Hall of Fame

PRIMETIME BACKGAMMON OFFICIAL MAGAZINE OF THE USBGF JANUARY - FEBRUARY 2015 2014 player of the year Ray Fogerlund wins the coveted ABT title for the 4th time

online master American poinT leaderS backgammon Ted Chee tops the Online hall of fame Circuit leaderboard 13 of the game's most Early Game extraordinary contributors are Stick analyzes the 64 split, honored for their achievements 52 second roll sequence U.s. Backgammon federation visit us at usbgf.org HAND MADE IN ENGLAND HAND MADE IN ENGLAND

Simply thethe World’s World’s nest nest Backgammon, since 1961 Backgammon, since 1961 www.geo reyparker.com www.geoffreyparker.comwww.geo reyparker.com USBGF PrimeTime Backgammon Magazine 5

The Kansas City Backgammon Club, formed a decade ago by Eric Barr, is thriving with the addition of Julius High and his popular Backgammon Study Group. It is the newest addition to the USBGF list of 15 Prime Clubs.

Finally, USBGF President Bill Riles brings january - us up to date on the Federation with the recent election of Board members Julius February Issue High and Michelle Steinberg. Make plans to attend 2015 Prime Tournaments includ- PrimeTime Backgammon ing the upcoming D.C. Capital Classic, This issue features the the Ohio State Championships, the U.S. By Karen Davis, Managing Editor “ inaugural American Open in Las Vegas, Atlanta Spring Classic, special treat is in store for our for 2014, is reprinted with permission from Chicago Open, Los Angeles Open, and the readers. This issue features the his hometown Fitchburg, Massachusetts Backgammon Hall Michigan Summer Championships and inaugural American Back- newspaper, the Sentinel & Enterprise. of Fame inductees — take home added money exclusively for Agammon Hall of Fame inductees — with USBGF members! with snapshots of each snapshots of each of the 13 honorees, an Stick makes his debut as a regular columnist insightful essay by Jeremy Bagai on the for PrimeTime Backgammon with his first of the 13 honorees, Check out the live and online tournament  class, a description by Karen Davis of the article on common errors in the early game an insightful essay by rankings, and Get in the Game! process used to select these individuals, and that result in significant match equity loss. plans going forward by Bill Riles, USBGF Jeremy Bagai on the - KAREN DAVIS President and Executive Director. This issue also showcases Bill Phipps, “The class, and a description Wolf of Wall Street,” in an article by Iancho Ted Chee, USBGF All-Time and 2014 Hristov. Other player profiles by Karen of the process used to Online Master Points winner was honored Davis include: Jonah Seewald, 2014 USBGF derive the winners … along with the Hall of Famers at the USBGF Grand Champion; and Zdeněk Žižka from Featuring the inaugural Awards dinner in San Antonio on January the Czech Republic, winner of the online 30, 2015. He is featured in a report on the Masters Divisional IV. online master point leaders since the launch American Backgammon of the USBGF Online Tournament Circuit And there are tournament reports galore: in the fall of 2012. the inaugural U.K. Open by Peter Bennet, Hall of Fame and the Japan Open by Jake Jacobs, and the 2nd Ray Fogerlund, who won the coveted #1 Merit Open in Cyprus by Sabri Büyüksoy KAREN DAVIS USBGF Awards! spot on the American Backgammon Tour on the international scene, and the Illinois Karen Davis is Chairman of the USBGF for 2014, is profiled by Karen Davis. A State by Linda Rockwell closer to home. Board of Directors and Managing feature on Frank Raposa, #2 ABT winner Editor of PrimeTime Backgammon. 6 USBGF PrimeTime Backgammon Magazine USBGF PrimeTime Backgammon Magazine 7

In This Issue January - February 2015

BACK N GA A M FEATURED IC R M E O 16 AMERICAN BACKGAMMON M N A 2015 HALL OF FAME INDUCTEES INDUCTEES Respect paid to 13 inaugural Hall of Famers for their 32 accomplishments and contributions to the game. BY JEREMY BAGAI, KAREN DAVIS, & BILL RILES H E AL M L OF FA 2014 PLAYER OF THE YEAR 32 RAY FOGERLUND: ABT 2014 Ray Fogerlund employs psychology, PLAYER OF THE YEAR, AGAIN serious study, and lots of tournament 16 Ray Fogerlund tops the American Backgammon play to make it to the top of the ABT. Tour for the fourth time and takes the title. BY KAREN DAVIS HALL OF FAME INDUCTEES 40 USBGF AWARDS ONLINE American Backgammon Hall of Fame recognizes 13 inductees who paved the MASTER POINT LEADERS way for modern backgammon. Ted Chee is recognized for his outstanding performance in the popular USBGF Online Circuit. BY KAREN DAVIS 50 90 2ND MERIT CYPRUS OPEN The ultimate backgammon playing experience. 46 THE EARLY GAME: 64 SPLIT, 52 Stick analyzes the opening sequence of 64 split, 2014 USBGF GRAND CHAMPION followed by 52, and demonstrates the importance After a couple of years of disciplined study, of avoiding errors in second-roll positions. Jonah Seewald had a breakout year in 2014. BY STICK

50 JONAH SEEWALD: 2014 THE INAUGURAL U.K. OPEN USBGF GRAND CHAMPION Japanese team of World Champion Akiko with The coveted Grand Champion title goes to Jonah Giant #2 Michy (L) and Giant #1 Mochy (R) shown Seewald, winner of National Championship West. with UKBGF Board member Peter Bennet. BY KAREN DAVIS

Questions or comments about PrimeTime Backgammon? We want to hear from you!

Contact us via e-mail at [email protected]. 54 MACFARLANE IAN OPEN: CYPRUS STARTIN DAVID OPEN: U.K. 8 USBGF PrimeTime Backgammon Magazine USBGF PrimeTime Backgammon Magazine 9 In This Issue In This Issue January -

February 2015 ON THE COVER Another amazing achievement by Ray Fogerlund to FEATURED win the title of American Backgammon Tour Player of the Year for 2014, photographed by Tara Mendi- 54 THE INAUGURAL U.K. OPEN cino at the recent Las Vegas Open in November. Peter Bennet captures the highlights of the inaugural U.K. Open, with photos by David Startin. CONGRATULATIONS UKBGF BY PETER BENNET The U.S. Backgammon Federation congratulates Peter Bennet, Sean Williams, Raj Jansari, Ian Tarr, 64 THE STORY OF BILL PHIPPS Jon Barnes, Simon Morecroft, and Eric McAlpine as Bill Phipps has found success on Wall Street and newly elected members of the Board of the UKBGF. over the backgammon board. We look forward to working with you in the future. BY IANCHO HRISTOV

74 LOTS OF FISH: THE JAPAN OPEN Jake Jacobs provides witty and insightful coverage 13 USBGF BOARD OF DIRECTORS of the highly acclaimed 2014 Japan Open. TOURNAMENT NEWS Elections bring fresh enthusiasm and BY JAKE JACOBS 94 ILLINOIS STATE CHAMPIONSHIPS energy to the USBGF Board of Directors. Illinois, with its Halloween-themed tournament, is a 88 TOUGH MIDDLE-GAME PLAY consistent standout on the ABT tour. 14 FOUNDING SPONSORS Master teacher Phil Simborg discusses the BY LINDA ROCKWELL We thank Vladimir Gudgenov, Stuart Domeshek, intricacies and pitfalls of middle game play. Frank Talbot, John Bird, Victor Ashkenazi, Jason BY PHIL SIMBORG 108 LIVE TOURNAMENT RESULTS 100 ZDENĚK ŽIŽKA Pack, and Albert Steg for their support. See all the results from ABT tournaments held in Young star Zdeněk wins the Cyprus intermediate 90 THE 2ND MERIT OPEN Florida, Connecticut, Las Vegas, and Los Angeles, division in his first international tournament foray. The 2nd Merit Cyprus Open raises the bar on plus results from the Merit Cyprus Open. USBGF LIVE & ONLINE RATINGS backgammon tournament perfection. BY KAREN DAVIS 114 LIVE LEADERBOARD BY SABRI BÜYÜKSOY 113 ONLINE CIRCUIT WINNERS Open, Advanced, and Novice leaders in USBGF Elo 102 KANSAS CITY BG CLUB View recent winners of USBGF Online Circuit ratings in live events and 2014 ABT Points. Everything is state-of-the-art in this recently PLAYER PROFILES & CLUB NEWS tournaments from late June through October 2014. BY BARRY SILLIMAN designated Kansas City USBGF Prime Club. 98 FITCHBURG'S KID IS NO. 1 BY KAREN DAVIS 116 ONLINE LEADERBOARD Hometown boy Frank Raposa makes it to the big USBGF NEWS See the latest leaders from USBGF online tourna- time in this featured piece from the Fitchburg, 104 QUALIFYING PRIME CLUBS 12 HAPPY NEW YEAR TO THE USBGF ments, plus wins, losses, and tournaments won. Massachusetts Sentinel & Enterprise. USBGF Prime Clubs reflect growing local club Bill Riles provides succinct insight into 2014 BY ANNE O'CONNOR, CORRESPONDENT interest and participation. achievements and 2015 priorities. FOR THE SENTINEL & ENTERPRISE 118 UPCOMING TOURNAMENTS BY BILL RILES Mark your calendar for upcoming ABT events. TARA MENDICINO TARA GAMES PARKER GEOFFREY 10 USBGF PrimeTime Backgammon Magazine USBGF PrimeTime Backgammon Magazine 11

publisher Bill Riles editor USBGF Board PRIMETIME Bob Wachtel BACKGAMMON Founding Editor Matt Cohn-Geier of Directors Managing Editor President; vice president; Vice-Chair, Staff & Karen Davis Executive Director; Membership and Marketing Production Editor Treasurer Committee; Governance Tara Mendicino William Riles and Nominating Committee Tara Mendicino Volunteers Assistant Editor Chair, Education Mark Antranikian Committee Chief Technology Officer; Assistant Editor Art Benjamin Chair, Ratings and Stats and Design Analyst Committee; Governance MARK ANTRANIKIAN Lisa Rockwell Governance and and Nominating Nominating Committee Mark Antranikian, Assistant Committee; Rules and USBGF Photographer Dorn Bishop Editor, was a member of the Steve Sax Ethics Committee USBGF Team Championships Richard Munitz Rankings Editor Board Chair; Co-Chair, winning team, Scared Hitless. Barry Silliman Membership and Marketing Director, Local Club Committee Initiative; Rules and Feature Editor, Karen Davis Annotated Matches Ethics Committee Marty Storer Executive Committee; Justin Nunez Chair, Tournament Executive Committee Editorial Advisory Board Directors liaison; Rules Joseph Russell Karen Davis (Chair), Chuck Bower, and Ethics Committee Matt Cohn-Geier, Carol Joy Cole, Patrick Gibson Membership and Marketing TARA MENDICINO Gus Contos, Mike Corbett, Committee Tara Mendicino, Production Editor, Bill Riles, Justin Nunez, Membership and Marketing Michelle Steinberg Vice President and member of Bob Wachtel, Kit Woolsey Committee the USBGF Board of Directors, Julius High Special Adviser to Board BOB WACHTEL and co-director of the Texas information Rules and Ethics of Directors Bob Wachtel, Editor of PrimeTime Backgammon Championships. PrimeTime Backgammon is the Committee Carol Joy Cole Backgammon, is a renowned official magazine of the U.S. Neil Kazaross author ranked #8 on the 2013 Backgammon Federation. Education Adviser Giants of Backgammon. Secretary Phil Simborg contact us Steve Mellen E-Mail: [email protected] Accounting Manager Website: usbgf.org Sheryl R. Lennon

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 RILES; BILL 12 A ABT tournament play and recognized be for online tournaments USBGF and for live able to and earn accumulate master points in place. be Initially,will membersbe will In Master 2015, USBGF the Points program Master Points as possible. assistance of as many tournament directors more need will benefactor support and the attendance, successful. However, be will we to increase membership and tournament are confidentthat this program, designed moneyadded for members. USBGF We Initiative contributing with USBGF the our Prime begin Tournament will USBGF gammon Championships in January, the With New the York Metro and Texas Back Prime Tournaments tunities are abundant. many more are on horizon. the oppor Our We have accomplished many things and would like to share with you afew thoughts. USBGF PrimeTime Magazine Backgammon and anticipation of future, the I priate for reflection pastthe on of time year, special t this appro - - - directors and players have requested. points club— something that local several and regional live-tournament-play master The plan after that is to phase in local magazine, Facebook page, and website. USBGF's in the through annual awards and recognition all of the Board members will be so elected. elected. so of be membersall Board the will year complete we will process;the by then, cratically by elected membership.the Next Directorsthirteen have now demo been ofBoard Directors elections, nine of the With recently the completed second annual ofBoard Directors Election Unitedin the States. significant step forward forbackgammon tion. This recognition represent will a has contributed to our growth and direc recognizing where we have and who been definebest our identity and goals by first As agame and as an organization, we can election ofthe inductees. firstthe thirteen American Backgammon Hall of Fame and I am excited by establishment the of the Hall of Fame By BillRiles,PresidentandExecutiveDirector to theUSBGF Happy NewYear president's column PrimeTime Backgammon - -

