Naval tradition is defined not just with bullets and boats, but also with time. Time between missions, time before orders, time to think about things better left unthought. In these hours, scattered across the Pacific or Atlantic like cigarette butts or the wreckage of other ships, sailors turned to games. And while poker and dice had their place, one variant rose among the rest as both a pastime and a ritual in the American Naval Service - Acey-Deucey.
Unlike traditional backgammon, players start with no checkers on the board. Each man begins with fifteen checkers and must first enter them by rolling the dice, placing them in his opponent’s home board and moving forward toward his own. The game’s namesake roll, the coveted one and two - an acey-deucey - carries a special weight. A player who rolls it plays the one and the two, then selects any double he wishes and plays it as well, followed by another roll.
The game moves quickly, and perhaps that is why it stuck. Played in passageways, on mess decks, and in tight quarters between watches, Acey-Deucey did not need a polished board or fine leather cups. One man calls the moves, the other listens. Not unlike military service itself, the game is plainspoken and unforgiving. It rewards aggression and favors boldness.
Today, the clatter of dice on steel may not be heard as often but, for those who know the weight of long hours at sea, Acey-Deucey remains more than a game. It is a symbol of brotherly competition and earning your reputation amidst uncertainty. The nature of gameplay - a constant back and forth, defined by deterrence and aggression - reflects the reality of men at war.
We are grateful for the enduring legacy and rich tradition of backgammon, a game passed down through generations that continues to bring people together. We also honor and appreciate the service and sacrifices of those who came before us, whose legacy has paved the way for these timeless moments of connection and camaraderie.
To all who dedicated their lives to the naval service of their country, we say Fair Winds and Following Seas.
To our fellow Marines, we say Semper Fidelis.
