The Social Point Is Turning Backgammon Into Fort Lauderdale’s Most Unexpected Social Scene
- 20 hours ago
- 5 min read
What started as a rooftop gathering has quickly evolved into a growing community where strangers become friends over a game that is equal parts strategy, connection, and fun.
There is something quietly powerful happening across Fort Lauderdale, and it is unfolding one backgammon board at a time.
We first came across The Social Point in a way that felt almost serendipitous. While working out of General Provision, Choose954 Co-Founder Evan Snow noticed one of their recent meetups happening. There was an immediate energy to it that stood out. People leaned in across tables, conversations flowed easily, and there was a sense of presence that felt increasingly rare in today’s social landscape.
For me, it hit even closer to home.
Backgammon was a game my grandmother used to play. It was something tied to memory, patience, and connection. Seeing it come alive again in this new, social format felt unexpectedly emotional. It warmed my heart in a real way. That moment is what sparked this story, with the intention of helping more people discover The Social Point and create their own connections and memories around the table.
At its core, what is being built here goes far beyond the game itself.
“As a competitive backgammon player, I often found myself as the only woman or the only younger person in the room. I wanted to create a space that felt more welcoming, social, and accessible. Something that reflected a new generation of players.”– Rosemary Steffen, Founder, The Social Point Backgammon Club
That intention is not just something she says. It is something you feel the moment you walk in.
From Rooftop Night to Weekly Ritual
The Social Point officially began on June 26, 2025, with a single rooftop gathering. It was simple, unforced, and rooted in a shared curiosity around the game. But what followed was not accidental. It was momentum built on experience.
“What started as one rooftop night quickly turned into a consistent, vibrant community with recurring meetups and growing attendance each week.”
That growth reflects something deeper than just interest. It reflects resonance.
Each event feels less like something you attend and more like something you return to. There is a rhythm to it now. Familiar faces, new introductions, and a sense that you are stepping into something that already has space for you.
“It’s really more of a grassroots movement than a typical game night.”
And that distinction matters. Because what is forming here is not transactional. It is relational.
More Than a Game Night
At a glance, you might expect a typical game night. A few tables, some casual competition, maybe a drink or two. But The Social Point operates on a different wavelength.
“It’s social, fun, and beginner-friendly with a little competitive twist.”
That balance is intentional. The experience is designed so that anyone can walk in and immediately feel comfortable. There is no pressure to perform or prove anything. You can play seriously, casually, or not at all. The entry point is flexible, and that flexibility is what opens the door for more people to participate.
One of the standout elements is The Social Ladder. It introduces a structured, optional format where players move through consecutive matches against different opponents, earning small rewards along the way.
“It adds a layer of competition while naturally encouraging people to meet and play with others.”
What that actually does is remove social barriers. You are not stuck in one conversation or one circle. You are constantly meeting new people, sitting across from someone new, and starting fresh interactions throughout the night.
At the same time, beginners are fully welcomed into the experience.
“We have a lot of people who come without even knowing how to play. They’re drawn in by the social aspect, and we teach them from the ground up.”
That approach shifts the entire dynamic. It turns what could feel intimidating into something approachable and inviting.
A Community That Crosses Cities and Skill Levels
What makes The Social Point especially compelling is the diversity of people it attracts.
“People of all skill levels attend. Many come without even knowing how to play, while others are more experienced.”
It is not just about skill level either. The community spans across South Florida, bringing together locals, newcomers, and regulars who now travel from Miami to Palm Beach Gardens just to be part of it.
That kind of draw speaks volumes.
It reflects the kind of environment that has been created. One where people feel comfortable showing up alone, knowing they will not stay that way for long.
“A warm welcome, hug optional. I pair people based on skill level, set beginners up with someone to teach them, and make sure no one is left waiting around.”
That level of intentionality is what transforms a gathering into a community.
Why Backgammon, Why Now
There is something uniquely timely about the rise of a backgammon-centered social experience.
“Backgammon is like life. It’s strategic, unpredictable, and social.”
In a world dominated by screens and passive interaction, the game offers something different. It requires presence. It invites conversation. It creates moments that cannot be replicated digitally.
“It offers a way to disconnect from screens and be present. You’re meeting a lot of people, but every interaction is one-on-one, which creates a more meaningful connection.”
That one-on-one dynamic is what sets it apart. It slows things down just enough to allow for real interaction, while still maintaining a sense of energy and flow.
And that balance is rare.
Curated Experiences, Not Just Locations
The Social Point is not just about the people or the game. It is also about the setting.
“I love hosting events in unique spaces, from rooftop ocean views to speakeasies.”
Each venue is intentionally selected to match the energy of the community. The goal is not just to host an event, but to create an experience that people remember.
“I look for venues that feel aligned with the community. Welcoming, comfortable, visually appealing, and open to collaboration.”
That attention to detail shows up in the themed events as well.
“The Gatsby Open, Casino Royale, Boo Gammon, Jingle Gammon. Those nights really capture the energy of the community. They’re fun, curated, and full of personality.”
These moments elevate the experience beyond the expected. They give people something to anticipate and something to talk about long after the night ends.
Building Fort Lauderdale’s Third Space
Looking ahead, the vision is clear and grounded.
“I want The Social Point to grow into Fort Lauderdale’s third space, a place everyone can consistently come to connect, unwind, and be part of a community.”
That idea of a third space is powerful. It represents something consistent in a world that often feels fragmented. A place where people can return, reconnect, and feel part of something ongoing.
And based on what we experienced firsthand, that vision is already taking shape.
How to Join
You do not need to know how to play. You do not need to come with anyone. You just need to show up.
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About Choose954
Choose954 is a hyper-local cultural platform dedicated to highlighting the people, places, and experiences that make Broward County unique. Through storytelling, events, and community-driven content, Choose954 connects locals to what is happening across the 954 and beyond.
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