“Get Into the Game –Become aMember” agreatbe year for  USBGF! the promotion to Vice President, It is going to Congratulations to Tara Mendicino on her to progress. and creativity that require will the USBGF bring energy, will the blood enthusiasm Michelle. I am confidentthat their new I am excited by ofelection the Julius and and counsel. Byservice same the token, provide the organization with their valuable and Art bents,Joe I expect to continue to of Board the Directors. As reelected incum Michelle Steinberg upon to election their Benjamin, JuliusArt High, Joe Russell, and I wishextend to also congratulations to backgammon itself is warmly appreciated. ers. Their support for the USBGF and for USBGF. are and Both friends valued advis have they years provided of service to the Alfred Mamlet and Jeb Horton for the I’d like to thank retiring members Board - -

KAREN DAVIS T of generation anew of backgammon play brings important insight into interests the director She of streaming USBGF services. an important as addition, andserve will Committee. Michelle Steinberg is likewise Membership USBGF the and Marketing asthe Board.of Co-Chair He serve will his extensive tournament to experience edge computer programming and skills, Backgammon Study Group, his cutting- in leading Kansasthe his experience City of Board the Directors. Julius High brings and Michelle Steinberg as members of fortunate to have acquired Julius High U.S.“The Backgammon Federation is Director of USBGF, issued statement: this result, President Riles, Bill and Executive Directors. Upon being informed of the berg have to of elected theBoard been Julius High and Michelle Stein tion to isannounce pleased that he U.S. Backgammon Federa - - - usbgf board ofdirectors Florida State Championships. At home, Badger Classic; and second place in the2014 and Seniors events; 2014Wisconsin the Atlanta Spring Championship, Atlanta Cup, mon Championship; of 2014 the trifecta the ments include: 2009Midwest the Backgam American Backgammon Tour. His achieve Julius High is afrequent presence on the Nunez on BOD. the Tara Mendicino, Rich Munitz, and Justin Patrick Gibson, Neil Kazaross, Steve Mellen, join Karen Davis, DornBishop, Riles, Bill Committee. directors The newly-elected contributors Education to USBGF the to BOD. the elected have Both vital been Benjamin andArt Joe Russell were re- and growth campaign.” well inour USBGF the outreach serve will visibility backgammon inthe community ers.pair’s The and skills exuberance,social Steinberg JointheBoard Julius High & Michelle &Michelle Julius High - - beer brewing.beer photography,wildlife and hiking, craft- she pursues avariety of interests including in New Jersey with her husband, where for elementary school teachers. She lives Master’s degree inEnvironmental Sciences education at Brooklyn College, receiving a studied history, arts, and liberal elementary Facebook site and bgonline the forum. She is afrequent contributor to USBGF the and videotaped tournament matches, and teered her intranscribing time streamed Divisional III. She has generously volun- Intermediate division, and Advanced the NationalUSBGF Internet Championship Backgammon Tour. She won 2013-2014 the a frequent participant on American the onlinein USBGF tournaments and is also Michelle Steinberg is a fierce competitor ship. he won 2014Kansas the City Champion -

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Diamond Silver cont. bronze cont. Malcolm DavisFoundingAlex Gerding SponsorsSteve Schreiber Alan and Joan Grunwald Bruce Newberg Bob Glass Hugh Sconyers Larry Liebster John Calcott Mike Svobodny Ben Friesen Jeff Burdsall Jim Stutz Justin and Rynell Nunez platinum Gus Contos Steve Sax Karen Davis Dion Hogan Dorn Bishop Morten Holm Albert Steg Scott Kelland gold Arthur Stein Anna Covlin bronze Stepan Nuniyants Pat McCormick Myles Covlin Powhatan French Carol Joy Cole Rod Covlin Robert E. Stoller Neal and Kathy Weiner Patrick and Carla Gibson Joe Potts Neil Kazaross Harvey Gillis Arkadiy Tsinis Kit Woolsey Perry Gartner Carla Gibson Michael Weinberger Larry Taylor David Kettler Chuck Bower usbgf founding sponsors Alfred Mamlet Michael Flohr Preston Guidry Edward B. Bennett Mario Savan Jake Jacobs Outstanding Supporters Richard Munitz Jeb Horton Sean Cearley Joseph Russell Cloyd LaPorte Kristina Vig of our Organization Jeffrey Acierno Secil Baysal Play65 Backgammon Masayuki Mochizuki David Rennie he U.S. Backgammon Federation's Sponsors and Prime Benefactors. These 106 Judy Field Falafel Natanzon Alan Pruce Founding Sponsors initiative has Founding Sponsors and Prime Benefactors Rory Pascar FOUNDERS' CUBES BY Jim Pasko Phil Simborg attracted donors who share its have provided the seed capital needed for Greg Cottle LAWRENCE SONNÉ David Leibowitz Ed Sawyer Tvision of drawing thousands of people the launch of the U.S. Backgammon Federa- Bill Finneran Founding Sponsors are presented Jason Lee Twain Pigott throughout the country to the exciting, tion and/or have contributed to the Prime James G. Allen with an exquisite, personalized, Michael Louis Rosen Jerry Godsey engraved doubling cube, specially Sean Williams skill-based game of backgammon through a Tournament Initiative. In appreciation of Jamie Erin Rosen Julius High designed for the USBGF by Lawrence Pat Geoffroy rich array of activities appealing to all play- this support, a doubles event pairing Found- Art Benjamin Sonné of Backgammon Elegance. 106Michelle Steinberg Mark Gordon ers, young and young-at-heart alike. The ing Sponsors and Prime Benefactors with Lloyd E. Webber (LEW) Tariq Siddiqi Rochelle Hasson support of our Founding Sponsors during Giants of Backgammon — The Tournament Thanks to Vladimir Gudgenov, Stuart Saba Bejanishvili Steve Blanchard Dennis Culpepper this critical period will be appreciated for of Stars — is held annually honoring the Domeshek, Frank Talbot, John Bird, Victor Frank Talbot John Hamlin Andrew Martinez years to come, and includes recognition on Founding Sponsors and Prime Benefac- Ashkenazi, Jason Pack, and Albert Steg for Anthony Anton silver Drew Giovanis our website in perpetuity and benefits not tors who have been instrumental in the their support in becoming the most recent Vladimir Gudgenov Lynn Ehrlich James E. Roland Stuart Domeshek available to any other class of Membership. success of the organization. We welcome Founding Sponsors and Prime Benefactors. Chiva Tafazzoli Bill Riles Jason Pack additional Founding Sponsors and Prime Josh Racko The USBGF salutes the individuals and orga- Benefactors who wish to help us grow the More information on the benefits of becom- Russell Sands youth nizations who have generously supported game we all love! ing a Founding Sponsor may be found at István Éger our Federation by becoming Founding USBGF Founding Sponsor Benefits. Within each level, names are presented in the order of becoming Founding Sponsors. AMERICAN BACKGAMMON Hall ofFame Hall inductees 2015

FROM TOP: UNKNOWN; KAREN DAVIS Notable Awards and Accomplishments and created and maintains Giants the of Backgammon website. backgammon tournament events and results on Chicago the Point website since 1993, on staff the of numerous tournaments. She has played a pivotal role in maintaining U.S. Championships and Underwood Fleet the Charity Tournament since 1982and served publishing Flint the Area Backgammon News is revered and beloved by She all. founded Flint the Area Backgammon Club in1978, Widely regarded of as Queen the backgammon United inthe States, Carol Joy Cole Carol Joy Michigan -Flint, Cole » » » » » » Finalist inaugural inthe National USBGF Championship (2011). Paul Amateur Dingwell Jackpot, Angeles, 2014,Los CA. U.S. Champion, Open 2009,Washington, D.C.

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O N . She has directedMichigan the Summer Notable Awards and Accomplishments distinguishedalso himself at Scrabble, Go, and Color Lines. votedbeen onto Giants every of Backgammon listing since its inception in1993. He has Regarded as aconsummate gentleman, Nack Ballardis one of only players seven to have Nack Francisco, -San Ballard California » » » » » » » » » » Huie, 2003and 2004with Wayne McClintock. successive as as#2,and times #1,twice asixteen-year span top inthe ten. Co-authored Backgammon Openings (2007)with Paul Weaver. Won prestigious the Pro-Am Doubles Championship three 2001with times: Harvey Voted #1player world inthe at U.S. Invitational inWashington, D.C. in1984. Won 1982World Professional Championship Vegas. inLas Voted to 32Giants the of Backgammon eleven consecutive including times three USBGF PrimeTime Magazine Backgammon

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O N 17 18 Notable Awards and Accomplishments backgammon players around world. the Chicagothe Point newsletter, website, and Facebook the page reaching thousands of 2009,and hasStatesthru directedCentral the Invitational since 2010.He has published Bar Point Club since 1983,directedMidwest the Backgammon Championships from 1984 game. He is founder the of American the Backgammon Tour, has directedChicago the DavisBill is widely for respected his contributions, innovations, and promotion of the Illinois -Chicago, Davis Bill » » » » » » » » 2015 AmericanBackgammonHallofFameInductees 5 career ABT tournament victories. Winner of 2012Chicago the Open. points#2 all-time inChicagoland leader Backgammon (1974–2014). leader theBackgammonall-time Theon American #15 Tourcareer in points with Founder and director of American the Backgammon Tour. USBGF PrimeTime Magazine Backgammon

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O N Notable Awards and Accomplishments backgammon’s most gracious ambassador and eloquent spokesman.” renowned for his fairness and generosity as “perhaps and by Levi was eulogized Les Illustrated Named by Sports New Jersey (1912-1981)-Englewood, Barclay Cooke » » » » » » » » and Probabilities and Telecom U.S.A. vs.Europe match. Author of Backgammon: of Author The CruelestGame Six champion time of Vietor the Cup (1963,1966,1974,1979,1980,1981). Champion, with Oswald Jacoby, Paul Magriel, Genud, and Lee of 1979ITT the Champion, with his son Walt, of 1973British-American the Cup. (1978),and Championship Backgammon (1980). as “the father of backgammon,” modern Barclay was Cooke (1974) with Jon Bradshaw, Paradoxes

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KAREN DAVIS Notable Awards and Accomplishments instituted of use the clocks and recorded matches. duced first the backgammonU.S. rating system, and as director the of World Cup, he publisher, director/organizer, witty auctioneer, and raconteur extraordinaire. He intro - An innovative force game, inthe Kent Goulding is esteemed as abackgammon player, Kent -Germantown, Maryland Goulding » » » » » » » » tional inearly years) from 1984through 1998. 1981-1982) and Inside Backgammon (1991to 1998). magazine with Robertie Bill He was voted to 32Giants the of Backgammon sixconsecutive from times its inception. Organizer/director, of World the with Robertie, Bill Cup (known as U.S. the Invita Publisher of Winner, Tournament of Champions, Paradise Island, Bahamas, 1978.

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O N Notable Awards and Accomplishments and Masters Jackpot events. to videotape and analyze his matches, aconsistent he has been winner of Championship votedbeen onto Giants every of Backgammon listing since its inception. One of first the The epitome graciousof a gentleman, DavisMalcolm is one of seven onlyplayers to have Texas -Dallas, Davis Malcolm » » » » » » » » » » with 9 career ABT tournament victories, and was ABT #1inthe rankings in2003. 1st or 2nd inmore than 75major events over 40years (1975-2014). leader theBackgammon all-time on TheAmerican #3 Tourcareer in points, all-time #2 Voted to 32Giants the of Backgammon eleven consecutive times. Defeated IBM’s TD-Gammon in1997and 1998. Won World the Cup in1996and Williams the Island Pro-Am with Jim Scott in1986. USBGF PrimeTime Magazine Backgammon -

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O N 19 20 Notable Awards and Accomplishments: players to have voted been onto Giants every of Backgammon listing since its inception. author of Rockwell/Kazaross the MET (Match Equity Table). He is one of only seven Numbers,” ashort-hand of method match calculating equities over board, the and co- Noted for his brilliant analytical mind, Neil Kazaross is famous for inventing “Neil’s Neil Kazaross Illinois -Chicago, » » » » » » 2015 AmericanBackgammonHallofFameInductees and much more. – career points, top #1sixtimes, three eight 17career times, tournament victories, secutive top ten ratings since 1995.Since top inthe 2005,he has been fivepoll.each Inaugural National USBGF Championships winner (2011). leader theBackgammon all-time on TheAmerican #1 Tour in numerouscategories Voted to 32Giants the of Backgammon eleven consecutive times, including ten con USBGF PrimeTime Magazine Backgammon

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O N Notable Awards and Accomplishments mon. He a member is of also Americanthe Contract Bridge Hall League of Fame (1965). as aleadingboth backgammon player and co-author of first the book backgamanalytic on One of preeminent the gamesmen of twentieththe century, Oswald Jacoby was regarded JacobyOswald Texas (1902–1984)-Dallas, » » » » » » » » Telecom U.S.A. vs.Europe match. Namesake of Jacoby the Rule. TheBackgammon of Author Book (1970)with John Crawford. R. Champion, with Barclay Paul Cooke, Magriel, Genud, and Lee of 1979ITT the Backgammon World Champion, Vegas. 1972,Las -

