PRIMETIME OFFICIAL MAGAZINE OF THE USBGF SPRING 2018

PAUL MAGRIEL In Memory of the Father of Modern Backgammon 1946-2018

Battle for the hall of fame & title at texas usbgf awards Exclusive photos & reporting Highlights & coverage from from San Antonio the 2018 Awards Dinner

U.s. Backgammon federation visit us at usbgf.org PRIME TOURNAMENT

Internaaonal currency accepted 4 USBGF PrimeTime Backgammon Magazine USBGF PrimeTime Backgammon Magazine 5 PrimeTime Backgammon Spring Issue

and players into the game. As the authors say, this is a WIN, WIN, WIN! proposition. PRIMETIME Karen Davis’s President’s Column in this BACKGAMMON issue is titled, “Attracting New Players.” OFFICIAL MAGAZINE OF THE USBGF SPRING 2018 She lays out five goals the Federation had set in order to do just that, and evaluates our performance. We have reached out to local clubs, directors, sponsors, new players, spring Issue novices, and existing members, and things PAUL MAGRIEL are looking up. The take-away is that the In Memory of the Father of Modern Backgammon PrimeTime Backgammon USBGF is thinking big. 1946-2018 By Marty Storer, Managing Editor As usual, we have tournament results and n this issue we celebrate Paul Magriel, fourth-place finisher Leyla Zaloutskaya. includes all the news and comes with a standings—see who’s been winning in 2018. backgammon’s great pioneer, who died fabulous spread of photos. He thanks Swed- untimely on March 5 to our bitter loss. David Presser and Igor Erovenko have ish director Jesper Carlsson for his help, So, what are you waiting for?  IBesides many photos, tributes, and remi- studied opening cubes deeply. Check out which I can attest was considerable-truly niscences, we have a recap of his life and their article, “A Simple Rule: Adjusting an international effort this time around! “Get Into the Game — Become a Member”” times from USBGF Historian Bob Stoller. Opening Cube Action to Match Play.” All Our Summer issue will feature some of his serious players need to have this rule in Karen Davis interviews Candace Mayeron, Marty Storer Battle for the hall of fame & games, old and new. their arsenal. co-director of the California State Cham- title at texas usbgf awards Exclusive photos & reporting Highlights & coverage from pionship and soon to have the same role from San Antonio the 2018 Awards Dinner Our other feature articles are intriguing, Ray Fogerlund gives us a colorful report on in June’s Los Angeles Open. For those who U.s. Backgammon federation visit us at usbgf.org as usual. Prince Alexis Obolensky and Joe the 2017 California State Championships. are not familiar with Candace and what she Sylvester were inducted into the American Does “fogerlund” mean “colorful” in Dan- does, read the profile. If she keeps up her Backgammon Hall of Fame at February’s ish? Considering this article and Ray’s past good work, she will soon be another Patti annual San Antonio tournament, ABT ones, it may as well. He rehashes the overall Rubin, organizer extraordinaire. trophies were presented for 2017, and Perry experience in inimitable style, and treats us sychologically, backgammon is Gartner and Patti Rubin were honored with to analysis as well. Besides positions from With USBGF Membership Director Ray very different from chess. It’s an Lifetime Achievement Awards. Besides his own matches against Mochy and Akiko, Bills, Karen explains the Local Club Initia- Perry himself, Bob Stoller, Bill Riles, Arda he goes over others from Akiko, winner tive, our latest effort to promote and grow Pexercise in frustration — you can Findikoglu, and Jake Jacobs explain what Steve Sax, and runner-up Michael Neagu. local clubs. From November through Febru- the honorees have done for our game. ary, the USBGF sponsored tournaments at make the right moves and lose, or you On the subject of tournaments: Bill Riles local clubs. The response was outstanding, MARTY STORER can make the wrong moves and win. Paul Weaver contributes yet another pen- and Tara Mendicino ran the 6th Texas and no doubt contributed to a big spike in Marty Storer is a member of the USBGF etrating analysis, this time of 10 positions Championships in February, in beautiful, membership compared to the same time Board of Directors and Managing Editor – Paul Magriel from the November finals between historic San Antonio, and as usual it was a period 12 months earlier. This is just the of PrimeTime Backgammon magazine. 2017 ABT Champion Matt Cohn-Geier and great success. Bill’s big writeup of the event beginning of our effort to bring more clubs 6 USBGF PrimeTime Backgammon Magazine USBGF PrimeTime Backgammon Magazine 7 c In This Issue Spring 2018

FEATURED 22 2018 AMERICAN BACKGAMMON HALL OF FAME AWARDS DINNER Highlights of the annual dinner honoring Hall of Fame inductees, Lifetime Achievement Award 96 honorees, and 2017 ABT and USBGF point leaders. 37 TRIBUTES TO PAUL MAGRIEL 6TH TEXAS CHAMPIONSHIPS Backgammon luminaries share their most A comprehensive report from San Antonio, where significant memories of Paul Magriel. Mark Antranikian had a weekend to remember! 37 INTRODUCTION BY KAREN DAVIS 44 DOCUMENTING MAGRIEL TRIBUTES TO MAGRIEL USBGF Historian chronicles the life of Paul Magriel Reflections on the innumerable from 1967 through early 2015. contributions Paul Magriel has made BY ROBERT STOLLER to the game of backgammon. 48 2017 LAS VEGAS OPEN 2017 CALIFORNIA STATE CHAMPIONSHIP FINAL The passing of the torch in Los Angeles, Expert analysis of key positions from the Matt 22 62 plus match analysis by Ray Fogerlund. Cohn-Geier versus Leyla Zaloutskaya match. BY PAUL WEAVER 2018 HALL OF FAME INDUCTEES 62 2017 CALIFORNIA STATE Kiki Henry, stepdaughter of Alexis Obolensky, accepts his Hall of Fame plaque from USBGF Chairman Joe Russell. CHAMPIONSHIP An entertaining tournament report from L.A. with analysis of select positions from early rounds through the championship final. BY RAY FOGERLUND 2017 LAS VEGAS OPEN FINAL 76 ADJUSTING OPENING CUBE Matt Cohn-Geier versus Leyla Zaloutskaya, reviewed and analyzed by Paul Weaver. ACTION TO MATCH PLAY The authors expand on their earlier superb R. AMADOR; T. MENDICINO; C. MAYERON C. MENDICINO; T. AMADOR; R. T. MENDICINO; THOMAS HAWK THOMAS MENDICINO; T.

Questions or comments about PrimeTime articles to include match play considerations and Backgammon? We want to hear from you! adjustments by remembering one simple rule. FROM TOP: FROM Contact us via email at [email protected]. 48 TOP: FROM BY DAVID PRESSER AND IGOR EROVENKO 8 USBGF PrimeTime Backgammon Magazine USBGF PrimeTime Backgammon Magazine 9 In This Issue In This Issue Spring PRIMETIME 2018 BACKGAMMON OFFICIAL MAGAZINE OF THE USBGF SPRING 2018 TOURNAMENT REPORT 96 6TH TEXAS BACKGAMMON CHAMPIONSHIPS ON THE COVER Photos, reporting, and highlights from Written between 1973 and 1976, Paul Magriel’s Backgammon is known as “The Bible” of the game. We San Antonio, including the awarding of PAUL MAGRIEL In Memory of the Father of Modern Backgammon strive to honor him and his immense contributions with a gorgeous Geoffrey Parker board to the 1946-2018 our graphic representation of his highly-regarded book. USBGF’s own Mark Antranikian! BY BILL RILES X-22 AT MONTE CARLO The infamous “X-22” was spotted at the DIRECTOR PROFILE 1994 Backgammon World Championships 108 CANDACE MAYERON: in Monte Carlo. Magriel won the 1978 World Championships held in Nassau, The Bahamas. 2017 CALIFORNIA STATE An interview with the newest ABT organizer/ director, who shares her tournament marketing and promotional strategies. Battle for the hall of fame & INTERVIEW BY KAREN DAVIS title at texas usbgf awards Exclusive photos & reporting Highlights & coverage from from San Antonio the 2018 Awards Dinner LOCAL CLUB NEWS U.s. Backgammon federation visit us at usbgf.org 114 LOCAL CLUB INITIATIVE The USBGF President and the new Membership USBGF NEWS USBGF NATIONAL & ONLINE STATS TOURNAMENT CALENDAR Director report on the popular Local Club Initiative. 14 PRESIDENT'S COLUMN 126 UPCOMING TOURNAMENTS BY KAREN DAVIS AND RAY BILLS 123 MASTER POINT LEADERS USBGF President and Executive Director discusses Mark your calendar and attend these exciting ABT Check out the top-ten players in both the USBGF her plans for attracting new players. and USBGF events taking place across the country, National and Online Master Points for 2018. TOURNAMENT RESULTS BY KAREN DAVIS including select international events. 116 LIVE TOURNAMENT RESULTS See all the results from ABT tournaments 20 FOUNDING SPONSORS 124 ONLINE LEADERBOARD KENT GOULDING COLLECTION GOULDING KENT held in , San Antonio, Thanks to our newest Platinum, Gold, Silver, See the latest leaders from USBGF online tourna- Write for PrimeTime Backgammon! Florida, Boston, and Cleveland. and Corporate Founding Sponsors for ments, plus wins, losses, and tournaments won. We are always looking for great content and generously supporting our Federation! 122 2018 ABT STANDINGS TOP 60 125 ONLINE CIRCUIT WINNERS photos. If you are interested, we would love to hear from you! Contact us via email at [email protected]. Follow all the top players in the American View the list of USBGF members who have won Backgammon Tour points race. recent Online Circuit tournaments and congratulate

TARA MENDICINO; RIGHT: MENDICINO; TARA your friends. LEFT: 10 USBGF PrimeTime Backgammon Magazine USBGF PrimeTime Backgammon Magazine 11 PRIMETIME USBGF Board BACKGAMMON of Directors publisher Bill Riles Board Chairman; Chair, Chair, Ratings and Stats Staff & Executive Committee Committee; Co-Chair, Managing Editor Joseph Russell Rules and Ethics Marty Storer Committee Volunteers editor President; Richard Munitz Bob Wachtel Executive Director Founding Editor Karen Davis Chair, Technology Matt Cohn-Geier Committee MARK ANTRANIKIAN Production Editor Chair, Governance and Matt Reklaitis Mark Antranikian, Associate Tara Mendicino Nominating Committee Editor, was a member of the Associate Editor Art Benjamin Treasurer; Chair, Hall of Fame Committee USBGF Team Championships Mark Antranikian winning team, Scared Hitless. Tournament Bill Riles USBGF Photographers Directors Liaison Bill Riles, Karen Davis, Dennis Culpepper Secretary; Managing Tara Mendicino, Steve Sax Editor Editorial Advisory Board Chair, Local Club Marty Storer Karen Davis (Chair), Chuck Bower, Committee Matt Cohn-Geier, Carol Joy Cole, Jack Edelson Chair, Education Bill Riles, Marty Storer, Committee; Co-chair, Rules Bob Wachtel, Kit Woolsey TARA MENDICINO Chair, Membership and and Ethics Committee Frank Talbot Tara Mendicino, Production Editor, information Marketing Committee Vice President and member of PrimeTime Backgammon is the Julius High the USBGF Board of Directors, official magazine of the U.S. Special Adviser to Board BOB WACHTEL and co-director of the Texas Backgammon Federation. of Directors Rules and Ethics Backgammon Championships. Bob Wachtel, Editor of PrimeTime Committee; Hall of Carol Joy Cole Backgammon, is a renowned contact us Fame Committee author ranked #12 on the 2015 Email: [email protected] Neil Kazaross Accounting Manager Giants of Backgammon. Website: usbgf.org Linda Donaldson Volume 9, Issue 2 vice president Chair, Tournament © 2018 U.S. Backgammon Tara Mendicino Directors Advisory Federation Committee Jeb Horton

from the editor Opinions expressed in these pages are those of the individuals and do not KAREN DAVIS KAREN necessarily reflect official positions of the U.S. Backgammon Federation. SAX STEVE MENDICINO; TARA 38th USA vs Japan USA vs Japan will feature many of the top backgammon players from both powerhouse countries. Team Japan will be captained by Masayuki Mochizuki, Michihito Kageyama & Memorial Day Weekend Akiko Yazawa while team USA will be captained by Victor Ashkenazi, Petko Kostadinov & Matt Cohn-Geier. The number of players on each team will be dependent upon the number May 24 – May 28, 2018 of players coming from Japan. The goal is to have at least 9 players on each team with a minimum of 6 players per team needed for the event to take place. The Championship and Intermediate divisions of the Open use the “More Swiss” format. No one is eliminated until their fourth loss. The winner of the tournament is the last player remaining with fewer than 3 losses. Players with a record of 8-3 or better will cash in the main tournament. The Chicago Open has many side events for players of all levels including but not limited to… • USA vs Japan • Taki Board • Markowitz Masters • Blitz • Faster Master • Quickie Tournament Format • Limited Jackpot • After Tournament The Preliminary Stage will be an Olympiad of Backgammon designed to put all your skills to the test. • Doubles Tournament It will feature four variations of the game DMP, SpeedGammon, score based scenarios, and standard featuring 7-point matches. The stage will conclude with a most challenging Backgammon Quiz. During Stage • Seniors 1 points will be awarded for each match victory. The total points earned by each team will determine $500 Added from the USBGF what advantage will be given to one of the teams in the Championship Stage (example Japan starts Prime Tournament Fund 3-0 in 15-point match). Carol Joy Cole’s In the Championship Stage, the Nations will divide themselves into 3 teams. These teams will go head to head in three separate 15-point matches. The Nation with the advantage gained during the Backgammon Boutique Preliminary Stage will have the bonus of deciding the team pairings for the Championship Stage. Test & Lecture The Nation that wins 2 out of 3 matches will earn the victory. Sunday - The Backgammon Proficiency Test $600 entry fee per player, 100% Return Monday - Giant #1 Masayuki ‘Mochy’ Mochizuki $400 Optional Side Pool for Individuals in the Preliminary Stage & Giant #2 Michihito ‘Michy’ Kageyama will offer a comprehensive review of the test

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ChicagoOpenBG.com ChicagoOpenBG.com 14 USBGF PrimeTime Backgammon Magazine USBGF PrimeTime Backgammon Magazine 15 President's Column Increase in Novice Membership

e 10% Founding Sponsors 15% Novice Members a

President's column 22% Basic Members Attracting New Players e By Karen Davis, President and Executive Director a 53% Premium Members

e are off to a great start. Our membership is growing York Metro ABT tournament had a record 47 entrants to its Begin- rapidly, local clubs are thriving, more players than ners/Advanced Beginner divisions— as well as a historic total ever are participating in the USBGF Online Circuit attendance of 213 entrants. Eighty-two Novices played in the first ing the USBGF. We offered to donate $5 per USBGF member in Fort Lauderdale, I helped organize a celebration at the Beltway Wand American Backgammon Tour national tournaments, and four ABT tournaments of the year, up 25% over the prior year. in any annual tournament sponsored by a USBGF Prime Club Backgammon Club LCI event to honor director Barry Silliman, backgammon visibility and awareness are reaching new heights. (one with 10 or more USBGF members). USBGF members who who is stepping down after 18 years of service. The ceremony All of this activity bodes well for the future of the game and the This growth has been spurred by the USBGF Novice/Newcomer entered these tournaments competed for the added money side featured a luscious berry cake by Eva Koca. member-driven U.S. Backgammon Federation! Here is the progress strategy instituted in 2016. We implemented that strategy in these pool. The winners will participate in a free online Prime Club report as we strive to achieve five major goals: ways: (1) Julius High, Chair of the USBGF Membership and Mar- Championship tournament, the prize being an entry to an ABT The USBGF Local Club Advisory Committee, chaired by Board keting Committee, staffed a well-received Backgammon Learning event of the winner’s choice. member Jack Edelson, is now up and running, with Committee Goal 1: Attract new players and help them Table at the Texas Backgammon Championships, providing tips members Ray Bills (USBGF Membership Director), Ted Chee enjoy growing mastery of the game to novices between their matches; (2) The USBGF began offering The response couldn’t have been better with 22 clubs participating. (San Francisco), Ross Gordon (Connecticut), April Kennedy At the beginning of 2018, membership in the U.S. Backgammon a trial one-year membership to all first-time Novice entrants at See the article in this issue for all the details. Five clubs qualified for (Minnesota), Jeff Proctor (Atlanta), and Albert Steg (Boston). The Federation stood at 1082, up from 963 a year earlier, officially American Backgammon Tour (ABT) tournaments, as well as a the first-time as USBGF Prime Clubs—the Baltimore Backgammon Committee is asking local club directors for guidance in growing passing the 1000 membership milestone in 2017. Membership has complimentary book (Bill Robertie’s Backgammon for Winners); (3) Club, the New England Backgammon Club, the Northern Virginia attendance and for ways in which the USBGF can be helpful to continued to surge in early 2018—and at the beginning of March We started a $15 Novice membership for players with less than three Backgammon Club, the South Florida Backgammon Club, and them. We welcome any and all ideas! stood at 1179. The number of monthly new members and renewals years of competitive experience; (4) We’ve expanded educational the St. Louis Backgammon Club. Forty percent of U.S. members reached record numbers in January and February. material for novices on our website, which now includes more played in one or more of the events. Goal 3: Improve our benefits and service to members than 250 articles and teaching videos. One of these is an article and tournament directors, and expand playing Novice enrollment has been a major driver of this growth—from by Steve Sax, “Backgammon Is as Easy as 1-2-3,” which appeared I decided to get in on the fun and organized a one-day regional opportunities locally, regionally, nationally, and online 38 at the beginning of 2017 to 173 at the end of February 2018. the Spring 2017 issue of PrimeTime Backgammon. LCI tournament in South Florida on January 28 which attracted A significant element of our growth is due to the increased benefits Novices now account for 15% of all members, up from 4% at the 36 attendees including a player from Indianapolis who came to and services we have provided to members. Yet many members beginning of 2017. Goal 2: Nurture and support the escape the winter cold and blues. Carter Mattig from Chicago are not taking full advantage of the goodies available to them. grass-roots growth of local clubs stayed on an extra day after attending a wedding in Miami to join We’ve therefore initiated Membership Service Announcements The growing number of novices attracted to the game is also In November 2017 the USBGF launched a Local Club Initiative in the fun. The winner was Florida’s own Stacy Turner who will emailed to the membership to alert members to benefits they reflected in the number of entrants to Novice/Beginner divisions (LCI) to support and grow local clubs by promoting local events represent the South Florida Club in the online tournament. And haven’t checked out. of American Backgammon Tour national tournaments. The New and adding money as an incentive for participation and for join- since I’m still making the transition from D.C. to my new home 16 USBGF PrimeTime Backgammon Magazine President's Column

The first Membership Service Announcement highlights the Backgammon Championships. For more details, see the special USBGF Online Match Series (OLM)—one of the best-kept secret section on the dinner. The dinner provides recognition to lead- USBGF Membership Benefits! All USBGF members team up to ing backgammon players: 1) those inducted annually into the play against Neil Kazaross, the all-time American Backgammon American Backgammon Hall of Fame for significant contributions Tour points leader. There is a vote virtually each day on the move to backgammon in the U.S.; 2) those receiving USBGF Lifetime to make. To participate, go to usbgf.org/category/olm or check the Achievement Awards for their service to the backgammon com- What’s New section on the home page for the most recent post. munity; 3) the top 20 annual ABT point leaders in 2017 who all Experts Grant Hoffman and Steve Sax analyze the positions after receive silver coins plus trophies to the top three ABT point leaders member votes are tabulated by majority rule! Neil also provides (Matt Cohn-Geier, Ed O’Laughlin, and Antoinette Williams); and commentary—especially on his own decisions. This feature is 4) the top 10 USBGF National Master Point leaders and top 10 only open to members, and you must be logged into the site with USBGF Online Master Point leaders in 2017. USBGF credentials to vote. It’s fun, and chock-full of ways to improve your game. We’ve also made a significant investment this year in quality stream- ing of major backgammon tournaments. The U.S. Backgammon By contrast, the USBGF Online Tournament Circuit is a widely Foundation, a charitable foundation established by the USBGF, utilized and popular benefit. Each month the 128-player Circuit provides financial support for streaming of matches at major ABT Monthly fills quickly. Masters, Advanced, and Intermediate tournaments and select international tournaments. Divisional tournaments are also started continuously—with the member’s Elo rating determining eligibility (1650+ for Masters, Goal 5: Secure the resources required to carry 1501-1649 for Advanced, and 1500 or below for Intermediate). out our mission and realize our potential The USBGF realized a modest surplus of $7500 in 2017. This was The newest online tournament series is the FTH Board Blitz. accomplished through a lean budget combined with growth of This 32-player single-elimination event requires a $30 donation membership, contributions from Sponsors, the efforts of a cadre to enter. First place receives a FTH Board provided by USBGF of volunteers, and a minimally compensated staff. We acknowledge Corporate Sponsor Gammon Stuff. Congratulations to Eva Ziz- and thank all those who have stepped up to make this member- kova from the Czech Republic, the winner of FTH Board Blitz #1! driven organization a success. Following good nonprofit practice FTH Board Blitz #2 is now in progress, and registration is open and reflecting our commitment to transparency, our financial for FTH Board Blitz #3. statements are posted on our website: usbgf.org/about-us/usbgf- organzation-reports/ Approximately 80 USBGF online tournaments are held each year. The 2017 USBGF Tournament of Champions included the 39 We are also deeply grateful to our 146 Sponsors, up from 130 at Like us on Facebook! unique winners of qualifying tournaments that commenced in 2016. the end of 2016. These Sponsors have contributed $241,000 to the organization over the last eight years. Their support has been Goal 4: Improve our communication with pivotal to the growth and financial stability of the organization, members and the backgammon community and our ability to provide quality benefits at modest dues.  This issue includes a report on the 2018 USBGF Awards Dinner facebook.com/usbgf “Get Into the Game — Become a Member” held on February 2 in San Antonio, in conjunction with the Texas USBGF Streaming Sponsorship The U.S. Backgammon Federation has acquired an amazing state-of-the-art laptop to bring the highest quality streaming possible to be enjoyed by the global backgammon community. Official 2018 U.S. Open Las Vegas Live Streaming Sponsor We are excited to announce that live match streaming for the 2018 U.S. Backgammon Open in Las Vegas is sponsored by the U.S. Backgammon Federation. Streaming pages may be viewed at Live Stream 1 and Live Stream 2. Make a Donation to the Streaming Fund and Show Your Support! Show your appreciation of our live broadcast by donating to the U.S. Backgammon Foundation Streaming Fund PayPal account at [email protected], and/or by joining or renewing your U.S. Backgammon Federation membership. Streaming at Select USBGF Prime Tournaments & International Events The enhanced streaming capability is also being made available to select USBGF Prime Tournaments and major international events on an on-going basis.

LIVE STREAMING ON TWITCH Live Streaming Sponsor 20 T Outstanding SupportersofourOrganization & Primebenefactors usbgf foundingsponsors of Membership. and recognition on our website inperpetuity appreciated for years to come, and includes Sponsors and be Prime Benefactors will Initiative. The support of our Founding contributed to Prime the Tournament Backgammon Federation and/or have capital for needed launch the of U.S. the contributed $241,000, providing seed the Sponsors and Prime Benefactors have Prime Benefactors. These 146 Founding tion by becoming Founding Sponsors and benefits not available to any other class USBGF PrimeTime Magazine Backgammon generously supported our Federa - andals organizations have who saluteshe USBGF individu the - us grow game the love! we all and welcome additional Founding Sponsors bydesigned Geoffrey Parker Games. We Prime Benefactors receive adoubling cube doubling noting cube level their of giving. Sponsors receive an attractive personalized successthe of organization. the Founding haveBenefactors who instrumental in been honoring Founding the Sponsors and Prime The Tournament of Stars — is held annually, Benefactors with Giants of Backgammon — event pairing Founding Sponsors and Prime In appreciation of support, this adoubles who wish to help to wish Prime Benefactors who

Prime Tournament Initiative becoming a Prime at Benefactor USBGF FoundingUSBGF Sponsor on and Benefits ing aFounding Sponsor may found be at More information on benefits the becom- of Youth Founding Sponsor Pierce Valliere. Founding Sponsor Rob Goodner, and Founding Sponsor Baysal, Bronze Secil sors David Klausa and Lutz, Dennis Silver Thanks to our Goldnewest Founding Spon - .

DORIS AUER Arkadiy Tsinis Jack Edelson Dan Dabney Kevin Finch Josh Racko Michihito Kageyama Frank Talbot Jamie Rosen Erin Michael Louis Rosen Lee Jason David Leibowitz Jim Pasko Natanzon Falafel Masayuki Mochizuki Jeffrey Acierno Richard Munitz Edward B. Bennett MamletAlfred TaylorLarry Gartner Perry Covlin Rod Myles Covlin Anna Covlin Carol Joy -Sustaining Cole PB Saba Bejanishvili -Sustaining PB John Bird -President’s PB gold Benjamin -SustainingArt PB Horton Jeb John Pirner Lloyd E.Webber (LEW) -President’s PB Patrick and Carla Gibson -Sustaining PB Joseph Russell NewbergBruce Gillis Harvey Morten Holm Julius High -Contributing PB platinum Mike Svobodny Hugh Sconyers Alan and Joan Grunwald Malcolm Davis StollerRobert -Chairman’s PB Thomas Buckner Karen Davis -Chairman’s PB Diamond Geoffrey Parker Games GameSite 2000(XG, XG Mobile, GammonSite) TravelCook Gammon Stuff corporate 146 Founding Sponsors Founding Within each level, names are presented order inthe of becoming Founding Sponsors. Greg Cottle Judy Field Play65 Backgammon Cearley Sean Preston Guidry Michael Weinberger WoolseyKit Neil Kazaross Pat McCormick Victor Ashkenazi -Contributing PB bronze Baysal Secil Marty Storer Joe Potts CavanaghChris Michael Flohr Andrew Martinez John Stryker Oleson Gary Sands Russell Blanchard Steve Steve Sax Glass Bob Kathy McGrath Weiner Kelland Scott Stepan Nuniyants PascarRory Williams Sean CulpepperDennis Knapp Geoffroy Patty Kristina Vig Jake Jacobs Mario Savan FinneranBill Chuck Bower StegAlbert Dion Hogan Gus Contos Jim Stutz Friesen Ben Liebster Larry GerdingAlex Chiva Tafazzoli Lynn Ehrlich Dorn Bishop -Contributing PB -Sustaining Riles Bill PB silver Dennis LutzDennis David Klausa Cloyd LaPorte Brown Matthew Pierce Valliere István Éger youth Rob Goodner Candace Mayeron Koray Agirbas Ted Chee Ray Cifani Docevski Boris Kirby Domingue RosenblumEd Shay Asraff Eliot Tawil Ashoo Karam Michael Valliere LitzenbergerRoberto Matthias Vohwinkel Shiller Larry Scott Ward Lloyd Sorenson John Barnett Stephen Deep Mike Costello Edj Analytics Jason Pack Domeshek Stuart Vladimir Gudgenov Anton Anthony PetersenEric John Hamlin Tariq Siddiqi Michelle Steinberg Jerry Godsey Twain Pigott SawyerEd Phil Simborg Alan Pruce David Rennie David Kettler Gibson Carla French Powhatan Arthur Stein Justin and Rynell Nunez Jeff Burdsall John Calcott Steve Schreiber James E.Roland Drew Giovanis Hasson Rochelle Gordon Mark James G.Allen USBGF PrimeTime Backgammon Magazine 23 2018 American Backgammon Hall of Fame Inductees

he American Backgammon Hall of Fame recognizes and consisting of Bill Riles, chair; Patrick Gibson, Doug Mayfield, Neil honors those players, directors, and other individuals Kazaross, and Joe Russell, reviews all nominations and compiles who have made significant contributions to the game a ballot. Electors voting on the ballot include all living inductees Tover a substantial period of time. Nominations solicited from U.S. in the Hall of Fame, members of the USBGF Board of Directors, Backgammon Federation members note awards and accomplish- and others of long and extensive participation and expertise in AMERICAN 2018BACKGAMMON ments and reasons for consideration. The Hall of Fame Committee, the backgammon community. American Backgammon Hall of Fame Members 2017 Induction Ray Fogerlund, Joseph Russell, Mike Svobodny 2016 Induction Patrick Gibson, Tim Holland, Danny Kleinman, Howard Markowitz 2015 Induction Nack Ballard, Carol Joy Cole, Barclay Cooke, Bill Davis, Malcolm Davis, Kent Goulding, Oswald Jacoby, Neil Kazaross, Hall of Fame Paul Magriel, Bill Robertie, Mike Senkiewicz, Walter Trice, Kit Woolsey inductees

2018 AWARDS DINNER An attentive audience of backgammon luminaries observes the Awards Dinner

ROBERT AMADOR ROBERT presentations and American Backgammon Hall of Fame inductions. 24 USBGF PrimeTime Backgammon Magazine USBGF PrimeTime Backgammon Magazine 25 2018 American Backgammon Hall of Fame Inductees Prince Alexis Obolensky (1915–1986) Alexis Obolensky (1915–1986) – New York, NY & Palm Beach, FL BACK By Robert Stoller N GA A M IC R M E O M N A ALEXIS rince Alexis Obolensky, regarded by some as the “The Father of Modern Backgam- ith their induction of Prince OBOLENSKY mon,” was the first person to define, organize, and popularize tournament play in Alexis Obolensky, the Hall

