This is an unusual and beautiful backgammon set. We love the pattern of the walnut burl wood, and the playing area is so luxuriously soft and smooth. The colour of the burl wood is not quite as deep as on the website, but still lovely - see the photo of our set. The little wooden shakers are fun and make a satifying sound when you rattle the dice around inside. We think this medium set is just the right size, as the checkers are substantial enough to play with and stay put in the right place (small sets constantly gets messed up), but the closed up set is small enough to take with you, when you go out. The workmanship of the inlay is impressive, and we think the side bars where you can put your discarded checkers during play are well worth paying the extra £10 for. After play, if you fill up the shakers with checkers, everything fits inside the bag, which avoids unnecessary rattling. Our only slight complaint is that the dark checkers can be a little difficult to see against the dark wood - but I am sure we will soon get used to it. Exemplary customer service from Farrar & Tanner - they answered all my questions and even sent photos of the actual set, before ordering.