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FROM TOP: UNKNOWN; BILL ROBERTIE Notable Awards and Accomplishments players to have voted been onto Giants every of Backgammon listing since its inception. ligence and is atwo-time insight, World Robertie Bill Champion. He is one of only seven A gifted and prolific author, publisher, and promoter/director widely respected for his intel -Boston, Robertie Bill Massachusetts » » » » » » » » » » (2000), and Modern Backgammon (2001). (1993) tational inearly years) from 1984through 1998. Organizer/director, with Kent Goulding, of World the Cup (known as U.S. the Invi Publisher of Inside Backgammon magazine with Kent Goulding (1991 to 1998). Advanced of Author Backgammon Voted to 32Giants the of Backgammon eleven consecutive times. World Champion, 1983and 1987,Monte Carlo. , Backgammon for Players Serious (1997) A

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O N , Volumes 1 and 2(1991), Notable Awards and Accomplishments with backgammon since publication the of his groundbreaking book Author of “Bible” the of backgammon, name the Paul Magriel synonymous has been Paul Vegas, -Las Magriel Nevada helped popularize game. the as backgammon’s viewed 1976, still leading text.Thebackgammon original celebrity, he » » » » » » , Author of Backgammon of Author Voted to 32Giants the of Backgammon list eight consecutive from times its inception. World Champion, 1978,Bahamas. 501 Essential Backgammon Problems Backgammon for Winners (1976). USBGF PrimeTime Magazine Backgammon - -

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Notable Awards and Accomplishments of Effective the CountPip Backgammonbook, best-sellingand his Boot Camp. Backgammon’s preeminent mathematical theorist, Walter Trice is known for development Walter Trice (1948–2009)-Boston, Massachusetts » » » » » » 2015 AmericanBackgammonHallofFameInductees (1996) with Jake Jacobs. Open inNovemberOpen 2004. for with 6career #6all-time ABT-event tournament victories including Vegas Las the Author of Backgammon of Author Boot Camp leader theBackgammon all-time on TheAmerican #14 Tourcareer in points, tied Voted to 32Giants the of Backgammon fivetimes. USBGF PrimeTime Magazine Backgammon

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O N (2004)and Notable Awards and Accomplishments players to have voted been onto Giants every of Backgammon listing since its inception. play since early the 1980swith his insightful analyses of game. the He is one of only seven York games for scene level the raised of four backgammon Mike decades, Senkiewicz Master chess player, Scrabble legend, backgammon champion, and mainstay of New the -New York, Senkiewicz Mike New York » » » » #1, twice as #2,and#1, twice aten-year span top inthe ten. Author of Times articlesinBackgammon Voted to 32Giants the of Backgammon eleven consecutive including times once as Can a Fish Taste Twice asGood?

and Backgammon and Galore, among others.

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‘Riverwalk Bridge 3’ by Jim Nix, https://www.flickr.com/photos/jimnix/15421194062/in/photostream/. Licence at http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0.

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O N Hall of Fame Inductees Congratulations! Notable Awards and Accomplishments Bridge Hall League of Fame in2005. of Backgammon listing since its inception. He was inducted into American the Contract GammonU website. He is one of only players seven to have voted been onto Giants every He is editor of first the backgammon online magazine First the running Internet (FIBS),created Backgammon by Server Andreas Schneider. computer revolution – writing his own programs for analysis in earlythe 1980s, and on doubling the experts and cube tournament play. Kit on has vanguard the been of the Noted bridge and backgammon author, Kit Woolsey is one of backgammon’s leading Kit Woolsey Francisco, -San California » » » » » » Backgammon (1996) with Hal Heinrich, Beadles, MatchQizBeadles, computer softwarewith Hal Heinrich, among other works. Author of How of Author to Play Tournament Backgammon Winner of Backgammon Pro-Am Championship (2005)with Tami Jones. Voted to 32Giants the of Backgammon eleven consecutive times.

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I I P P S S Backgammon Encyclopedia, Vol 1 USBGF PrimeTime Magazine Backgammon - BillRiles &TaraMendicino 52 Great Backgammon Tips (1993), GammOnLine (53issues) on the New Ideas in Backgammon (2002), (2007) with Patti Understanding Understanding 23