H E the United States and internationally. As chronicled by Hall of Fame member Bill of Fame electors have, at AL M L OF FA PRobertie, Alexis Obolensky developed a three-pronged strategy to popularize the game: Wlong last, fulfilled one of their core precepts. 1) develop a tournament circuit, 2) involve “glamour—not just the rich, but the rich, “In our first year,” wrote elector Jeremy famous, and beautiful,” and 3) reach the public via the media. He accomplished all three. Bagai [PrimeTime Backgammon, Spring 2017 at p. 25], “we built everything from Notable Awards and Accomplishments scratch, established rules and procedures, and ultimately voted in an inaugural class »» In August of 1964, organized the first international backgammon tournament ever held. Later christened The Obolensky Cup, the tournament was held in The Bahamas of thirteen to the American Backgammon from 1964 through 1970. Hall of Fame. . . . [By the third year—2017], only one procedural item gave us any »» Founded the World Backgammon Club in 1967, headquartered in New York City, real pause: Was the American Backgam- to promote the game through tournaments and a master list of players. mon to players from »» Organized the first World Championships. The tournaments were held in Las Vegas throughout the world, or just to Ameri- from 1967 through 1975. In 1972, founded the Backgammon Association of America cans? . . . Our leader, Patrick Gibson (HOF which created standardized rules for tournament play. inductee—2016), provided guidance by pointing to the wording on the nomination forms: ‘The American Backgammon Hall KIKI HENRY ACCEPTS FOR ALEXIS OBOLENSKY Joe Sylvester – St. Louis, Missouri of Fame recognizes those individuals who Stepdaughter of Prince Alexis Obolensky accepts his Hall of Fame plaque from BACK Joe Russell, Hall-of-Famer and Chairman of the USBGF Board of Directors. N GA A M have made extraordinary contributions to IC R M E O eginning with a victory in the World Amateur Championship (544 players) in Las M N the game of backgammon in the United early 1960s, he had established residence superb historical retrospective introduc- A JOE Vegas in 1983, at the age of twenty-one, Joe Sylvester was generally considered SYLVESTER States.’ As a body, [the electors] finally in New York City. tion to Reno 1986 (The Gammon Press,

to be the best tournament player in the game for at least the next twelve years. H E interpreted this to mean that players from Arlington, MA 1987), “Obolensky’s event AL M L OF FA BPlaying in the pre-bot era, he was an early theorist of the game, sharing his opinions, all countries are eligible, but only based on Although members of the USBGF take for was almost certainly the first of its kind.” insights, and experience as an author, teacher, and mentor. He was a forerunner in under- their contributions to American backgam- granted the numerous opportunities to play (Id. at p. 1.) “At the time,” wrote Robertie, standing and explaining match equity. He was the first to use the PRAT (Position, Race, mon.” (Id., emphasis added.) live tournament backgammon—literally “backgammon was mostly played in social and Threats) system for doubling. Blessed with a photographic memory, his recall of every week and on a world-wide basis—the clubs of the wealthy and well-to-do, clubs played matches facilitated discussion, analysis, and the resolution of occasional disputes. Alexis Obolensky is the very first non- institution of tournament backgammon is like New York’s Harvard Club and native-born, non-United States citizen to a surprisingly recent development in the and Racquet Club, the Everglades in Palm Notable Awards and Accomplishments be inducted into the Hall of Fame. Prince 5000-year history of our game. In fact, Beach, Crockford’s in London, and the Obolensky was born in 1915 in what was the very first international backgammon Myopia Hunt Club outside Boston. These »» Voted to the 32 Giants of Backgammon three times — #3 in ’93, #6 in ’95, and #12 in ’97. Won the World Cup in Dallas in 1988 and also finished second in 1994 and then imperial Czarist Russia to an aristo- tournament was held slightly more than clubs occasionally sponsored small social third in 1992. Recently, he won the 2007 and 2011 Illinois State Championships. cratic family of Russian nobility. Fleeing 50 years ago—in the autumn of 1964 in tournaments for their members and wives, the Russian Revolution of 1917, the family The Bahamas. The organizer was none one-day knock out events with fields of 8 or »» His many victories include the 1984 Michelob Open; Pittsburgh, Chicago Midwest, settled in Istanbul, Turkey, where Obolensky other than Alexis Obolensky. According 16. Obolensky hit upon a novel idea: The and a repeat Michelob Open in 1985; Super Jackpot in The Bahamas in 1986; Reno

Masters Invitational in 1992; and the Super Jackpot in Monte Carlo in 1995. AMADOR ROBERT learned backgammon as a child. By the to Bill Robertie’s (HOF inductee—2015) Bahamas was close and warm, gambling 26 USBGF PrimeTime Backgammon Magazine USBGF PrimeTime Backgammon Magazine 27 2018 American Backgammon Hall of Fame Inductees Joe Sylvester was legal, so why not invite some folks from Obolensky also appreciated the powerful at pp. 5–6.) “Obolensky’s dream of back- By Jake Jacobs around the country for a long weekend and appeal that attracting glamorous people to gammon stars battling against pharaonic a backgammon tournament? Obolensky backgammon would have for growing the opulence had been realized at last,” wrote n June 1983, some friends and I no idea I was watching history made, and Five years passed, and the same lad, now a made some calls, the idea caught on, and game. “Wherever he went, Obolensky talked Robertie. (Id. at p. 5.) grabbed good seats for the closed- a legend born. All I recall is my impression wizened veteran of twenty-six, was playing finally 32 players showed up for the world’s up the game to those whose presence would circuit final of the Plimpton Cup, aka at the time, that the youngster was trailing in the very first World Cup, in the very first first real tournament. In the finals, Charles be a promotion itself,” wrote Robertie. (Id.) Sadly, Obolensky’s star started to fade after Ithe World Amateur Championship. Nearly by a number of points when he made an final of a World Cup. I won’t dig up a hatchet Wacker of Chicago beat Porter Ijams of “Soon, [his] fields were decorated by Hol- the Manzanillo event. His Backgammon 550 players had been eliminated, leaving aggressive redouble, and soon thereafter the players have long since buried, but at New York. A good time was had by all, lywood beauties and sports stars: Lucille News magazine ceased publication in 1976, two to fight for the title and an enormous was staring at an eight-cube. the time their rivalry extended beyond the and modern [tournament] backgammon Ball, Polly Bergen, Christina Onassis, Jim and the World Backgammon Club disinte- amount of money. The second prize was board, and was at its most bitter. Yet here was born.” (Id.) Brown, Jimmy Connors, and even Hugh grated in 1977 “due to poor management fifty thousand dollars, and the first prize In a cool post mortem, or even from the they were, and here he was, once again Hefner himself.” (Id.) and general fatigue” according to Robertie. double that. We knew neither player, but kibitzers’ chairs, it seemed on merit an easy trailing, this time 15-23 to 41, and with an Following the success of his 1964 event, (Id. at p. 7.) Nevertheless, Obolensky con- one was a thirty-something from New take. But you have to understand: in matches eight-cube in play. Once again, when the Obolensky ran another Bahamas tourna- By June 1975, thanks largely to Obolensky’s tinued to direct substantial tournaments York, who was a “Mayfair Player,” which back then most players, especially amateurs, smoke cleared he had won, 41-31. ment in 1965. The entries doubled to 64, vision and efforts, backgammon enthusiasm in Mexico, at locations such as Acapulco meant he was probably a ringer. The other were risk averse. An eight-cube was a rare with the noted bridge player John Crawford had exploded with new clubs, new books, and Mazatlan at least as late as 1979. See, was a twenty-one-year-old from Michigan, thing, and an eight-cube with fifty thousand The brave lad was Joe Sylvester. During the [creator of the Crawford Rule] emerging and legions of new players. (Id. at p. 3.) for example, photograph number 82 of the which meant he was probably dead meat. dollars riding on it was unprecedented. We twelve years from 1983 to 1995 no player as the winner. (Id. at p. 2.) Obolensky himself co-authored one of the Mike Maxakuli collection archived at the expected a pass, but the lad took, won the in the world was as dominant. It seemed better primers of the day—Backgammon: Chicago Point website—Prince Obolensky I’d love to tell you the score, and the posi- game, and soon after, the match. as though he cashed in every tournament In 1966, Obolensky ran a third tournament, The Action Game (Macmillan, New York, chatting with future World Champion Lee tions where the players cubed, but I had he entered. I won’t list them all, but besides which by now had become established as 1969) [with co-author Ted James]. “Still, Genud at an Acapulco tournament in 1979. the Plimpton and winning the World Cup, “The Obolensky Cup.” This time, the winner something was missing,” wrote Robertie, “Oby was the first person to run those he came second and third in two more was Oswald Jacoby (HOF inductee—2015). (Id.) “For all their excitement, these tourna- tournaments, with his son and daughter, World Cups, and beat the redoubtable (Id.) Leveraging the international enthu- ments weren’t really good for answering a and really had a lot to do with backgam- Wilcox Snellings in the Reno Super Jack- siasm generated by this string of orga- basic question: who really was the best at mon in [the United States, particularly pot, capping his run by winning the 1995 nizational triumphs, in 1967 Obolensky this game? . . . Fittingly enough, the first California],” recalled 1981 Backgammon Monte Carlo Super Jackpot. Since then founded the World Backgammon Club, true invitational tourney was organized by World Champion Lee Genud. “Oby, Bar- he has hardly played, but in his few forays headquartered in New York City. (Id.) “He Obolensky himself. The site was OBY’s, a clay Cooke [HOF inductee—2015], Ozzy has won the Illinois State Championships, also found a vision,” wrote Robertie, “the combination disco/backgammon club in Jacoby [HOF inductee—2015]: we would the Land of Lincoln Masters, and a sec- idea of bringing backgammon to the masses, Miami. Twelve of the leading players of be nowhere without them. Oby wasn’t a ond place in the Las Vegas Super Jackpot. creating a huge base of players support- the day were invited.” (Id.) The winner was player particularly, but he literally was a Steel nerves and peerless skill took Joe ing an international circuit of glamorous Chuck Papazian of New York over Arthur prince,” she said. to the apex of the game. There have been tournaments with big prizes. . . . [T]he field Dickman of Florida. (Id. at pp. 3–4.) many fine players over the years, but only at the [1967] Obolensky Cup had swelled Prince Alexis Obolensky died on Saturday, a few so captured the imagination that a to 128, and Jacoby won again. In the same A bit more than a year later, Obolensky February 8, 1986, at his home in . short nickname suffices when referring to year, Obolensky ran a tournament at the staged his second Grandmasters tourney— His obituary appeared in the February 11, them: X, KG, Kit, Nack, Senk, Svobo, and Sands Hotel in Las Vegas for the first World October 28 through November 1, 1976, at 1986, edition of .  JOE SYLVESTER HONORED with them: Sly!  Championship of Backgammon. The field the lavish Las Hadas Resort, Manzanillo, Phyllis Shapiro, avid Advanced player and friend of Joe Sylvester from here was [also] 128, and Tim Holland [HOF Mexico. The winner was Floridian Tony - ROBERT STOLLER the St. Louis Backgammon Club, accepts the Hall of Fame plaque on Joe's - JAKE JACOBS

inductee—2016] won.” (Id.) Goble over New Yorker Tobias Stone. (Id. AMADOR ROBERT behalf. Marty Storer, at right, honored Joe in his induction speech. 28 USBGF PrimeTime Backgammon Magazine USBGF PrimeTime Backgammon Magazine 29 Perry Gartner Acceptance Letter LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT2018 ear fellow members of the USBGF, September 2013, shortly before I stepped down, the organization had 88 Founding Sponsors as well as 675 members, with 81 from I am honored to receive this award. I believe that 25 other countries. Dbackgammon, as it becomes more integrated into our culture, will enrich our society in important ways. Backgammon The following Committees began making contributions shortly skills are extraordinarily useful in coping with the personal and after their formation: Executive, Education, Legislative, Ratings business challenges we face every day. It offers lessons in critical and Statistics, Marketing and Membership, and Rules and Eth- Perry Gartner – Hallandale Beach, Florida thinking, risk and reward decision-making, managing expectations, ics. Working with a consultant, I developed a Prospectus for the volatility, and coping with adversity. The USBGF has impacted purpose of soliciting grants and contributions. s co-founder of The BackgammonAwards many people’s lives in positive ways, and continues to do so. Learning Center (BLC), Perry Gart- I also worked with an attorney (who was also a USBGF member) BACK N GA A M ner has formed a top-flight cadre of IC I am proud of the role I played during my tenure as President to compose the initial by-laws of the organization. I hired a pro- R M E O teachers including many of the top players in M N and CEO of the USBGF. I tried hard to set priorities and to work fessional accounting firm to produce financial statements. We A A PERRY the world. The group has helped hundreds of GARTNER with fellow board members and volunteers to implement our implemented a formal budgeting process for monthly statements L I T F E N T E players raise their skill level and offered afford- IM M initiatives and programs. and projections. E E ACHIEV able lessons to beginners. Let me take this unique opportunity to review, for those newer The membership benefit program and USBGF activities evolved The USBGF is honoring Perry with this special members of the Board and those members not familiar with our to include: award due to the foundational job he did as President of the USBGF from 2010-2013 past, how we got from a “blank page” to a functional organization. in both growing the newly formed organization, establishing policies and programs to PrimeTime Backgammon magazine support all the players, local clubs, and tournament directors; and promoting the overall My first set of goals included the development of a Founding By September 2013 there had been 19 bimonthly issues published, growth of the game. Sponsor program, the establishment of a membership benefit from 30–70 pages long, with articles contributed by 36 different and activities package, and the launching of a membership web- experts and other authors. Print subscriptions were made avail- Patti Rubin – Las Vegas, Nevada site that supported enrollment. It was also a priority to establish able in addition to the electronic editions. We set up an Editorial working committees, to staff the organization (we used as many Advisory Board to oversee publication, ensuring it met the highest atti Rubin is known by all today as the volunteers as possible, supplemented by a few paid personnel), standards for quality and accuracy. organizer of the Backgammon World to bring contractors on board in areas where internal resources BACK N GA A M Championships in Monte Carlo. She were not available, and to establish a sister tax-deductible non- IC Sponsored Tournaments: Live and Online R M E O M N works tirelessly to preserve an institution while profit corporation. By September 2013 the USBGF Online Tournament Circuit typically A P PATTI RUBIN innovating and adapting it to the modern tech- drew 128 players. A semi-annual Director’s Cup tournament was L I T F E N T E nology of the game and to the ever-evolving But in my opinion, my most meaningful achievement was engaging added. The first National Internet Championship, held in 2012–'13 IM M E E ACHIEV contemporary tournament environments. board members and volunteers to cooperate to implement these and including Open, Advanced, and Intermediate qualifiers and programs. It was certainly the biggest challenge I faced. playoffs, drew 336 entrants. There were annual Team Champion- Fewer know Patti has been a fixture in major ships as well as annual Club Team Championships, both with international backgammon tournament staffing, marketing, promotion, direction, and I began my tenure in May 2010 and immediately got down to qualifiers and playoffs. administration for four decades. She was responsible for diversifying international recruiting. By September 2010, the USBGF had 40 Founding

tournaments by taking Americans to Europe and by bringing Europeans to America. MENDICINO TARA FAMILY; GARTNER TOP: FROM Sponsors, who provided us with the seed money we needed. By College and Youth events included a Collegiate individual and 30 USBGF PrimeTime Backgammon Magazine USBGF PrimeTime Backgammon Magazine 31 2018 Lifetime Achievement Awards 2018 Lifetime Achievement Awards team championships; an annual International Collegiate individual "Ask the Pro" web column, gave lectures and quizzes at tourna- members could purchase boards, related equipment, T-shirts, etc. Finally, the USBGF sponsored a backgammon Proficiency Exam event; and Collegiate and Youth Invitational events. About 100 ments, and managed a Scholastic Program for a number of years. in Las Vegas, given by Mochy, the world’s highest-ranked player. online events were offered in the 12 months ending September Collegiate and Educational Activities 30, 2013. The USBGF also began sponsorship of two annual live I engaged Jason Lee to run an online match series featuring experts Under my tenure, the USBGF became active in the development of Local Club Affiliates events with free first entry for members: the USBGF National Neil Kazaross and Marty Storer, whom I also invited to participate. backgammon on college campuses, in elementary and secondary I also thought it was very important for the USBGF to grow the Championships East and West. USBGF members played a series of matches against Neil, choosing schools, in senior centers, at mathematics meetings, in museums, game locally. To this end, I oversaw a program that provided their moves by vote. Neil commented on his moves and Marty and in summer parks programs. informational and material assistance to new local backgammon Ratings and Statistics commented on those of the Members team. clubs. As of September 2013, 63 local clubs were affiliated with The Committee created a database of 91 tournaments dating back This program awarded scholarship prizes to college students on the USBGF. We placed listings of venues, times, and dates of local to 2009. By the end of my tenure, 1735 players were included. In cooperation with tournament directors and USBGF volunteers, winning teams and to individuals in the annual USBGF Collegiate club tourneys on the website. This was an important resource for Members were able to view a large number of different statistics match streaming became a valued and popular program for the Championships. Top-placing individuals and team members were locals and travelers alike who were looking for a game. and ratings. A Master Point system was developed and approved worldwide backgammon community. awarded certificates. by the Board, and its implementation began late in 2013. By the same token, the USBGF provided financial support to local The website expanded until it offered a wide range of educational In 2013 we held an International Collegiate Championship for affiliated clubs with ten or more USBGF members (Prime Clubs), Multimedia Educational Materials materials, up-to-date backgammon news, links to affiliated clubs non-U.S. college students, with awards to the winner and finalist. to help promote the growth of backgammon in their communities. I engaged Phil Simborg, a highly respected and talented teacher and local tournaments, results from major tournaments, and and author, to manage our Facebook page. Facebook became an Meetup group information. A Japan-U.S. youth exhibition was held in the Fall of 2013, featuring International Backgammon Collaboration extremely popular resource for the membership. the U.S. winner of the 2013 International Collegiate Championship From its inception, the USBGF was a leader in forging collabora- By this time, the American Backgammon Tour directors were and a top Japanese student. tion with other national backgammon federations and organizing Phil contributed several hundred short video lessons that many using the USBGF as a resource. Events were promoted on the international events. members found useful, responded to member questions with his Facebook page, on the website, and in the magazine. To foster the grass-roots development of the game, the USBGF donated backgammon boards to elementary and secondary schools. The USBGF was a co-sponsor, along with the Japanese Backgam- We also published a book, In the Game Until the End: Volume II, Funding came from charitable contributions and in-kind donations. mon League and the French Backgammon Federation, of the written by Bob Wachtel, a leading American player and author. International Backgammon Championship (IBC). We also provided backgammon instruction to college clubs and Discounts to Members senior retirement communities or day centers. In 2013 there were 275 players from 26 countries registered for I negotiated discounts with leading suppliers of backgammon the 3rd IBC. The U.S. team, 16 strong, was composed of Giants software, publications, and equipment. These included a 20% Nor did we neglect those who had already received advanced degrees. and top live or online players. The USBGF acquired the rights discount for eXtreme Gammon software, a 10% discount for the USBGF members made presentations and taught backgammon to the Nation’s Cup event, a highly popular international event. GammonVillage online store, and a 15% discount for Crisloid back- at several venues: the Mathematical Association of America; the gammon equipment. One provision of the Crisloid arrangement MathFest in Lexington, Ky., July 2011; the Joint Math Association I will close by saying that I can’t express enough appreciation to the was that the company would donate 5% of their USBGF-member meeting in Boston, January 2012; the Smithsonian Institution in Board members that stepped up and made invaluable contributions: sales revenue to the USBGF. We set up an online store where Washington, D.C., March 2013; and the Museum of Mathematics first, our all-star Karen Davis, followed by Rich Munitz, Alfred in New York City, April 2013. Mamlet, Art Benjamin, Joe Russell, Pat Gibson, Justin Nunez, Harvey Gillis, and Steve Mellen. I would also like to extend special thanks AWARD FOR PERRY GARTNER The USBGF oversaw development and administration of the to staff members Tara Mendicino, Gus Contos, and Bob Wachtel, Bill Riles, San Antonio organizer and long-time USBGF World Giants Challenge Quiz in Los Angeles in June 2011. A who did a magnificent job with our website and magazine.  Board member, displays the plaque for Perry Gartner's field of 104 Giants, experts, and advanced players participated in Lifetime Achievement Award. Perry was a key contributor

ROBERT AMADOR ROBERT - PERRY GARTNER to the founding and success of the USBGF. five countries: Denmark, Sweden, Turkey, the U.K., and the U.S. 32 USBGF PrimeTime Backgammon Magazine USBGF PrimeTime Backgammon Magazine 33 Patti Rubin By Bill Riles & Arda Findikoglu Bill Riles 2018 atti Rubin is best known as the organizer of the Backgam- When the World Championships needed someone to step for- mon World Championship in Monte Carlo. She is the ward and assume responsibility for the continuation of the event, grand steward of the tradition, the sustenance, and the Patti was the natural choice for the challenge. Her life’s work and Pcontinuation of the pre-eminent event in the game. She works passion came to fruition and her dream was realized. The World tirelessly to preserve an institution while innovating and adapting Championships is her baby; it is an annual social reunion of her FEBRUARY 2, 2018 MORTON'S SAN ANTONIO, TX it to the modern technology of the game and to the ever-evolving many friends; and it is an ongoing daily challenge of management, Awards Dinner contemporary cultural, demographic, and tournament environment. direction, and love. It is her legacy to us all. It is ours to enjoy, and 01 04 07 we are in her debt. Fewer know Patti Rubin has been a fixture in major international backgammon tournament staffing, marketing, promotion, direc- My greatest appreciation of Patti is her passion—in every aspect tion, and administration for four decades. From tournaments for of her life. Most importantly tonight, her passion for backgam- Henry Wattson in Las Vegas, St. Thomas, and St. Maarten; with mon, and for the World Championship. Unlike many in various Lewis Deyong at the Black & White tournaments in Washington, aspects of the game, Patti’s interest is not in what is good for Patti D.C., and Miami; and in Europe with Alexis Obolensky, Lewis and in what may make Patti the most money or bring Patti the Deyong, Robert Perry, and James Ballie in Cannes, Rimini, Venice, most recognition. It is simply, first and foremost, the good of the 02 05 08 Gstaad, St. Moritz, Lausanne, , St. Tropez, Courchevel, and game. We should each try to emulate her philosophy; I know I do. Monte Carlo; Patti has seen and done it all.

She was responsible for diversifying international tournaments by taking Americans to Europe and by bringing Europeans to America. The game has been forever changed and has benefited greatly from her efforts. 03 06 09

PATTI RUBIN AND BILL RILES Patti Rubin and Bill Riles with Patti's Lifetime Achievement Award plaque. Patti has been a tireless and effective organizer for decades. 01 Treena Bouque (l) and other 04 Abby Biss (l) of New Zealand 07 Woman power! Leyla attendees enjoy the buffet at Morton's. and Peggy Neubig from Connecticut. Zaloutskaya (l) and Karen Davis. Arda Findikoglu 02 Ed O'Laughlin receives the 2nd 05 Larry Shiller, a.k.a. Voice of Back- 08 Antoinette-Marie Williams with s a professional director who has worked in many events give her guests a first-class event, regardless of her own health and place trophy for his 2017 ABT finish. gammon, presides at his table. her 2017 third-place ABT trophy. with many different organizers, I would like to add that comfort. This motivates everyone on her team to work hard and I appreciate Patti's dedication. Her main concern is to cooperate to the utmost. 03 Hall of Fame Committee Chair 06 Scrumptious fruit and pastries 09 A serious moment for Lifetime

A AMADOR ROBERT Bill Riles speaks to the rapt audience. topped off the Awards Dinner fare. Achievement honoree Patti Rubin. ADVERTISE IN PRIMETIME F  P  ½ P  geoffreyparker.com We are pleased to announce that Geoffrey Parker Games is the newest USBGF Corporate Prime Benefactor.

PrimeTime in Print Subscribe for $80 annually, not including shipping. Simply the World's finest Backgammon, since 1961 4 issues for $20 each. Email [email protected] for details. Now available at the USBGFBGSHOP 36 USBGF PrimeTime Backgammon Magazine USBGF PrimeTime Backgammon Magazine 37 Tributes to Paul Magriel Tributes to paul Magriel Introduction by Karen Davis

ackgammon lost its foremost theorist, author, and teacher of prestigious victories, and a former World Champion, but his with the passing of Paul Magriel on March 5, 2018. The true love was teaching. Paul’s book Backgammon is considered outpouring of tributes and condolences speak to his the Bible of backgammon. He was perhaps the best backgammon Bprofound influence on the worldwide backgammon community. teacher that has ever graced the earth, or ever will. He derived We’ve collected a selection of tributes from directors, officers, great pleasure in helping people increase their love for and skill and staff of the U.S. Backgammon Federation, members of the in backgammon. And his students have done very well, winning American Backgammon Hall of Fame, Giants of Backgammon, hundreds of titles throughout the world. When I played Mika and Backgammon World Champions. Lidov for the World Championship, she had mowed through the best players in the world to reach the finals. When I asked her View an obituary which was published in the New York Times. See how she had become so strong, she answered, ”I have been taking an interview with Dan Rather, from a segment on Backgammon on lessons from Magriel.” I guess we are all students of Magriel, and CBS’s 60 Minutes. Read Magriel's columns in the New York Times. the backgammon community owes more to him than it could ever repay. Thank you Paul for gracing my life with your presence. I See an article about him in the June 4, 1979 issue of Sports Illus- will miss you! trated. An article in Esquire may be found here. Additionally, Magriel's tournament record may be downloaded here—missing Karen Davis, President/Executive Director, USBGF earlier results are welcome! The author of the “Bible” of Backgammon, Paul Magriel, passed

NEW YORK TIMES (CENTER) TIMES YORK NEW DAVIS; KAREN ; away at his home in Las Vegas Monday afternoon, March 5, 2018. Joe Russell, Chairman, Board of Directors, His name has been synonymous with backgammon since the U.S. Backgammon Federation (USBGF) publication of his groundbreaking book Backgammon in 1976, Paul Magriel has left us. The backgammon community is left which is still viewed as backgammon’s leading text. The original with a tremendous hole. I play backgammon because of Paul. I backgammon celebrity, he helped popularize the game. He was remember reading an article in Sports Illustrated that featured inducted into the American Backgammon Hall of Fame in 2015. Paul. Backgammon sounded very interesting, and I decided to He won the World Championship in The Bahamas in 1978 and learn to play because of that article. I am sure there are thousands, was voted to the 32 Giants of Backgammon list eight consecutive

NEW YORK TIMES YORK NEW (1-3); DAVIS KAREN if not tens of thousands that could say the same. I knew Paul for times from its inception. close to 40 years and found him to be one of the more interesting people I have ever known. He was respectful, intelligent, humor- We extend our condolences to his family, many friends, and those ous, humble, and witty, along with several eccentric traits that in the backgammon community who admired and learned from made him very lovable. His mere presence added prestige to any his work. He will be deeply missed.

