s General Manager, Stephanie Emile, explains: “Both require players to make informed choices based on the current state of play, constantly adapting their approach to planned actions and variables. In backgammon, players navigate a mix of strategic moves and the randomness of dice rolls, while crypto traders must respond to market volatility, price swings, and news events. In both scenarios, the ability to adjust to shifting conditions, manage risk effectively, and anticipate opponents’ or market movements is essential, making them areas of skill where strategic foresight and adaptability are crucial.”
Binance, the world’s largest crypto asset marketplace by trading volume with more than 250 million users around the world, chose to set its new video in the UAE because it is a country renowned for having successfully blended tradition and innovation across a number of sectors to produce remarkable results. Binance hope the video will invite an open dialogue about crypto and introduce digital finance to a more diverse audience who perhaps feel intimidated to explore it.
“We want to spark curiosity, encourage conversations, and make crypto feel approachable and accessible,” adds Emile. “Crypto isn’t as intimidating as it seems. Much like backgammon, it’s about understanding the playing field, educating yourself, and making smart moves.”