24 USBGF PrimeTime Backgammon Magazine USBGF PrimeTime Backgammon Magazine 25 AMERICAN BACKGAMMON 2015 American Backgammon Hall of Fame Inductees three consecutive cycles. But then there’s the 2009 U.S. Open. And welcome to the Mr. Cooke. I wouldn’t change a word. the other stuff. His book on Openings with Hall of Fame. Paul Weaver. Nactation. Nackgammon. Bill Davis Barclay Cooke I think it’s safe to say that no American has I don’t have much personal experience with I never met the man, but feel a connection done more to organize backgammon than Nack as a competitor, but he does drop of sorts by way of my book, Classic Back- Bill Davis. It’s quite possible that no human by our local club now and again to watch gammon Revisited (2001). In it, I went over has done more to organize backgammon his wife play. In a world overfilled with the “biggest errors from the best authors” since the beginning of time. The newslet- showmen, he’s a quiet, pleasant, decent, with the help of computer analysis. And ter. The list of American clubs. The web and thoughtful guy. It’s always a pleasure by far, the biggest criticism of my book resources. The Bar Point Club. The Midwest The Inductees to talk with him. was that I was too cruel to the author of Championships. The Central States Invita- Hall of Fame The Cruelest Game, Barclay Cooke. There tional. The American Backgammon Tour. By Jeremy Bagai Oh, and he’s also one of the world’s best may be some truth to this — I am not the Scrabble players, one of the (European) best person to judge. My honest defense Bill is not generally known for his modern first heard of the of the American Back- thoughtful vote-modeling, and suggested In fact, I proposed something just a little world’s best Go players, and perhaps the is that I was merely trying to write prose viewpoints (see Clocks, Computers, Politics, gammon Hall of Fame when Patrick using a cutoff criterion somewhere between more complicated for dealing with unlikely world’s best at Color Lines. I’ve recently as engaging as Barclay’s. etc.). He is an old-fashioned gentleman. Gibson asked me to be a member of 60% and 75% of total votes. But my grading edge cases, and there was some debate. Pat- seen him reading books on poker. Watch He likes dress codes for his tournaments. Ithe select committee, along with Dennis experience had shown me that distributions rick did that thing that all good tournament out, poker. Cooke won many tournaments (six Vietor But he has been a constant innovator in Culpepper, Doug Mayfield, and Joe Russell. tend to be stranger than you expect, and directors must do: he made a decision. We Cups, including a consecutive run of three), organized backgammon for forty years. I was honored to be considered. I often that any criterion based on percentage of used the simpler version of this system and Carol Joy Cole but he will be best remembered for his Congratulations once again on winning feel like a newbie, but apparently I’ve been total votes might well generate far too few the voters cooperated by producing a clean Where would backgammon be today with- popular books which brought genera- the 2012 Chicago Open. And welcome to plugging away at this game for some time or far too many Hall of Famers. distribution with a lovely gap between the out Carol? Without her longest-ever con- tions of players to the table: Backgammon the Hall of Fame. now. I first met Patrick just as I started top thirteen candidates and the rest of the tinuously published newsletter? Without The Cruelest Game (1974); Paradoxes and playing in 1990. He was my introduction Instead, I proposed that we let the shape field. Well done, voters. And my heartfelt her always-updated Tournament Calendar? Probabilities (1978); and Championship Malcolm Davis to organized backgammon. I was happy to of the distribution be our guide. We knew congratulations to our inaugural inductees. Without her Backgammon Boutique? Backgammon (1980). His first was very Malcolm wins a lot of backgammon tourna- help him in any way. we wanted ten to fifteen inductees — so Without her running the largest and most successful, and still serves as an excellent ments. An awful lot. For a long, long time we should just say so! We could draw the Karen and Bill asked me to write some beloved U.S. tournament? Just where would and charming introduction to the game. now. From the 1996 World Cup and the It turned out that my biggest contribution specific cutoff within that ten-to-fifteen notes on the incoming class. So here are we be? I don’t like to even think about it. His last is an important and entertaining 1998 Nordic Super Jackpot, to the 2013 to the selection process stemmed not from range by looking for a gap in the distribu- some personal reflections on thirteen indi- historical document, capturing the state Texas Championships and the 2014 Las any backgammon-related wisdom, but tion. For example, suppose the top thirteen viduals that I’m terribly proud to have CJC is indisputably the nicest person in the of play in the late 70s. His middle book Vegas Super Jackpot, Malcolm keeps win- from my having taught some uncountable candidates each received at least 18 (out of associated with. world. There’s no need for me to back that is indeed paradoxical. Yes, over half the ning. He won the ABT Player of the Year number of college classes — and having a possible 26) votes, and that the next best statement up because no one would dispute answers are now known to be wrong to in 2003. He’s been voted to the Giants List thereby created some uncountable number candidate (number fourteen) received only Nack Ballard it. She has been my friend, my confidant, some degree. But as I once wrote, “Where (top 32) in every cycle (1993–2013). of grade-distributions. I quickly saw that 16 votes. In that hypothetical case, there is His impact on backgammon cannot be my supporter, my adviser, and my silent else can one find a reference to Debussy the problem of separating ‘A’s from ‘B’s was a gap in the distribution since no candidate overstated. Certainly one of the all-time partner in most all things backgammon. and an extended baseball analogy together Interestingly, he’s not known as a top ana- similar to the problem of separating our received exactly 17 votes. That gap would great players (simultaneous multiple event Maybe she’s been yours too. Thanks for on the same page, much less accompanied lyst. You won’t see him at tournaments inductees from hopefuls. Patrick told us that become our cutoff criterion, and the top wins at the World Cup and Las Vegas tour- sharing these past twenty-five years with by a backgammon position?” discussing positions at length with the our goal was to end up with ten to fifteen thirteen candidates would be inducted. naments; winner of three Pro-Am Doubles me and making them so special, Carol. gang. He doesn’t write articles. He just wins inductees. Richard Munitz provided some events in four years, etc.). Voted #1 Giant Congratulations once again on winning Thank you for all your many contributions, matches. I had the pleasure of interviewing 26 USBGF PrimeTime Backgammon Magazine USBGF PrimeTime Backgammon Magazine 27 2015 American Backgammon Hall of Fame Inductees 2015 American Backgammon Hall of Fame Inductees him at length to collect material for Marty typical superstar … is how much fun it I worked on the floor of the Philadelphia enough, I found myself eating pizza at the before skimming ahead for the punchline. the talkers and the listeners. And there was Storer’s Backgammon Praxis: The Matches is to hang around with him. He’s a nice, Options Exchange for a brief period, and Tip Top across the table from a legend. He writes exactly enough to make his Senk, who might well have been reading of Malcom Davis. He told me: helpful, funny, cheerful, light-hearted yet would occasionally run into folks who had Braced for the worst, what I got instead was point clearly, yet finds room within for a newspaper. One of the talkers hit upon droll competitor, with more than enough worked with him. “Never had to ask how a deluge of near stream-of-consciousness understated irony or a sardonic turn of the subject of unfair taxes and began some "If I knew why I make the plays I make I’d amusing anecdotes to distract you from his day had been,” was one memorable observations, concepts, enthusiasms, and phrase. Would that more authors were to generic conservative/libertarian rant against feel better, but I don’t. I just really have to the fact that he just took you out of the comment. Not a shy man, that Neil. idiosyncrasies. And an invitation to col- emulate this. government interference. I may have thrown play enough so that it looks right to me and main flight. Come back anytime, KG. We laborate on his next book. Heady times. in a contrasting comment or two, but lacked I do it, you know. I’ve noticed years ago that miss you. Or is it possible that observation is out- I suppose I should mention somewhere that the courage of my convictions. So the rant good players, who are well-intentioned and dated? Has there been something of a … That book never happened, nor did the next he won the World Championship. Twice. continued. But then, seemingly from out honest and talented and knowledgeable Oswald Jacoby mellowing of late? Time will, on occasion, few he proposed. Still, I’ll never forget the of nowhere, in stepped Senk … who pro- would give me reasons and the reasons Winner of the 1972 Backgammon World smooth out some rough edges. However times I’ve spent with him, nor will I ever For the past decade, Bill turned his atten- ceeded to eviscerate the ranter’s arguments, just turned out not to be right. The only Championship (Las Vegas). Co-author of he got there, Neil has become backgam- forget the elegant structure and magnificent tion to poker, and produced with Dan world view, and perhaps a large fraction of thing I could do any better was just not The Backgammon Book, which Robertie mon’s venerated elder statesmen. Perhaps prose of his wonderful book. Long live Harrington some of the very best poker his social confidence. Senk held the floor give reasons. I hate to give them if I’m not later described as the first “to approach our greatest player/analyst/ambassador. backgammon’s unique mad-genius. books ever written. But he tells me that for an impassioned three minutes. There pretty sure they’re right." the game from an analytic point of view.” Who is still more likely than not to win more backgammon writing is on the way, was an extended games analogy — how the Hall of Fame contract bridge player and next year’s ABT. Bill Robertie and I couldn’t be more excited. country used to offer a level playing field Refreshingly modest sentiment from a man author. Immortalized by the Jacoby rule My vote for backgammon’s best author. His but now only the rich get a seat at the table who has so much to be proud of. in backgammon (no gammons awarded Paul Magriel ideas and his voice defined backgammon Mike Senkiewicz and the super-rich get to play by different in money play unless the cube has been Can you be granted backgammon immor- analysis in the 80s and 90s. Remember the Chess master; Scrabble legend (is it true that rules. Or something like that. How I long Kent Goulding turned) and by several contract bridge tality on the basis of one book? Yes, if it’s pre-bot era? When “doing a rollout” meant he first proposed what would later become for a recording. It was magnificent. Simply the best auctioneer of all time. That bidding conventions that bear his name. as good as Magriel’s Backgammon. spending a few hours playing both sides of the Official Scrabble Players Dictionary?); alone should be enough to put him in the Died in 1984 at the age of eighty-one. I a position over a board? Robertie owned backgammon champion. Part of the famed Respect to you, Senk. Hall of Fame. You want more? Ok, there’s wish I had met him. Not that he hasn’t done a lot more. There that era. Lee Genud Vs. Joe Dwek (1982). crew at New York’s Mayfair Club in the his Backgammon with the Champions (our was that World Championship in 1978. The Advanced Backgammon (1984, 1991). Reno '70s and the Coterie Club in the '80s. The Walter Trice game’s first series of annotated matches). Neil Kazaross New York Times column. All those seminars 1986 (1987). Learning From The Machine professional gamesman gambler. Backgammon’s preeminent mathematical Inside Backgammon (the highest-quality Clearly one of the very best players the and live commentaries. The return to the (1993). Modern Backgammon (2001). And theorist. His contribution of the Effective instructional magazine ever published). game has ever seen. Won the American public eye through poker. But a hundred eight full years of Inside Backgammon (1991- I first met him at the Ace Point Club in Pip Count alone would guarantee him The KG Rating List. The World Cup tourna- Backgammon Tour a record six times. (Is years from now when all of us are gone and 1998), the highest-quality periodical that the '90s. My memory is that he was mostly immortality. But there was also his Bearoff ments. Kent has done a lot for backgammon. that even possible?) Seventeen individual most else has faded, there will still be that backgammon has ever seen. That’s a lot of playing cards, but perhaps I wasn’t aware Quizmaster, the first race-database training ABT victories. Author of innumerable book. Perhaps you’ve read it? indispensable writing. (And that’s just the of the higher-stakes backgammon games. program. Can A Fish Taste Twice as Good?, He also won lots, back when he was playing. high-quality articles. Essential contributor serious stuff — intermixed with those were I remember the acerbic wit, of course. We his collaboration with Jake Jacobs on the The 1977 Paradise Island Tournament of to newsgroups. Frequent collaborator on The year 2001 saw my second trip to Monte the mass-market books for beginners and did not become friends to speak of, but I theory of unequal matches. And his many, Champions. The 1978 Florida State Cham- projects ranging from Match Equity Table Carlo, but this time I had copies of my just- intermediates.) was pleased and touched when he pointed many articles. Convincing Walter to publish pionships. A gazillion events throughout construction to the training of the current published Classic Backgammon Revisited out an error in the first edition of my book his set of Beginner’s Boot Camp columns the '80s and '90s, of course. And then he BG bots. The Neil behind Neil’s Numbers. with me. I was a little nervous. I knew Paul Bill’s prose reflects his personality: smart, (problem 32). Thanks again, Senk. as a book may well prove to be my greatest won the Czech Open in 2000 and cashed Somehow, he has managed to give back to was there. I knew he wanted to meet me. organized, wry, and reserved. Bill tells contribution to the game. It’s one of my in the Party Gammon Million in 2007. backgammon a sum even greater than all And I didn’t know what he thought of my wonderful stories — both in person and Ok, there is one other story that comes to proudest achievements. the prize pools he has taken. book. Was it possible he had a problem in print. But he doesn’t tell three-page mind. Dinner with a bunch of players at But what really sets Kent apart from the with my “correcting” his masterpiece? Soon stories that have you looking at your watch some Vegas buffet. As usual, there were It was a joy to work with him. We did a 28 USBGF PrimeTime Backgammon Magazine USBGF PrimeTime Backgammon Magazine 29 2015 American Backgammon Hall of Fame Inductees AMERICAN BACKGAMMON lot of editing together, and conversations rule change bear his name. (Sure, there of the very first instructional backgammon that started on language and backgammon is the justly famous “Woolsey’s Law” for writing to appear online.) And certainly not often found their way to art and politics. doubling, but that’s more of a guideline least, there was GammOnLine, backgam- He seemed to know at least one delightful rather than a rule. Your call, Kit.) mon’s first online magazine, discussion something about everything. Boot Camp board, and interactive match. was published in 2004 and Walter proved Perhaps more than any other player, Kit himself a master of marketing technique by has been on the vanguard of the computer I once asked Kit why his published analysis winning the Las Vegas Open that November. revolution — both in backgammon study, so often makes use of odds notation (Black He signed a lot of books that day. and also in the world at large. Long before is a four-to-one favorite) instead of the more the neural nets, Kit was writing programs common percentage lingo (Black has 80% Walter died, unexpectedly, at the age of 60. for his own backgammon analysis back in winning chances). Kit broke into a wide The Origin & Selection Process I spoke at his funeral, and, hearing others the early '80s. And then there was MatchQiz, grin — “From a well-spent youth playing Hall of Fame speak, I learned for the first time about his a fantastic use of the early '90s personal the ponies, my boy!” Congratulations on By Karen Davis enthusiasm for cycling and his virtuosity computer to display his annotated matches your second-place finish at the 2014 Las at the piano. He contained multitudes. I on screen. (I still have all my discs, and get Vegas Open, Kit. And welcome to your n January 30, 2015, at the USBGF and to backgammon -- skill, play, results, select committee should comprise members miss him, just as you do. frustrated every time my modern laptop second Hall of Fame. Annual Awards Dinner, held support, visibility, sportsmanship, citizen- of long and extensive participation and fails to run them.) And then there was the in conjunction with the 3rd ship, and contributions of every sort. … expertise in the backgammon community Kit Woolsey First Internet Backgammon Server, cre- An impressive group, no? OTexas Backgammon Championships in San Some organization or group is ultimately possessing the knowledge and perspective Kit and Oswald Jacoby before him are the ated by Andreas Schneider in 1992. Once Antonio, TX, Federation President Bill Riles going to do this – I think it should be of individual contributions – absolutely only members of this inaugural class to again Kit somehow got involved, to the Was this exactly the list of candidates I named the inaugural class of 13 inductees the USBGF.” Karen suggested forming a and relatively – over time.” also be members of the American Contract result that he has effectively run the server voted for? Of course not. But this list is bet- into the American Backgammon Hall of committee of respected members of our Bridge League Hall of Fame. Like Jacoby, since 1996. And yes, when TD-Gammon ter than mine — it reflects the communal Fame. This honor is intended to recog- community to think through the issues Process of Selection Kit has written definitive, ground-breaking changed everything, somehow Kit was judgment of many more years of experience nize the extraordinary contributions that and oversee the process. At the next month’s Board meeting, Bill books for both games, and like Jacoby he there, convincing Gerry Tesauro to analyze than I’ll ever have. Congratulations to our these individuals have made to the theory, reported that a Select Committee, chaired by even has a bridge convention named after matches with him. (One such match was inaugural class.  growth, and enjoyment of the mind game Bill’s draft proposal for the establishment Patrick Gibson (one of the longest-serving him. He doesn’t yet have a backgammon against me —played on FIBS, of course. Kit of backgammon. Plaques honoring each of a Hall of Fame was accepted in concept tournament directors in the U.S. and a rule named after him, so I hereby propose invited me to write commentary in parallel - JEREMY BAGAI inductee will be maintained in perpetuity at the June 24, 2014 Board meeting. The Board member), would choose a slate of for the sake of parity that our next official with him, and our joint effort became some on the USBGF website. document stipulated in part: “The USBGF candidates and set the parameters for the will initiate a USBGF Hall of Fame to recog- process. The Select Committee would be About Jeremy Origin of the Hall of Fame nize and honor those players, directors, and comprised of Directors and of representa- In June 2014, in an e-mail addressed to other individuals who have made significant tives from the USBGF membership. Patrick eremy Bagai received his doctorate Product Manager at CyberArts USBGF Board of Directors Chairman contributions to the game over a substantial had researched the procedures used by vari- Jin Psychology from the Univer- writing software specifications and sity of Pennsylvania in 1999, where managing teams of developers. Karen Davis, Mr. Riles wrote: “I’ve come period of time. Nominees and candidates ous sports as well as other games like chess he studied the ways in which we up with another idea … that, I think, is do not have to be USBGF members, may in establishing and maintaining similar evaluate outcomes, assign prob- He wrote the critically acclaimed creative, exciting, interesting, and enter- be from abroad, and may be posthumously honorary groups; and after some discus- Classic Backgammon Revisited, and abilities, and select actions. He has taining. I suggest we create … a USBGF considered…. It is anticipated that the Hall sion, the Board unanimously approved a taught at the Wharton School of published it along with Backgam- Backgammon Hall of Fame… I think Hall of Fame would be a very exclusive group- motion to proceed with the Hall of Fame Business and U.C. Berkeley, and mon Boot Camp (Trice) and Back- enjoyed his four years as Senior gammon Praxis (Storer) through his of Fame members should be elected based ing of the most significant individuals in in accordance with the committee’s written company The Fortuitous Press. on their total contribution to the USBGF the history of the modern game. … The proposal, with the understanding that the 30 USBGF PrimeTime Backgammon Magazine USBGF PrimeTime Backgammon Magazine 31 The Origin & Selection Process AMERICAN BACKGAMMON initiative would be implemented with limited costs to the USBGF the candidates, and induction is a permanent honor. The and executed within the currently-approved budget. proposal is that each member of the Committee would choose 2 more electors, for a total of 15; adding the remaining Board The Select Committee was formed and provided regular updates members would bring the total electors to 26. Elected HOF to the Board on its progress. On September 30 it recommended: members can serve as electors in future years.

»» Name: U.S. Backgammon Hall of Fame (subsequently changed »» Class size: The initial class would have a maximum of 15 to American Backgammon Hall of Fame) inductees, all of whom should be clearly recognized as “unas- sailable choices.” Historical contributors would not be part »» Criteria: Important contributions, accomplishments, and of the initial class. Future years would have a class size of achievements relating to the game of backgammon in the United 4-8 or 5-10. Going Forward States. Skill and success over the board will be considered, as Hall of Fame will comportment and reputation within the backgammon The Board discussed these and other items at length, most notably By Bill Riles community. It should be difficult to get selected – an excep- the process for selecting names to appear on the ballot and the tional body of work over a significant period of time. Not a question of whether electors and committee members should be mere popularity contest. precluded from appearing on the ballot or simply prohibited from n this initial year of the American Backgammon Hall of Fame, the U.S. Backgammon Federation (USBGF) Hall of Fame Com- voting for themselves. It concluded that the Select Committee mittee chose to provide for an inaugural induction class of thirteen members. The Committee felt a large group was necessary to »» Eligible individuals: Players, authors, directors, promoters, would be reconstituted to include only individuals willing to be appropriately include a number of significant individuals from the decades-old history of the modern game. In subsequent years, publishers, teachers, and similar individuals will all be worthy excluded from consideration for the current year. Ithe Committee believes smaller induction classes will be appropriate. of consideration. For the initial year, candidates for ballot will be chosen by a Select Committee; in future years, back- The reconstituted Select Committee consisted of Patrick Gibson, The Committee is currently working on the refinement of Hall of Fame selection processes and procedures going forward, and will gammon community may also be allowed to submit names Jeremy Bagai, Dennis Culpepper, Doug Mayfield, and Joe Russell. submit their recommendations to the Board of Directors for approval. Members are invited to submit suggestions for candidates or for consideration, although not all submitted names would It presented a ballot of 36 individuals to the Board at its November the selection process at [email protected]. Subsequently, the policies will be made public and distributed to the membership. necessarily appear on ballot. 6 meeting, and the ballot received unanimous approval. Voting was conducted by confidential e-ballot by members of the Board Candidates should include individuals who have: »» Initial ballot: Each of the members of the Committee submitted of Directors, the Select Committee, and electors chosen by the 15 names for consideration (self-nomination not allowed), Select Committee: a total of 26 electors. »» made important contributions to the game of backgammon in the U.S. over a significant period of time as players, directors, resulting in a total of 50 individual names. 11 of these were authors, publishers, promoters, teachers, or innovators; categorized as “old-timers” who were barely recognized even Based on the Board’s recommendation, the goal was to end up by several experienced members of the Committee; individuals with ten to fifteen inductees. The Select committee decided to »» realized exceptional accomplishments; in this category might be chosen through a separate process, make the cutoff depend on the shape of the distribution of votes possibly as a different category of historical contributors. by looking within that ten-to-fifteen range for a gap in the dis- »» demonstrated remarkable skill through success over the board; or tribution. Such a gap did in fact emerge between the top thirteen »» Electors: Individuals responsible for choosing HOF inductees candidates and the rest of the field. The result was a final inaugural »» gained achievements and recognition among the community. should be experienced members of backgammon community. set of 13 distinguished inductees.  This mirrors the procedure used by most other halls of fame. The USBGF applauds the 2015 American Backgammon Hall of Fame inductees for their contributions to the game. We look forward Holding a vote of the entire membership is less desirable - KAREN DAVIS to the recognition of other deserving individuals in the future.  because many will not have the experience to select among - BILL RILES KAREN DAVIS 32 R 2014 PlayeroftheYear,Again American BackgammonTour By KarenDavis ray fogerlund have Neil surpassed Kazaross as the all-time comes to an end, RayFogerlund likely will over 50%.That’s impressive! When 2015 win-loss record was just acouple points three ABT main events inayear his when winning tournaments. In 2014,he won Ray is astreak player —arequirement for better at winning on apsychological level. like Neil Kazaross and Mochy, nobody is of skills technical the backgammon greats Tour. Although Raydoesn’t he has believe player on American the Backgammon “Raytake: Fogerlund is most the dedicated Americanthe Backgammon Tour, has this How he doit? does Davis, Bill Director of years …you get drift! the ABT points (13), highest points in past five 2009-2011), most years inarow winning points inthree consecutive years (147.92in points in2011),holder of most cumulative annualhighest all-time points winner (88.80 not to mention his other achievements: for fourth the (2007,2009,2011,2014), time USBGF PrimeTime Magazine Backgammon mon Tour Player of the Year award winning Americanthe Backgam ay Fogerlund has done it again, 4-Time ABTPlayer of theYear! -