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP: FROM CLOCKWISE backgammon tournament. He was an amazing player with dozens 38 USBGF PrimeTime Backgammon Magazine USBGF PrimeTime Backgammon Magazine 39 Tributes to Paul Magriel Tributes to Paul Magriel

Marty Storer, Managing Editor, USBGF PrimeTime pursuits earlier rather than later, his protégés—Billy Horan, Erik concise, organized, and of immeasurable practical use to beginning beeps on his voice mail along with “beep me back when you get Backgammon, and USBGF Board of Directors Seidel, Roger Low, and Jason Lester—were each scintillatingly and expert players alike. Even the book’s title is perfect for, like a chance,” or, if he answered, substitute “Beep beep” for whatever Paul Magriel, R.I.P. brilliant and daringly competitive players. To them, the sensei Magriel’s writing itself, it is simultaneously simple and ambitiously other greeting might be expected. was not “Paul,” not “Magriel,” not even “X-22,” but “X.” Just “X.” broad, subtle, and complex. Backgammon was published in 1976, I crossed paths with Paul Magriel only a few times. He struck me So let’s use that honorific. when Paul was just a lad of 29 or 30 years old, by which time he Whatever qualifies one as a genius, Paul had it and then some. blind with awe. His contributions were amazing, and I remem- had already spent several years winning everything in sight. Prior to setting the world on fire as a “best there ever was” back- ber his colorful black-suit-dark-glasses persona—complete with In an earlier life, X had been a math professor. Then he discovered gammon player, Paul had been a math prodigy, student, and slightly protruding tongue, occasionally gnawed during deep and the backgammon universe and strayed from academia to explore Paul’s book has since come to be widely regarded as “The Bible” eventually teacher/professor/scholar. Humility, however, abounded. intense thought. its marvels. For a while he prospered. But no matter how learned for backgammon players. I find that ironic because whenever I He confessed to me that he used to think of himself as a bit dim. the backgammon scholar, there exist no distinguished Lucasian read Backgammon, I picture myself standing inside a magnificent He was self-conscious of his slight speech impediment (which I I recently used eXtreme Gammon to transcribe one of his pub- professorships to cocoon and sustain him while he pursues the cathedral, surrounded by warm inlaid wooden beauty on all sides. always thought was totally cool, not the least bit put-offish) and his lished matches. His performance rating, after standard-settings truth. X loved to teach, and never lacked for students, but the It’s peaceful there; awe-inspiring, still, vibrant, awake, and alive, more pronounced involuntary tongue wagging/chewing affliction rollouts of all decisions that seemed even remotely interesting, scientific mind is not always a practical one. His game had leaks. So marvelous that our universe can create something like that; (not so cool, but you quickly got used to it). Somewhere around and XGR++ evaluations of the rest, was a stellar 3.28. The match He neglected his health, had bad habits and was a bad gambler. something as wondrous as Paul Magriel’s mind. the end of high school he had a top-ten-in-the-nation score on a was played in 1982, when such a PR was out of almost everyone’s But even so, his luck held: there were generous souls—they know math test, which earned him a place in a prestigious program. “I reach—maybe everyone’s but his. That result speaks volumes about who they are—who recognized his value. They cared for him. Paul died today. He was 71. was nervous about it, and rightfully so. When I got there and saw his abilities and insight. how smart everyone else was I knew I was stupid.” Like Newton, X remained childish throughout his life. His essential Patrick Gibson, former member, USBGF Backgammon and the world are better for his time on earth. trait was playfulness. We are told that there are “old souls” born Board of Directors, and Director, Gammon I got a hint at another side of Paul shortly after I first met him, into this world, but his was a very young one. His spirit was light, Associates Backgammon Club circa 1975. I had recently learned backgammon and was quickly Bob Wachtel, Editor, USBGF PrimeTime Backgammon and I cannot remember ever seeing him, whatever setback he He was our idol-mentor-friend. It was way too soon to lose him. dominating the local games and club tournaments in the Wash- The heartfelt grief that so many in our community have expressed faced, petulant or cranky. Nor did he promote himself, demand I had many interactions (all very positive) with Paul over the ington, D.C. area. I had heard of Paul, and contacted him about at Paul Magriel’s death is testament to how deeply he was loved. attention, or exhibit the petty jealousies that taint so many lives. years. He was always willing to share his knowledge and discuss taking a lesson. He sent me one of his problem sets, and after I would like here to do my part—not in mourning him, but in Curious about a thousand topics and inexhaustibly enthusiastic, positions, teaching, and backgammon learning tips to study. I am working on it as best I could, I traveled to the Big Apple. Entering explaining just who I think he was. you would always find him happily chasing down the solution to missing him already. his apartment, I was impressed by the huge floor-to-ceiling walls this or that backgammon puzzle or strategy. of books. Lots of books. I guess I shouldn’t have been surprised When asked, late in life, the secret of his astonishing genius, Isaac Kent Goulding, American Backgammon Hall of Fame (but I was young and a college dropout) when in response to my Newton answered with a vision as beautiful as the laws of nature These are character traits and attitudes so admirable that most Lost Treasure question, “How many of these have you actually read?” he said, he had conceived: “I do not know what I may appear to the world, of us can only wonder at them; but to him they came naturally. “All of them.” Skip forward fifteen years or so to the Backgammon but to myself I seem to have been only like a boy playing on the Perhaps, even more than his lessons and gaming achievements, “Beep beep . . . Kay Gee-eeeee, where arrrrre you? . . . beep beep.” World Cup tournaments I ran in Dallas, Texas. I had a car and seashore, diverting myself in now and then finding a smoother they reflected his highest talents. Paul knew it. At the end of play one evening, Paul ran up to me pebble or a prettier shell than ordinary, whilst the great ocean of That would be a long message from Paul Magriel. A bit more all excited and said he needed to “go shopping” and would I drive truth lay all undiscovered before me.” Dorn Bishop, former member, urgent than the usual “Beep beep.” Possibly followed by a third him. Charmed by his enthusiasm and not entirely sure what he USBGF Board of Directors “Beep” after a short pause. Many years prior, I suspect motivated had in mind, I agreed. We ended up at a shopping mall contain- Magriel was backgammon’s Newton. His 1976 book brought Whenever someone has asked me to recommend a backgammon by leaving a beep after the message as opposed to a message after ing a large book store. Paul was in heaven. Up, down, around and order to the cosmos of dice, checkers, and cube; and to enter New book, I’ve always answered without hesitation, Backgammon by the beep, Paul had taken to entertaining himself by beeping. The around, through almost every conceivable area, Paul inspected, York City’s Mayfair Club, where he taught and theorized, was like Paul Magriel. It’s quite simply the best book on backgammon ever beeps might convey mood or urgency using volume or tone, flipped open, fondled and caressed countless candidates. Eventu- being allowed to sit in on an exquisitely stimulating Ph.D.-level written, the best book on backgammon that will ever be written. I frustration if said more as a sigh, or whatever else suited Paul’s ally he was satisfied, and toting almost as many books as he and I backgammon seminar. Though they abandoned the game for other consider it perfect: impeccably accurate, precise, understandable, active imagination. When I returned his call, I’d leave a couple of combined could handle, we checked out and headed home. Most 40 USBGF PrimeTime Backgammon Magazine USBGF PrimeTime Backgammon Magazine 41 Tributes to Paul Magriel Tributes to Paul Magriel conversation stopped on the ride back, as Paul had his nose buried him and sometimes got the better of him for many years. “Kent, and mysteries surrounding him. Any little thing might attract there who was in the process of writing a book, and that I might in one of his new prizes. I foolishly asked how long this supply I spend too much money and time on books and can’t do other, his attention, then he’d want to study it, dissect it, attempt to get his thoughts. would last.“Maybe to the end of the tournament, but we might more important things.” Huh?!? He was serious. I’d come to rely understand it, and share it. His inquisitive mind and total respect have to go back.” on Paul for reading recommendations (he read pretty much any- for whatever the capabilities of his audience made him the best Paul graciously loaned me a copy of his “work in progress” manu- thing and everything) and was rarely (never?) displeased with teacher I have ever seen. He did his best to keep his difficult life script to read while I was at the tournament. As hard as I tried, I Skip forward another fifteen years. After not seeing much of Paul any of his suggestions. I did my best to reciprocate, and now and above water by teaching poker and backgammon. I know of no could not finish it in the allotted time, much less retain its wealth in the backgammon world, I rediscovered him at a poker tourna- then found a good book he hadn’t read. Once, maybe ten years dissatisfied clients. of knowledge. Paul, great teacher that he was and friend that he ment. I had taken to studying poker and was having trouble finding ago, I was with Paul in Vegas and he said he was seeing his son, was to become, allowed me to take it with me back to Dallas with good resources. Wandering around Binion’s in downtown Vegas, Louis, that afternoon and evening. After dinner he was taking I was surprised, a few short weeks ago, when I called Paul for the proviso that I keep it confidential – I still have it. Were it not I spotted Paul alone in the coffee shop. He was both surprised to Louis shopping. Would I come along? I readily agreed. We had a nothing in particular — just wanting to talk and hear what he was for Paul, I doubt that I would be playing backgammon today. see me and (I think) pleased. I wanted to learn poker, how would fine time and ended up a little outside of town at, of course, a big up to. He said he wasn’t doing terribly well and was depressed. I he suggest I go about it? “Hire me. Just one condition: When you book store. Louis was allowed four books, at least two of which tried to cheer him up by asking for his latest reading adventures. Incidentally, Paul sold for $3500, the top price in the Calcutta get better than I am you’ll keep working with me.” (There’s that had to be “serious.” The others could be whatever he wanted. “No, no, I can’t talk about that. Reading is taking up too much auction, which included 11 individual seeds. I was the bottom humility again.) Of course, I had no chance of ever understanding The catch was that father and son had a habit of disagreeing over time. I’m working on getting these fifteen backgammon books player in field N, which included the usual four lesser players the game as well as Paul. I agreed. The lessons and training turned which category any given book belonged in. Who would settle written. . . .” After a couple of pleasantries, we hung up. That was and sold for $3200. into a deep friendship which never stopped. We had tremendous any disputes? Ulterior motive unmasked. the last time I heard his voice. success playing in tournaments online (when that was legal) and Paul was a dear friend and advisor. He was a brilliant individual traveling to live tournaments together. I was in Vegas for the Then there was the quacking. Knowing Paul, I never completely For those interested, his last actual enthusiastic approval went to and a compulsive teacher. Surely no better teacher at any level on Main Event the next dozen years, seeing bought the idea that he made such a racket because double twos Walter Isaacson’s Leonardo Da Vinci. I’ve moved it to the top of any subject ever existed. Paul, watching Paul, hanging out with Paul, and enjoying every in backgammon (a.k.a. “double ducks”), or a pair of twos in poker my reading pile. minute of it. One year I got particularly deep and was playing at (a.k.a. “ducks”), tied in to his sobriquet X-22. I truly believe he Several years ago, at the Coterie Club in New York, an “outsider” one of the two TV tables. The field had shrunk from 7,000 entrants simply liked to quack. Wandering around Vegas with Paul, usually “Beep beep! . . . Paauuullll, where arrrre you? . . . .Beep beep!” who had joined the chouette—in a transparent attempt to “fit to under 90. The money was getting serious. All my other poker in casinos but also in restaurants, shopping malls, or anywhere in”—asked Paul what he thought about a play. He addressed Paul buddies had been eliminated and gone home. There were bleach- else that wasn’t off-limits, it was not uncommon for someone to I miss you. as “X,” a nickname adopted by Paul’s close friends. Jason Lester, ers set up for spectators to watch the other TV table. My table recognize Paul and call out, “Quack quack!” as we walked by. Paul a young backgammon prodigy and member of the chouette, was behind the bleachers. A few spectators were leaning over the wouldn’t flinch. He wouldn’t break stride. He wouldn’t look toward And always will. immediately interjected, “He is ‘Mr. 22’ to you.” “X-22” was the top back rail looking down on us. Paul was among them. He had the sound. But he would, invariably, return a single, enthusiastic, original complete nickname. one of my brothers on his cell phone and was relaying a blow-by- “Quack.” And on we’d go until the next call was heard. With Paul Malcolm Davis, American Backgammon Hall of Fame blow commentary about the action below. He eventually had to at the poker table there’s a whole lotta quackin’ goin’ on. On the I first met Paul Magriel in April of 1975, at a backgammon tourna- In a sense, Paul was “Mr. 22” to all of us. His passing is a devastating be hushed, as his commentary was a bit too loud (and none too rail, watching him at a major event, I heard him announce, “double ment in St. Maarten, Netherlands Antilles. The tournament, held loss to his huge number of friends, and in actuality, to the world. flattering to some of the players) and could sometimes be heard. quack quack!” and toss a jumbled pile of chips on the table in at the Mullet Bay Beach Hotel, was organized by Prince Alexis When I was eliminated (in 77th place) he was there to console front of him. The rules are clear: an announced bet is the bet you Obolensky and attended by exactly 99 participants. I had been Bill Robertie, American Backgammon Hall of Fame me. We cabbed over to the Bellagio and consumed the biggest ice must make, no matter the chips presented. The dealer quickly playing, or at least trying to play, for less than a year. It was my One night in Boston in 1978, backgammon World Champion Paul cream sundaes they would make. and efficiently sorted and stacked the chips. There were 4,300 of second major tournament. Magriel played a match against an unknown-outside-of-Boston them. In a businesslike voice, with no hint of amusement, she former chess player. Best three out of five 7-point matches. They It was during the poker years that I got to know Paul best. One commanded, “You owe another 100.” Life was good. In a state of frustration, I approached Alfred Sheinwold, the finished at midnight. The chess player won. Afterwards Paul sat day, out of the blue, we were talking, and he opened up about the tournament director, and asked him if he knew of any way I could down with the chess player and his buddy, another backgammon “addiction which was ruining his life.” I was stunned, and a bit For all his genius at math, backgammon, poker or anything else, learn to play this diabolical game. He said there was a young guy unknown, and analyzed the entire match with them throughout moved that he’d talk about any of the demons which had haunted Paul always possessed a childlike wonder at the simple puzzles the night until 10 a.m. the next day. 42 USBGF PrimeTime Backgammon Magazine Tributes to Paul Magriel

I was the former chess player and that was the most instructive gammon and poker tournaments, a marvelous lecturer and a night of my life. My buddy from that memorable evening, Dan gifted teacher. Generous, kind, a voracious reader and very, very Harrington, agrees. Paul? He just loved talking backgammon … bright … it doesn’t seem like there should be a world without anytime, anywhere. Paul Magriel in it.

There is no way to describe in a few words what Paul Magriel meant Steve Sax, Giant of Backgammon and to backgammon and to the people who knew him and loved him. PrimeTime Backgammon author We were playing a five-point match in the Last Chance in Vegas or Author of Backgammon, the most influential book on the game Reno maybe 30 years ago. It was so long ago, we didn’t use XG, we ever written, Paul was a great player, winner of countless back- used B.C. We each had a checker on the bar and it was Paul’s roll.

12 11 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 Pip: 118 Steve Sax 3-Away is Player 2

score: 2 pip: 118 TWO GENERATIONS OF GIANTS Paul Magriel, original Backgammon Giant, in an earnest discussion. Petko Kostadinov listens intently.

5 point match

He stopped to consider whether to double me, and took a good maybe he used the extra time to calculate some more and change three or four minutes to think about it. It was interesting watching his mind! –Ed.] his facial expressions; the former math professor was presumably 3-Awaypip: 129 Paulscore: Magriel 2 doing some number crunching. I did take the cube but have no recollection who won the game Pip: 129 or the match. 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 is Player 1 XGID=a---BCC-C---cC---b-cbb--bA:0:0:-1:00:2:2:0:5:10 He finally decided to roll. To my relief he stayed out, but then to Black (Magriel) onon roll,roll. cube Cube action? action? my disappointment I also stayed out. It was great to have known him, not only for his generous sharing of knowledge but to witness funny scenes like this one. Analyzed in Rollout No double Double/Take Player Winning Chances: 61.23% (G:22.14% B:0.41%) 61.34% (G:22.02% B:0.44%) He quickly rolled again but danced a second time. And to my Opponent Winning Chances: 38.77% (G:9.02% B:0.48%) 38.66% (G:8.63% B:0.70%) misfortune I also danced again. I also saw him almost get barred from a craps table in downtown Cubeless Equities +0.422 +0.907 Cubeful Equities Las Vegas after the pit boss objected to his incessant crying of No double: +0.522 ±0.007 (+0.515..+0.530) Then, quickly as a rattlesnake, he picked up the cube and slammed “Quack-Quack—Quack-Quack” after “X” bet on double twos. Double/Take: +0.511 (-0.012) ±0.012 (+0.499..+0.522) it down on the table with the 2 facing up. This really happened as well! Double/Pass: +1.000 (+0.478) Everyone watching the match burst out laughing, but it was not Katie Scalamandre, Backgammon Best Cube action: No double / Take unusual for the great “X-22” to pull a surprise like that. [The deci- World Champion, 2000 Percentage of wrong pass needed to make the double decision right: 2.4% Rollout details sion is too close to call after 2592 standard-settings XG rollout R.I.P. Paul. We were friends for so many years. We always joked 2592 Games rolled with Variance Reduction. trials. Maybe X-22 knew the choice was borderline all along, or about how old he was, two months to the day older than me. He Moves: 3-ply, cube decisions: XG Roller

TARA MENDICINO TARA will be missed. Double Decision confidence: 95.2% Take Decision confidence: 100.0% Duration: 6 minutes 27 seconds

eXtreme Gammon Version: 2.19.211.pre-release, MET: Kazaross XG2

file:///C|/Users/Tara%20Mendicino/Documents/Position/position.htm[3/30/2018 2:32:56 PM] 44 USBGF PrimeTime Backgammon Magazine

Documenting

Magriel PAUL MAGRIEL AT TEXAS By Robert Stoller Hall of Famers Paul Magriel and Mike Svobodny kibitz at the 2016 Texas Backgammon Championships n the course of my research for this remembrance of Paul Magriel, I unearthed several contemporaneous documents which sur- with Blake Fleetwood looking prised and delighted me. Hopefully others will have a similar response to my findings. on. Paul attended the Texas tournament in 2014 and 2016. IHere is a condensed, thematic chronology.

1967—Twenty-year-old graduate student Paul Magriel to learn this game. I mean, I got no idea what’s going on.” “There’s 1978—Magriel wins the Backgammon »» Esquire magazine—April 1980, pages 76 ff, “The Gospel wins New York State Junior Chess Championship. a guy here named Paul Magriel,” Sheinwold replied, “who’s writing World Championship in The Bahamas. According To X-22” by Laurence Shames—another lengthy The New York State Junior Chess Championship, held January a book. You might talk to him and see if he can help you.” Malcolm According to Wikipedia’s “List Of Backgammon World Champions,” profile of Paul. 27-29, 1967 at the Henry Hudson Hotel in New York City, drew introduced himself to Paul, and while everyone else was “having there were two world champions crowned in 1978. Paul’s victory in a record crowd of 109 competitors. Magriel won the tournament fun on the beach,” Malcolm was up in his hotel room studying January at Paradise Island in The Bahamas is given first, followed »» CBS Television News Magazine 60 Minutes segment “Back- with a perfect score of 6-0, 1/2 point ahead of future International Magriel’s manuscript. Malcolm subsequently took numerous les- by a listing for Richard de Surmont of France at Monte Carlo. gammon” by then Correspondent Dan Rather, initial air date Grandmaster Walter Shawn Browne. His victory was reported in sons from Magriel, and it appears his game improved significantly April 30, 1978—Dan Rather’s brief one-on-one interview with the February 1967 issue of the U.S. Chess Federation’s monthly as a result! “[Paul is] the only person I ever met that could tell 1977 through 1980—Magriel becomes Magriel (who had just won his World Championship title) publication Chess Life at page 36 under the banner headline, “Paul me anything about the game that I understood,” Malcolm said. a mainstream media celebrity. appears towards the end of the segment. Magriel Takes Large N. Y. State Junior Tourney.” According to Independent of the specialty backgammon press (in which he the report, Paul was a graduate student at 1976—Times Books publishes Magriel’s had been featured on numerous occasions), Magriel became a By way of assisting readers who wish to track down my source at that time. monumental textbook Backgammon. mainstream media celebrity during the period 1977–1980. Here documents, The New Yorker magazine’s online archive appears are four sources I have located: to be publicly accessible as I type this (March 11, 2018). Simply 1975—Soon-to-be-published author Magriel 1977—Magriel commences a weekly Google the article title plus “new yorker online archive”. The attracts serious backgammon students. backgammon column in The New York Times. »» The New Yorker magazine—December 5, 1977, The Talk Of The Sports Illustrated online archive appears to have become a pay- One of Paul’s first students was Malcolm Davis. On the occasion of The complete collection of Magriel’sNew York Times backgammon Town column, “Playing X-22” by E. J. Kahn—recounts Paul’s to-view subscription service. In any event, with my rather feeble Davis’s induction into the American Backgammon Hall of Fame, columns is archived on the Backgammon Galore website, under a “blindfold” victory over writer/raconteur George Plimpton computer skills, I have not been able to access it today. As for the I interviewed him for the July-August 2015 edition of PrimeTime 2013 cover essay by Tom Keith. These columns appeared weekly at New York’s ‘21’ Club. Esquire magazine article, Backgammon Giant Michihito Kageyama Backgammon. Pages 41-42 contain Malcolm’s account of how he from June 9, 1977 through July 13, 1980. In all, there were 131 (popularly known as Michi or Michy) has done the backgammon connected with Magriel for lessons. At the 1975 tournament at columns in the series. See bkgm.com/articles/Magriel/NYTimes/ »» Sports Illustrated magazine—June 4, 1979, pages 68 ff, “A War community a great service by posting high-quality e-images of the St. Martin, Malcolm approached Tournament Director Alfred IndexByDate.html. Against Luck And Disorder” by Roger Dionne—a lengthy complete article on his website at bgmichi.com/2018/03/10/x22/.

Sheinwold in a state of great frustration: “Freddie, what can I do MENDICINO TARA profile of Paul, with an ironic ending. There is a link to it on the USBGF Facebook page, in the posting USBGF PrimeTime Backgammon Magazine 47 Documenting Magriel

1982—Paul Magriel, Expert Witness for the Defense In February 1982, Paul appeared as an expert witness for the defense when the State of Oregon attempted to prosecute Seattle backgammon promoter Ted Barr for allegedly violating Oregon’s anti-gambling statutes by conducting a backgammon tournament at GIANT OF POKER a downtown Portland hotel. Paul’s testimony was instrumental in securing Mr. Barr’s acquittal. A highly entertaining account of the proceeding entitled “The Trial (and Tribula- Magriel (pictured with Allen Kessler) created tions) of Oregon Promoter Ted Barr” appeared in the Spring 1982 issue of Backgammon the "M Principle" (better known since as the M-ratio)—a theory elaborated on at great Times (Volume 2, Number 2). That article can be found in the articles collection of the length in the book Harrington on Hold'em Backgammon Galore website under “Competing—Luck vs Skill”. Unfortunately for the Volume II by former WSOP Champion backgammon community, which continued to encounter anti-gambling forces, the Oregon "Action" and Bill Robertie. judge who acquitted Ted Barr failed to render written findings of fact and conclusions The theory explains at which stages of of law. In consequence, Ted Barr’s acquittal had very limited value as a legal precedent. tournaments expected value exists to make moves on other players, depending on the In the early winter of 1983, Magriel appeared again as an expert witness, this time on ratio between chip stack sizes and antes. behalf of a would-be backgammon tournament promotion, in New Jersey Superior Court in Atlantic City. On this occasion, however, he failed to persuade the court. See “Backgammon On The Boardwalk—The Great Atlantic City Backgammon Trial” by Les dated March 10, 2018 at 3:32 a.m., along with a photograph of explicitly acknowledged input) was the subject of a cover-story B. Levi, Backgammon Times, Volume 3, Number 1, Winter/Spring 1983, also archived in Paul from the collection of Class of 2015 Hall of Fame inductee article in the June 1980 issue of Scientific American magazine. See the “Luck vs. Skill” section of the Backgammon Galore archive of articles. Kent Goulding. “Computer Backgammon” by Hans Berliner, Scientific American, Volume 242, Number 6 (June 1980) at pages 64–72. Berliner’s 2015—An evergreen mentor to fellow backgammon teachers After literally years of unsuccessful research efforts, on March Scientific American feature story, as well as several related papers To the best of my knowledge, the most recently published backgammon book is Michi- 10, 2018 by pure serendipity I located Dan Rather’s 60 Minutes by Berliner, are archived on the Backgammon Galore website. hito Kageyama and Roland Herrera’s Opening Concepts—Backgammon Odyssey Series 1 segment “Backgammon” on the website of the Briscoe Center (2017). Michi is second on the 2015 Giants of Backgammon list, behind his countryman for American History at the University of Texas at Austin. It is 1981–1982—Magriel contributes to the Masayuki Mochizuki. (As I write, voting for the 2017 Giants has concluded and the results archived under the heading “Dan Rather American Journalist.” development of backgammon literature are being tallied.) In his acknowledgments (at page 4), he gives Magriel special recogni- There is a link to it on the USBGF Facebook page. In 1981, future Hall-of-Famer Kent Goulding launched Backgam- tion: “Paul Magriel and I had a meeting in Las Vegas in 2015 after he read all the draft, mon with the Champions, a series of thoroughly annotated matches and he gave me much important advice with deep insight.” It was entirely in character 1979–1980—Paul Magriel, Artificial between world-class players. Appropriately enough, Magriel was for Paul to contribute his insights in support of anyone he considered to be a worthwhile Intelligence Pioneer featured in Volume I, Number 1, a 15-point match against 1975 teacher of the game he loved so well. To the best of my knowledge, the first computer program to World Champion Billy Eisenberg which had been played in the compete successfully against a strong backgammon player was November 1979 American Open Backgammon Championship In a February 1676 letter to his scientific colleague (and occasional rival) Robert Hooke, BKG 9.8, which was developed by former World Correspondence in Las Vegas. Magriel reappeared in Volume II, Number 2 in a Sir Isaac Newton famously wrote, “If I have seen further, it is by standing on the shoulders Chess Champion Hans Berliner, with significant input from Paul 17-point match against Hugh Sconyers played during the May 1982 of Giants.” A quintessential teacher, Paul Magriel found his calling in sharing his enthu- Magriel. In 1979, the winner of the Monte Carlo Backgammon Cavendish Invitational tournament in New York City. Although siasm for the richness, depth, and subtlety of backgammon with multiple generations of World Championship was Luigi Villa of Italy. Immediately follow- the Backgammon with the Champions series is long out of print, students—through private lessons, through more than 130 columns in The New York Times, ing Villa’s victory, a match was arranged between him and BKG editions occasionally appear on eBay. I believe they are well worth and through his 1976 master-work Backgammon. He truly was a Giant of backgammon, 9.8. The stake was $5,000, winner take all. The computer won by the investment, not merely as collectibles but also as examples of whose shoulders will support serious students of the game for a long time to come.  a score of 7–1, with Magriel doing play-by-play commentary for excellent and imaginative play and insightful commentary.

the closed-circuit telecast. Berliner’s achievement (with Magriel’s Larry by Magriel' Kang & Paul 'Allen Kessler https://www.flickr.com/photos/kang/50778787/. http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0. Licence at - ROBERT STOLLER USBGF PrimeTime Backgammon Magazine 49

he Las Vegas Open was held November 15-19 of last year. As usual, there was a big turnout: 95 players plus 31 rebuys in the Championship division; 76 plus 28 rebuys in the Intermediate (won by Lynda Clay, the Colorado TBackgammon Club’s director and 2017 Player of the Year, over Nevada’s James Scouten); and 16 in the Beginners (first place, Mike Cyrkiel, Jr. of Nevada; second and third respectively, Claus Molgaard and Anders Dankelev of Denmark). See the Winter 2018 issue of PrimeTime Backgammon for the complete list of results.

Congratulations to Matt Cohn-Geier, who won the main event for the third time! 2017 Matt has had a phenomenal record in Vegas over the last ten years. In April 2017 he reached the semis of the Super Jackpot and also won the main event. In November Las vegas Open 2016 Matt won the Super Jackpot. In April 2013 he was the finalist in the main event and also the finalist in the Super Jackpot. In November 2011 he won the main event. In November 2009 he won the Super Jackpot. In April 2009 he won the Last Chance championship final and in November 2008 he was runner-up in the main event. Matt’s two wins in the Leyla Zaloutskaya vs. Matt Cohn-Geier Championship division in Vegas last year propelled him to the 2017 ABT title! By Paul Weaver

FALAFEL & MCG Giants Falafel Natanzon and Matt Cohn-Geier discuss deep matters. Matt won the 2017 ABT TARA MENDICINO TARA 'One Last Hand' by Thomas Hawk Hawk Thomas by Last'One Hand' https://www.flickr.com/photos/thomashawk/15460885771/. http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0. Licence at title as well as November's Vegas tournament. 50 USBGF PrimeTime Backgammon Magazine USBGF PrimeTime Backgammon Magazine 51 2017 Las Vegas Open Championship Final 2017 Las Vegas Open Championship Final Position 2 Congratulations also to Vegas runner-up Leyla Zaloutskaya. She Matt. View the XG file of their match containing rollouts of the 12 11 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 finished fourth in the 2017 ABT standings. ten analysed positions to follow. Pip: 143 Leyla Zaloutskaya This article contains analysis of ten intriguing checker-play posi- I am delighted to acknowledge and thank Jeremy Bagai for helping 19-Away is Leyla Zaloutskaya tions from the Championship final match between Leyla and me with this article! score: 0 Position 1 pip: 143

12 11 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 Pip: 93 Leyla Zaloutskaya 19-Away is Leyla Zaloutskaya 19 point match

score: 0 pip: 93

pip:13-Away 156 score:Matt 6 Cohn-Geier Pip: is Matt 156 Cohn-Geier 19 point match 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 XGID=----A-EbC---cD---cbe--A-A-:0:0:-1:65:6:0:0:19:10 Game 3, Move to play 3: White 65 (Leyla) to play 65

1. Rollout1 13/7 8/3* eq: +0.531 pip:15-Away 77 Player: 60.65% (G:17.09% B:0.70%) Conf.: ± 0.007 (+0.524...+0.538) - [99.6%] score:Matt 4 Cohn-Geier Opponent: 39.35% (G:8.95% B:0.34%) Duration: 17 minutes 52 seconds 2. Rollout1 18/7 eq: +0.518 (-0.013) Pip: is Matt 77 Cohn-Geier 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 Player: 62.39% (G:12.57% B:0.58%) Conf.: ± 0.007 (+0.511...+0.525) - [0.4%] XGID=--BCCcCB--B------bbbcc-:1:-1:-1:44:4:0:0:19:10 Opponent: 37.61% (G:8.74% B:0.29%) Duration: 17 minutes 37 seconds Game 2, Move to play 13: 44 White (Leyla) to play 44 3. Rollout1 7/1* 6/1 eq: +0.512 (-0.019) Player: 59.94% (G:17.79% B:0.45%) Conf.: ± 0.006 (+0.506...+0.518) - [0.0%] 1. Rollout1 20/16(2) 20/12 eq: -0.252 Opponent: 40.06% (G:8.70% B:0.35%) Duration: 14 minutes 39 seconds Player: 31.41% (G:0.02% B:0.00%) Conf.: ± 0.002 (-0.254...-0.250) - [100.0%] 4. Rollout1 13/8 13/7 eq: +0.493 (-0.038) Opponent: 68.59% (G:0.03% B:0.00%) Duration: 34.4 seconds Player: 61.10% (G:14.64% B:0.55%) Conf.: ± 0.007 (+0.487...+0.500) - [0.0%] 2. Rollout1 20/4 eq: -0.317 (-0.065) Opponent: 38.90% (G:7.86% B:0.29%) Duration: 17 minutes 03 seconds Player: 29.17% (G:0.74% B:0.01%) Conf.: ± 0.002 (-0.319...-0.315) - [0.0%] 5. Rollout1 13/7 6/1* eq: +0.482 (-0.049) Opponent: 70.83% (G:1.57% B:0.02%) Duration: 1 minute 21 seconds Player: 60.77% (G:13.98% B:0.38%) Conf.: ± 0.006 (+0.475...+0.488) - [0.0%] Opponent: 39.23% (G:8.00% B:0.30%) Duration: 16 minutes 19 seconds 1 5184 Games rolled with Variance Reduction. Dice Seed: 101 1 5184 Games rolled with Variance Reduction. Moves: 3-ply, cube decisions: XG Roller Dice Seed: 101 Leyla rolled 66 last turn and leads by 13 A close second by .013 is the natural 18/7, Leyla’s attacking play 7/1* 6/1 minimizes eXtreme Gammon Version: 2.19.211.pre-release, MET: Kazaross XG2 Moves and cube decisions: 3-ply

Trailing by 16 pips, Leyla rolls 44, closing If Leyla keeps the 20pt, she will run out If we reduce Matt’s count by 5 pips, giving pips. Eyeing the blot in Matt’s board, LeylaeXtreme attempting Gammon Version: to break 2.19.211.pre-release, contact while MET: ahead Kazaross XG2shots (only 10), but this is not the best way the gap in the pip count. She can run one of timing soon and be forced to break her him his 1pt with his 4pt and 3pt spares, then should attack on the 3pt with 65, 13/7 in the race and opponent has no board. to exploit the blot in Matt’s board. If Matt checker with 20/4, maintaining contact and board or run off the anchor. By staying, 20/4 is best by .03. A near-cusp position is 8/3*. This move leaves 19 return shots but However, it leaves 24 shots, including 15 hits or eventually anchors, Leyla, with two hoping for a shot. Or, she can minimize Leyla gives up a lot of racing equity for too reached by moving Matt’s 4pt spare 3 pips duplicates Matt’s deuces (24/22* and 6/4) hit-and-covers—and even on Matt’s misses, checkers out of play on her 1pt, rates to have contact with 20/16(2) 20/12, hoping to win small a chance of hitting a shot. Her best to his 1pt; here 20/16(2) 20/12 wins the and gives him only 5 numbers (43 32 22) Leyla may not be able to save her 18pt blot a tough time bringing the position home. a race in which she is a distinct underdog. play is disengaging, which gives her 31.5%. rollout by a narrow .01. that hit and cover. next turn.

