From the designer's website:'People, in particular those who enjoy backgammon, are thrilled when they discover my new strategy game.Purists want a game that will endure. One with history and style, one that is handmade, affordable, unique and, yes, with a chance to wager.Canoe is a world-class strategy game. Simple to learn, yet difficult to master. I believe you will find Canoe is an excellent companion, whether played at home or while traveling.Ownership of a beautiful game created and made in America is very special in today's world. I take pride in offering you Canoe .'Canoe is an abstract board game. In the spirit of backgammon you move your pieces - in this case dice somewhat similar to doubling cubes - on and off a grid. The board is a very nice mahogany so it makes for a nice coffee table game. - BoardGameGeek