TARA MENDICINO the field);the 3) an endurance gauntletthat Monica Community to College master one inautomotive from technology Santa associate degree in firescience as well as to proceed to next the test (Raygot an only 300out of 3000applicants permitted citizen a record;good 2) a written test with background investigation that establishes candidates must of pass tests: aseries 1)a was aSanta Monica fireman. Successful following footsteps inthe of his dad, who Kernthe County (CA)fire department, beforeCalifornia, getting acoveted spot in 9 years, from ages 17to 26,testing over all openings in Orange County. It took him Anaheimthe (CA)Stadium for fivejob of over 3,000 people whoshowed up at occupations to get into. Once he was one as onehe describes of most the difficult Ray spent 27years as afirefighter, which interest are stimulants. powerful other guy, noting that ego and financial just work on getting better and beating the histo intensity lose for winning. He’d rather at controlling his temper, but doesn’t want do until we find him.” saysHe he’s working not worst the be world, inthe loser but I’ll do a lot of losing. He quotes “I abuddy: may loser, agood tolearn be he says, you have to he is working on it, though conflicted. To loser, saying it’s aconstant and that struggle streak. He confesses to not agood being and has competitive Raycertainly adeep insane desire can to lead consistent winning, once said Mikethat Senkiewicz only an year And is nobody more run. deserving.” ABT master point over leader circuit’s the 23 Ray Fogerlund:2014ABTPlayeroftheYear,Again challenged himto achess match after a abuddywhen from Venice High School Ray took up backgammon after college hated losing! men wouldn’t play with they him because backgammonthe board: his fellow fire Thatrivalry, however, did not extend to on golf the course or stationhouse. inthe among rivalry firemen,friendly whether with backgammon. Still, he missesthe hardbe to combine responsibilities those career path to captain, recognizing it would fire engine! But passed he on pursuingthe awesome responsibility fun of driving the ten bringing years with it of the service, Ray was promoted to engineer inhis last — like playing backgammon! retirement that can support an avocation job, and a comfortable pension check in the reward of a well-paying, challenging qualities. But pass who muster those have probes interpersonal and skills leadership pass; and 4)finally,that an interview oral only intop-notch those physical shape can competitive streak. has Ray certainly adeep consistent winning, and desire canto lead said that only an insane once Mike Senkiewicz “ USBGF PrimeTime Magazine Backgammon - Tzu. He says he’s read anything and every preceptsthe of warlord Chinese the Sun got alot of stuffwrong) who was fond of Barclay agreat Cooke, writer (evenifhe he’s He struggling. fascinated was also by andtimes, back goes to it still whenever read Magriel’s Backgammon worst backgammon ever written. book He’s for Blood early on read Becker’s Bruce as one of total immersion. others, Like he Ray characterizes his study of backgammon work forlittle compensation. very out to dinner, recognizing how hard they tournament staff generously them taking or a 100percent tip himself, and of tipping therefore makes apoint of always leaving Ray says, backgammon players don’t tip. He clubs changed locations alot —because, Valley, Burbank, and other locations. The tournaments over all San the Fernando Ray got hooked and started playing in local and tournaments. a regular with backgammon disco boards But most of time, the Chippendale's was ladies-only nights with strippers. male Angeles, the famous discothat featured pair gravitated to Chippendale's inLos he never played him again. Instead the never beat him.When Raydidso, twice, school, and taunted Ray that he could buddy was city chess champion inhigh basketball game on Muscle His Beach. Joy (Flint Cole Area BackgammoNews ), Bill ( magazines or newsletters by Kent Goulding thing —including Kit Woolsey’s and books; Backgammon with the Champions — which he now names as the Backgammon Backgammon at least ten ), Carol 33 - 34 USBGF PrimeTime Backgammon Magazine USBGF PrimeTime Backgammon Magazine 35 Ray Fogerlund: 2014 ABT Player of the Year, Again Ray Fogerlund: 2014 ABT Player of the Year, Again

1st Place Tournament Wins from 1993 to 2014 Davis (Chicago Point), and Bill Robertie Many find the key to Ray’s winning ways in director extraordinaire Patrick Gibson. (Inside Backgammon with Kent Gould- his application of psychology to the game. Date Place Event Tournament ing). He’s used all the bots that have come Ray is a believer in activating his opponent’s Ray just finds it pays to know your cus- along — JellyFish, Gnu, Snowie, and now imagination. Rather than doubling quickly tomers, and to do that he plays more than 2014 Sep 1st Open ABT 2nd Capital Classic eXtreme Gammon, and he’s played on vari- or rolling quickly in a kneejerk way, he rubs anybody else. He got the USBGF started into 2014 Jul 1st Gopher Classic ABT 19th Minnesota Open ous online sites, starting with Games Grid his chin, looks at the score, mentions his entering drawsheets at ABT tournaments 2014 Jun 1st Open ABT Los Angeles Open (which is now GridGammon). The biggest opponent’s blots, and gives his opponent back in 2009 by sharing his photographs 2014 Apr 1st Championship ABT U.S. Open problem with having learned the game 30 plenty of time for his imagination to envi- of brackets from ABT tournaments he 2013 Dec 1st Open ABT California State years ago, says Ray, is adapting. To keep sion bad scenarios instead of just slamming attended. Patrick Gibson assembled a team 2013 Mar 1st Grand Crystal Beaver XVI ABT Central States Invitational current, one has to constantly unlearn or down an aggressive cube. He finds fear to enter the results in Michael Darooge’s 2011 Jul 1st Open ABT 36th Michigan Summer modify old techniques and conclusions. feeds on itself. His attitude induces many backgames.org software, arranged to get a 2011 Mar 1st Ohio Masters ABT 17th Ohio State opponents to pass cubes they should take. copy of the drawsheets of all ABT tourna- 2011 Feb 1st Open ABT 33rd Pittsburgh After a slow start, his game took off when He asks himself what he doesn’t like — ments by photograph or assistance from 2010 Oct 1st Pro/Am Doubles w/Gerding EBGT/WBGT 6th European he tore an Achilles tendon in a fireman’s being blitzed, being primed — and tries the tournament director, and the rest is 2010 Apr 1st Georgia Masters ABT Atlanta Spring Olympics and was off work for six months. to put himself in the opponent’s shoes. It’s history. Since 2009, Ray has entered 171 2009 Oct 1st European Doubles-w/Taherzadeh EBGT 5th European He made a two-hour drive from Bakersfield important, he says, to test the waters early USBGF-recorded ABT events (Champion- 2009 Jun 1st Open ABT Los Angeles to LA to play on Tuesdays and Sundays. And in a match. He might send an early cube ship and Masters Jackpots). By comparison, 2009 Feb 1st Super Jackpot ABT 2009 Pittsburgh at the end of the evening, when he lost, he to see if they pass, and adjust if they snap Ed O’Laughlin is second with 134, Bill 2008 Aug 1st Al Tesoro Palm Classic ABT Florida State had that two-hour drive home to reflect on it up. And to send a message that your Riles third with 120, and Malcolm Davis 2008 Jul 1st Masters Jackpot ABT 13th Minnesota his errors. Once he got over fuming about opponent can’t steal a point from you, Ray fourth with 100. Ray notes that after he’s his opponent’s lucky doubles, he realized may take a small pass early. Gather and give been to Ohio ten times, he knows more 2008 Jun 1st Open ABT 2008 Los Angeles Open that the outcome might have been differ- information; let your opponent know you about Mary Hickey’s game than most local 2008 Jun 1st Super-32 ABT 2008 Los Angeles Open ent if he had made better cube decisions. won’t be pushed around. players. He gets to know the personali- 2008 Feb 1st Grand Crystal Beaver ABT 2008 Midwest ties — whether it’s Atlanta, Connecticut, 2006 Nov 1st Super Jackpot ABT Las Vegas Open Ray’s dad was his gaming mentor. They He also keeps a mental notebook on his Florida, Peoria, Minnesota, or Wisconsin, 2006 Aug 1st Al Tesoro Palm Classic ABT Florida State played pinball together on the Santa Monica opponents. He has me pegged accurately and makes mental notes. 2006 Jul 1st Nations Cup-w/Gartner & Markowitz Nations Cup & Riviera Backgammon Festival pier where Ray learned about the “sucker as playing too fast, and notes that I’m cash- 2005 Nov 1st $1000 Jackpot Backgammon Pro Am shot” (which lost you the ball). Ray applied ing more in the masters since I’ve slowed He’s had such success on the backgam- 2005 Oct 1st 1st Super Jackpot 3rd Lucien Barrière Enghien-les-Bains this lesson to backgammon, by trying to down. He recognizes players who are tech- mon circuit that it’s hard to pick his most 2005 Jul 1st Super Jackpot 1st Lucien Barrière Cannes determine the most harmful mistakes that nically accomplished (like Neil Kazaross) memorable experience. His first big win 2004 Oct 1st Royal Palm Classic Masters ABT Florida State he could make over the board. He then and does not try to fool around as much was the 1993 Nevada State tournament. 2003 Aug 1st Championship ABT 51st Indiana Open worked to avoid them! with them. Malcolm Davis, says Ray, is a He had just stepped up to playing in the 2002 Apr 1st Open ABT 49th Gammon Associates formidable adversary who rarely makes a Championship division from the Intermedi- 1998 Apr 1st Masters Invitational ABT Las Vegas 5th Worldwide Twin Ray’s dad also used to buy him backgammon cube error. Another stubborn opponent ate division because he wanted to compete 1993 1st Open Nevada State boards every time he came across one. Ray is Ed O’Laughlin, who won’t back down, at a higher level. For one thing, he decided eventually donated this extensive collec- sometimes even to his detriment. He can it was less annoying to lose to a player who tion to the U.S. Backgammon Foundation steal a point or two from his former student plays well. A fellow player from LA stuck Boards for Kids program. Julius High, whom he urges to be braver, with the Intermediate division and lost in and even from his friend and tournament the finals to a “career intermediate” in one 36 USBGF PrimeTime Backgammon Magazine USBGF PrimeTime Backgammon Magazine 37 Ray Fogerlund: 2014 ABT Player of the Year, Again Ray Fogerlund: 2014 ABT Player of the Year, Again game on a 16 cube. Ray defeated Harvey major wins along the way, including the He’s certainly been on a roll of late. In 2014, never scored another point after that, los- at the highest level for the most money Huie, a multi-millionaire Texan who loved LA Open in 2002, Indiana Open in 2003, he won the U.S. Open in Las Vegas in April, ing in four games (unusual, since he views against the best players, and is glad he has high-stakes play, in the finals of the Open Royal Palm Classic Masters in Florida in the LA Open in June, the Gopher Classic in himself as a grinder). He thinks he was the wherewithal to put his money down, division. 2004, Super Jackpot in Cannes in 2005 over Minnesota in July, and the Capital Classic affected by a key mistake he made in a put his hat in the ring, and face down the Mochy, and the Grand Crystal Beaver at the in Washington DC in September (and 2nd match against Malcolm in Peoria the month best in his quest for the trophies and prize His biggest prize was in the 1998 Las Vegas Central States Invitational twice (in 2008 in the Masters Jackpot to Ed O’Laughlin). before where he wasn’t aggressive enough. winnings. Masters Invitational, which he won over and 2013). While he doesn’t enter a lot of He came in second in the Texas Dual-Duel He overcompensated in Vegas and took Dean Muench and Mike Senkiewicz. He international tournaments, he treasures in February, losing to World Champion a cube he shouldn’t have — so one step Player recognition, he says, is also important remembers well losing to Kit Woolsey in the winning the 2006 Nation’s Cup in Cannes Mochy (and 3rd/4th in the Longhorn Clas- forward, two steps back. But he tips his hat to increasing participation in both online finals of the Nevada State Championships with Howard Markowitz and Perry Gartner sic Masters Jackpot), second in the Atlanta to Malcolm. “I just got outplayed,” he says. and live events. He loves the USBGF online in 2003 in a field of 92 players. He was up and the European Doubles Championship Wilensky Masters Jackpot in April and the tournament circuit (run by Tara Mendicino, 9-4 when Kit made a comeback and won. in Paris with Sasan Taherzadeh in 2009. Florida Gator Masters in October, 3rd/4th Ray has thought long and hard about how to whom Ray credits with doing a fabulous He had offered Kit 6-5 odds to hedge since in the Super Jackpot in Seattle in September make backgammon flourish in the U.S. He job). Now that the USBGF is implementing there was a $14,000 difference between Not surprisingly, that impressive string of as well as 3rd/4th in the Super Jackpot in admires Carol Joy Cole, Bill Davis, Patrick its master point system and giving annual first and second, but Kit declined. He later victories has landed him on every Giants Las Vegas in November, to name a few. Gibson, and Howard Markowitz — who awards for leading online master point analyzed the match on Snowie, and while list (where he is currently ranked #20) No wonder he captured the ABT crown have put on ABT tournaments year after players, he plans to participate in more his PR was better, it was the big swings on since 2007. He also made the U.S. team in yet another time. year out of their love for the game even USBGF online tournaments. little mistakes that did him in. the inaugural International Backgammon though it’s hard to just break even. He’d Championship co-sponsored by the USBGF, But he remembers the losses, and keeps like to see every ABT tournament charge He also thinks the American Backgammon A high point was winning both the Super-32 the Japanese Backgammon League, and the working on his game. He lost to Malcolm a $100 registration fee to Open players, Hall of Fame is a good idea. He’s pleased Jackpot and the Open at the Los Angeles Danish Backgammon Federation — the Davis in the Las Vegas Super Jackpot in maybe $40-$50 for Advanced players, and that the ABT Player of the Year award is Open in 2008, but there have been many veritable Olympics of backgammon! November after being up 11-3 to 15. He $20 for beginners instead of having to charge continuing. He also looks forward to the hospitality fees or set high entry fees for annual USBGF awards dinner as well, Main events and Jackpots with a rake to thinking it just adds to the glory, motiva- cover tournament costs. Lower entry fees, tion, and interest in participating, as does he reckons, would attract more entrants to the USBGF Prime Tournament initiative those events. (with added money for USBGF members).