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file:///C|/Users/Tara%20Mendicino/Documents/Position/position.htm[3/17/2018 1:26:20 PM] 52 USBGF PrimeTime Backgammon Magazine USBGF PrimeTime Backgammon Magazine 53 2017 Las Vegas Open Championship Final 2017 Las Vegas Open Championship Final Position 3 Position 4

12 11 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 Pip: 151 Pip: 176 Leyla Zaloutskaya Leyla Zaloutskaya 16-Away is Leyla Zaloutskaya 16-Away is Leyla Zaloutskaya

score: 3 score: 3 pip: 151 pip: 176

19 point match 19 point match

pip:13-Away 138 pip:11-Away 144 score:Matt 6 Cohn-Geier score:Matt 8 Cohn-Geier Pip: 138 Pip: 144 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 is Matt Cohn-Geier 12 11 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 is Matt Cohn-Geier XGID=ab--BBCAC----B---cbebA--A-:0:0:-1:32:6:3:0:19:10 XGID=baa--BDBBA--bB---bbbb-AAa-:1:-1:1:61:8:3:0:19:10 Game 5, Move to play 6: White 32 (Leyla) to play 32 Game 6, Move to play 8: Black 61 (Matt) to play 61

1. Rollout1 Bar/22 6/4* eq: -0.522 1. Rollout1 23/16 eq: +0.634 Player: 36.96% (G:12.20% B:0.84%) Conf.: ± 0.009 (-0.531...-0.513) - [100.0%] Player: 73.14% (G:37.03% B:4.73%) Conf.: ± 0.007 (+0.628...+0.641) - [100.0%] Opponent: 63.04% (G:27.43% B:3.05%) Duration: 21 minutes 38 seconds Opponent: 26.86% (G:4.74% B:0.20%) Duration: 27 minutes 37 seconds 2. Rollout1 Bar/22 24/22 eq: -0.586 (-0.063) 2. Rollout1 22/16 6/5 eq: +0.605 (-0.030) Player: 34.31% (G:9.00% B:0.41%) Conf.: ± 0.007 (-0.592...-0.579) - [0.0%] Player: 71.79% (G:38.29% B:5.18%) Conf.: ± 0.007 (+0.597...+0.612) - [0.0%] Opponent: 65.69% (G:17.31% B:0.89%) Duration: 18 minutes 15 seconds Opponent: 28.21% (G:5.16% B:0.22%) Duration: 27 minutes 15 seconds 3. Rollout1 22/15 eq: +0.587 (-0.048) 1 5184 Games rolled with Variance Reduction. Player: 71.71% (G:36.78% B:4.75%) Conf.: ± 0.007 (+0.580...+0.594) - [0.0%] Dice Seed: 101 Opponent: 28.29% (G:5.20% B:0.22%) Duration: 27 minutes 19 seconds Moves: 3-ply, cube decisions: XG Roller eXtreme Gammon Version: 2.19.211.pre-release, MET: Kazaross XG2 1 5184 Games rolled with Variance Reduction. The aggressive high-volatility hitting play Leyla’s passive low-volatility anchoring play After Leyla hits (B/22 6/4*), she gains Dice Seed: 101 Moves: 3-ply, cube decisions: XG Roller B/22 6/4* punishes Leyla if Matt rolls one B/22 24/22 gives Matt 23 numbers (exclud- enormously on Matt’s 4 fans (66 65 55); her eXtreme Gammon Version: 2.19.211.pre-release, MET: Kazaross XG2 of his 15 return shots (excluding 31 11) ing 66) that complete his five-prime and 6 equity shoots up by over a point and she A big favorite with 37-38% gammon After playing 22/16 with the 6, it is impor- After Matt’s 22/16 6/5, if Leyla anchors with but rewards her in a major way when Matt more numbers that anchor on Leyla’s 4pt. actually has a double at the score. Hitting chances, Matt has both blitzing and prim- tant for Matt to prepare to escape his a deuce, then Matt’s 66 (and/or a few rolls fans. This is the best play for money by a This would be the best play at GS or if the also gives Matt 6 bad entries (53 52 51) that ing potential. However, with two check- remaining back checker by playing 23/22 without an ace or deuce) may force him to modest .02 and it is right by a lot at GG, score were reversed with Leyla leading 6-3 force him to hit loose (8/3*) and leave 19 ers behind Leyla’s four-prime, he loses instead of diversifying his 6pt builders with move his offensive force too far forward DMP and the indicated score. instead of trailing 3-6. costly return shots. 27-28%. In playing this 61 Matt needs to 6/5. Matt must not assume that his escape while his back checker is stuck, resulting find the right balance between building from Leyla’s four-prime will be automatic. in an ugly Speedy Gonzales position. and escaping.

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13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 Pip: 176 Pip: 154 Leyla Zaloutskaya Leyla Zaloutskaya 16-Away is Leyla Zaloutskaya 14-Away is Leyla Zaloutskaya

score: 3 score: 5 pip: 176 pip: 154

19 point match 19 point match

pip:11-Away 128 pip:11-Away 160 score:Matt 8 Cohn-Geier score:Matt 8 Cohn-Geier Pip: 128 Pip: 160 12 11 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 is Matt Cohn-Geier 12 11 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 is Matt Cohn-Geier XGID=baaBBBBBA---bB---bbbb-B-a-:1:-1:1:51:8:3:0:19:10 XGID=-a--bBB-CC--bB--abBdb-a--A:0:0:1:11:8:5:0:19:10 Game 6, Move to play 13: 51 Black (Matt) to play 51 Game 7, Move to play 8: Black 11 (Matt) to play 11

1. Rollout1 7/2* 2/1* eq: +1.119 1. Rollout1 Bar/24 9/7 8/7 eq: +0.702 Player: 80.12% (G:63.51% B:9.33%) Conf.: ± 0.007 (+1.112...+1.125) - [100.0%] Player: 69.35% (G:14.98% B:0.67%) Conf.: ± 0.009 (+0.693...+0.711) - [100.0%] Opponent: 19.88% (G:3.19% B:0.13%) Duration: 18 minutes 00 second Opponent: 30.65% (G:7.97% B:0.22%) Duration: 31 minutes 09 seconds 2. Rollout1 22/21 7/2* eq: +1.065 (-0.054) 2. Rollout1 Bar/22* 22/21 eq: +0.649 (-0.053) Player: 78.98% (G:58.52% B:10.87%) Conf.: ± 0.006 (+1.059...+1.071) - [0.0%] Player: 66.31% (G:19.20% B:0.99%) Conf.: ± 0.009 (+0.639...+0.658) - [0.0%] Opponent: 21.02% (G:2.58% B:0.11%) Duration: 19 minutes 10 seconds Opponent: 33.69% (G:8.07% B:0.30%) Duration: 38 minutes 32 seconds 3. Rollout1 22/16 eq: +1.055 (-0.064) 1 Player: 79.83% (G:54.74% B:9.46%) Conf.: ± 0.006 (+1.049...+1.062) - [0.0%] 5184 Games rolled with Variance Reduction. Opponent: 20.17% (G:1.65% B:0.08%) Duration: 20 minutes 20 seconds Dice Seed: 101 Moves: 3-ply, cube decisions: XG Roller 4. Rollout1 22/21 13/8 eq: +0.998 (-0.120) eXtreme Gammon Version: 2.19.211.pre-release, MET: Kazaross XG2 Player: 78.48% (G:53.32% B:9.15%) Conf.: ± 0.007 (+0.991...+1.005) - [0.0%] Opponent: 21.52% (G:1.95% B:0.09%) Duration: 18 minutes 30 seconds The hit is tempting because the race is After Matt efficiently makes the 7pt and Making the 7pt is the best play for money, close. However, Matt’s long-term positional a powerful five-prime with B/24 9/7 8/7, DMP, GS and the indicated score. However, 1 5184 Games rolled with Variance Reduction. advantage of owning the five-prime out- Leyla still leaves a shot next turn with almost at GG, hitting is barely correct because the Dice Seed: 101 Moves: 3-ply, cube decisions: XG Roller weighs the gain of 22 pips by hitting. After half the deck (21 22 41 32 44 52 53 64 65 extra gammons Matt wins after hitting eXtreme Gammon Version: 2.19.211.pre-release, MET: Kazaross XG2 Matt makes his 7pt, Leyla will have a very 66). Even if Matt misses then, he rates to (17.1% vs 15.5%) compensate him for Playing aggressively for the gammon, Matt The attacking play 7/2*/1* is correct even Let’s consider a variant. Move the blot on difficult time escaping from Matt’s prime. get more shots on Leyla’s successive rolls. winning fewer games (67.4% vs 68.6%). correctly broke his five-prime to hit twice, at DMP, where winning or losing a gam- Leyla’s 1pt to her 6pt and move one of her 7/2*/1*, attempting to deny Leyla an anchor. mon is irrelevant. However, at Gammon checkers on the bar to her 7pt. Matt now Putting four enemy checkers in the air, Save, Matt would be hurt by losing a few has a much smaller advantage. The double Precision Dice at a Great Price! usbgf.org/shop Matt will probably have the opportunity more gammons after 7/2*/1* and should hit 7/2*/1* has become way too risky and Looking for precision dice? The USBGF BG Shop carries 3 sizes of ball-cornered precision dice in 9 different colors. Precision Dice: $15 per pair, plus shipping. to regroup and remake his five-prime if therefore escape with the simple running the conservative 22/21 13/8 is right by .05. Leyla hits with an ace. play 22/16. USBGFBGSHOP

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12 11 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 Pip: 176 Pip: 150 Leyla Zaloutskaya 6 Leyla Zaloutskaya 14-Away is Leyla Zaloutskaya 14-Away is Leyla Zaloutskaya

score: 5 score: 5 pip: 176 pip: 150

19 point match 19 point match

pip:11-Away 148 pip:4-Away 156 score:Matt 8 Cohn-Geier score:Matt 15 Cohn-Geier Pip: 148 Pip: 156 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 is Matt Cohn-Geier 12 11 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 is Matt Cohn-Geier XGID=aa--bBBBCB--bA--abBdbA----:0:0:-1:64:8:5:0:19:10 XGID=-----bE-C---cF--ad-e----A-:0:0:1:43:15:5:0:19:10 Game 7, Move to play 9: White 64 (Leyla) to play 64 Game 10, Move to play 2: 43 Black (Matt) to play 43

1. Rollout1 Bar/15 eq: -0.903 1. Rollout1 24/21 13/9 eq: -0.493 Player: 29.68% (G:5.78% B:0.24%) Conf.: ± 0.009 (-0.912...-0.894) - [100.0%] Player: 42.57% (G:6.61% B:0.66%) Conf.: ± 0.006 (-0.499...-0.487) - [100.0%] Opponent: 70.32% (G:24.32% B:1.29%) Duration: 1 hour 02 minutes Opponent: 57.43% (G:16.12% B:0.34%) Duration: 32 minutes 50 seconds 2. Rollout1 Bar/21 9/3 eq: -1.000 (-0.097) 2. Rollout1 13/9 6/3 eq: -0.533 (-0.039) Player: 25.40% (G:4.90% B:0.15%) Conf.: ± 0.000 (-1.000...-1.000) - [0.0%] Player: 41.73% (G:7.42% B:0.50%) Conf.: ± 0.006 (-0.539...-0.526) - [0.0%] Opponent: 74.60% (G:17.23% B:0.71%) Duration: 53 minutes 03 seconds Opponent: 58.27% (G:16.12% B:0.44%) Duration: 35 minutes 18 seconds 3. Rollout1 24/21 8/4 eq: -0.537 (-0.044) 1 10368 Games rolled with Variance Reduction. Player: 41.76% (G:5.74% B:0.48%) Conf.: ± 0.006 (-0.543...-0.532) - [0.0%] Dice Seed: 101 Opponent: 58.24% (G:16.12% B:0.32%) Duration: 30 minutes 27 seconds Moves: 3-ply, cube decisions: XG Roller 4. Rollout1 13/6 eq: -0.541 (-0.048) eXtreme Gammon Version: 2.19.211.pre-release, MET: Kazaross XG2 Player: 41.52% (G:5.52% B:0.42%) Conf.: ± 0.006 (-0.547...-0.536) - [0.0%] Leyla’s B/21 9/3 is a blunder. It invites Matt Surprisingly, even if Leyla knew Matt would B/21 9/3 looks safe, but Leyla’s priority Opponent: 58.48% (G:15.70% B:0.27%) Duration: 29 minutes 46 seconds to take control of the outfield. By playing roll one of his 28 outfield hitters, she would should not be her immediate safety. She 5. Rollout1 8/4 6/3 eq: -0.549 (-0.056) B/15 (28 shots) instead of B/21 9/3 (no still gain (on average) by playing B/15 must run (B/15) to preserve her timing and Player: 41.81% (G:6.20% B:0.43%) Conf.: ± 0.006 (-0.555...-0.543) - [0.0%] Opponent: 58.19% (G:16.64% B:0.31%) Duration: 30 minutes 20 seconds shots) Leyla gains hugely (.3 on average) instead of B/21 9/3, for three reasons: (1) challenge Matt in the outfield. Leyla’s play on Matt’s eight outfield misses (66 64 61 she often has return shots and counter gives her bad 5s and 4s (excluding 65 64) This is a1 difficult5184 Games fourth-roll rolled with position. Variance Reduction.Matt should play 24/21 13/9, duplicating Matt’s 13/6 weakens his distribution while Dice Seed: 101 41 11), which leave him exposed to attack play after being hit, (2) she may luck into for some rolls to come; unless she escapes AlthoughMoves: the pip 3-ply, count cubeis very decisions: close, Leyla XG RollerLeyla’s 4s (she should hit Matt’s 9pt blot giving Leyla a chance to improve her offen-

and give Leyla the chance to consolidate a playable back game, and (3) getting hit a checker soon, she rates to have serious is roughly a 58% favorite because she has aeXtreme only Gammon with Version: 64 44 2.19.211.pre-release, 22). This move MET: advances Kazaross XG2sive position. She will almost certainly her two outfield blots. may improve her timing. timing problems. chance to prime and/or attack Matt’s back Matt’s back checker while leaving no blots make a new point on her side next turn, checker. Matt’s sole priority is to extricate in his board. Matt will have chances to run after which it will be even more dangerous this checker as soon as possible before and/or hit a shot after Leyla’s 27 numbers for Matt to move up. He must advance his Leyla closes in on it. that do not point on his blot. back checker now.

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13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 12 11 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 Pip: 161 Pip: 88 Leyla Zaloutskaya Leyla Zaloutskaya 11-Away is Leyla Zaloutskaya 11-Away is Leyla Zaloutskaya

score: 8 score: 8 pip: 161 pip: 88

19 point match 19 point match

8

pip:2-Away 119 pip:2-Away 56 score:Matt 17 Cohn-Geier score:Matt 17 Cohn-Geier Pip: 119 Pip: 56 12 11 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 is Matt Cohn-Geier 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 is Matt Cohn-Geier XGID=aabBBBC-Ca-A---b---bbBb-b-:0:0:1:52:17:8:0:19:10 XGID=aH------aacbcbAbA:1:1:-1:21:17:8:0:19:10 Game 14, Move to play 15: 52 Black (Matt) to play 52 Game 14, Move to play 46: 21 White (Leyla) to play 21

1. Rollout1 11/9* 6/1* eq: +1.440 1. Rollout1 Bar/23 3/2* eq: +0.864 Player: 83.91% (G:54.44% B:27.10%) Conf.: ± 0.006 (+1.434...+1.446) - [100.0%] Player: 93.19% (G:0.00% B:0.00%) Conf.: ± 0.001 (+0.863...+0.865) - [100.0%] Opponent: 16.09% (G:1.94% B:0.10%) Duration: 23 minutes 27 seconds Opponent: 6.81% (G:1.90% B:0.10%) Duration: 12 minutes 54 seconds 2. Rollout1 21/16 11/9* eq: +1.311 (-0.128) 2. Rollout1 Bar/22 eq: +0.841 (-0.023) Player: 82.05% (G:49.05% B:22.77%) Conf.: ± 0.006 (+1.305...+1.317) - [0.0%] Player: 92.05% (G:0.00% B:0.00%) Conf.: ± 0.001 (+0.840...+0.842) - [0.0%] Opponent: 17.95% (G:1.91% B:0.09%) Duration: 23 minutes 37 seconds Opponent: 7.95% (G:1.04% B:0.03%) Duration: 5 minutes 41 seconds 3. Rollout1 11/9* 9/4 eq: +1.237 (-0.202) 3. Rollout1 Bar/23 4/3 eq: +0.839 (-0.025) Player: 79.50% (G:48.99% B:23.70%) Conf.: ± 0.007 (+1.231...+1.244) - [0.0%] Player: 91.93% (G:0.00% B:0.00%) Conf.: ± 0.001 (+0.838...+0.839) - [0.0%] Opponent: 20.50% (G:1.98% B:0.07%) Duration: 24 minutes 45 seconds Opponent: 8.08% (G:1.06% B:0.01%) Duration: 5 minutes 30 seconds 4. Rollout1 Bar/23 6/5 eq: +0.837 (-0.026) 1 5184 Games rolled with Variance Reduction. Player: 91.87% (G:0.00% B:0.00%) Conf.: ± 0.001 (+0.837...+0.838) - [0.0%] Dice Seed: 101 Opponent: 8.13% (G:0.98% B:0.02%) Duration: 4 minutes 48 seconds Moves: 3-ply, cube decisions: XG Roller 5. Rollout1 Bar/23 8/7 eq: +0.810 (-0.054) eXtreme Gammon Version: 2.19.211.pre-release, MET: Kazaross XG2 After the obvious hit 11/9* with the deuce, After Matt’s play 21/16 11/9*, Leyla picks What if Matt had less ammo on his side Player: 90.49% (G:0.00% B:0.00%) Conf.: ± 0.001 (+0.809...+0.811) - [0.0%] Opponent: 9.51% (G:0.76% B:0.01%) Duration: 4 minutes 44 seconds Matt whoppered by not also hitting 6/1* up an ace-deuce back game by rolling an of the board? Let’s consider the variant in with the 5. The double hit 11/9* 6/1* wins ace. Although this 1-2 back game rates to be which Matt’s 8pt spare is moved back to Leyla should1 5184 break Games a point rolled in her with board Variance to Reduction.to make this aggressive checker play. If we he sealed his victory with a two-point win. Dice Seed: 101 more games (84.2% vs 82.2%) and a lot more poorly timed, it is still a huge improvement the 21pt. Even in this position, hitting two hit, playingMoves: B/23 4-ply, 3/2*. Althoughcube decisions: she can XG- Roller+give Matt a two-point board by taking four Congratulations to Matt and Leyla for their

gammons (54.5% vs 48.8%) while losing for her over the poorly timed deuce-point checkers is the best play with 52, although not win a gammon (Matt has five off),eXtreme a checkers Gammon fromVersion: Matt’s 2.19.211.pre-release, 1pt and moving MET: themKazaross XG2great results in Vegas and also for their fine only 0.1% more gammons (1.9% vs 1.8%). game she currently has. the margin drops from 0.13 to 0.06. closeout would put her in the 97% range. back to his 3pt, then B/23 3/2* loses the ABT performances in 2017!  However, if Matt anchors, her winning rollout by a slim .01 to B/23 6/5. chances drop down below 80%. - PAUL WEAVER Matt did anchor, but lost the game. Then, Matt’s weak one-point board allows Leyla after losing a quick point in the next game,

file:///C|/Users/Tara%20Mendicino/Documents/Position/position.htm[3/17/2018 7:24:09 PM] file:///C|/Users/Tara%20Mendicino/Documents/Position/position.htm[3/17/2018 7:32:09 PM] 60 USBGF PrimeTime Backgammon Magazine 2017 Las Vegas Open Championship Final US OPEN BACKGAMMON CHAMPIONSHIPS

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EXCELLENT PERFORMANCE Leyla Zaloutskaya shows just a touch of flamboyance as she poses with the second-place trophy. Leyla had a fine record in 2017, finishing fourth in the ABT rankings. Transparent Baffle Box with Etched USBGF Circular Logo in Both About Paul Large & Small Sizes A USBGF BG Shop exclusive! aul Weaver is currently ranked #17 on the Absolutely gorgeous transparent PGiants of Backgammon list. He has been baffle box with the beautiful awarded Grandmaster Class 3 status by the USBGF logo etched on the front. Backgammon Masters Awarding Body. Be the envy of your friends at your local backgammon club, or stand He is one of only six who have been on all twelve out at the next ABT tournament. biennial Giants lists since they began in 1993. With Nack Ballard, Paul co-authored the ground- Our baffle boxes are made from breaking work on opening theory, “Backgam- durable 1/8" clear acrylic. These mon Openings, Book A," published in 2007. designs are specifically made for travel and easy assembly. He is a frequent contributor to the USBGF Baffle Box: $45.00 - $75.00 each. PrimeTime Backgammon magazine. Carrying Case: $10.00 each. usbgf.org/shop USBGF Baffle Box USBGF BG SHOP TARA MENDICINO; PAUL WEAVER PAUL MENDICINO; TARA TOP: FROM USBGF PrimeTime Backgammon Magazine 63 2017 California State Championship

I was more in the mood to relax and rest in which included at least four former world an audible reaction from the crowd. There preparation for the California State event champions and two runners-up. Little did was an inaudible reaction from my gut. My the next day. I was contending in the 2017 I know that I would face three of them. opponent was Giant of Backgammon #1, American Backgammon Tour race, so I was who has been widely considered the world’s going after ABT points as well as the obvi- When the pairings were announced for the best player for a few years now. I was not ous monetary rewards. But I also wanted to California State event, I heard my name. surprised to find myself down 2-7/11 rather When the pairings “ acquit myself well against the strong field, “Ray Fogerlund plays…Mochy.” There was quickly. At that score this position came up. were announced for the Position 1 California State event, 12 11 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 I heard my name. “Ray Pip: 94 2017 Masayuki Mochizuki Fogerlund plays… California State 4-Away is Player 2 Mo c hy.” score: 7 Championship pip: 94 By Ray Fogerlund 11 point match t was December 1, 2017. I was having Paul was distressed that the fields had backdrop to the right of the red carpet: the breakfast with Aaron Foust and the been limited to 64. Both he and Aaron kind used when stars are interviewed at the great Paul Magriel, at a spot the Los wondered how much more work one more Academy Awards. A nearby table sported 9-Awaypip: 141 IAngeles locals know well: Dinah’s Family round would require? Apparently neither of all the trophies. Candace mentioned that Rayscore: Fogerlund 2 Restaurant. They serve the usual breakfast them had ever run such a big tournament they were in the style of the Oscars. This Pip: 141 is Player 1 fare, but specialize in fried chicken and over the short span of three days. I played lady leaves no stone unturned. 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 XGID=---BBBBAA--A-A--db-cdB-bA-:0:0:-1:00:2:7:0:11:10 waffles. Some pancakes require twenty devil’s advocate and took the other side of White (Mochy) onon roll,roll. cube Cube action? action? minutes for baking, and arrive larger and this argument, even though I was equally I mingled with the other players near the thicker than your plate. Aaron had driven inexperienced at directing. Of course, our registration area. It was not long before Analyzed in Rollout No double Double/Take Player Winning Chances: 71.81% (G:15.53% B:0.36%) 71.61% (G:18.90% B:0.71%) from Vegas to L.A., so he served as our arguments were moot, and I proceeded to the 2 p.m. pairings in the Super 32 were Opponent Winning Chances: 28.19% (G:3.54% B:0.10%) 28.39% (G:4.06% B:0.12%) chauffeur. Having lost his cell phone some- mop up the last of my eggs with a piece of announced. What was great was that I Cubeless Equities +0.607 +1.374 Cubeful Equities where between our plane and the hotel, sourdough toast. Sated, we made our way overcame a 1-7/11 deficit against Jeremy No double: +0.800 (-0.128) ±0.012 (+0.788..+0.813) Paul was morose. I felt his pain. to the door. Bagai in the first round. Somewhat less great Double/Take: +0.928 ±0.017 (+0.911..+0.946) was my performance in round two versus Double/Pass: +1.000 (+0.072) The playing room would not be open until As the Hilton LAX had been the scene for Allen Tish, where I lost from a 9-6/11 lead. 12:30 p.m. and play would start at 2. Both the California State Championship for at Frustrated, I decided not to re-enter. I also Best Cube action: Double / Take Rollout details fields (Open and Advanced) were full, least five years now, I was familiar with the decided against playing doubles with Aaron, 1296 Games rolled with Variance Reduction. according to our hostess, Candace Mayeron, double doors that opened into the playing but I regret that. He looks forward to that Dice Seed: 34888629 Moves: 3-ply, cube decisions: XG Roller of the purple hair and effervescent person- room. What was odd was the simulated red event and likes to play with me. Maybe ality. I suspected the full fields were due to carpet taped to the carpeting on the other next time I will be more considerate, and Double Decision confidence: 100.0% Take Decision confidence: 100.0% her tireless preparation and promotion. side of those doors, and the official-looking may have more fun too. Mochy doubled me after some deliberation. I thought for a while, then took. Mochy rolled a brick of a 64, resulting in Position 2. Duration: 12 minutes 01 second

eXtreme Gammon Version: 2.19.211.pre-release, MET: Kazaross XG2

file:///C|/Users/Tara%20Mendicino/Documents/Position/position.htm[3/12/2018 3:26:41 PM] 64 USBGF PrimeTime Backgammon Magazine USBGF PrimeTime Backgammon Magazine 65 2017 California State Championship 2017 California State Championship Position 2

13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 Pip: 84 Masayuki Mochizuki 4-Away is Player 2

score: 7 pip: 84

11 point match

BATTLE OF THE GIANTS Two Giants face off in the first round of the California 9-Awaypip: 141 Rayscore: Fogerlund 2 State Championship. Ray Fogerlund records an Pip: 141 interesting position for posterity, as Mochy ponders. 12 11 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 is Player 1 XGID=---BBBBAA--A-A--bb-ceBabA-:1:1:1:00:2:7:0:11:10 Black (Ray) on roll. on roll, Cube cube action? action? minutes left. At that time my decisions seem four in the undefeated bracket—the money Pacific storm. You get the picture. Analyzed in Rollout No redouble Redouble/Take more important because I am deeper into round—and had to wait for my opponent. Player Winning Chances: 39.72% (G:6.52% B:0.21%) 40.50% (G:7.70% B:0.31%) Opponent Winning Chances: 60.28% (G:17.71% B:0.63%) 59.50% (G:26.17% B:0.52%) a match and now I have little time left to It was getting late, and I began to think it Typhoon Akiko strode confidently toward Cubeless Equities -0.295 +0.025 spend on them! But in general I am happy to might be better to play in the morning. my table. I could almost feel the barom- Cubeful Equities see clocks in widespread use, and I applaud But I sympathized with the organizers eter dropping, and the wind picked up a No redouble: -0.019 (-0.044) ±0.007 (-0.026..-0.012) Redouble/Take: +0.025 ±0.011 (+0.014..+0.036) the L.A. tournament staff’s diligence in and staff, who needed the tournament to little. Number three on the 2015 Giants of Redouble/Pass: +1.000 (+0.975) enforcing the mandatory clocks rule in reach a certain point after the first day. So Backgammon list, Akiko might be under- the Open division. They were trying to I steeled myself for the task, which became rated, though others may not agree. I have Best Cube action: Redouble / Take run their inaugural tournament without considerable when Akiko Yazawa became been impressed by her performance over Rollout details delays, and they rightly had little patience my final-four opponent. She would be the the last five years, and I was not about to 1296 Games rolled with Variance Reduction. Dice Seed: 34888629 for those who wanted to—and in some third former world champion that I faced underestimate Typhoon Akiko. As usual, Moves: 3-ply, cube decisions: XG Roller cases did—violate the rules by playing in five rounds. What a strong field! she appeared to be gathering strength as Double Decision confidence: 100.0% without clocks. I believe those offenders she progressed through the draw. But I Take Decision confidence: 100.0% Without much deliberation I redoubled to I have played Mochy many times, and a victory. It seems like Mochy will invest had only themselves to blame for incurring In preparation for this article I researched was on a roll of my own. I set my jaw and Duration: 9 minutes 41 seconds

4, and Mochy immediately took. I rolled theeXtreme he Gammon usually Version: spends 2.19.211.pre-release, most of his clock MET: Kazarosstime XG2time to avoid playing poorly early in a the staff’s wrath. the difference between a hurricane, cyclone, sat down. Her posture was perfect and needed 2, won four points, and went on to early. This match was no exception. He had match. If need be, he is willing to trust his and typhoon. Typhoons come from the her demeanor was all business. It was late, defeat the great Mochy. Both of the cube less than five minutes left by the time he instincts later, knowing he can play quite I was doing better on Saturday than I had Northwest Pacific, and Akiko is from Japan. but we were both focused. I started well, actions were correct, though my redouble to took the 7-2 lead. At 8-7/11 in my favor, well without wasting any time on the clock. on Friday, winning a couple more matches I think that makes her a backgammon taking a modest lead of 5-3/11. I wasn’t 4 was very close according to XG. Perhaps I remained with over ten minutes while That approach is valid for such a champion. before I drew my second world champion typhoon, and the same goes for Mochy and being blown off the board, at least not yet. the opponent factor makes my redouble a he had less than three. I was happy about in the fourth round: Joe Russell. My dice Michy. Karen Davis might be considered Aware of her reputation for storming her bit stronger given the circumstances. that advantage, but it had little effect on I generally don’t like to play with a clock were unstoppable against him and I won a hurricane since she lives in Florida and opponents, I was glad to reach a seemingly

the outcome as my dice quickly delivered because I tense up when I get below three MAYERON CANDACE easily. Now I had reached the round of hurricanes are a type of Atlantic and Eastern innocuous position.

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13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 12 11 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 Pip: 76 Pip: 91 Akiko Yazawa Akiko Yazawa 8-Away is Player 2 8-Away is Typhoon Akiko

score: 3 score: 3 pip: 76 pip: 91

11 point match 11 point match

6-Awaypip: 64 pip:6-Away 59 Rayscore: Fogerlund 5 score:Ray Fogerlund 5 Pip: 64 Pip: 59 12 11 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 is Player 1 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 is Ray XGID=-AEDB----b-C------acbcbb-:0:0:1:00:5:3:0:11:10 XGID=aBECBAA--a---a-----Acbcbb-:1:-1:-1:00:5:3:0:11:10 Black (Ray) on roll. on roll, Cube cube action? action? White (Akiko) on on roll, roll. cube Cube action? action?

Analyzed in Rollout No double Double/Take Analyzed in Rollout No redouble Redouble/Take Player Winning Chances: 73.02% (G:0.29% B:0.00%) 73.02% (G:0.26% B:0.00%) Player Winning Chances: 53.65% (G:18.86% B:0.77%) 54.01% (G:18.50% B:1.17%) Opponent Winning Chances: 26.98% (G:0.53% B:0.01%) 26.98% (G:0.50% B:0.01%) Opponent Winning Chances: 46.35% (G:13.20% B:0.15%) 45.99% (G:12.74% B:0.21%) Cubeless Equities +0.458 +1.021 Cubeless Equities +0.161 +0.631 Cubeful Equities Cubeful Equities No double: +0.747 (-0.063) ±0.006 (+0.741..+0.753) No redouble: +0.290 (-0.269) ±0.005 (+0.285..+0.296) Double/Take: +0.810 ±0.008 (+0.802..+0.817) Redouble/Take: +0.560 ±0.010 (+0.550..+0.569) Double/Pass: +1.000 (+0.190) Redouble/Pass: +1.000 (+0.440)

Best Cube action: Double / Take Best Cube action: Redouble / Take Rollout details Rollout details 1296 Games rolled with Variance Reduction. 1296 Games rolled with Variance Reduction. Dice Seed: 34888629 Dice Seed: 34888629 Moves: 3-ply, cube decisions: XG Roller Moves: 3-ply, cube decisions: XG Roller

Double Decision confidence: 100.0% Double Decision confidence: 100.0% Take Decision confidence: 100.0% Take Decision confidence: 100.0% I had been up in the race since rolling a big score, with low volatility and little contact. Akiko hit me with 11, and against three blots I felt like I was in the eye of the storm as It was now Sunday. I had been tough on the match 11-9. Duration: 39.6 seconds Duration: 2 minutes 13 seconds

set, but I had been forced to compromiseeXtreme Only Gammon two Version:numbers 2.19.211.pre-release, leave a shot, and MET: I figured Kazaross XG2in my board she correctly chose to leave Akiko considered redoubling. Somehow IeXtreme Saturday, Gammon Version: but the 2.19.211.pre-release, Oscars are reserved MET: Kazaross for XG2 my position to avoid leaving shots. This the right approach would be to make Akiko her 6 point slotted. You may not believe had gotten into a precarious, disadvanta- Sunday winners. My situation was not Later, Matt Cohn-Geier (MCG) said her position looks pretty safe, and I am up pay to see me roll 65, after which I might this, but I then rolled a 26 from the bar! geous position despite my best-laid plans. hopeless but neither was it enviable. I hated double was great and maybe I should pass 12 pips, though my diversification leaves survive anyway. So I doubled and she took. [Ray’s signature roll –Ed.] At least that was The winds exceeded 74 mph at the moment seeing the redouble, but I had no choice because of the score. So, it was with some something to be desired. Though the race Raise your hand if you have ever heard a better than dancing. But what happened she redoubled me. Akiko had become a but to take. So what if Akiko hadn’t missed trepidation that I entered this position into is closer than the pip count indicates, this bad beat story that began: “Of course I to my low-volatility position? I now faced true typhoon. The clock struck midnight a shot in five years? She hit, I missed, and XG later that morning. I was comforted to is just the sort of position I wanted at the rolled the only number that left a shot….” the following position. as I began to consider my plight. eventually lost four points. I fought on, but see that passing was a blunder in excess of the momentum had shifted, and Akiko won 0.40 points per game.

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Akiko is so amazing and graceful and I cleaned up the debris in the aftermath of I saw Akiko the next morning as I entered Steve had exaggerated his plight by a fac- did that work out for you, Ray?” Michael his last few matches. I knew he could, for powerful over the board. She is clearly the the typhoon. Then I wandered by a group the playing room, sitting alone at the stream- tor of 2. He had a whopping 2.5% winning was not in the mood for frivolities, but he nobody takes more photos than Steve. Early Queen of Backgammon, even though there of people watching the other undefeated ing table. I went over and wished her luck. chances on roll here. Would anyone like was polite and said he would play when the in my ABT career, I used a digital camera. were two other ladies in the top four spots semifinal between Steve Sax and Nick Evidently she was waiting for Nick Maffeo to estimate Steve’s chances of winning the talking ceased. I apologized and shut up, For something like five years, before clocks of the 2017 ABT standings: the redoubtable Maffeo. Nick hit a second checker just to show up for their undefeated bracket tournament from here? Given that most realizing this was going to be just as serious were introduced, I would stand on my chair Antoinette Williams and Leyla Zaloutskaya. as Steve’s board was crunching. All signs final match. A little later I was surprised of those chances lie in coming out of the for him as it was for me. It was the money and take a photo of every doubling posi- Leyla won a lot of matches and reached at pointed towards an easy win for Nick, so to see that it was Steve Sax who sat down loser’s bracket, maybe only Art Benjamin round and I had lost about four of those in tion. Now I take pictures with my phone, least three finals. With slightly better luck, I continued to my room assuming that opposite her. Steve explained that he had (the mathemagician who won the Seniors a row. We hedged for a small amount, and and then I can check them later with XG. she could easily have become the American Nick would oppose Akiko to determine won his match with Nick despite being event after having to show his ID to enter) then he pounded me into the pavement. Many players do this, but Steve has a fine- Backgammon Tour Champion. No woman the undefeated finalist. about an 80-1 dog on his last two rolls. would be able to tackle it. We agreed there was little I could have looking camera which he uses frequently has done that yet, but it may not be long done given the dice. Though disappointed, and efficiently. I am never surprised when before one does! Akiko and Steve were prepared to take care I was happy for him because lately he has he wins an elite event—he is a consummate of business. Was I? been making finals but not winning. He is backgammon professional. Position 5 up and coming, working on his game and 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 Pip: 7 The answer was no. The Typhoon Akiko patiently waiting for the rewards. Steve sent me six positions including the Nick Maffeo match was merely the first of three con- previous one. The second provides an 1-Away is Player 2 secutive losses on Sunday for me, which After shaking Michael’s hand, I went to play interesting parallel. Steve faced a cube ruined my promising start. The next was MCG. Now having lost two consecutive against Akiko where he owned the cube at score: 10 Michael Neagu at 11 a.m. which I lost 2-9. money-round matches that would have 6 away to 8 away, the same score at which pip: 7 Michael is relatively new to the ABT, and earned me ABT points, cash, and perhaps she redoubled me. The difference is that he finished #4 in the USBGF Master points some respect, I lost 1-9. Game, match, he was the one considering a redouble. He for 2017. He was focused, and he paused tournament. I would not have to worry outlined the reasons why he chose not to 11 point match the clock a couple of times when I spoke about being late for my 8 p.m. flight. redouble, and didn’t say whether he chose to Matt Cohn-Geier about my match with rightly, but his choice ultimately resulted Akiko. I told him what a blunder passing In a tournament of this size, curious parallels in victory while mine crashed and burned.

7 Akiko’s redouble would have been. He gave often arise. I checked with Steve to see if 1-Awaypip: 9 me that knowing smile which said, “How he could show me any key situations from Stevescore: Sax 10 Pip: 9 12 11 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 is Player 1 XGID=-GA------b-a-:0:0:1:00:10:10:0:11:10 Black (Steve) on on roll. roll, cube action? STEVE SAX Analyzed in XG Roller++ No double Double/Take Player Winning Chances: 2.52% (G:0.00% B:0.00%) 2.52% (G:0.00% B:0.00%) The 2016 and 2017 California Opponent Winning Chances: 97.48% (G:0.00% B:0.00%) 97.48% (G:0.00% B:0.00%) State Champion, has been going Cubeless Equities -0.950 -0.950 strong on the backgammon Cubeful Equities circuit for decades. In this issue No double: -0.950 (0.000) he contributes a reminiscence of Double/Take: -0.950 the late, great Paul Magriel. Double/Pass: +1.000 (+1.950)

Best Cube action: Double / Take

eXtreme Gammon Version: 2.19.211.pre-release, MET: Kazaross XG2

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13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 Pip: 96 Pip: 96 Akiko Yazawa Akiko Yazawa 8-Away is Akiko 8-Away is Player 2

score: 3 score: 3 pip: 96 pip: 96

11 point match 11 point match

6-Awaypip: 93 8-Awaypip: 93 Stevescore: Sax 5 Stevescore: Sax 3 Pip: 93 Pip: 93 12 11 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 is Steve 12 11 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 is Player 1 XGID=aBBBCBB------a---ebccAA-:1:1:1:00:5:3:0:11:10 XGID=aBBBCBB------a---ebccAA-:1:1:1:00:3:3:0:11:10 Black (Steve) on on roll. roll, Cube cube action?action? Variant: Black (Steve) on roll, oncube roll. action?

Analyzed in Rollout No redouble Redouble/Take Analyzed in Rollout No redouble Redouble/Take Player Winning Chances: 73.82% (G:21.71% B:0.48%) 74.35% (G:19.74% B:0.52%) Player Winning Chances: 73.36% (G:22.25% B:0.51%) 74.13% (G:21.17% B:0.68%) Opponent Winning Chances: 26.18% (G:5.16% B:0.14%) 25.65% (G:4.22% B:0.18%) Opponent Winning Chances: 26.64% (G:4.96% B:0.14%) 25.87% (G:4.41% B:0.17%) Cubeless Equities +0.648 +1.051 Cubeless Equities +0.664 +1.386 Cubeful Equities Cubeful Equities No redouble: +0.706 ±0.004 (+0.701..+0.710) No redouble: +0.795 (-0.205) ±0.004 (+0.791..+0.799) Redouble/Take: +0.654 (-0.052) ±0.010 (+0.644..+0.663) Redouble/Take: +1.158 (+0.158) ±0.009 (+1.149..+1.167) Redouble/Pass: +1.000 (+0.294) Redouble/Pass: +1.000

Best Cube action: No redouble / Take Best Cube action: Redouble / Pass Percentage of wrong pass needed to make the double decision right: 14.9% Rollout details Rollout details 1296 Games rolled with Variance Reduction. All right!1296 At the Games same score rolled as with in my Variance match Reduction.taken? If not, you are not in Akiko’s league, with two points of overage. This type of With eachDice player Seed: needing 34888629 8 points, a redou- you will confidently make the same play, except to help both finalists get there. Akiko Dice Seed: 34888629 Moves: 3-ply, cube decisions: XG Roller with Akiko, Steve owns the cube in a much but that’s nothing to feel bad about. He reasoning is foreign to many intermediates, bled gammon gives Black the match with or else learn from your mistake and do and Michael Neagu would play to see who Moves: 3-ply, cube decisions: XG Roller stronger position, yet he decides not to respected (or feared) the typhoon effect: a who seem to want immediate gratification, no overage,Double and Decisionthe position confidence: is a redouble better next time. All I know is that in100.0% would face Steve Sax for the title of Cali- Double Decision confidence: 100.0% Take Decision confidence: 100.0% redouble! Steve said he did not redouble 74-mph recube to 8. Note that at the score, and don’t properly consider the downside and pass. Pretty heady stuff. the undefeated final they reached double fornia State Champion. Michael defeated Take Decision confidence: 100.0% Duration: 2 minutes 16 seconds

because Duration:(1) he didn’t 3 minutes want to 15kill secondshis gam- eight points would win her the match with of redoubling. But Steve’s brilliant thought eXtremematch Gammon point. Version: Overnight 2.19.211.pre-release, Akiko MET: was Kazaross evi- XG2Akiko to earn his spot in the limelight, but mons, and (2) Akiko might be able toeXtreme complete Gammon Version: efficiency. 2.19.211.pre-release, MET: Kazaross XG2process enabled him to make the correct What happened after the players reached dently downgraded from a typhoon to then lost to Steve. return a deadly 8 cube in some variations. technical decision. This is no redouble, Position 6, you might ask? a tropical storm: still dangerous but not This represents some pretty heavy match Steve’s third reason for holding the cube take. He sent the same position showing overpowering. Steve prevailed to become That match was streamed by Larry Shiller management, and it is three-ply human was that he saw no advantage to making the cube action with each player at 8-away. Hell if I know! That is just the rest of the the undefeated finalist. (Voice of Backgammon) [along with stream- analysis at least! Steve had to know that his gammons less efficient. A gammon on story. The idea is to make the right decision ing by the USBGF –Ed.], and a recording Akiko would take this. Would you have 4 would win the match, but inefficiently, and then live or die with the results. Hope- Having lost my three straight, I had no of it is available on Twitch. Backgammon fully if the same situation arises tomorrow effect on the outcome of the losers’ bracket, needs some exposure to grow, and streaming

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is a great way to get it. The problem is that and taking advantage of this great learning simply amazing to me as Justin went right This position shows that Steve is human. values this objective most, as the two best Steve is not on the launching pad, so Michael it costs money to produce live streamed tool while following your favorite players. through Murderer’s Row to win the event. He played 8/7*/5, which is wrong because plays involve 24/23. After making his play, looks pretty strong even though he is now matches and run a website. Larry gently It wasn’t long ago that Justin played as an it does not come to the edge of Michael’s Steve realized that he should have stepped on the bar. Sometimes a strong-looking solicits for donations but doesn’t get many. We have reached the California State Cham- intermediate, so I congratulate him on a prime. This is the place I like to call the up to the 23 and slotted his 2 point, as XG position pays dividends against humans, I contributed $20 recently to his cause at pionship finals and it took us only three great achievement! launching pad: it is where you have to go prefers. The pressure is higher in the finals, though it may be insufficient against XG a tournament. Maybe you should too! days. Matt Cohn-Geier played in another before you can take off. Obviously XG even for experienced players. which has no nerves. Anyway, I recommend visiting his site final on Sunday in the Super 32. He lost All I have is a couple more positions from Position 8 in the finals to Justin Bor. This result was Steve, the new California State Champion. 12 11 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 Position 7 Pip: 152 Michael Neagu 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 Pip: 145 9-Away is Michael Neagu Michael Neagu score: 2 9-Away is Player 2 pip: 152

score: 2 pip: 145

11 point match

11 point match

pip:9-Away 87 score:Steve 2 Sax Pip: 87 9-Awaypip: 90 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 is Steve Sax Stevescore: Sax 2 XGID=ab-DDCB-Aa--a-----bbbbb-A-:0:0:-1:00:2:2:0:11:10 Pip: 90 White (Michael) on roll, on cuberoll. action?Cube action? 12 11 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 is Player 1 XGID=-b-DDBBaBa--a-----bbbbb-A-:0:0:1:21:2:2:0:11:10 to play 21 Analyzed in Rollout No double Double/Take Black (Steve) to play 21 Player Winning Chances: 70.65% (G:13.87% B:0.69%) 71.60% (G:14.58% B:0.79%) Opponent Winning Chances: 29.35% (G:12.76% B:1.62%) 28.40% (G:12.50% B:1.68%) 1. Rollout1 24/23 4/2 eq: -0.629 Cubeless Equities +0.414 +0.888 Player: 31.73% (G:13.29% B:1.34%) Conf.: ± 0.013 (-0.641...-0.616) - [99.9%] Cubeful Equities Opponent: 68.27% (G:14.76% B:0.66%) Duration: 10 minutes 06 seconds No double: +0.711 (-0.075) ±0.012 (+0.698..+0.723) 2. Rollout1 24/23 8/6 eq: -0.657 (-0.029) Double/Take: +0.785 ±0.017 (+0.769..+0.802) Player: 30.81% (G:12.38% B:1.43%) Conf.: ± 0.013 (-0.670...-0.645) - [0.1%] Double/Pass: +1.000 (+0.215) Opponent: 69.19% (G:14.16% B:0.62%) Duration: 8 minutes 41 seconds 1 3. Rollout 8/7* 7/5 eq: -0.716 (-0.087) Best Cube action: Double / Take Player: 29.22% (G:12.65% B:1.52%) Conf.: ± 0.012 (-0.728...-0.704) - [0.0%] Rollout details Opponent: 70.78% (G:13.90% B:0.68%) Duration: 11 minutes 00 second 1296 Games rolled with Variance Reduction. 1 4. Rollout 8/6 8/7* eq: -0.729 (-0.101) Michael Dicehas a Seed: clear 34888629double from the bar. been critical. I believe many good players this article, he deserves his own paragraph. Player: 29.07% (G:12.61% B:1.50%) Conf.: ± 0.013 (-0.743...-0.716) - [0.0%] Moves: 3-ply, cube decisions: XG Roller Opponent: 70.93% (G:14.89% B:0.75%) Duration: 11 minutes 25 seconds But he waited until he entered before dou- would pass here. Art is a peripheral figure in backgammon 5. Rollout1 4/2 3/2 eq: -1.000 (-0.371) bling. SteveDouble would Decision sacrifice confidence: 0.215 points 100.0%even though he is on the USBGF Board Take Decision confidence: 100.0% Player: 22.71% (G:8.40% B:1.11%) Conf.: ± 0.000 (-1.000...-1.000) - [0.0%] per game by passing, and that could have Now let’s get to Art Benjamin. I figure that of Directors now. I say peripheral because Opponent: 77.29% (G:10.44% B:0.39%) Duration: 6 minutes 53 seconds Duration: 17 minutes 20 seconds eXtremeafter Gammon being Version: mentioned 2.19.211.pre-release, about four MET: times Kazaross in XG2unlike most of us he has a life outside of 1 1296 Games rolled with Variance Reduction. Dice Seed: 34888629 Moves: 3-ply, cube decisions: XG Roller

eXtreme Gammon Version: 2.19.211.pre-release, MET: Kazaross XG2

file:///C|/Users/Tara%20Mendicino/Documents/Position/position.htm[3/12/2018 4:47:12 PM] file:///C|/Users/Tara%20Mendicino/Documents/Position/position.htm[3/12/2018 4:40:02 PM] 74 USBGF PrimeTime Backgammon Magazine USBGF PrimeTime Backgammon Magazine 75 2017 California State Championship 2017 California State Championship

backgammon. When he got married, he even been on TV. What is perhaps less up by not nominating him for our Hall of kind of quit the game and began raising known is that Art was the all-time number Fame, but someone will do so eventually. a family. He also had an active career as one player in the early years of the American a math professor, and he moonlights as a Backgammon Tour, until Neil Kazaross left Here is the final position from Steve’s jour- mathemagician. If you have not seen him us all in the dust. Art was and is still kind ney to the title. perform, then Google his name and watch of a backgammagician. He is great, he is a him online. He is that well known; he has treasure, and he is cool. I think I messed

Position 9 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 PATRICK GIBSON Pip: 152 Michael Neagu Hall-of-Famer, veteran player, and long-time director competes in the tournament he ran so well for so 9-Away is Player 2 many years. Though he handed the director's reins to a new team for the California State Championship, score: 6 pip: 149 he is not fully retired. He and Candace Mayeron will co-direct the L.A. Open in June.

11 point match The best play didn’t occur to me. If you saw State Champion. Nice run, Michael—your to play in your old tournament? Candace it, then you are an expert. It is the difference day is coming, but it might have to be when and Ergin and Mark and Ceci, and everyone between fine wine and Two-Buck Chuck. you get a softer draw. else on staff who I have forgotten: thank Bringing two men down is brilliant. So often you. This tournament is a gift. I believe I 9-Awaypip: 97 XG prefers safe plays, and it can be jarring Let me close by observing how special can speak for everyone in thanking Hall Stevescore: Sax 5 when it advocates a move like this. This an event Los Angeles is on the American of Fame director Patrick Gibson for giving Pip: 87 is Player 1 12 11 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 problem makes me realize that I should not Backgammon Tour. It has always been well us this special event.  XGID=-BB-bCD-----dDa--a-e--b---:1:-1:1:54:5:6:0:11:10 Black (Steve) to toplay play 54 54 play by rote as much as I do. Steve actually run by Patrick Gibson, and he has chosen made this play over the board in the finals! his heirs well. The new staff is professional - RAY FOGERLUND 1 1. Rollout 13/9 13/8 eq: +0.506 No wonder he is the three-time California and competent. Pat, isn’t it great to be able Player: 72.70% (G:16.15% B:0.59%) Conf.: ± 0.008 (+0.497...+0.514) - [100.0%] Opponent: 27.30% (G:3.93% B:0.25%) Duration: 5 minutes 43 seconds 2. Rollout1 13/8 6/2 eq: +0.425 (-0.081) Player: 71.04% (G:12.42% B:0.31%) Conf.: ± 0.010 (+0.415...+0.435) - [0.0%] Opponent: 28.96% (G:3.93% B:0.17%) Duration: 5 minutes 30 seconds About Ray 1 3. Rollout 13/8 5/1 eq: +0.404 (-0.102) ay Fogerlund is one of the most colorful and Player: 69.88% (G:13.22% B:0.30%) Conf.: ± 0.012 (+0.392...+0.415) - [0.0%] Rmost feared players on the tournament circuit. Opponent: 30.12% (G:4.32% B:0.19%) Duration: 5 minutes 03 seconds 1 4. Rollout 13/9 6/1 eq: +0.392 (-0.114) Many times a Giant of Backgammon, he is also a Player: 69.75% (G:12.53% B:0.32%) Conf.: ± 0.009 (+0.383...+0.401) - [0.0%] four-time American Backgammon Tour champion. Opponent: 30.25% (G:4.25% B:0.20%) Duration: 5 minutes 03 seconds He has given many seminars and written 1 648 Games rolled with Variance Reduction. Pete Maravich used to be worth the price of admission to the bas- Michael Phelps in swimming, and Jesse Owens in track. This play Dice Seed: 34888629 many articles, and is a frequent PrimeTime ketball game.Moves: Same 3-ply, with cube Pelé decisions: in soccer, XG Kurt Roller Warner in football, should be on the highlight reel, as it is worth the price of admission. contributor. He was inducted into the American eXtreme Gammon Version: 2.19.211.pre-release, MET: Kazaross XG2 Backgammon Hall of Fame in 2017. CANDACE MAYERON; TARA MENDICINO TARA MAYERON; CANDACE TOP: FROM

file:///C|/Users/Tara%20Mendicino/Documents/Position/position.htm[3/12/2018 4:54:24 PM] 76 USBGF PrimeTime Backgammon Magazine USBGF PrimeTime Backgammon Magazine 77 A Simple Rule: Adjusting Opening Cube Action to Match Play

In unlimited games, four cube actions are possible: no double The simple rule we are proposing here attempts to quantify the and take (ND/T), double and take (D/T), double and pass (D/P), otherwise rather vague notions of “more aggressive” and “more and too good to double and pass (TG/P) if the Jacoby rule is not conservative”. Before stating the rule, let us describe the baseline used. Few opening cubes in unlimited games are TG/P, so we adjustments to all possible scenarios: will not address this option here. Besides, our rule of thumb does not generalize to TG/P. This type of cube action needs a separate 1. Suppose that in the unlimited games the correct cube action technical discussion. is D/T. Then if the player on roll is trailing in the match the adjusting opening cube cube action becomes D/P, and if the player on roll is leading The general rule of thumb for adjusting the unlimited-game cube in the match the cube action becomes ND/T. action in gammonish positions to match play is this: action to match play 2. If the unlimited-game cube action is ND/T, then it remains By David Presser and Igor Erovenko »» The player trailing in the match should be more aggressive ND/T if the player on roll is leading in the match, but becomes with the cube, and the player leading in the match should be D/T if the player on roll is trailing in the match and has a more conservative with the cube. reasonable advantage in the position.

Unfortunately, this simple and intuitive rule doesn’t specify exactly 3. If the unlimited-game cube action is D/P, then it remains D/P e have explained the basics of cube action in the Step 1, which we discussed in our previous articles, establishes the how much more aggressive (relative to unlimited games) you should if the player on roll is trailing in the match, but becomes D/T opening phase of the game (opening cubes, for critical importance of unlimited-game cube actions: those actions be with the cube when trailing in the match, and how much more if the player on roll is leading in the match. short) in a series of articles published in Prime- serve as benchmarks for match-play cube decisions. conservative you need to be when leading in the match. WTime Backgammon. Those articles only considered cube action in unlimited games. However, modern competitive backgammon We begin the adjustment process by asking this question: Is this Unlimited Games Leading Trailing usually consists of match play. In this article, we propose a simple position gammonish? If the answer is no, then no adjustment for ND/T ND/T D/T rule of thumb for adjusting opening cube action from unlimited gammons is needed and one only needs to know the take point D/T ND/T D/P games to different match scores. As with any general rule, our at the given score. If the answer is yes, then further adjustments D/P D/T D/P approach has its exceptions and limitations. We will mention the are necessary and the correct cube action at the given score may most common ones. We believe that students of the game should differ drastically from that in unlimited games. To be more precise, the adjustments would depend on how much the player on roll is trailing or leading in the match. For example, if see a significant increase in the accuracy of their cube handling the unlimited-game opening cube is a small double and a solid take, then trailing by one or two points could be insufficient to push in matches if they incorporate our techniques into their over-the- The prior paragraph raises the question “What is a gammonish this cube into pass territory. Nevertheless, the table of adjustments is an important reference in the adjustment process; the decision board decision-making process. position?” For our purpose, this is any position where the player can be further fine-tuned for a match score and a given position. on roll has a double-digit gammon percentage. By this definition, As always, we hope that players of all levels will benefit from our most positions—including the starting position (in which each analysis. We have tried to avoid technicalities and concentrate on side has about a 14% gammon chance) are gammonish. Races and concepts in this article. We plan to present more in-depth coverage standard holding games are examples of non-gammonish positions. of this topic in subsequent articles. Let’s proceed. We will illustrate our method with a case study of Our basic procedure follows these two steps: four opening positions. Almost all opening reference positions are gammonish, so opening cubes represent a suitable pool of 1. Determine proper cube action for unlimited games. positions to which our method applies.

2. Adjust the cube action to the match score. AUER DORIS is Player 2

score: 0 pip: 162

Unlimited Game Jacoby

pip: 147 score: 0 78 USBGF PrimeTime Backgammon Magazine USBGF PrimeTime Backgammon Magazine 79 is Player 1 XGID=aBaB--C-A---dE---d-e----B-:0:0:1:00:0:0:1:0:10 A Simple Rule: Adjusting Opening Cube Action to Match Play A Simple Rule:on roll, cube Adjusting action? Opening Cube Action to Match Play

Analyzed in Rollout No double Double/Take Player Winning Chances: 60.14% (G:29.10% B:0.56%) 60.32% (G:29.68% B:0.54%) Our rule: Opponent Winning Chances: 39.86% (G:10.09% B:0.48%) 39.68% (G:10.27% B:0.50%) Trailing in the match results in a qualitative adjustment up by at most one notch, and Cubeless Equities +0.394 +0.802 Cubeful Equities leading in the match results in a qualitative adjustment down by at most one notch. No double: +0.534 ±0.006 (+0.529..+0.540) Double/Take: +0.492 (-0.043) ±0.007 (+0.484..+0.499) y a qualitative adjustment we mean changing the cube action (e.g., from D/T Double/Pass: +1.000 (+0.466) to ND/T or to D/P). By “notch” we mean an entry in the following progressive D/P scale: ND/T, D/T, D/P. Moving one notch up means moving up the scale to Best Cube action: No double / Take Percentage of wrong pass needed to make the double decision right: 8.4% Trailing in Bthe next entry, and moving one notch down means moving down the scale to the next N the match Rollout details entry. Adjustment by at most one notch means that the cube action cannot move up Position10368 1 was Gamesanalyzed rolled in our with “Opening Variance Cubes” Reduction. article as part unlimited-game cube action in this (gammonish) position to or down the scale by two notches. For example, if the unlimited-game cube action is of the discussionDice Seed: of Position75949212 8. The correct unlimited-game cube various match scores. Moves: 3-ply, cube decisions: XG Roller ND/T, it does not become D/P in a match (or vice versa), and may actually remain the action is ND/T. Here is how our rule can be applied to adjust the D/T Unlimited-Game Double Decision confidence: 100.0% Cube Action same as in unlimited games. PositionTake Decision 1-A confidence: 100.0% Duration: 49 minutes 35 seconds 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 eXtreme Gammon Version: 2.19.211.pre-release To illustrate how our method works in practice, we will do a case study of four opening Pip: 162 positions at various scores in a 9-point match. We will use this notation for the rest of O Leading in Player 2 the match the article: a match score −m−n means that the player on roll needs m points to win 7-Away is Player 2 ND/T the match, and the other player needs n points to win the match. For example, if the score: 2 match is to 9 points and the score is 6-4 with the player on roll leading, we will denote pip: 162 Position Equity this score by −3−5.