The economics are tough for players as He tries to do his part. He’s always happy to well. Travel costs can run $300-$500 for give seminars at tournaments. He’s joined a flight, $300-$500 for a hotel, and with in Julius High’s Backgammon Study Group, entries running $1000-$1500, players have which is being streamed to participants to make $2000 just to break even. Some around the world. The more people who get players, he says, have a life and can’t get hooked on learning the endless intricacies IN HIS ELEMENT away from jobs or family, but others just of the game, Ray says, the more tournament can’t afford the expense. As a result, many attendance will grow and the more enjoy- Ray keeps up his patter in a players can’t attend tournaments other than ment everyone will get out of the game.  match with Stepan Nuniyants as onlookers enjoy the repar- those in their own locale. In this regard,

tee and first-class play. KING KAELEY Ray counts himself lucky. He loves to play - KAREN DAVIS US OPEN BACKGAMMON CHAMPIONSHIPS

PRIME April 15 - 19, 2015 TOURNAMENT Flamingo Hotel, Las Vegas, NV • Super and Limited Jackpots - round of 32 starting Wednesday • $1,000 Prime Tournament added money for USBGF members • Blitz tournaments held daily • Visit the casino’s 24-hour poker room with daily tournaments and non-stop cash games Make hotel reservations by March 14th! Call 888-373-9855 Contact Howard Markowitz at [email protected] Visit www.nvbg.com for details

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youtube.com/user/USBGFbroadcast LEFT: FROM 40 USBGF PrimeTime Backgammon Magazine USBGF PrimeTime Backgammon Magazine 41 USBGF Awards Online Master Points Leaders All Time - Online Master Points Leaderboard

# Name Master Pts Match Pts Rank Pts * Win - Loss Win % Rating 1. Ted Chee 77.9247 68.4075 9.5172 77 - 39 66.38% 1838.32 2. Mario Savan 71.4323 65.3262 6.1061 72 - 48 60.00% 1727.14 3. Eva Zizkova 57.8858 50.0684 7.8174 68 - 40 62.96% 1806.60 4. Peter Toftsoe 56.6230 50.7499 5.8731 70 - 40 63.64% 1825.90 5. Dmitriy Obukhov 52.2953 48.0521 4.2432 38 - 21 64.41% 1895.37 6. David Presser 52.1946 45.5800 6.6146 59 - 25 70.24% 1922.76 7. Alfred Mamlet 50.1424 44.3234 5.8190 57 - 33 63.33% 1841.94 8. David Kettler 47.6488 42.6863 4.9624 60 - 35 63.16% 1878.95 9. John Klein 46.5324 40.4636 6.0688 47 - 32 59.49% 1855.07 10. Jan Cerny 46.0827 42.4837 3.5990 54 - 39 58.06% 1788.27 11. Jacob Atie 45.6798 39.6080 6.0719 41 - 28 59.42% 1810.12 12. Jason Lee 44.5856 42.4445 2.1412 47 - 41 53.41% 1726.52 13. Adam Versaw 44.1017 38.5274 5.5743 18 - 6 75.00% 1947.94 14. Karen Davis 43.0190 38.9038 4.1152 57 - 45 55.88% 1762.06 usbgf awards online 15. Joseph Russell 42.0480 37.9951 4.0530 38 - 27 58.46% 1839.58 16. David Rennie 37.3086 33.6659 3.6427 57 - 40 58.76% 1773.17 master point leaders 17. Lynda Clay 37.1841 36.3991 0.7850 40 - 45 47.06% 1650.45 By Karen Davis 18. Toby Tabet 36.8572 34.8986 1.9586 43 - 37 53.75% 1693.99 19. Jason Marshall 36.3512 34.9406 1.4105 36 - 42 46.15% 1614.02 20. Tilman Söhnchen 35.9363 32.1953 3.7410 25 - 11 69.44% 1905.58 * Master Points are calculated by adding Match Points + (Rank Points * 0.6).

t an awards dinner held in con- newly-implemented USBGF Master Points GREAT PERFORMANCE the top twenty online Master Point lead- USBGF Online Tournament Circuit, Ted board (and number one in 2012–2013) junction with the Texas Back- System. That system tracks the achieve- Ted Chee has won two-thirds of over ers since initiation of the USBGF Online has won 77 matches overall, and some big is the indefatigable Mario Savan. Mario gammon Championships in ments of USBGF members in both the 100 matches on the USBGF Online Tournament Circuit, the top twenty lead- events: (1) the 32-entrant Masters Divisional has played more matches than any other ASan Antonio, TX, on January 30, 2015, Bill Online Tournament Circuit (directed since Circuit, making him the All-Time ers for 2014, and the top twenty leaders II (restricted to players above 1650 online player on the Online Circuit: a total of USBGF Online Master Point Leader. Riles, President and Executive Director of October 2012 by Tara Mendicino), and in for 2012–2013. The Leaderboard will be USBGF Elo and featuring matches up to 21 120, with 72 wins (a 60% percent record). the U.S. Backgammon Federation, crowned live play at American Backgammon Tour beyond a single event. Master Points accu- updated in subsequent issues of PrimeTime points), and (2) the December 2013 Circuit Mario has a solid background in live play: the all-time USBGF Online Master Point (ABT) and live USBGF events. mulate over time — and once earned, are Backgammon. Monthly. He’s an active live player as well: he got hooked when he won a Blitz at the Leader, Ted Chee, who also ranked #1 on never lost. Master Points are awarded in 2012, he won the Championship divi- 2002 Nevada State Championship in Las USBGF Online Master Points in 2014 and A goal of the Master Points system is to to players based upon matches won and As shown in the accompanying table, Ted sion of both the 4th U.S. Open and the 2nd Vegas (320 entries). He went on to win the #2 in 2012-2013. The festivities, which will encourage regular participation in competi- placing. Details and formulas are posted Chee is not only the All-Time Online Golden Gate Open. And he regularly wins Advanced division at the 10th International become an annual event, are designed tive live and online backgammon tourna- on the USBGF website. Master Point Leader; he also led the field side events in Las Vegas and Los Angeles. Cup Backgammon Tournament in Las to recognize USBGF members for their ments and to provide players with concrete in 2014, and was second for 2012–2013. Vegas in 2004 (248 entries). Two years

accomplishments and to highlight the goals, extending the spirit of competition With this issue, we are pleased to announce GIBSON PATRICK One of the most active participants in the Second on the All-Time Online Leader- later (June 2006), he won the Advanced 42 USBGF PrimeTime Backgammon Magazine USBGF PrimeTime Backgammon Magazine 43 USBGF Awards Online Master Points Leaders USBGF Awards Online Master Points Leaders 2014 - Online Master Points Leaderboard 2012-2013 - Online Master Points Leaderboard

# Name Master Pts Match Pts Rank Pts * Win - Loss Win % Rating # Name Master Pts Match Pts Rank Pts * Win - Loss Win % Rating 1. Ted Chee 35.7628 30.7435 5.0193 40 - 24 62.50% 1838.32 1. Mario Savan 55.2751 50.7356 4.5396 52 - 25 67.53% 1727 2. David Presser 35.2519 29.0631 6.1889 32 - 5 86.49% 1922.76 2. Ted Chee 42.1619 37.664 4.4979 37 - 15 71.15% 1838 3. Dmitriy Obukhov 32.2798 28.8556 3.4242 18 - 9 66.67% 1895.37 3. Alfred Mamlet 39.3007 34.272 5.0287 36 - 15 70.59% 1842 4. Jacob Atie 32.0806 27.0896 4.9910 20 - 14 58.82% 1810.12 4. Joseph Russell 33.3652 30.2146 3.1506 31 - 19 62.00% 1840 5. Eva Zizkova 29.7630 24.9527 4.8103 39 - 18 68.42% 1806.60 5. Adam Versaw 31.5913 26.767 4.8243 12 - 3 80.00% 1948 6. Peter Toftsoe 29.0367 26.2321 2.8047 32 - 18 64.00% 1825.90 6. Lynda Clay 31.1105 30.6855 0.425 27 - 25 51.92% 1650 7. Zdeněk Žižka 26.7225 21.6920 5.0305 30 - 18 62.50% 1792.57 7. Jason Lee 30.6005 28.7783 1.8222 29 - 24 54.72% 1727 8. Jeffrey Acierno 26.6956 24.1827 2.5128 27 - 16 62.79% 1891.21 8. Petko Kostadinov 29.8909 27.8807 2.0101 14 - 3 82.35% 1942 9. Igor Erovenko 25.9485 23.0826 2.8658 39 - 16 70.91% 1713.81 9. Eva Zizkova 28.1228 25.1157 3.0071 29 - 22 56.86% 1807 10. John Klein 25.8349 22.2074 3.6276 18 - 8 69.23% 1855.07 10. Toby Tabet 27.6229 27.1516 0.4713 26 - 22 54.17% 1694 11. David Kettler 21.6967 19.3787 2.3180 31 - 17 64.58% 1878.95 11. Peter Toftsoe 27.5862 24.5178 3.0684 38 - 22 63.33% 1826 12. Maya Peycheva 20.0828 17.7732 2.3096 25 - 18 58.14% 1817.08 12. Jan Cerny 26.268 24.6291 1.639 29 - 19 60.42% 1788 13. Jan Cerny 19.8146 17.8546 1.9600 25 - 20 55.56% 1788.27 13. Doug Amenda 26.0285 22.6515 3.377 24 - 16 60.00% 1877 14. John Manning 18.3812 17.2087 1.1725 25 - 16 60.98% 1629.85 14. David Kettler 25.9521 23.3076 2.6444 29 - 17 63.04% 1879 15. Karen Davis 17.4313 14.7323 2.6990 23 - 21 52.27% 1762.06 15. Karen Davis 25.5877 24.1715 1.4162 33 - 24 57.89% 1762 16. Tilman Söhnchen 17.4271 15.4758 1.9513 11 - 4 73.33% 1905.58 16. Jason Marshall 25.2531 25.1008 0.1523 20 - 27 42.55% 1614 17. Michelle Steinberg 17.0529 13.9409 3.1119 21 - 13 61.76% 1596.31 17. Bruce Newberg 24.2107 21.8423 2.3684 23 - 6 79.31% 1821 18. Tom Christner 16.8512 13.9114 2.9398 10 - 11 47.62% 1619.74 18. Svilen Todorov 22.3315 20.9768 1.3547 18 - 14 56.25% 1838 19. John Graas 16.2319 15.9129 0.3190 23 - 15 60.53% 1805.30 19. Michael Ginat 22.3216 21.0867 1.2349 24 - 17 58.54% 1705 20. Bill Riles 16.2035 14.3712 1.8323 22 - 12 64.71% 1787.05 20. David Rennie 22.2623 20.81 1.4523 33 - 24 57.89% 1773 * Master Points are calculated by adding Match Points + (Rank Points * 0.6). * Master Points are calculated by adding Match Points + (Rank Points * 0.6). division at the LA Open, and in 2013 he Peter Toftsoe, have also risen to the top of playing competitive backgammon for 10 Peter Toftsoe, a top Danish player, won the current Nordic Open director). of the winning Northwestern team in the won the Paul Dingwell Amateur Jackpot at the USBGF Online Leaderboard, ranking years, and can rarely play outside her home the Masters Divisional I, landing him in USBGF Collegiate tournament. It was only the California State championships. Mario 3rd and 4th respectively in the All-Time country, her name is starting to appear in 4th place in the All-Time Leaderboard. Sixth in the All-Time Online Master Points at the 2013 Chicago Open that he entered has great determination, discipline, and Online Master Points list, and 5th and the winner’s circle of major tournaments. Peter has played 110 matches, with a 64% race and 2nd in 2014, was David Presser, his first championship flight; but since stamina, often lasting to the very end of 6th in 2014. Eva has earned 57.9 points She placed 2nd in the Ladies Tourna- winning record. He reports that his fondest with an incredible 70% winning record in then, he has gone on to capture a number long tournaments, and often cashing in to Peter’s 56.6 points since the beginning ment at the 2nd Merit Open in Cyprus backgammon memory is being part of the 84 matches. He won back-to-back USBGF of trophies. He won the Limited Jackpot at large-field side events, like the Frank Talbot of the USBGF Online Circuit. Eva, from in November 2014. Her 16-year old son, 2007 winning Mama Lustra team at the Online Circuit tournaments in February the NY Metro in January 2014; was a finalist Newcomers Free Roll at the 2013 Michigan the Czech Republic, has won two Circuit Zdeněk Žižka, captured the Intermediate Danish Team Championship in 2007. His and March 2014, each with 128 entrants, as in the 2014 Central States Invitational in Summer Backgammon Championships Monthly events — June 2013 and Janu- division in Cyprus (71 entries). Zdeněk teammates were international superstars: well as the Masters Divisional III in August March; won the 2014 Minnesota Masters and the $100 Jackpot at the 2013 Texas ary 2014. She is one of the most frequent ranked 7th on the 2014 Leaderboard, only Peter Jes Thomsen, Gus Hansen, Karsten 2014. One of our younger stars, David has Jackpot in July; and was the finalist at the Backgammon Championship. entrants to USBGF Online events, having a few paces behind his mother, and won Bredahl, Steen Grønbech, Lars “Buster” notched a number of live victories as well. 2014 Wisconsin Badger Classic in August. played 108 matches, with an impressive the very strong Masters Divisional IV as Bentzon, and Mik Larsen (two world cham- In 2013, as a graduate student in finance at In addition, he cashed at a number of other Two international players, Eva Zizkova and score of 63% wins. While she’s only been well. They are a mother-son team to watch! pions, a double Nordic Open winner, and Northwestern University, he was captain 2013 and 2014 tournaments and aced 44 USBGF PrimeTime Backgammon Magazine USBGF Awards Online Master Points Leaders