Position 1 9 point match 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 Pip: 162 Player 2 Unlimited Game 5-Awaypip: 147 Playerscore: 1 4 Pip: 147 12 11 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 is Player 1 XGID=aBaB--C-A---dE---d-e----B-:0:0:1:00:4:2:0:9:10 Black (Player 1) on roll, roll. cube Cube action? action?

Analyzed in Rollout No double Double/Take Player Winning Chances: 60.00% (G:29.60% B:0.72%) 60.12% (G:30.46% B:0.98%) Opponent Winning Chances: 40.00% (G:10.30% B:0.58%) 39.88% (G:10.57% B:0.95%) file:///C|/Users/Tara%20Mendicino/Documents/Position/position.htm[3/20/2018Cubeless Equities +0.379 8:32:54 AM] +0.789 Cubeful Equities Unlimited Game No double: +0.436 ±0.008 (+0.428..+0.443) Player 1 Double/Take: +0.235 (-0.201) ±0.011 (+0.224..+0.246) Pip: 147 Double/Pass: +1.000 (+0.564) 12 11 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 Money Game: Black (Player 1) on roll. Cube action? Best Cube action: No double / Take Percentage of wrong pass needed to make the double decision right: 26.3% Rollout details 5184 Games rolled with Variance Reduction. Dice Seed: 73497508 Moves: 3-ply, cube decisions: XG Roller

Double Decision confidence: 100.0% Take Decision confidence: 100.0% Duration: 50 minutes 38 seconds

eXtreme Gammon Version: 2.19.211.pre-release, MET: Kazaross XG2

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Since this position is ND/T for unlimited principle that the match leader should be doubling is a 0.08 blunder). The −4−5 on roll (trailing in the match) knows that he should double, while This position is a double for the trailer at all scores in a 9-point games and the player on roll is leading in the more conservative with the cube in gam- score is special (as are almost all scores in his opponent (leading in the match) knows that she should take. match except −9−8. At −9−8 the position is a marginal ND (by match (−5−7), the position remains ND/T. monish positions than in unlimited games. a 5-point match) and our simple rule does 0.015). This is consistent with the rule. The farther the match score is away from a not apply: the cube action changes from Position 1-C tied score the larger the adjustment to the We rolled out the cube action for this posi- ND/T for unlimited games to D/T for the 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 unlimited-game cube action needs to be. tion at all possible scores in a 9-point match leading player, which is the opposite of Pip: 162 For example, doubling at −5−7 score is a and found that the cube action remains what the rule predicts. Player 2 0.2 blunder as opposed to a 0.045 error in ND/T at all leading scores except for −4−5 3-Away is Player 2 unlimited games. This illustrates the general where the correct cube action is D/T (not score: 6 Position 1-B pip: 162

13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 Pip: 162 Player 2 5-Away is Player 2 9 point match

score: 4 pip: 162

4-Awaypip: 147 Playerscore: 1 5 Pip: 147 is Player 1 9 point match 12 11 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 XGID=aBaB--C-A---dE---d-e----B-:0:0:1:00:5:6:0:9:10 Black (Player 1) on roll, roll. cube Cube action? action?

Analyzed in Rollout No double Double/Take 7-Awaypip: 147 Player Winning Chances: 60.33% (G:28.44% B:1.11%) 60.69% (G:29.07% B:1.61%) score: 2 Opponent Winning Chances: 39.67% (G:9.96% B:0.77%) 39.31% (G:10.08% B:1.35%) Player 1 Cubeless Equities +0.373 +1.409 Pip: 147 Cubeful Equities 12 11 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 is Player 1 XGID=aBaB--C-A---dE---d-e----B-:0:0:1:00:2:4:0:9:10 No double: +0.764 (-0.236) ±0.007 (+0.757..+0.771) Black (Player 1) on roll, roll. cube Cube action? action? Double/Take: +1.197 (+0.197) ±0.011 (+1.186..+1.208) Double/Pass: +1.000 Analyzed in Rollout No double Double/Take Player Winning Chances: 60.23% (G:29.12% B:0.55%) 60.53% (G:29.50% B:0.54%) Opponent Winning Chances: 39.77% (G:10.14% B:0.59%) 39.47% (G:10.32% B:0.73%) Best Cube action: Double / Pass Rollout details Cubeless Equities +0.399 +0.879 Position 1-C is an exception to the rule Position 1-C represents a group of three Generally, this position is a take for the Cubeful Equities 5184 Games rolled with Variance Reduction. where theDice adjustment Seed: 37028408 is by more than one highly sensitive scores: −3−2, −4−3, and leader except at the three scores mentioned No double: +0.657 (-0.071) ±0.007 (+0.650..+0.663) Moves: 3-ply, cube decisions: XG Roller Double/Take: +0.728 ±0.009 (+0.719..+0.737) notch. Position 1, which is ND/T for unlim- −4−2. For these scores, the adjustment can in the last paragraph and at −8−2 (pass Double/Pass: +1.000 (+0.272) ited games,Double jumps Decision two notches confidence: up to D/P be more than one notch. If the position is100.0% by 0.045) as well as at −9−2 (borderline Take Decision confidence: 100.0% at the −4−3 score. We already mentioned ND/T for unlimited games, then it may take/pass). Duration: 42 minutes 55 seconds Best Cube action: Double / Take that our simple rule has its limitationseXtreme become Gammon either Version: D/T 2.19.211.pre-release, or D/P at each MET: of theseKazaross XG2 Rollout details In this position, the player on roll is trailing −7−5 and should be clear advantage, our rule says it becomes D/T at this score. Knowing and exceptions, and it is important to be scores. Whether the leader should take or 5184 Games rolled with Variance Reduction. more aggressiveDice Seed: with 64215065 the cube than in unlimited games. Since the the correct unlimited-game cube action helps both players figure aware of them to be able to apply the rule pass depends on how far the player on roll Moves: 3-ply, cube decisions: XG Roller position is ND/T for unlimited games and the player on roll has a out the correct cube action at the given match score. The player effectively. is from a correct double in unlimited games. Double Decision confidence: 100.0% Take Decision confidence: 100.0% Duration: 1 hour 32 minutes

eXtreme Gammon Version: 2.19.211.pre-release, MET: Kazaross XG2

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13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 Pip: 163 Pip: 163 Player 2 Player 2 Unlimited is Player Game 2 3-Away is Player 2

score: 0 score: 6 pip: 163 pip: 163

Unlimited Game 9 point match Jacoby

Unlimitedpip: 155 Game 5-Awaypip: 155 Playerscore: 10 Playerscore: 1 4 Pip: 155 Pip: 155 12 11 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 is Player 1 12 11 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 is Player 1 XGID=aa-B-BC-A---dE---d-e----B-:0:0:1:00:0:0:1:0:10 XGID=aa-B-BC-A---dE---d-e----B-:0:0:1:00:4:6:0:9:10 Money Game: Black on roll, (Player cube action? 1) on roll. Cube action? Black (Player 1) on roll, roll. cube Cube action? action?

Analyzed in Rollout No double Double/Take Analyzed in Rollout No double Double/Take Player Winning Chances: 66.52% (G:27.64% B:1.25%) 66.57% (G:28.88% B:1.26%) Player Winning Chances: 66.52% (G:27.67% B:1.16%) 66.60% (G:29.18% B:1.10%) Opponent Winning Chances: 33.48% (G:7.49% B:0.34%) 33.43% (G:7.84% B:0.38%) Opponent Winning Chances: 33.48% (G:7.55% B:0.60%) 33.40% (G:8.22% B:1.24%) Cubeless Equities +0.541 +1.101 Cubeless Equities +0.477 +1.235 Cubeful Equities Cubeful Equities No double: +0.775 (-0.068) ±0.007 (+0.768..+0.782) No double: +0.904 (-0.096) ±0.005 (+0.899..+0.910) Double/Take: +0.843 ±0.009 (+0.834..+0.852) Double/Take: +1.130 (+0.130) ±0.008 (+1.121..+1.138) Double/Pass: +1.000 (+0.157) Double/Pass: +1.000

Best Cube action: Double / Take Best Cube action: Double / Pass Rollout details Rollout details 5184 Games rolled with Variance Reduction. 5184 Games rolled with Variance Reduction. Dice Seed: 48255426 Moves: 3-ply, cube decisions: XG Roller Moves: 3-ply, cube decisions: XG Roller Double Decision confidence: 100.0% Double Decision confidence: 100.0% Take Decision confidence: 100.0% Take Decision confidence: 100.0% Duration: 1 hour 13 minutes

Duration: 29 minutes 41 seconds eXtreme Gammon Version: 2.19.211.pre-release, MET: Kazaross XG2 eXtreme Gammon Version: 2.19.211.pre-release Position 2 is a classic “always” reference play that followed a correct cube in our that White can take is that Black has only The player on roll is trailing −5−3 and our rule says it becomes D/P at this score. and found that the cube action becomes position—a clear double and take. It was “Checker Play after an Opening Cube” eight checkers in the zone. Now let’s see hence should be more aggressive with The player leading in the match knows D/P at all scores where the player on roll is analyzed in our “Opening Cubes” article, article. With such a strong three-point how our rule can be applied to adjust the the cube than in unlimited games, while that she should pass because her opponent trailing except for −7−6, −9−7, and −9−8, was used as a reference position in our board and dominance in every relevant unlimited-game D/T cube action in this the player being doubled (leading in the has a theoretical unlimited-game double. where the correct cube action remains D/T “A-B Approach to Opening Cubes” article, game plan (attacking, priming, and racing), position to various match scores. match) should be more conservative with (a pass would be incorrect by 0.040, 0.035, and was also used to analyze the checker Black has a clear double. The only reason the cube than in unlimited games. Since We rolled out the cube action for this posi- and 0.085 respectively). the position is D/T for unlimited games, tion at all possible scores in a 9-point match,

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13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 Pip: 163 Pip: 164 Player 2 Player 2 5-Away is Player 2 Unlimited is Player Game 2

score: 4 score: 0 pip: 163 pip: 164

Unlimited Game 9 point match Jacoby

3-Awaypip: 155 Unlimitedpip: 147 Game Playerscore: 1 6 Playerscore: 10 Pip: 155 Pip: 147 12 11 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 is Player 1 12 11 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 is Player 1 XGID=aa-B-BC-A---dE---d-e----B-:0:0:1:00:6:4:0:9:10 XGID=bB-B--C-A---dE---d-e----B-:0:0:1:00:0:0:1:0:10 Black (Player 1) on roll, roll. cube Cube action? action? Money Game: Black on roll, (Player cube action? 1) on roll. Cube action?

Analyzed in Rollout No double Double/Take Analyzed in Rollout No double Double/Take Player Winning Chances: 66.20% (G:28.81% B:2.80%) 66.19% (G:29.66% B:4.23%) Player Winning Chances: 67.46% (G:40.12% B:0.57%) 67.76% (G:41.84% B:0.52%) Opponent Winning Chances: 33.80% (G:7.64% B:0.52%) 33.81% (G:7.74% B:0.82%) Opponent Winning Chances: 32.54% (G:7.42% B:0.38%) 32.24% (G:7.77% B:0.41%) Cubeless Equities +0.635 +1.094 Cubeless Equities +0.678 +1.394 Cubeful Equities Cubeful Equities No double: +0.657 ±0.008 (+0.650..+0.665) No double: +0.853 (-0.147) ±0.005 (+0.848..+0.859) Double/Take: +0.539 (-0.118) ±0.011 (+0.529..+0.550) Double/Take: +1.140 (+0.140) ±0.009 (+1.131..+1.149) Double/Pass: +1.000 (+0.343) Double/Pass: +1.000

Best Cube action: No double / Take Best Cube action: Double / Pass Percentage of wrong pass needed to make the double decision right: 25.6% Rollout details Rollout details 5184 Games rolled with Variance Reduction. 5184 Games rolled with Variance Reduction. Dice Seed: 42060932 Moves: 3-ply, cube decisions: XG Roller Moves: 3-ply, cube decisions: XG Roller

Double Decision confidence: 100.0% Double Decision confidence: 100.0% Take Decision confidence: 100.0% Take Decision confidence: 100.0% Duration: 1 hour 56 minutes Duration: 18 minutes 38 seconds

Since this position is D/T for unlimitedeXtreme when Gammon the Version:player on2.19.211.pre-release, roll is trailing and MET: ND/T Kazaross XG2our rule does not apply. eXtreme Gammon Version: 2.19.211.pre-release games and the player on roll is leading when the player on roll is leading. Position 3 was analyzed in our “Opening even though Black has only eight checkers wins are gammons. Let’s apply our rule to in the match (−3−5), our rule suggests This position is no double for the leader at Cubes” article as part of the discussion of in the zone. The reason is that now, with this position to see how the cube action adjusting by one notch down, making the This position is a take for the trailer at all most scores in a 9-point match. It remains Position 8. The correct unlimited-game cube both White back checkers on the bar against changes with the match score. score-based cube action ND/T. Note the scores in a 9-point match except for −4−5 a double when the leader is both ahead by action is D/P. White should pass the cube a three-point board, the majority of Black’s extreme change in cube action between where the correct cube action is D/P (taking 1 or 2 points only and is 4 or more points positions 2-A and 2-B. This position, which is a 0.16 blunder). As mentioned in Position away from winning the match (except that is D/T for unlimited games, becomes D/P 1B analysis, the −4−5 score is special and it is ND/T at −5−7).

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13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 Pip: 164 Pip: 164 Player 2 Player 2 5-Away is Player 2 2-Away is Player 2

score: 4 score: 7 pip: 164 pip: 164

9 point match 9 point match

8-Awaypip: 147 3-Awaypip: 147 Playerscore: 1 1 Playerscore: 1 6 Pip: 147 Pip: 147 12 11 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 is Player 1 12 11 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 is Player 1 XGID=bB-B--C-A---dE---d-e----B-:0:0:1:00:1:4:0:9:10 XGID=bB-B--C-A---dE---d-e----B-:0:0:1:00:6:7:0:9:10 Black (Player 1) on roll, roll. cube Cube action? action? Black (Player 1) on roll, roll. cube Cube action? action?

Analyzed in Rollout No double Double/Take Analyzed in Rollout No double Double/Take Player Winning Chances: 67.53% (G:40.74% B:0.55%) 67.89% (G:41.58% B:0.49%) Player Winning Chances: 67.54% (G:41.14% B:0.98%) 67.67% (G:41.71% B:1.43%) Opponent Winning Chances: 32.47% (G:7.54% B:0.42%) 32.11% (G:7.63% B:0.46%) Opponent Winning Chances: 32.46% (G:7.65% B:0.60%) 32.33% (G:7.56% B:0.90%) Cubeless Equities +0.687 +1.569 Cubeless Equities +0.806 +1.741 Cubeful Equities Cubeful Equities No double: +0.956 (-0.044) ±0.004 (+0.952..+0.961) No double: +1.074 ±0.005 (+1.069..+1.078) Double/Take: +1.466 (+0.466) ±0.008 (+1.458..+1.474) Double/Take: +1.741 (+0.668) ±0.007 (+1.734..+1.749) Double/Pass: +1.000 Double/Pass: +1.000 (-0.074)

Best Cube action: Double / Pass Best Cube action: Too good to double / Pass Rollout details Percentage of wrong take needed to make the double decision right: 9.9% 5184 Games rolled with Variance Reduction. Rollout details Moves: 3-ply, cube decisions: XG Roller 5184 Games rolled with Variance Reduction. Moves: 3-ply, cube decisions: XG Roller Double Decision confidence: 100.0% Take Decision confidence: 100.0% Double Decision confidence: 100.0% Duration: 55 minutes 04 seconds Take Decision confidence: 100.0%

eXtreme Gammon Version: 2.19.211.pre-release, MET: Kazaross XG2 Duration: 52 minutes 09 seconds Since this position is D/P for unlimited needs to be. In this position, a 0.14 pass We rolled out the cube action for this In this position, the player on roll is trailingeXtreme −4−2. Gammon For Version: these three 2.19.211.pre-release, scores the appropriate MET: Kazaross XG2either D/P or TG/P at each of these scores games and the player on roll is trailing in for unlimited games becomes a 0.47 pass position at all possible scores in a 9-point −3−2 and hence should be more aggressive adjustment may be more than one notch. when the trailer is on roll. Whether or not the match (−8−5), the cube action remains at −8−5. These numbers align with the match. We found that the match leader must with the cube than in unlimited games. In this position, the cube action goes from the trailer is too good depends on how big D/P. The farther the match score is from general principle that a player leading in always pass, and the cube action remains This score belongs to the group of three D/P for unlimited games to TG/P for all the pass is for unlimited games. a tied score, the larger the adjustment to the match should be conservative with the D/P at all trailing scores, except for a few highly sensitive scores presented in the these scores. In general, if a position is D/P the unlimited-game cube action generally cube in gammonish positions. that we address in the next position. analysis of position 1-C: −3−2, −4−3, and for unlimited games, then it may become

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13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 Pip: 164 Pip: 164 Player 2 Player 2 8-Away is Player 2 3-Away is Player 2

score: 1 score: 6 pip: 164 pip: 164

9 point match 9 point match

5-Awaypip: 147 2-Awaypip: 147 Playerscore: 1 4 Playerscore: 1 7 Pip: 147 Pip: 147 12 11 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 is Player 1 12 11 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 is Player 1 XGID=bB-B--C-A---dE---d-e----B-:0:0:1:00:4:1:0:9:10 XGID=bB-B--C-A---dE---d-e----B-:0:0:1:00:7:6:0:9:10 Black (Player 1) on roll, roll. cube Cube action? action? Black (Player 1) on roll, roll. cube Cube action? action?

Analyzed in Rollout No double Double/Take Analyzed in Rollout No double Double/Take Player Winning Chances: 67.56% (G:41.51% B:0.82%) 67.65% (G:42.93% B:1.21%) Player Winning Chances: 67.57% (G:43.60% B:1.60%) 67.04% (G:44.56% B:1.32%) Opponent Winning Chances: 32.44% (G:7.91% B:0.55%) 32.35% (G:8.24% B:0.77%) Opponent Winning Chances: 32.43% (G:8.08% B:0.88%) 32.96% (G:7.30% B:0.73%) Cubeless Equities +0.685 +1.408 Cubeless Equities +1.081 +1.019 Cubeful Equities Cubeful Equities No double: +0.745 (-0.053) ±0.008 (+0.738..+0.753) No double: +0.883 ±0.008 (+0.874..+0.891) Double/Take: +0.798 ±0.012 (+0.787..+0.810) Double/Take: +0.359 (-0.524) ±0.009 (+0.349..+0.368) Double/Pass: +1.000 (+0.202) Double/Pass: +1.000 (+0.117)

Best Cube action: Double / Take Best Cube action: No double / Take Rollout details Percentage of wrong pass needed to make the double decision right: 81.7% 5184 Games rolled with Variance Reduction. Rollout details Moves: 3-ply, cube decisions: XG Roller 5184 Games rolled with Variance Reduction. Moves: 3-ply, cube decisions: XG Roller Double Decision confidence: 100.0% Take Decision confidence: 100.0% PositionDouble 3-D is anotherDecision type confidence: of exception it wins him the match. At 3-away, it gets100.0% should be extremely conservative with the Duration: 1 hour 08 minutes Take Decision confidence: 100.0% to the rule where the adjustment is more him to the Crawford game where the cube cube in a gammonish position at -3. eXtreme Gammon Version: 2.19.211.pre-release, MET: Kazaross XG2 Duration: 1 hour 27 minutes In this position, the player on roll is leading Note that the player sending the cube knows −4−6, −4−7, −5−6, and all scores where than one notch. The cube action in Posi-eXtremecannot Gammon be Version: used. 2.19.211.pre-release, On the other hand, MET: ifKazaross the XG2 −5−8 and should be more conservative with that he has a double at this score because the leader is 6 or more points away from tion 3, which is D/P for unlimited games, leader turns the cube he gains nothing This position becomes ND/T when the the cube than in unlimited games. Since the this position is an unlimited-game pass. winning the match (it is a borderline pass/ drops two notches down to ND/T at the from a gammon, risks to lose much more leader, on roll, is 2 or 3 points away from position is D/P for unlimited games, our take at −6−9). −2−3 score. by losing a gammon, and gives the trailer winning the match (except it is D/T at rule says to adjust by one notch down, so This position becomes a take for the trailer a chance to play this game on a 4 cube and −3−4 and −3−5) or when leading by 4 or the cube action becomes D/T at this score. at all scores in a 9-point match except −4−5, Generally, if the leader is 2 or 3 points turn the match around. The match leader more points (e.g. at −4−8, −4−9, and −5−9). away from winning the match, a center- should never send a gammonish cube when cube gammon is very valuable. At 2-away, 2 points away from winning the match, and

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13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 Pip: 152 Pip: 152 Player 2 Player 2 Unlimited is Player Game 2 2-Away is Player 2

score: 0 score: 7 pip: 152 pip: 152

Unlimited Game 9 point match Jacoby Beaver

Unlimitedpip: 143 Game 4-Awaypip: 143 Playerscore: 10 Playerscore: 1 5 Pip: 143 Pip: 143 12 11 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 is Player 1 12 11 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 is Player 1 XGID=-----bEBC---cC-aacBe------:0:0:1:00:0:0:3:0:10 XGID=-----bEBC---cC-aacBe------:0:0:1:00:5:7:0:9:10 Money Game: Black on roll, (Player cube action? 1) on roll. Cube action? Black (Player 1) on roll, roll. cube Cube action? action?

Analyzed in Rollout No double Double/Take Analyzed in Rollout No double Double/Take Player Winning Chances: 61.39% (G:9.07% B:0.29%) 61.56% (G:9.11% B:0.30%) Player Winning Chances: 62.13% (G:7.35% B:0.36%) 62.87% (G:6.33% B:0.38%) Opponent Winning Chances: 38.61% (G:6.79% B:0.21%) 38.44% (G:6.89% B:0.22%) Opponent Winning Chances: 37.87% (G:6.15% B:0.39%) 37.13% (G:5.49% B:0.40%) Cubeless Equities +0.251 +0.508 Cubeless Equities +0.210 +0.492 Cubeful Equities Cubeful Equities No double: +0.412 ±0.007 (+0.405..+0.418) No double: +0.557 ±0.006 (+0.551..+0.563) Double/Take: +0.241 (-0.170) ±0.009 (+0.233..+0.250) Double/Take: +0.492 (-0.065) ±0.006 (+0.486..+0.499) Double/Pass: +1.000 (+0.588) Double/Pass: +1.000 (+0.443)

Best Cube action: No double / Take Best Cube action: No double / Take Percentage of wrong pass needed to make the double decision right: 22.5% Percentage of wrong pass needed to make the double decision right: 12.7% Rollout details Rollout details 5184 Games rolled with Variance Reduction. 5184 Games rolled with Variance Reduction. Dice Seed: 56370 Dice Seed: 76922709 Moves: 3-ply, cube decisions: XG Roller Moves: 3-ply, cube decisions: XG Roller

Double Decision confidence: 100.0% Double Decision confidence: 100.0% This position remains ND/T even when up (as discussed in the analysis of Position to match play is a two-step process. First, Take Decision confidence: 100.0% Take Decision confidence: 100.0% Duration: 41 minutes 24 seconds the playerDuration: on roll is35 trailing. minutes Adjusting 02 seconds by 1-C). But even at this score the correct cube we need to determine whether our posi- Position 4 results from the sequence bareXtreme points, Gammon and then Version: White 2.19.211.pre-release rolls 22 and We present this position as a contrasting one notch up can lead to a blunder. TheeXtreme action Gammon in Version: this non-gammonish 2.19.211.pre-release, MET: position Kazaross XG2tion is gammonish or non-gammonish. 43D-66B-22@-C (White opens with 43 makes the twenty-point anchor). The cor- example. It is non-gammonish (the player diagram shows the most sensitive match remains ND/T. Only when the position is gammonish do and plays two checkers down from the rect unlimited-game cube action is a clear on roll wins only single-digit gammons). score −4−2, where the trailing player may we apply the one-notch-up or one-notch- midpoint, Black rolls 66 and makes both no double and a take. Therefore, our rule of thumb does not apply. adjust the gammonish position unlimited- This position is intended to remind our down rule of thumb. game cube action by more than one notch readers that adjusting opening cube action

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e have described a practical approach to determin- ing correct opening cube action in match play. It is based on adjusting the unlimited-game cube action Wto the match score. We have presented a simple rule of thumb for doing this and illustrated our rule with the case study of four positions. While our rule helps find the correct cube action for Exquisite Craftsmanship both the player on roll and his opponent, any simple rule has its Our boards are made by Fazil Terlemez, a German craftsman. limitations and exceptions. It is therefore important to know the exceptions in order to use the rule effectively. These are the most Disabled from polio when he was 3 years old, and limited to working from common exceptions to our rule: a sitting position in a wheel chair, Fazil has earned his livelihood for the past 20 years by making superb backgammon boards, dice cups and doubling cubes. For Fazil, no detail is too small to be overlooked. Everything about »» Almost all opening cubes are ND/T at every score −2−n, his designs speak of strength, durability, and beauty. His boards are a where n>2, and every score −3−m, where m>6. joy to play on.

»» Almost all scores in a 5-point match are special and don’t Fazil’s playing surface of choice is a felt made from dense Merino sheep wool. Merino wool is a quiet yet lively playing surface. Dice tumble easily across always follow the pattern in the adjustment table. the soft board surface. Checkers will never lose their smooth glide action.

We hope that this article will help students of the game make bet- Our boards are built with 45mm (1.75”) and 50mm (2”) checkers. Their ter opening cube decisions in match play. Our intention was to smooth surfaces perfectly compliment Fazil’s Merino wool playing surfaces. formulate as simple a rule as possible, and we believe the one we Every board comes with 8 corner protectors, a unique handmade 40mm 65+ unique chose can be used very effectively in practical play. We deliberately doubling cube, 2 or 4 dice cups, 4 or 8 ball-cornered precision dice, and a board designs Chouette pack that includes 4 acrylic doubling cubes, 2 scoring cubes, and avoided any technical discussion involving take points and gam- a high quality leather dice bag. Our newly released Titan Series boards are are in stock and mon values at various match scores in this introductory article. built with 50mm (2 inch) checkers. Every board ships with a heavy duty ready to ship. However, we do plan to follow this article with a more specific canvas carry bag. discussion of various match scores. We encourage our readers to conduct similar investigations with other reference positions; and You can find us at gammonstuff.com or at facebook.com/gammonstuff as always, we welcome their feedback.

We would like to thank Timothy Chow, Bruce Farquhar, Masayuki Mochizuki (aka Mochy), Dmitriy Obukhov, David Rockwell, and Paul Weaver, who read the preliminary version of the article and made numerous useful suggestions. Marty Storer and Bob Wachtel did a tremendous editorial job polishing this article. 

- DAVID PRESSER AND IGOR EROVENKO DORIS AUER DORIS

www.gammonstuff.com | www.facebook.com/gammonstuff 43rd Backgammon Backgammon World Championship Fairmont Monte Carlo, Monaco

sochibgws

sochibgws Sochi, World Russia Series Sav april 25-29, 2018 e the Dates! sochibgws.com July 28th - August 5th, 2018 Warm-Up Event 8th Monte Carlo Open july 28th - 29th, 2018 july 29th - 30th, 2018 43rd World Championship july 31st - august 5th, 2018 €10.000 Added to the Championship Division! Double-Elimination Format in Championship, Intermediate, & NOVICE Divisions Pre-Register Online at www.bwcmc.com Book early! Discounted Fairmont Monte Carlo room rates are in high demand! Our Fairmont group rates start at €345. Reservations must be made by July 1st to secure this discount. Make your reservations online at www.bwcmc.com or contact Antoinette-Marie Williams at 212.222.7177. Presented by the IPATT Group | Patti Donner-Rubin | E-Mail: [email protected] $60, 000 organized added prize by patti rubin money directed by & david fairlamb Arda Findikoglu sochibgws.com casinosochi.com USBGF PrimeTime Backgammon Magazine 97 6th Texas Backgammon Championships 2018 The 300th anniversary of the founding of the Alamo and of San Antonio.

The 182nd anniversary of the Battle of the Alamo and founding of the Republic of Texas.

The 159th anniversary of the opening of the Menger Hotel — the oldest continuously operated hotel in the United States west of the Mississippi River. 6th texas The 6th Texas Backgammon Championships.

Backgammon he venerable Menger Hotel in San Antonio again served as the host venue for the sixth championships Texas Backgammon Championships; and Tagain we were favored with excellent, temperate South By Bill Riles Texas winter weather—which enabled everyone to take full advantage of the downtown location. The Alamo, the Riverwalk, the Mission Trail, fine dining, and more are all within an easy walk of the venue.

Tara and I had the incredible good fortune to be able

to add Jesper Carlsson from Gothenburg, Sweden—a good friend, the director of the , and a fellow Monte Carlo World Championship staffer—to our directorial team. Everyone was impressed by Jesper’s skills and loved his personality. He made our jobs much easier. He will return next year.

As always, we made sure that the tournament was enhanced with high-quality streaming. With our great personnel, new equipment, and the USBGF “Monster” laptop on board, we succeeded in providing excellent video quality. Timely online brackets completed our

'Interior of Espada Mission Church' by Kim Carpenter Carpenter Kim by Church' Espada Mission of 'Interior https://www.flickr.com/photos/kim_carpenter_nj/7647724564/. http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0. Licence at comprehensive tournament presentation.

NEW BARGES FOR TRICENTENNIAL VISITING THE HISTORIC MISSION TRAIL It seems to have become a San Antonio trend: great performances by established players, some unexpected Visitors to San Antonio's famed Riverwalk can tour the sights and The first mission in Texas, San Francisco de la Espada is a Roman Rite explore downtown's vast array of restaurants on slick new barges which Catholic mission established in 1690 by Spain. A friary was built in 1745, champions, Rich Munitz in the semifinals (three years

were recently unveiled to mark the city's tricentennial celebration. Palermo Nan by Walk' River Antonio 'San https://www.flickr.com/photos/nanpalmero/27774697249/. http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0. Licence at and the church was completed in 1756. It still serves as a church today. in a row), and impressive success by the women. 98 USBGF PrimeTime Backgammon Magazine USBGF PrimeTime Backgammon Magazine 99 6th Texas Backgammon Championships 6th Texas Backgammon Championships

JESPER AT HOTEL EMMA EXHIBITION MATCH Jesper Carlsson, Gothenburg, Sweden, completed Petko Kostadinov, 2017 Monte Carlo World the directorial staff. Jesper is director of the Swedish Championship finalist, provided an excellent Open and serves on the World Championship staff. DMP exhibition match with Ray Fogerlund.

CBS NEWS AFFILIATE FEATURES THE TEXAS CHAMPIONSHIPS Louis Ramirez, Visual Storyteller & Journalist/Photojournalist, with KENS5 San Antonio, the local CBS affiliate, visited the tournament and produced a segment for the Friday evening local news.

Early Friday afternoon we were joined by KENS5 News, the San We recognized the top twenty 2017 ABT points leaders with pure Antonio CBS television affiliate. Interviews with Antoinette Wil- silver dollar medallions and the top three, Matt Cohn-Geier, Ed liams and me, and a segment of play between Antoinette and John O’Laughlin, and Antoinette Williams, with beautiful trophies. O’Hagan made the local evening news. You can view the video Ray Fogerlund was given the National Master Points award while at www.kens5.com/mobile/article/life/san-antonio-hosting-the- Igor Erovenko received the Online Master Points trophy. Perry sixth-annual-texas-backgammon-championships/273-514080598. Gartner and Patti Rubin were recognized with USBGF Lifetime Achievement Awards. Joe Sylvester and Prince Alexis Obolensky After a number of side events, including the early rounds of the were inducted into the American Backgammon Hall of Fame. Malcolm Davis Longhorn Classic Masters Jackpot and the Alamo Classic Limited Jackpot, the annual USBGF Awards Dinner and The main ABT events began on Friday evening. There were 64 OUTSTANDING PRESENTATION American Backgammon Hall of Fame induction ceremony kicked Championship players; and with 24 rebuys, 44 championship American Backgammon Hall of Fame member Ray Fogerlund complemented Petko Kostadinov in off the main events on Friday evening. winners moved to Saturday. In the Advanced division, 46 entered a great presentation. A live audience in the playing room enjoyed (and participated in) the banter

with 18 rebuys; 32 made it to Saturday. MENDICINO TARA while watching on a large projection screen. The game was streamed live for the global audience. Continued on page 102 100 USBGF PrimeTime Backgammon Magazine USBGF PrimeTime Backgammon Magazine 101 6th Texas Backgammon Championships 6th Texas Backgammon Championships

01 04 07 10 13 16

02 05 08 11 14 17

03 06 09 12 15 18

01 Los Angeles director/organizer 04 Ed O’Laughlin is always a force 07 The venerable Al Hodis is always 10 Allen Michie, Austin, Texas, 13 Donna Dolan, Austin, Texas, 16 Championship player Michael Candace Mayeron won the Advanced in Texas. This year he was a semifinalist a formidable competitor and great captured the Limited Division with our Limited Division coordinator Urban came from Germany to Division Consolation. in the Masters Jackpot. addition to any tournament. Championship. extraordinaire, Julius High. experience San Antonio.

02 Kit Woolsey reached the semi- 05 Before play started on Satur- 08 Carl Blumenstein, from the 11 Rene Gellings, Wisconsin, won 14 Nicholas Molina, Houston, came 17 William McHam, Wichita finals in the Masters Jackpot and was day, Julius High went to see the rodeo Bay Area, was Advanced Division the Ultimate Backgammon Package to learn and to support his uncle, Falls, Texas, was the Limited Division a Pro-Am Doubles finalist paired with parade and ended up running in the Consolation finalist. event. Gonzalo Molina, in the Championship Consolation champion. partner Karen Davis. 5K—where he got some nice headgear. Division.

03 PrimeTime Backgammon maga- 06 Michael Gellings, Wisconsin, 09 Michael Neagu, Toronto, and 12 Byron Diehl, Boulder, 15 Kevin McDonough, Arizona, 18 Philip Rousselle, Austin, Texas, is zine Managing Editor Marty Storer repeated as the Limited division Last Leyla Zaloutskaya, New York City, add Colorado, was the Limited Division won the Texas Classic Advanced always in contention. He was the 2016 ponders a move. Chance champion. grace and style to any tournament. Championship finalist. Jackpot. Advanced Division champion. TARA MENDICINO TARA 102 USBGF PrimeTime Backgammon Magazine USBGF PrimeTime Backgammon Magazine 103 6th Texas Backgammon Championships 6th Texas Backgammon Championships

Continued from page 98 the Texas semifinals for the third straight The Advanced division was also exciting. William McHam (Wichita Falls, Texas) was runner-up. Byron Saturday morning began with an enter- year, and he won in 2016). The four semi- The entire lower half of the bracket in Diehl (Colorado) won the Consolation and Michael Gellings taining and instructive streamed DMP finalists had each won their first-round the quarterfinals was female: Patti Rubin, (Wisconsin) won the Last Chance. exhibition game between Ray Fogerlund match Friday night and avoided having Candace Mayeron, Lynda Clay, and Treena and Petko Kostadinov. The players ban- to rebuy. Ira and Max had to play an extra Bouque. Two more women, Peggy Neubig Sunday brought semi-finals and finals in all of the major events— tered with one another and the crowd as round on Saturday while Mark and Rich and Rebecca Lively, had been eliminated ABT Championship, ABT Advanced, the Masters Jackpot, and well. Everyone was entertained, and I’m enjoyed first-round byes in the undefeated by Candace and Lynda, respectively, in the the Limited Jackpot. confident that the live-stream audience bracket. Each traversed difficult paths to prior round. So we would have a woman enjoyed the show too. You can view the the semifinals: Ira defeated Neil Deutsch finalist for the second consecutive year—one Ira Hessel and Mark Antranikian advanced to the Championship game at twitch.tv/videos/226477704. Friday night and then bested John Bird, who would be attempting to replicate Elena Division final. In an exciting DMP game, Ira seized the advantage Petko Kostadinov, Larry Shiller, and Jon Evans’ 2017 win. The semi-finalists were by rolling a 66 early in the bear-off. With two rolls to go Mark After an innovative (by tradition, auctions Vietor; after defeating Joe Russell Friday Don Marek of Illinois, Carl Blumenstein replied with a set of fives! Ira’s one roll for another set failed and usually take place only at the start of a night, Max continued through a murderer’s of California, Patti Rubin of Las Vegas, and Mark seized the crown—including the prize money, a personalized tournament), fun, final-eight Calcutta in the row of Neil Deutsch, Ron Rubin, Stepan Lynda Clay (Colorado). trophy, and the beautiful, custom-designed Texas Championship Championship division—which established Nuniyants, and Karen Davis; Mark beat Geoffrey Parker Games board. In the Championship Consolation Richard Munitz as the favorite among the Nasser Sedaghatour Friday night before There were 20 entrants in the Limited Fred Chamanara bested Jim Stutz and Karen Davis prevailed over remaining players—we reached a semifinal besting Ray Fogerlund, Joe Russell, and bracket. Julius High provided invaluable David Klausa to meet in the final. Karen captured the title over round: San Antonio resident favorite Ira Fred Chamanara Saturday; and Rich ran service to the players in this division with Fred. Farhad Forudi beat Dana Nazarian in the Last Chance. LONGHORN CLASSIC WINNER Hessel (aka the “Iron Monkey” on Grid- the gauntlet of Kit Woolsey Friday night, general orientation, by giving them books Steve Sax, Los Angeles, captured the Malcolm Davis Gammon) versus Florida’s Max Mowzoon, and then Ed O’Laughlin, Steve Brown, and and instruction, and by helping them sign Don Marek and Lynda Clay met in the Advanced Division final with Longhorn Classic Masters tournament and took and Californian Mark Antranikian versus Germany’s Michael Urban on Saturday. up for USBGF membership. Allen Michie Don prevailing in an exciting match—again Don was the recipient home the coveted bronze longhorn trophy. New York’s Rich Munitz (Rich reached (Austin, Texas) won the Championship. of the prize money, a personalized trophy, and a tournament-specific Geoffrey Parker Games roll-up board. Candace Mayeron captured the Advanced Consolation with a win over Carl Blumenstein. Bill Tommaney won the Last Chance over Edward Onny.

In an exciting series of DMP matches, Steve Sax of Los Angeles took the Malcolm Davis Longhorn Classic Masters and the prized Longhorn trophy over Chris Trencher of New York City. They had advanced to the final with DMP wins over Ed O’Laughlin and Kit Woolsey, respectively. In a full 32-bracket of elite players, Sax defeated Al Hodis, John O’Hagan, and Ray Fogerlund before besting O’Laughlin and Trencher.

Boris Dekhtyar (New York City) followed up on his recent NY HOOK 'EM HORNS Metro Championship Division finalist performance by seizing San Antonio’s own Ira Hessel was the Championship the full 32-bracket Alamo Classic Limited Jackpot from Sam PRO-AM DOUBLES WINNERS Division finalist losing a very competitive DMP last Gus Contos (r) and USBGF Chairman Joe Russell, both from Ahmed (California). Ahmed defeated the Championship Division game. A diehard Texas Longhorns fan, he displays the

Los Angeles, captured the 2018 Pro-Am Doubles crown. MENDICINO TARA Continued on page 106 “Hook ‘em Horns” sign upon his trophy presentation. 104 USBGF PrimeTime Backgammon Magazine USBGF PrimeTime Backgammon Magazine 105 6th Texas Backgammon Championships 6th Texas Backgammon Championships

03 01 Chicago’s Don Marek captured the Advanced Division Championship.

02 Stellar Bay Area player Dana Nazarian was the Championship Division Last Chance finalist. 01 02 03 One of the many thematic trophies of the Texas Backgammon Championships. This one is now owned by David Kettler, Austin.

04 Boris Dekhtyar, New York City, won the hard-fought Alamo Classic Limited Jackpot final.

05 Colorado’s Lynda Clay was the Advanced Division Championship finalist. 04 07

06 The Limited division players 05 06 hard at work, busy at play.

07 Max Mowzoon, Florida, enjoyed a great run in the Championship Division finishing 3rd/4th.

08 The USBGF’s Karen Davis continued her great 2017 hot streak into 2018 by winning the Championship Division Consolation.

TARA MENDICINO TARA 08 106 USBGF PrimeTime Backgammon Magazine

6th Texas Backgammon Championships eXtreme Gammon is now available on your Android device, iPhone and iPad

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MARK ANTRANIKIAN Californian Mark Antranikian capped a great weekend by claiming the 2018 Professional Texas Backgammon Championships Backgammon Scoreboard top prize and the stunning Geoffrey Parker Games championship board. Imported from Finland Mark also finished 3rd/4th in the This top-of-the-line professional Alamo Classic Limited Jackpot. backgammon scoreboard is a must-have item for any tournament or chouette player! Continued from page 103 Extra-heavy coated cardboard champion Mark Antranikian in the semi-finals while Dekhtyar got from the participants supported this innovation. We plan to construction ensures enhanced stability and long-term durability. defeated Lynn Lusk of Colorado. use it in the future. Match scores from 0 to 25 points are visible from either side, and Other winners included Kevin McDonough of Arizona in the The tournament ended with our annual Super Bowl Party in are easy to read from a distance. Texas Open Advanced Jackpot, David Kettler in the seniors, and the Directors’ suite followed by a long night of chouettes in the This is the finest and highest quality backgammon scoreboard Al Hodis in Speedgammon. Menger Hotel lobby. available for purchase. Imported from Finland.

Farhad Forudi prevailed in our new Mixed Blitz format. Blitz We appreciate the support of the backgammon community and $39.00 each plus shipping. events do not usually have class divisions; and so to encourage very much look forward to our seventh annual tournament next the participation of non-championship players in this demand- year.  usbgf.org/shop Professional Scoreboard ing event, we varied the entrance fees and payouts between USBGF BG SHOP

championship and non-championship players. The feedback we - BILL RILES MENDICINO TARA 108 USBGF PrimeTime Backgammon Magazine USBGF PrimeTime Backgammon Magazine 109 Candace Mayeron

I had several meetings at Patrick’s house, including Carla as she already stated I’m quite show-bizzy, so I first focused on “stars.” has been such an integral part of these tournaments. He trained The very first action I took way last February was to reach out to me in his methodology. He already had the software for tracking Paul Magriel—an old friend—and Falafel, whom I’d never met. Candace mayeron registrations, prize money, etc., and that is huge. He has a database I simply told them the truth: that as my first time I had to make of phone numbers and email addresses, all of which were turned this a knock-out event and I needed their help. Both immediately Co-Director of the 2017 over to me. accepted, even though neither typically plays Los Angeles. Next, Phil Simborg suggested reaching out to Mochy and Akiko and California State Championships Did you contemplate making changes they also accepted (with Phil’s help behind the scenes; thank you Interview by Karen Davis for your first tournament? Phil). Then I Facebooked other people I don’t know but wanted: Well, most things do not need changing, and some things that do Victor Ashkenazi (Alia Azamat was my conduit), Jorgen Granst- I left intact because to change everything was just too daunting. edt, Petko, and Michael Urban of Germany (2017 Monte Carlo ongratulations Candace on building on Patrick Gibson’s he asked you to take the reins—and you’ve more than exceeded For example, we really need a more visually interesting brochure Advanced winner.) I got Victor and Michael, and I will get Petko 37-year record running successful Los Angeles tourna- his wildest expectations! You had a 30% increase in attendance! but I left reworking that for the future. If anyone in backgammon is and Granstedt to Los Angeles eventually, you just watch. ments and making the 2017 California State the best We’re eager to hear how you did it! a graphics artist—please contact me! On the other hand, I wanted Cattended yet. In the January-February 2011 issue of PrimeTime the trophies changed right away. They have been simple acrylic Once I had the “above-the-line talent” I started traveling to tourna- Backgammon magazine, Patrick wrote an excellent article with First of all, was Patrick’s legacy of running great rectangles for many years and just need freshening. Once we ments to meet other players and generate excitement for the Los tips for ABT directors on how to get attendees. He stressed all Los Angeles ABT tournaments helpful to you? decided on a theme of a big Hollywood event, I knew I wanted Angeles tournament. This year I went to two Vegas tournaments, the personal attention he gave to outreach — asking people to OMG Karen, it was beyond amazing. I inherited a well-constructed, impressive Oscar-like trophies. The shiny gold display hit with a Silicon Valley and San Antonio. I’ve been extremely successful in come, and compiling and keeping his records of emails, addresses, well-run, well-organized machine led by a beloved expert whose POW when you entered the Playing Room and helped to generate sales for 40 years; I know how to pitch excitement—I just have and phone numbers of backgammon players up to date. Patrick only mission for the last ten months has been that I make the best excitement. It made a great image on our PrimeTime Backgammon to get in people’s faces and I can’t do that sitting at home. Again obviously had a lot of confidence in you and Ergin Bayrak when showing possible. Ergin is also a dream to work with. His calm magazine ad as well. I simply told the truth, that this tournament would be BIG and I demeanor is a great counterpart to my high energy passion. Patrick would have stuff at this tournament that they hadn’t seen before. and Ergin roll their eyes at me sometimes, cause I’m a little bit more I’m sure there are players reading this who are saying to them- In 2018 I will go to even more distant tournaments. I’ve already show-biz than either of them (okay, I’m a lot more show-biz) but selves, “Never mind the cosmetics, fix the format to accommodate booked New York in January [Candace attended the New York by and large they let me have my glitzy way. It worked and now I more players, find a cheaper hotel, increase the prize money.” But Metro Open. –Ed.], and I’m seriously thinking about Monte think I have their complete confidence as well. remember, this was my first tournament. While my “fresh eyes” Carlo to make the California events more international. Other were a definite asset, it was a conscious decision on my part to not than personally getting to the tournaments, probably the next I was very aware of Patrick’s 37-year legacy from my years in back- barge in and make substantive changes my first time out; cosmetic, best thing contributing to our record attendance were the seven gammon in the late 70s, and I was and still am utterly humbled okay, but not formats. (I did spend almost five weeks trying to emails I sent to Patrick’s entire 1100-person database. I was getting at the notion of what he has turned over to me. My goal is make find a cheaper venue, but could not find anything that met our excited and I figured if the information to which I was privy was Patrick proud. It also helps our working relationship that we tend to needs better than Patrick’s hotel of choice.) exciting me, it would also excite others in the backgammon com- see things the same way and we agree in principle on most issues. munity, so I shared the information. Starting the last two months, What did you do specifically to increase attendance? I sent about one email a week. I discussed airline discounts to LA, Getting people to come to the tournament is by far the most the venue hotel and its features, benefits, and discounts, Mochy’s L.A. DIRECTORS, NEW AND OLD important part of my job—i.e. filling the seats—that brings in the Proficiency Exam, special things for beginners, the Giants who L to R: Candace Mayeron, Pat Gibson, Ergin Bayrak. The revenue. Of course there are pre-existing advantages: Patrick’s long, were coming, and lastly I introduced the staff. The emails really 2017 California State Championship was a big success. successful history and the fact that we are the last ABT tournament did generate excitement and started to give some people a strong of the year for earning points. However, I wanted to be proactive case of the FOMOs! [I had to Google it. It means Fear Of Missing

CANDACE MAYERON CANDACE and try to surmount past numbers, not just perpetuate them. I’ve Out. –Karen] And I would be remiss if I didn’t thank you, Karen, 110 USBGF PrimeTime Backgammon Magazine USBGF PrimeTime Backgammon Magazine 111 Candace Mayeron Candace Mayeron

for the ad in PrimeTime Backgammon Fall issue in exchange for Your doing that just before the Calcutta really pumped up the our donation of $1 per entrant to the USBGF. It’s a mutually sup- energy level in the room! It was great. portive and rewarding relationship. The other eye-catching feature was your You maybe did too good a job. You capped the Open huge banner standing by the entryway. 01 04 07 at 64 weeks before the event and even capped the That is my absolute favorite and best innovation. Every Hollywood Advanced (Intermediates) at 64 about a week before. event has a logo backdrop for photo-taking. The trophy photos in Boy, did we hear about that! But, you see, we have only two days PrimeTime magazine typically are taken against plain hotel walls. for the main events and other tournaments have three. (Our third When the idea for the backdrop hit me, I nearly levitated out of my day and their fourth is for the Jackpots.) We have a double elimina- chair. The value transcends photography. With a “step and repeat” tion with a progressive Consolation format in all three divisions: banner (the real name), I now have something tangible to offer championship, intermediate and beginner. There is no way to do a sponsor: their logo in every single trophy photo in PrimeTime 02 05 08 another round in two days; so we are stuck with 64 max. As it is, magazine. I will be shocked if other TDs do not adopt this. The the players are killing themselves to get through the early rounds. price is very reasonable. The entire rig is under $400 and of that, But Ergin and I want to grow this event, not stifle it; so we are the framing is reusable. The only annual cost would be the fabric having meetings with Patrick with input from Art Benjamin and for about $100-$150. I used an 8’ x 10’. That is the appropriate Richard Munitz to figure out a more workable system. I’m against size for one to five people. I’ll be happy to give the merchant adding another day in December, but I’m in favor of doing so in information to any TD. June. I will say one good thing resulted from the capping; I doubt players will ever again procrastinate before registering for a Los Let’s talk about those robo-calls… 03 06 09 Angeles tournament! Yes please, as I’d like to set the record straight. Robo-calls are amaz- ing and they are here to stay. Lynn Ehrlich (New York Metropolitan You mentioned your theme was “big Hollywood Open) asked me for the company contact information, right after event.” Was that a conscious branding decision? she got her call. She recognized the benefit immediately. I make Absolutely it was. Branding is a very important part of marketing. one recording in my voice if an answering machine picks up, and a I have a strong background in producing network television and different recording if a human answers. Their lowest package gives live stage entertainment. I wanted attendees to feel special, as if me 2000 minutes and if I don’t use all, the remainder stays in my they’d been invited to an opening night of a premier event. Guests account for the next tournament. They never see my data and I entered onto a red carpet ($9 at any party store!) bordered by get detailed reports. How much do you think it costs for all that? 01 Candace Mayeron with the late, 04 Patrick discovers the vests. 07 Overjoyed Advanced winner stanchions provided by the hotel. There was dice-shaped confetti great Paul Magriel. The shirt and hair Auctioneer Mark Astemborski looks on. Teddy Lance, posing in front of the on the tables, dice balloons around the room—this was all part I would guess $200–$400. seem to match. This was a secret kept from everyone. banner. of the “set decorations.” That’s what I thought as well, Karen. $52! Fifty-two dollars to do in minutes what it would take me weeks to accomplish. Patrick’s 02 Players entered the room on 05 Winner Steve Sax holds the 08 The playing site at the Los Ange- Thanks for inviting the USBGF to make remarks database has over 600 good numbers. However, I recommend let- a red carpet, past a “step and repeat” trophy, flanked by Candace and Ergin. les Airport Hilton. The venue room is during the opening session. I picked up on your ting the company’s agent activate the calls. I thought I knew how photographic banner bearing sponsor over 13,000 sq. ft. and players have an logos. entire table to themselves. theme of LA as home of the stars and recognized to do it, and activated the system. The result was some people all the various stars in the room—the international who picked up got two 3-minute calls about 15 minutes apart. A 03 The Oscar-like trophies on 06 Falafel yields to the “child within” 09 A masseuse worked on the guests, Giants of Backgammon, BMAB Grandmasters, couple people got pissed and I feel badly about that. But it was display. POW. and plays with one of the balloons players for about $1 per minute. while chatting with Art Benjamin. ABT point leaders, USBGF Board members. operator error (me) and not a fault of the robo-calls. By the way, I MAYERON CANDACE Continued on page 110 112 USBGF PrimeTime Backgammon Magazine USBGF PrimeTime Backgammon Magazine 113 Candace Mayeron Candace Mayeron Continued from page 110 also got huge compliments on the calls. They are stupendous and to keep the proceeds. I was very open, I told them I had a sponsor session before the Calcutta, Patrick was making a “Passing the Michy is already confirmed for our next event which is June 22-24, the technique of the future. Their use is not limited to promotion. backdrop and they would not be on it, as Gammon Village was Torch” speech. Ergin and I—behind Patrick’s back but in full view 2018. Our next event is June 22-24, 2018. (Just can’t help myself.) What if I had to get a last minute urgent message to all registered already the title sponsor. They were agreeable to the whole deal. of the entire room—changed into our vests. When Patrick turned I’ve also put it out there that I will never charge the merchandiser players? TDs, call me. The raffle added income to spend on extras for the players. That’s around he was beyond amazed. This fun piece of “performance for the space nor will I ever take a piece of the action. I want to what I really need from a sponsor or benefactor, income. Money. art” was Ergin’s idea and now I’m kidding him about becoming encourage people to sell merchandise. It adds to the fun. I even Did you make use of social media? show-bizzy. brought collectible backgammon Christmas ornaments and sold Not as much as I would like. I’m not very knowledgeable. I maintain How much were the raffle tickets? them at no markup. Don’t you expect to see merchandise sales a Facebook site, “CaliforniaBackgammonChampionships”, that’s Ergin came up with the idea of one for $10, three for $15 and You had 16 Novices—a record for California State. when you go to a concert? Shouldn’t be any different here. about it. I’d love to have a social media person help me. I know ten for $50. Worked great. I sold them all. Just more fun for the What special efforts did you make to attract Novices? there are more avenues, and it’s important to appeal to younger players. I don’t just want players to come to my first tournament, We did a lot for the Novices, more than ever before. USBGF pro- What do you have planned for the future? players—all of whom are on social media. I want them to come back. Treat them nicely and make the event vided a free book and membership, plus added prize money. In How are you going to top this? fun, professional and profitable, and they will come back. The raffle addition, we had the Gammon Village board to award and about Karen, you are feeding into my fears and going to give me sleep- You were particularly successful at enlisting was both fun for the attendees and lucrative for the tournament. a month before the tournament Phil Simborg offered to give them less nights. But there is so much that I want to do. I want a pro- sponsors. How did you do that? a private group lecture on use of the cube. That was big and I celebrity exhibition match—movie and television stars paired with I knew on Day One this would be an expensive tournament to What else did you do? promoted the hell out of all of it in each of the seven email blasts. backgammon Giants—after all, thisis Hollywood; I’d like press, produce. I want what I want, and I particularly wanted it my first I had a chair masseuse come in Saturday afternoon. This was the one Lee Kissick Kantor, an old friend from my 70s backgammon, now a children’s tournament, a 128-draw filled. Whew! For now I’m time out. I needed money; sponsors go hand in hand with events. secret I kept completely from Patrick and Ergin (so they wouldn’t runs the backgammon in the Santa Ynez Valley (about two hours just trying to find a graphics designer to help with new brochures. I’m not in a casino town, so I don’t have the obvious advantage tell me no, or roll their eyes). At first, there were no takers. I got north of L.A.) and I drove up to one of their monthly meetings of getting casino money. I am in awe at how Carol Joy Cole gets really scared. I walked the room pitching the massage and still got to drum up excitement for the event. A few of them came and What could the U.S. Backgammon Federation diverse sponsors. Anyway, I had an itsy-bitsy relationship with not one taker. Everyone too involved in matches or side action. added to the novice ranks. Terri Harmon, from that group won do to better support ABT Directors? Mel Dragicevic of Gammon Village and called him first. He was a I thought, “On no, am I going to bomb?” I also felt badly for the the Novice Consolation! With all these add-ons, we ended with Is there any one tournament that most directors attend? Vegas in bit reluctant, as he is often approached and in fairness you cannot girl. (Ad on craigslist, thoroughly vetted about 16 responders. a group of 16. I was thrilled! November? Novi in July? It would be very beneficial to have ABT easily track revenue from a specific sponsorship. But he acquiesced People wonder what I do with my time.) I wasn’t taking any part directors have our own formal group and get together to share and I really appreciated it. He donated a gorgeous Wycliff board. of her money, but I also wasn’t paying her anything. So I went to a Did local area backgammon players or ideas and experiences and hash out issues. Directors who cannot Ergin and I decided we would award it to the Novice winner, couple of players, and bought them each six minutes for her price Gammon Associates Club members make make the venue could be teleconferenced in. I certainly feel the instead of a more advanced player, on the theory experienced of $6. The next thing I know she’s got a line. She worked nonstop any contribution to the tournament? need—I have so much more I need to learn about being a TD and players have a board but more so because we particularly wanted after that. Carter Mattig bought an hour! They sure did. I think the excitement got contagious. Alan Mar- my colleagues are the best source of information. I think it would to attract Novices. They are the future of backgammon and need tin sent two of his students, the Hefner brothers, who cashed in promote consistency if nothing else. bolstering. It was thinking about how I could show Mel my appre- Julius High mentioned to me his birthday was Sunday but asked the doubles. Joe Russell had friends visiting from Tennessee and ciation in a tangible way that led me to think of the step and repeat me to keep that to myself. So I immediately went out to find the entered one in the Advanced and one in the Novice. Paul Mangone, Candace, thanks for sharing these valuable tips with banner—which as I’ve said is my favorite innovation. By the way, perfect card and on Friday and Saturday morning made rounds whose wife Jean is on staff, had his buddy enter the Novices and all of us who’ve taken on organizing and running the Novice division was won by Paul Bustrum of Long Beach, of the room for players to sign. We all sang to him during the that’s who ended up winning the division! ABT events! And thank you for becoming a Bronze California, who was not only playing in his first tournament but Calcutta announcements! The backgammon community really Founding Sponsor of the USBGF. Your generosity did not own a board! I couldn’t have written it a better outcome. is like a family and that’s what you do for family. You also had a merchandise center selling Michy’s new and support means the world to the organization! book, among other backgammon paraphernalia. Karen, my thanks goes to you and the other USBGF officers, for Then, about one month before the event, Dal Negro contacted me What about those vests? I loved them. Very I will always want a merchandise center. It adds to the fun and it’s maintaining a Foundation of which I’m proud to be a member.  wanting to be a sponsor. I already had Gammon Village’s donated visual moment. How did that happen? very useful for attendees. I’m lucky that if CJC cannot attend, Alan board, but I said if they wanted to donate a board that I could have, Patrick always wears a very distinctive vest with backgammon Martin is local and he sells merchandise. Michy sent us 15 copies of - KAREN DAVIS I would display it; but that I was going to raffle it off and I would get imagery. I found two on eBay. Couldn’t believe it. At the opening his well-reviewed new book and we sold all of them. Incidentally, 114 USBGF PrimeTime Backgammon Magazine USBGF PrimeTime Backgammon Magazine 115 USBGF Local Club Initiative

ing its competition over three dates. Ted 50% over the prior period. Forty percent of Usbgf Local club Chee of Backgammon By the Bay (BGBB) the U.S. members of the USBGF played in accommodated the various locations of his at least one of the 22 club events. initiative club by holding an online competition. Vic Morawski, director of the Baltimore The LCI was directed by volunteer Ray Bills, By Karen Davis and Ray Bills Backgammon Club, not to be outdone by USBGF Membership Director. Ray’s dedi- two D.C.-area clubs, ran his own event and cation contributed to record turnouts. He he U.S. Backgammon Federation (USBGF) launched The clubs held their LCI events between November 1, 2017, and drew D.C. visitors including the winner. publicized all the upcoming LCI events on an exciting new program in November 2017: the Local February 28, 2018. There were 541 entrants in all, three-fourths of the USBGF website and Facebook page and Club Initiative (LCI). The goal of the LCI is to support whom were USBGF members. Money was added to each tourna- Albert Steg of the New England Backgam- sent email notices to all USBGF members Tand grow local clubs by promoting local events and adding money ment’s prize pool according to the number of USBGF members mon Club (NEBC) said it best: “The NEBC/ in a multi-state area. He also followed up as an incentive for participation and for joining the USBGF. We attending and the number that designated the club as their primary USBGF money-added event was a terrific after the events, featuring the winners along offered to donate $5 per USBGF member in any annual tourna- or secondary club. Some USBGF members participated in two or success for both organizations.” Before the with their photos and news of the event on ment sponsored by a USBGF Prime Club (one with 10 or more three different club events. LCI, the NEBC had 12 USBGF members. the USBGF website and Facebook page. USBGF members) and 22 clubs responded. In total the USBGF The number grew as plans for the event The snowballing result was that additional contributed over $3000 in added money to the local club events. For clubs already having a history of hosting special annual club took shape. Some players joined at the clubs and players wanted in on the action. USBGF members who entered these tournaments were eligible events, such as the Flint Area Backgammon Club (directed by event and some who were already USBGF for the added money, and if victorious, could participate in a free Carol Joy Cole), turnout hit record highs. Even regularly scheduled members designated NEBC as their primary Twenty-two winners will now participate online tournament, the prize being an entry to an ABT event of events such as the New York City Backgammon Club monthly club. NEBC ended up with 25 USBGF in the online USBGF Prime Club Champi- the winner’s choice. tournament broke attendance records. The Beltway Backgammon members. A USBGF member from another onship. Notices of upcoming matches will Club in the Washington, D.C., area used the occasion to celebrate club played in the event, for total added be posted on the USBGF Facebook page. The response has been over the top, with some wonderful and the 18 years of service of retiring director Barry Silliman. The money of $130. Steg concluded: “Again, a Join the fun by watching and rooting for unexpected developments. The sponsored tournaments spurred Orange County (CA) Backgammon Club, under the leadership really effective drive in my view—USBGF your club’s representative. The winner will clubs to launch new recruitment efforts. Five of them qualified of Mario Savan, found a venue and rejuvenated the club, structur- got several new names into their members not only receive a free entry for the ABT as new USBGF Prime Clubs: the Baltimore Backgammon Club, list at a moderately discounted rate, people tournament of their choice, but bragging the New England Backgammon Club, the Northern Virginia unlikely to have joined otherwise. NEBC rights and a final match featured in Prime- Backgammon Club, the South Florida Backgammon Club, and should benefit from increased commitment Time Backgammon! the St. Louis Backgammon Club. from these mostly novice players who have been drawn more fully into the broader The LCI is just the first step in a broader backgammon community.” initiative to promote and grow local clubs— RAY BILLS especially for new and Novice players. New USBGF Membership Director Ray Bills has been The LCI statistics validate these enthusi- players at the club level will mean more play- working hard to make the USBGF Local Club Initiative astic comments. The number of USBGF ers at regional and national events. This is a a success both for the Federation and for local club directors by bringing new players into the game. members in participating clubs increased win for the new players, a win for the local by 43%, from 406 before the event to 580 clubs, and a win for the U.S. Backgammon after. From November through February, Federation: WIN, WIN, WIN!  364 players joined the USBGF or renewed their membership, compared with 237 in - KAREN DAVIS & RAY BILLS

TARA MENDICINO TARA the same period a year earlier – more than 116 USBGF PrimeTime Backgammon Magazine USBGF PrimeTime Backgammon Magazine 117 live abt tournament results Live ABT Tournament Results OVERFLOW DOUBLES (8): 1-Daniel Chiang (NY) & Justin Nowell (NY), 2-Candace Mayeron (CA) & Herb January 2018 Roman (IL).