Growing Membership & Growing the Game he goal of the three-year USBGF Prime Tournament Initiative Tis to increase USBGF membership among tournament attendees, increase tournament attendance and participation in events, and enhance the USBGF role, visibility, and influence. Approximately 2,000 players have participated in ABT tournaments since 2009 — only 25% are USBGF members. We want to encourage DAVID PRESSER the remaining 75%, and many others, to become USBGF members; David Presser won the February and enjoy our resources; and help us fulfill our mission to promote March 2014 USBGF Monthly Circuit and grow the game. The Prime Tournament Initiative attempts to tournaments to catapult him into PRIME accomplish this and allows the USBGF to target a membership of second place on the 2014 USBGF 1,000 by the end of 2015. We need your support to reach our goal. Online Master Points Leaderboard. TOURNAMENT Learn more at usbgf.org/media/prime/pt-initiative.pdf Contribute at usbgf.org/media/prime/benefactor/

USBGF quizzes in Chicago and Carolina. And hats off as well to Alfred Mamlet, 3rd place winner in 2012–2013; to the 4th place In 2014, Dmitriy Obukhov, a member of 2012–2013 finisher, Joe Russell, winner Become a Prime Tournament Benefactor the coveted PR 4.0 Club consisting of those of the 1989 World Championship; and to who have finished ten pre-announced live Adam Versaw, in 5th place in 2012/2013 by matches with an average performance virtue of winning the 2012-2013 National rating under 4.0, was in 3rd place in the Internet Championship division. 2014 Leaderboard. Fourth place in 2014 went to Jacob Atie, who racked up lots But past is prologue! The race for USBGF of points by winning the Championship Online Master Point Leaders is on!! Get division of the 2013-2014 National Internet in the game and join the list of winners in Championship. Because Jacob lives far away 2015!! See your name on the scoreboard (in Panama) he does not make it to many and collect cash awards at the 2nd Annual live events, but makes it count when he Awards Dinner!!  does. For example: he came in 3rd in the consolation at Las Vegas in 2013, defeating - KAREN DAVIS top-ranked players John O’Hagan, Rick Barabino, and Bill Riles. 46 USBGF PrimeTime Backgammon Magazine USBGF PrimeTime Backgammon Magazine 47 The Early Game: 64 Split, Followed by 52

So this month I’m only going to discuss one, just one, second-roll exist already. For the most part, when ranting on about proper The early game reply. The way you should go about learning the replies is slowly, replies, I try to focus on the bigger errors players are still making. over time. You can’t understand and memorize them all in just a With more and more live matches being recorded and shared, 64 Split, Followed by 52 sitting or three. If nothing else, at the end of this article you will there’s a lot more material we can study. By Stick hopefully have added one more feather to your cap — if it didn’t Position 1 can never stress enough how important Weaver already amassing a collection; but expected because they had probably done 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 the early game is in backgammon for as far as I could tell, there were no readily them on their own, seen someone else’s, or Pip: 157 a variety of reasons. When I started available rollouts for the early game. knew that 1k rollouts with Snowie were not White Iplaying oh so many years ago (okay, it hasn’t the end-all of backgammon answers. Still, Unlimited Game is Player 2 been that long but it was still during the I immediately went home and tossed on I was on a mission. Having dabbled too

Snowie days, when lengthy and strengthy various opening move rollouts, letting them much in chess, I felt an understanding of score: 0 rollouts were a rarity), what jumped out at go a full 1296 trials. I then brought them the early game was essential … yada yada pip: 157 me immediately was the lack of opening back the next week to show to Chris Yep and yada … my website bgonline.org was born. game rollouts. Now, turns out, there were Mary Hickey, the big dogs at my local club. some people like Nack Ballard and Paul They were rightfully less impressed than I Why is correct opening play so important? Unlimited Game Because every game has an opening. You Jacoby Beaver will always have an opening roll, a reply, a third and even a fourth roll. Always. For Unlimited Game you nitpickers out there: nobody cares about pip: 167 Blackscore: 0 your free drop situations. If you take the Pip: 167 time and understand the opening roll, it 12 11 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 is Player 1 will greatly help you understand the second XGID=-a----EaC---dE--ac-e----B-:0:0:1:52:0:0:3:0:10 Money Game: to Black play 52to play 52 roll. If you understand the first and second rolls, it will deepen your understanding of 1. Book1 24/22 6/1* eq: -0.205 potential third and fourth-roll situations, Player: 44.89% (G:12.03% B:0.41%) Conf.: ± 0.008 (-0.213...-0.197) - [100.0%] and so on and so forth. Now the backgam- Opponent: 55.11% (G:15.44% B:0.73%) 2. Book1 24/22 13/8 eq: -0.261 (-0.056) mon world has come a long way since Player: 43.65% (G:10.79% B:0.40%) Conf.: ± 0.007 (-0.268...-0.254) - [0.0%] my younger years and there are far fewer Opponent: 56.35% (G:15.35% B:0.64%) mistakes on the second roll of the game 1 Generated by David Rockwell on 3/23/2012 using eXtreme Gammon 2.00 thanks to some jackass’s web site. A well- 5184 Games rolled with Variance Reduction. known player from Chicago sent me one of Dice Seed: 47698798 Moves and cube decisions: 3-ply his matches recently to look over where he eXtreme Gammon Version: 2.19.206.pre-release played a nice PR. I went through the match Going through the matches from the recent it’s usually at least partially a tempo hit. game and we miss his blot on the 18pt we and he made over .100 of mistakes on the ABT event in Las Vegas, I stumbled over A tempo hit is a hit that deprives your will use a five to swipe at him on the ace MASTER OF THE EARLY GAME second roll, having lost the opening roll this one for the nth time. There are only opponent of half his roll so that he isn’t point. It is overly clear here because if left Stick stresses studying early game only a handful of times! Unacceptable to two reasonable choices, or one according able to clean up his position by making a to his own devices he is assured of doing second-roll positions. have a mistake so easy to rectify plaguing to XG. Why is it so correct to hit and split? new point, safetying a blot, anchoring, etc. something good on his roll. Let’s look at a your game time and time and time again. When we hit so deep in our inner board Often when the opponent splits in the early portion of his position only.

file:///C|/Users/user/Desktop/Position.htm[1/6/2015 10:34:12 PM] 48 USBGF PrimeTime Backgammon Magazine The Early Game: 64 Split, Followed by 52 Position 2

13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 Pip: 0 ADVERTISE White IN PRIMETIME Unlimited Game F P ½ P

Unlimited Game Black Pip: 115 12 11 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1

This is a common early game occurrence. should send a message from your eyes to yourself if you’d make the same play, what Take a minute and go through all the rolls your brain that says if your roll doesn’t do has changed, and then check it with the bot. imagining how they play. Pretty power- anything especially productive, a tempo If the bot tells you something you didn’t ful, aren’t they? So often we make either hit is called for! We need to hit and keep expect, dig further into the positions until a higher inner board point such as the the opponent off balance. Doing this in you understand them. This is often how I five point or four point or a strong block- our original position, 64S-52X, will force memorized groupings of similar positions: ing point in the bar point. There are a the opponent’s sixes to play not too well. by studying them all at once and picking few scraggly numbers such as [51 32] but Splitting is way too passive here. out the similarities and differences among the overwhelming majority are a major them.  improvement. If we now add on to this the When you study one position such as back checkers being split it is an even more this, you can couple it with other similar - STICK threatening position. It is a structure that positions like 63S-52 and 62S-52 and ask

About Stick tick is a member of the USBGF forums, bgonline.org/forums, which PrimeTime in Print SBoard of Governors, and ranked is frequented by many world-class #10 on the Giants of Backgam- players and Giants. He won the Ohio Subscribe for $150 annually, not including shipping. mon 2013 list. He has one of the State Championship in 2012 and the most popular online backgammon Consolation in Las Vegas in 2012. 6 issues for $25 each. E-mail [email protected] for details. 50 USBGF PrimeTime Backgammon Magazine USBGF PrimeTime Backgammon Magazine 51 jonah seewald 2014 USBGF Grand Champion was a blitzkrieg, with the dice going Jonah’s whetted his appetite for the game at age taking the game seriously, reading books By Karen Davis way throughout. Normally he takes two to nine. It gets cold in Colorado in the winter, and analyzing matches with Snowie. His 2014 USBGF Grand Champion three pictures of positions per match for and board games (it was the pre-video- two favorite books are Bill Robertie’s 501 highlight of the live tournament season for USBGF East and West winners meet to play for the Grand Championship, later analysis, but not this time. He would game era) passed the time. In high school Essential Backgammon Problems and Walter Premium members is the Grand Championship. The with a trophy and three-year membership extension going to the double, Mary would appropriately take, and in Denver, Jonah played chess, checkers, Trice’s Backgammon Boot Camp. tournament begins in two regions: the USBGF National winner as added prizes. The losing finalist, in addition to his cash he would gammon her. Jonah sympathized and backgammon, but found little time AChampionship West, held in San Antonio at the Texas Backgam- prize, receives a one-year membership extension. with his friend; but still, holding up that for these hobbies after he joined the Navy. Jonah’s first major tournament was the mon Championships, and the USBGF National Championship trophy at the awards ceremony felt good! Nevada State Backgammon Tournament East, held in Charlotte at the Carolina Invitational Championships. This year, Jonah Seewald was the West champion (defeating Phil In 1998, he came across Yahoo backgam- in April 2003 where he was second in Premium members (92% of all members!) receive a free entry to Simborg) while Mary Hickey won the East (over Bob Koca). The Like many of us, Jonah grew up in a games- mon; and while he says that he was largely the consolation in the Intermediate divi- each. Cash prizes are generated by optional side pools (100% return) playoff took place at the Las Vegas Open, and Mary (whom Jonah playing family – Monopoly, Scrabble, back- “goofing around,” he became highly rated sion (108 players). He followed that up in and re-entries ($50, 85% return), with re-entries still eligible for affectionately describes as a “great lady” and whom he has listed gammon, and various card games. His aunt, on that site. He then moved on to Games November by making it to the semi-finals side-pool money. Once the preliminaries have been decided, the in his cellphone contacts as Sweet Mary) never had a chance. It who ran a bar in Breckenridge, Colorado, Grid and TrueMoneyGames, and started of the Limited Jackpot (64 players) of the