FTH BOARD TOURNAMENT (16): 1-David Shadi (NJ). ABT - 11th NEW YORK METROPOLITAN BACKGAMMON OPEN January 17-21, 2018; Jersey City, New Jersey SENIORS TOURNAMENT (64): 1-Kent Goulding (MD), 2-Alan Grunwald (NJ), 3/4-Narvey Goldman (Canada) / Scotty Kelland (CT). CHAMPIONSHIP (84+32 rebuys): 1-Kimon Papachristopoulos (Greece/Germany), 2-Boris Dekhtyar (NY), 3/4-Leyla Zaloutskaya (NY) / Sam Ahmed (CA); 1C-Roberto Litzenberger (VA), 2C-Tim Line (England), SENIORS OVERFLOW (24): 1/3 split: Ahmet Baydar (MA) / John Klein (MD) / David Zadeh (NY) 3C/4C-Frank Frigo (KY) / Mike Valliere (PA); 1LC-Alan Grunwald (NJ), 2LC-Bill Riles (TX). February 2018 INTERMEDIATE (82+22 rebuys): 1-Marcy Kossar (MD), 2-Jeff Schwarz (NJ), 3/4-Liam Henry (Canada) / Garry Kallos (Canada); 1C-Tim Flateman (NY), 2C-Felix Goykhman (NJ), 3C/4C-Hernan Cortes (GA) / Robert Loveless (Canada); 1LC-P.J. Macali (OH), 2LC-Tom Rebelo (Canada). ABT - 6th TEXAS BACKGAMMON CHAMPIONSHIPS February 1-4, 2018; San Antonio, Texas ADVANCED BEGINNER (26): 1-Andrew Swanson (NJ), 2-David Richardson, Sr. (IL); 1C-Lisa Pelaez (NY), 2C-Gabe Flateman (NY); 1LC-David Richardson, Jr (DC). CHAMPIONSHIP (64+24 rebuys): 1-Mark Antranikian (CA), 2-Ira Hessel (TX), 3/4-Max Mowzoon (FL) / Richard Munitz (NY); 1C-Karen Davis (FL), 2C-Fred Chamanara (IL), 3C/4C-David Klausa (CO) / James BEGINNER (21): 1-Jacob Wajnas (NY), 2-Meninder Purewal (NY); 1C-Tijan Brown (MD), 2C-Anna DiFlorio Stutz (CT); 1LC-Farhad Forudi (OH), 2LC-Dana Nazarian (CA). (NJ); 1LC-Matthew Pozzi (NY). ADVANCED (46+18 rebuys): 1-Don Marek (IL), 2-Lynda Clay (CO); 1C-Candace Mayeron (CA), 2C-Carl HIGH ROLLER EVENT (11): 1-Ed O'Laughlin (VA), 2-Blake Fleetwood (NY). Blumenstein (CA), 3C/4C-Nathan Parker (Canada) / Patti Rubin (NV); 1LC-Bill Tommaney (TX).

LIBERTY CUP MASTERS (32): 1-Julian Minwalla (England), 2-Shay Asraff (NV); 3/4-Rick Barabino (NY) / Ed LIMITED (20): 1-Allen Michie (TX), 2-William McHam (TX); 1C-Byron Diehl (CO); 1LC-Michael Gellings O'Laughlin (VA). (WI).

LIMITED JACKPOT (32): 1-Gary Koscielny (FL), 2-Garry Kallos (Canada), 3/4-Igor Baburov (NY) / Felix MALCOLM DAVIS LONGHORN CLASSIC MASTERS (32): 1-Steve Sax (CA), 2-Chris Trencher (NY), 3/4-Ed Goykhman (NJ). O'Laughlin (VA) / Kit Woolsey (CA).

LIMITED JACKPOT OVERFLOW (8): 1-David Zadeh (NY), 2-Ioannis Rizos (NY). ALAMO CLASSIC LIMITED JACKPOT (32): 1-Boris Dekhtyar (NY), 2-Sam Ahmed (CA), 3/4-Mark Antranikian (CA) / Lynn Lusk (CO). BLITZ (24x8): 1-Scott Salisbury (CT), 2-Amy Trudeau (IL), 3-Jack Edelson (NY). TEXAS CLASSIC ADVANCED JACKPOT (16):1-Kevin McDonough (AZ), 2-Steven Saad (NC). USBGF PRIME MINI-MATCH (64): 1-Aaron Foust (NV), 2-Ken Indart (MD). LONE STAR PRO-AM DOUBLES (4 teams): 1-Gus Contos (CA) & Joe Russell (CA), 2-Karen Davis (FL) & Kit YOUNG & RESTLESS (24): 1-Joe Urso (NY), 2-Roberto Litzenberger (VA), 3-Akiko Yazawa (Japan). Woolsey (CA).

NEW YORK DOUBLES (32 teams): 1-Carol Joy Cole (MI) & David Shadi (NJ), 2-Michael Neagu (Canada) & SENIORS TOURNAMENT (96): 1-David Kettler (TX), 2-Ed O'Laughlin (VA), 3-Farhad Forudi (OH). Liam Henry (Canada). 118 USBGF PrimeTime Backgammon Magazine USBGF PrimeTime Backgammon Magazine 119 Live ABT Tournament Results Live ABT Tournament Results

FIESTA MIXED BLITZ (64): 1-Farhad Forudi (OH), 2-Richard Stubbe (TX). Biddle (England); 1LC-Paul Laubner (MD), 2LC-Garry Kallos (Canada).

SPEEDGAMMON (32): 1-Al Hodis (NV). NANTUCKET NOVICE (10): 1-Stephen Hassman (MA), 2-Fran Miller (OH), 3-Sarah Saltus (CT), 4-Alexander Blanton (MA). USBGF DMP PRIME TOURNAMENT (128): 1-Ed O'Laughlin (VA), 2-Marty Brown (TX), 3/4-Carol Joy Cole (MI) / Michael Gellings (WI). HERB GURLAND MEMORIAL MASTERS (8): 1-Michael Neagu (Canada), 2-Bill Robertie (MA).

DINNER DMP FREE ROLL (48): 1-Neil Kazaross (IL). OAK BLUFFS OPEN JACKPOT (12): 1-Albert Steg (MA), 2-Garry Kallos (Canada), 3-Gary Koscielny (FL). ULTIMATE BACKGAMMON PACKAGE (16): 1-Rene Gellings (WI), 2-William McHone (TX). AGAWAM AMATEUR JACKPOT #1 (16): 1-Marcy Kossar (MD), 2-Kathy Weiner (NV). FRENCH BOARD TOURNAMENT (16): 1-David Kettler (TX). AGAWAM AMATEUR JACKPOT #2 (8): 1-Adrian Nedelcu (IL), 2-G. L. Harvie (VT). AGAWAM AMATEUR JACKPOT #3 (4): 1-Jay Karns (NY). AMERICAN BACKGAMMON HALL OF FAME: 2018 Inductees – Joe Sylvester (MO), Prince Alexis Obolensky (NY). DEDHAM DOUBLES (16 teams): 1-John Klein (MD) & Marty Storer (NH), 2-Michael Kay (MA) & Kazuhiro Shino (England). USBGF LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD: Perry Gartner (FL), Patti Rubin (NV). WORCESTER WARM-UP QUICKIES (32): 1-Albert Steg (MA), 2-Garry Kallos (Canada). ABT - 2018 SUNSHINE STATE BACKGAMMON CLASSIC February 16-18, 2018; Clearwater, Florida DAL NEGRO BOARD JACKPOT (16): 1-Paul Caracciolo (MA), 2-Garrett Dusquene (NY).

OPEN (11): 1-Michael Neagu (Canada), 2-Stacy Turner (FL); 1LC-Leyla Zaloutskaya (NY). BUNKER HILL BLITZ (28): 1-Gary Koscielny (FL), 2-Andy Fazekas (CT).

INTERMEDIATE (13): 1-Roland Leutert (FL), 2-Hernan Cortes (GA); 1LC-Jerry Ungar (FL). CRISLOID BOARD JACKPOT (8): 1-Larry Roberg (CT), 2-Dicky Biddle (England).

NOVICE (5): 1-Marion Roland (FL). PITTSFIELD PRE-TOURNEY (16): 1-Marty Storer (NH), 2-Andy Fazekas (CT), 3-Joe Miller (OH).

MASTERS (4): 1-Stacy Turner (FL). MARTY STORER'S BOSTON OPEN QUIZ (21): 1-Kazuhiro Shino (England) 12/20 correct, 2-Rich Sweetman (NH) 10/20. GULF COAST DOUBLES (7 teams): 1-Bob Carpenter (FL) & Blake Fleetwood (NY). March 2018 USBGF FREEROLL (25): 1/2 split-Hernan Cortes (GA) / Michael Neagu (Canada).

ABT - 2nd BOSTON OPEN: MASSACHUSETTS STATE BACKGAMMON CHAMPIONSHIPS ABT - 24th ANNUAL OHIO STATE BACKGAMMON CHAMPIONSHIPS February 22-25, 2018; Boston, Massachusetts March 16-18, 2018; Cleveland, Ohio

BOSTON OPEN (30): 1-Doug Roberts (MA), 2-Jack Edelson (NY); 1C-Felix Goykhman (NJ), 2C-Michael OPEN (40): 1-Dmitriy Obukhov (MI), 2-Ricky Griggs (MI); 1C-Mike Valliere (PA), 2C-Karen Davis (FL), Neagu (Canada); 1LC-Frank Raposa (VA), 2LC-Marty Storer (NH). 3C/4C-Mary Hickey (OH) / Marcy Kossar (MD). AMHERST ADVANCED (31): 1-Marcy Kossar (MD), 2-Joe Miller (OH); 1C-Bill Barrows (MA), 2C-Dicky 120 USBGF PrimeTime Backgammon Magazine Live ABT Tournament Results

ADVANCED (42): 1-Irina Litzenberger (VA), 2-Ray Bills (MN); 1C-Ross Gordon (CT), 2C-Mike Vasilatos (OH), 3C/4C-John Claybourne (MI) / Pete Esposito (OH). 10th Annual

NOVICE (8): 1-Jeff Hoelzel (IL), 2-Carlos Fonseca (Costa Rica). Atlanta Spring Classic April 26 - 29, 2018 OHIO MASTERS (16): 1-Gary Koscielny (FL), 2-Karen Davis (FL). PRIME Hilton Garden Inn, College Park, GA TOURNAMENT AMATEUR JACKPOT (19): 1-Mike Valliere (PA), 2-Mike Rezai (OH).

DOUBLES (16 teams): 1-Sal Pittelli (Canada) & Mike Vasilatos (OH), 2-Robert Lessard (Canada) & Paul Stebbing (Canada).

MICRO BLITZ (36): 1/2 split -Dan Dumas (NY) / Phil Simborg (IL). • All events return 90%, side pool returns 100% 2-PT. QUICKIES #1 (32): 1-Carol Joy Cole (MI), 2-Milton Gonzalez (Costa Rica). 2-PT. QUICKIES #2 (32): 1-Amy Trudeau (IL), 2-Adrian Nedelco (IL). • $250 Prime Tournament added money only for USBGF members P-40 OHIO STATE LOGO BOARD JACKPOT (8): 1-Roberto Litzenberger (VA), 2-Cary Hoarty (OH). • Robert Wilensky Memorial, 13-point matches ART GAMMON BOARD PLAY-OFF (2): 1-Phil Simborg (IL). • Jackpots and After Tournament Jackpot THURSDAY WARM-UP (24): 1-Brian Vance (MI), 2-Gary Koscielny (FL). • Complimentary shuttle service to and from Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport AFTER TOURNAMENT (8): 1-Farhad Forudi (OH), 2-Patty Knapp (MA).

$98 per night group rate discount Make hotel reservations by April 5th! Call 404-766-0303 Contact Jerry Godsey at [email protected] Visit atlantanorthsidebackgammonclub.org/atlanta-spring-classic or call 404-403-1957 for details 01 Kimon Papachristopoulos takes 02 Michael Neagu of Canada wins 03 Candace Mayeron and Nevzat MAYERON CANDACE UNKNOWN; EHRLICH; LYNN the 2018 New York Metropolitan Open the Open division at the Sunshine Dogan are having a good time at the Championship division. State Backgammon Classic in Florida. New York Metropolitan Open! FROM LEFT: FROM 122 USBGF PrimeTime Backgammon Magazine USBGF PrimeTime Backgammon Magazine 123 american backgammon tour usbgf master point leaders By Bill Riles - ABT Standings Editor Updated: 3/23/2018 By Rich Munitz Updated: 3/23/2018 2018 ABT Standings Top 60 2018 National Master Points Top 10

# Name Points # Name Points # Name Master Pts Match Pts Rank Pts Win - Loss Win % Rating Events 1st Pl. 1. Kimon Papachristopoulos 24.89 31. Garry Kallos 3.78 1. Michael Neagu 21.60 19.52 2.08 19 – 10 65.50% 1663.85 6 1 2. Marcy Kossar 20.05 32. Roland Leutert 3.25 2. Ed O’Laughlin 19.26 16.38 2.88 14 – 10 58.30% 1672.04 4 0 3. Mark Antranikian 18.96 33. Hernan Cortez 3.15 3. Steve Sax 18.20 14.90 3.30 14 – 8 63.60% 1656.84 4 1 4. Dmitriy Obukhov 16.00 34. Bill Riles 3.11 4. Boris Dekhtyar 17.24 12.52 4.72 12 – 6 66.70% 1590.83 4 1 5. Karen Davis 13.48 35. Frank Frigo 3.11 5. Shay Asraff 16.97 14.45 2.52 12 – 9 57.10% 1519.14 4 0 6. Boris Dekhtyar 12.44 36. Liam Henry 3.04 6. Karen Davis 15.64 13.48 2.16 12 – 8 60.00% 1626.83 4 0 7. Roberto Litzenberger 12.44 37. P. J. Macali 3.04 7. Julian Minwalla 13.84 10.24 3.60 8 – 4 66.70% 1575.41 2 1 8. Doug Roberts 11.43 38. Joe Miller 2.95 8. Mark Antranikian 13.76 9.15 4.61 9 – 1 90.00% 1625.22 2 1 9. Michael Valliere 11.11 39. William Barrows 2.95 9. Chris Trencher 13.67 11.36 2.31 9 – 8 52.90% 1516.20 4 0 10. Ira Hessel 9.48 40. Frank Raposa 2.86 10. R. Litzenberger 12.86 10.56 2.30 9 – 6 60.00% 1594.63 4 0 11. Leyla Zaloutskaya 8.97 41. Stacy Turner 2.75 12. Feliks Goykhman 8.75 42. Andrew Swanson 2.60 13. Irina Litzenberger 8.40 43. Dana Nazarian 2.37 2018 Online Master Points Top 10 14. Don Marek 8.36 44. David Klausa 2.37 15. Michael Neagu 8.36 45. Jim Stutz 2.37 # Name Master Pts Match Pts Rank Pts Win - Loss Win % Rating Events 1st Pl. 16. Ricky Griggs 8.00 46. Allen Michie 2.22 1. Eva Zizkova 9.54 7.88 1.66 16 – 6 72.73% 1852.95 9 1 17. Alan Grunwald 6.22 47. Jacob Wajnas 2.10 2. Igor Erovenko 9.47 5.99 3.48 11 – 4 73.33% 1949.31 10 2 18. Sam Ahmed 6.22 48. Mike Vasilatos 2.10 3. Peter Toftsoe 9.19 7.24 1.95 10 – 6 62.50% 1876.39 8 1 19. Tim Line 6.22 49. Bill Tommaney 2.09 4. William Lonergan 8.13 7.13 1.00 15 – 10 60.00% 1818.19 19 0 20. Jeff Schwarz 6.07 50. Carl Blumenstein 2.09 5. John Graas 7.85 6.44 1.41 11 – 4 73.33% 1852.35 9 0 21. Tim Flateman 6.07 51. Mary Hickey 2.00 6. Edward Bauder 7.60 6.34 1.26 11 – 9 55.00% 1846.21 13 0 22. Jack Edelson 5.71 52. Jerry Ungar 1.63 7. Ted Chee 7.20 5.94 1.26 9 – 6 60.00% 1900.58 10 0 23. Farhad Forudi 4.74 53. Robert Loveless 1.52 8. Richard Griggs Jr 7.12 5.86 1.26 14 – 5 73.68% 1700.00 12 1 24. Fred Chamanara 4.74 54. Tom Rebelo 1.52 9. Long Nguyen 7.12 5.17 1.95 11 – 10 52.38% 1662.00 13 1 25. Max Mowzoon 4.74 55. Dickie Biddle 1.48 10. James Schothorst 7.10 5.15 1.95 7 – 8 46.67% 1800.09 11 1 26. Richard Munitz 4.74 56. Paul Laubner 1.48 27. Ray Bills 4.20 57. Marty Storer 1.43 28. Ross Gordon 4.20 58. David Richardson, Sr. 1.30 29. Candace Mayeron 4.18 59. Lisa Pelaez 1.30 30. Lynda Clay 4.18 60. Marion Roland 1.25

The top three finishers win trophies. 1st through 20th earn solid silver dollar mementos. 124 USBGF PrimeTime Backgammon Magazine USBGF PrimeTime Backgammon Magazine 125 usbgf online leaderboard usbgf online circuit winners By Tara Mendicino Updated: 3/23/2018 By Tara Mendicino Updated: 3/23/2018 Online Circuit Top 10 Recent Online Circuit Tournament Winners

# Name GG ID Rating Win - Loss Win % Trnys Won High Rating Start Date Status Tournament Winner 1. Alfred Mamlet amamlet 1909.65 160 – 79 67% 7 1959.64 Feb 28, 2018 Completed Membership Blitz #63 Cynthia Belonogoff 2. Gary Fries MrFreeze 1890.93 0 – 1 0% 0 1900.00 Feb 12, 2018 Completed Membership Blitz #62 Juan Jose Aguzzi 3. Igor Erovenko Sharikov 1889.55 224 – 113 66% 8 1949.31 Jan 09, 2018 Completed USBGF Masters Divisional LXII James Schothorst 4. Sanford Lubetkin heartman 1872.45 4 – 4 50% 0 1900.00 Jan 09, 2018 Completed USBGF Intermediate Divisional XXXVII Bogdan Constantinoiu 5. Dean Adamian DeanOfMich 1871.83 5 – 5 50% 0 1905.92 Jan 09, 2018 Completed USBGF Advanced Divisional XLVI Richard Griggs Jr 6. Steve Brown marbs2 1869.61 24 – 13 65% 1 1922.33 Jan 09, 2018 Completed Membership Blitz #61 Laurence Sinitzky 7. Art Benjamin mathemagics 1862.12 35 – 23 60% 2 1923.18 Jan 02, 2018 Completed FTH Board Blitz #1 Eva Zizkova 8. Michael Neagu FoolishBear 1856.90 15 – 3 83% 0 1856.90 Dec 29, 2017 Completed USBGF Advanced Divisional XLV Long Nguyen 9. John Graas jdg 1847.28 144 – 119 55% 0 1852.35 Dec 29, 2017 Completed USBGF Masters Divisional LXI Peter Toftsoe 10. Vadim Musaelyan snakebit 1842.66 11 – 11 50% 2 1911.99 Dec 29, 2017 Completed Membership Blitz #60 Serafeim Tsaknis Dec 29, 2017 Completed USBGF Intermediate Divisional XXXVI Bogdan Constantinoiu Up-to-date ratings may be found at: usbgf.org/trny/leaderboard/ Dec 04, 2017 Completed Circuit Monthly for December Igor Erovenko Qualifications for inclusion in USBGF Online Circuit Events Nov 26, 2017 Completed USBGF Masters Divisional LX Igor Erovenko Nov 26, 2017 Completed Membership Blitz #59 Andrew Selby The numbers following the player names show their Elo ratings, cumulative since September 2012 in the USBGF Online Tournament Circuit. To be listed, a player must be a current or past member of the USBGF. Nov 26, 2017 Completed USBGF Advanced Divisional XLIV Dale Smith Nov 20, 2017 Completed USBGF Intermediate Divisional XXXV David Parks Nov 01, 2017 Completed Circuit Monthly for November Karen Davis Upcoming Online Circuit Oct 29, 2017 Completed Membership Blitz #58 Andrew Selby Oct 29, 2017 Completed USBGF Masters Divisional LIX William Lonergan Tournaments Oct 29, 2017 Completed USBGF Advanced Divisional XLIII Long Nguyen Circuit Monthly for May Oct 20, 2017 Completed USBGF Masters Divisional LVIII Jan Cerny Start Date: May 1, 2018 Oct 20, 2017 Completed Membership Blitz #57 Juan Jose Aguzzi Registration Link: usbgf.org/trny/registration/?trny=445 Oct 20, 2017 Completed USBGF Intermediate Divisional XXXIV Richard Stubbe Divisional Tournaments Oct 03, 2017 Completed USBGF Advanced Divisional XLII Matthew Brown Masters Divisional LXVI Registration Link: usbgf.org/trny/registration/?trny=441 Advanced Divisional L Registration Link: usbgf.org/trny/registration/?trny=444 2018 USBGF Online Circuit Intermediate Divisional XLII Registration Link: usbgf.org/trny/registration/?trny=443 Membership Blitz Tournaments Tournament of Champions Membership Blitz #66 Registration Link: usbgf.org/trny/registration/?trny=442 All 2017 Online Circuit tournament winners will be invited to participate in the 2018 FTH Board Blitz Tournaments USBGF Online Circuit Tournament of Champions. This exclusive event will start in mid- FTH Board Blitz #4 Registration Link: usbgf.org/trny/registration/?trny=436 April 2018. Don't miss it! 126 USBGF PrimeTime Backgammon Magazine USBGF PrimeTime Backgammon Magazine 127 Upcoming Tournaments

upcoming tournaments ABT: 38th CHICAGO OPEN MAY Dates: May 24 - 28, 2018 Upcoming ABT Tournaments and Place: Holiday Inn, Rosemont, IL USBGF Sponsored Live & Online Events Details: Website Phone: 617/699-9100 Be sure to mark your calendar and attend these exciting ABT tournaments &

USBGF events. For complete tournament listings, see usbgf.org/calendar. PRIME TOURNAMENT

ABT: 2018 U.S. OPEN APR ABT: LOS ANGELES OPEN JUN Dates: April 11 - 15, 2018 Dates: June 22 - 24, 2018 Place: Flamingo, Las Vegas, NV Place: Hilton LAX, Los Angeles, CA Details: Website Details: Website Phone: 702/218-8238 Phone: 310/422-1646

PRIME PRIME TOURNAMENT TOURNAMENT

ABT: ATLANTA SPRING CLASSIC APR ABT: MICHIGAN SUMMER JUL Dates: April 26 - 29, 2018 CHAMPIONSHIPS Place: Hilton, College Park, GA Dates: July 5 - 8, 2018 Details: Website Place: Sheraton, Novi, MI Phone: 404/403-1957 Details: Website Phone: 810/232-9731

PRIME PRIME TOURNAMENT TOURNAMENT

ABT: 2ND CHERRY BLOSSOM MAY 43rd WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP JUL CHAMPIONSHIP 8th MONTE CARLO OPEN Dates: May 10 - 13, 2018 Dates: July 28 - August 5, 2018 Place: Hyatt Regency, Dulles, VA Place: Fairmont Monte Carlo, Monaco Details: Website Details: Website Phone: 917/488-5364 Phone: 212/222-7177

PRIME TOURNAMENT 128 USBGF PrimeTime Backgammon Magazine Upcoming Tournaments Los Angeles

ABT: WISCONSIN STATE AUG Open CHAMPIONSHIPS Dates: August 24 - 26, 2018 JUNE 22 - 24, 2018 Place: Radisson Hotel, Madison, WI Details: Email Hilton LAX Phone: 608/215-4597 PRIME Free shuttle from LAX TOURNAMENT PRIME TOURNAMENT Call 310.410.4000 for reservations – Code LBKG $137 per night group rate good through May 31

ABT: 3rd SILICON VALLEY OPEN AUG • Free lecture by Michihito "Michy" Kageyama on Opening Concepts Dates: Aug 31 - Sep 3, 2018 • Double-elimination format with progressive consolation in Place: Courtyard, San Jose, CA all divisions + Master & Amateur Jackpots + Side events Details: Website Phone: 510/402-8068 • Side pools & Calcutta auction!

• Live streaming & commentary! (including PRIME TOURNAMENT Larry Shiller, Voice of Backgammon!)

• DMP event with $400 added prize money for USBGF ABT: 2nd MONTREAL OPEN SEP members! (opportunity to sign up at the tournament) Dates: September 13 - 16, 2018 • Paul Magriel Novice (beginner) division includes $100 Place: Hampton Inn, additional prize money + USBGF Basic membership! Montreal, Canada • USBGF National Championship West­—both members Details: Website and non-members are eligible to play Phone: 514/497-9913

PRIME • Deposits are fully refundable prior to doing the draws on Friday & TOURNAMENT Saturday. Hospitality fees are refundable until Thursday night.

ABT: 2nd VIKING CLASSIC SEP Contact Candace Mayeron at [email protected] Dates: September 27 - 30, 2018 Tournament Brochure available at gammonassociates.com Follow us on Facebook at CaliforniaBackgammonChampionships Place: Renaissance, Bloomington, MN Details: Website Phone: 612/703-3211

PRIME TOURNAMENT LIVE STREAM ARCHIVE Watch championship backgammon & learn from the Giants! View over 1000 recorded matches of the world's leading backgammon players filmed at American Backgammon Tour events across the nation. ANDREAS HUMKE; BILL RILES BILL HUMKE; ANDREAS

youtube.com/user/USBGFbroadcast LEFT: FROM