Winner of USBGF National IN THE WINNER'S CIRCLE 2014 GRAND CHAMPION 2014 was a great breakout year for Jonah won USBGF National Championship West Championship West Jonah, cashing in every tournament in San Antonio and then went on to best "Sweet he entered and coming in second to Mary Hickey" in the USBGF Grand Championship Mochy in the final of the Texas Back- in Vegas, shown here with Mary and Bill Riles. gammon Championships. KAREN DAVIS KAREN RILES BILL 52 USBGF PrimeTime Backgammon Magazine USBGF PrimeTime Backgammon Magazine 53 2014 USBGF Grand Champion 2014 USBGF Grand Champion

Las Vegas Open where he lost to Masayuki Limited Jackpot (16 players) at the Colorado tral States Invitational in March, won a “play from here” and plays the position wife supports him in his love of backgam- “Mochy” Mochizuki. State Championship, and placed second in $100 Saturday Jackpot (23 players) at the many times over, or adjusts it slightly, until mon, tolerating his long hours of study the doubles with Alain Azoulay. U.S. Open in Vegas in April, and finished it is hard-wired into his brain. Instead of a and long weekends away at tournaments. Jonah ventured to the Midwest Backgam- 4th/5th in the LA Open in June. He won photographic memory, he thinks of this gift Though they will watch their dad play a mon Championship in Illinois in March He turned to online poker until it was the Colorado State championship for the as a “reference memory.” Once he under- streamed crucial match, his sons haven’t 2005, where he won the Bear-Bluff Back- crippled by the Unlawful Internet Gambling second year in a row in November – which stands the theory behind a decision, he taken to backgammon, preferring music gammon contest (16 qualifiers), a combi- Enforcement Act (UIGEA). On April 15, he calls, along with his wins in Texas, one doesn’t have to think about it again. When and video games. nation of poker and backgammon using 2012, it was shut down, and he decided of the highlights of his career. In Vegas in he’s preparing for a major tournament, he cards with a bear theme. First prize was a to make a commitment to studying back- November, he scored a second place in the will increase his study time even more. When asked what the U.S. Backgammon $1200 Taki Beargammon Board – but what gammon in earnest and began readying doubles with fellow Denver player Charlie Federation can do to promote the growth made it really special is that his nickname himself to play at the Championship level, Raichle. And he capped off the year by plac- But he isn’t a rote “bot” player. Sometimes of backgammon, he points to the need for is Jonah Bear! rereading Robertie and Trice, and buying ing 2nd in the Super-32 at the California when he realizes he doesn’t understand a sponsorship and added money to make the eXtreme Gammon in 2013. State Championships in December, losing position, he may pass a borderline take equity better for players. As things stand, He won the consolation in the Intermedi- to Norm Wiggins in the final. What a year! (since XG’s calculations are based on the only a few people can come out ahead. The ate division (128 entrants) at the Las Vegas Jonah’s confidence got a huge boost when It landed him among the top 20 spots on assumption of perfect play). On the other future of the game will depend on finding Open in November 2004 and a Limited he won the Colorado State Championship the American Backgammon Tour. hand, when he knows there is a good chance a way to get more money involved. The Jackpot (16 players) at the 10th International in November 2013. Following a promise he his opponent will misplay a position, he hard economics are that most tournaments Cup in Vegas in May 2004. He continued had made to himself, he visited backgam- When asked how he managed to cash in may take a marginal pass, especially if cost around $1400-1500 to enter — $800 to cash in the intermediate division, win- mon buddies in LA — David Taniguchi every tournament he entered in 2014, Jonah he has a good lead. He rates himself as for entry fees, $400 for hotel, and $200 ning consolation in April 2005 at Nevada and Alain Azoulay — who had befriended responded that you “have to be lucky, for good at math (he tutored his Navy mates for airfare. He’s very selective about the State (84 players), the semis of the Las him at his first Vegas tournament a decade sure.” But he also cited an inner overwhelm- at college algebra), but thinks there is an tournaments he attends – depending on Vegas Open intermediate consolation (128 earlier when as a young 32-year-old he ing desire to compete, battling in every element of “feel” (what he calls the inner availability of cheap flights from Denver and players) in November 2006, winning the found himself a stranger in a room full of position, good or bad. He says his play has Jiminy Cricket) telling him he should hotel rates. And he has to carefully gauge intermediate consolation of the Las Vegas older players. He entered the California improved, from sometimes playing at a 3 make a certain play that may be right or use of his vacation time and won’t attend Open (120 players) in November 2007, and State Open division in December 2013 and PR level, sometimes 8 or 9, to more 3s and not wrong by much. tournaments which require an extra day off. in April 2008 breaking into the winner’s cashed in the Consolation (3rd/4th). Now, 4s, and fewer 7s and 8s. Most importantly, circle winning the intermediate division having at least broken even, he decided his confidence has taken a major leap. He To be a serious player, it helps to have a While he hasn’t turned to backers to share of Nevada State (98 players). to go to San Antonio and play in the 2nd really enjoys playing the top Giants, and supportive family and a day job that accom- the action and lower the financial risk, many Texas Backgammon Championships. It was perhaps because of his poker experience modates it. With his Associate degree in top players do so. But with a backer, even He was then urged by Vegas tournament a major turning point! He placed second in he doesn’t get nervous against them. In electronics, he has worked as a mechanic at if a player wins there’s rarely much money director Howard Markowitz to “move up” the Open (72 players), losing to Mochy in fact, he finds that he plays better against the Denver airport for a major aerospace/ left after expenses to split with the backer. to the Open, even though many other long- the finals, and he won the USBGF National stronger opponents. transportation manufacturer for the last 21 That’s like playing for free, and then you term intermediate players were permitted Championship West. All of a sudden he had years. He gets an early start to the day — need backing again for the next tournament. to continue on in intermediate. Jonah didn’t gained major visibility on the American Jonah studies hard. In a typical week, he which rules out late night local tournament It’s like a “living contract” that needs to be think it made sense to risk money playing tournament circuit. plays an average of three hours a day on play. He arrives at 6 am, but gets off work continually renewed one tournament at a the best in the world when he was far from GridGammon, and studies another 10 hours and is home by 3 pm —where he can play time. To play competitive backgammon, he their level. Instead, he took a break from He followed it up with an amazing string on top of that. He analyzes his matches on for three hours undisturbed. Evenings are says, “You gotta love it, you gotta win.”  out-of-town backgammon tournaments, of victories in 2014. He came in second eXtreme Gammon, and when he doesn’t family time, with his wife and two sons, although in 2011 he won the Royal Gorge in the Grand Crystal Beaver in the Cen- understand a cube or checker play, he hits now ages 15 and 22. He feels lucky that his - KAREN DAVIS 54 USBGF PrimeTime Backgammon Magazine USBGF PrimeTime Backgammon Magazine 55 The Inaugural U.K. Open

9-point full-consulting match between interest in backgammon, so it was pleas- to win another board….well, we had to the two teams. Sadly for Team U.K., Japan ing to see fourteen aspiring Beginners give the other Beginners a chance! Flavia capitalised on their 3-0 advantage and on Saturday morning all hoping to win Losniceriu was the lucky Sunday winner. were the runaway winners, 9-2. Several a luxury roll-up travel board, donated by of the 3-point match files are available on our sponsor, Geoffrey Parker Games Ltd. In the Intermediate Flight, Yan Kit Chan the UKBGF website, and the video of the The youngest of these was eight-year-old had reached the semi-finals but was trail- entire consulting match can be followed David Broomfield, who fought off all the ing Donna Sherred, 5-9 to 11. It looked in two parts: Part 1 and Part 2. other hopefuls to claim his board — an as though it could soon be all over for Yan impressive achievement for such a young in the following position — with Donna Much like its sister organization, the USBGF, player. Although he was allowed to play (White) on roll. a principal aim of the UKBGF is to grow on the Sunday as well, David wasn’t eligible

Position 1

12 11 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 Pip: 12 The Inaugural U.K. Open Donna Sherred 2-Away September 19 - 21, 2014 is Yan Kit Chan score: 5 By Peter Bennet, with photos by David Startin pip: 108

t will probably never happen again! Planning for the tournament was initially Coventry City Football Club — as well as, No, I don’t mean that there won’t be driven by John Wright of the Liverpool more recently, Wasps Rugby Football Club. 11 point match another U.K. Open — the next one is Backgammon Club, who solicited the The Legends Lounge within the Ricoh Ialready on the calendar. What is unlikely cooperation of a group of tournament was the perfect size for the 140 or so pre- to happen again is the formation of a team directors and players from around the registered players. For some who began to 6-Away comprising the current Backgammon U.K., including Ian Tarr, Sean Williams, gather on the Friday afternoon, this was a pip: 12 score:Yan 9 Kit Chan World Champion and the number 1 and Raj Jansari, and myself. Within a short kind of backgammon reunion; there hadn’t Pip: 108 number 2 players in the world … all from time this group evolved into the Interim been a U.K. tournament this large outside 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 is Donna Sherred the same country! These three Japanese Board of the nascent U.K. Backgammon London for many years. Others came early XGID=--BCBBB-AA------bcB-:0:0:-1:00:5:9:0:11:10 Game 10: White on roll, (Donna cube action? Sherred) on roll. players — Akiko, Mochy, and Michy — were Federation, which has just held elections to watch the much-anticipated challenge visiting the U.K. not only to play in the first to form a new Board. More information match between the ‘Japanese Giants’ and the Analyzed in XG Roller++ No double Double/Take U.K. Open Backgammon Championships, on that process and its implications for formidible U.K. team of Julian Fetterlein, Player Winning Chances: 93.00% (G:71.69% B:52.75%) 92.97% (G:73.54% B:45.58%) Opponent Winning Chances: 7.00% (G:0.00% B:0.00%) 7.03% (G:0.00% B:0.00%) but also to take part in a challenge match British Backgammon can be found on the Raj Jansari, and Lawrence Powell. Cubeless Equities +1.984 +2.244 against the U.K.’s best. ukbgf.com website. Cubeful Equities In the first phase of this battle, each team No double: +2.004 The idea of staging a U.K. Open tourna- The Ricoh Arena in Coventry was chosen member played a 3-point match against Double/Take: +2.079 (+0.075) ment, which would hopefully be worthy as the venue for the first U.K. Open. This every member of the opposing team. Double/Pass: +1.000 (-1.004) of that title and establish itself as a major is a football stadium and entertainment/ The result was 6-3 in Japan’s favor, which Best Cube action: Too good to double / Pass international event, emerged in April 2013. conference complex which is the home of translated to a 3-0 start in phase two: a Percentage of wrong take needed to make the double decision right: 93.0%

eXtreme Gammon Version: 2.10, MET: Kazaross XG2

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It’s great fun to play single-color-checker who owns which checkers. If you want to for the gammon, but left a shot on her next In the Championship Flight, the Japanese but a longtime U.K. resident) and Martin blow his opponent away. Martin (White), backgammon with Yan. As implied, all go one step further, try a game of ‘virtual roll. Yan hit it, and fought his way back to Giants did not fare as well as they had in Birkhahn of Germany. The second game trailing 0-1 to 13, was attempting a blitz thirty checkers are the same color and you backgammon’ in which you cannot see or win that game and, eventually, the match the Team challenge. The final was con- of this match was the most dramatic: each when the following doubling decision arose. have to remember which are yours and touch the checkers because the entire board 11-9. Yan then went one better, beating tested between Jason Pack (from the U.S.A. player, at different times, was threatening to which are your opponent’s. The under- only exists in your head! These games are Andreas Sophocleous in the final — his Position 2 sides of the checkers can be marked to fun to try, but playing a whole tournament biggest win to date. Both the semi-final show what colors they ‘really’ are in case blind, as Yan does, is an awe-inspiring feat and the final were recorded, and in the 12 11 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 Pip: 157 of dispute! As Yan is completely blind, of concentration and stamina. former Yan played at a sub-5 XG PR — a Martin Birkhahn this variant provides a more level playing result which few of the world’s best could 13-Away field where both players have to remember In Position 1, Donna obviously played on match under the same conditions. is Jason Pack

score: 1 pip: 172

13 point match

12-Away pip: 157 score:Jason 0 Pack Pip: 172 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 TOUCH AND GO is Martin Birkhahn Feeling his way round the board, Yan Game 2: XGID=-ac---DBC--AbB--a--baabAbB:0:0:-1:D:1:0:0:13:10White (Martin Birkhahn) on roll. Cube action? Kit Chan salvages an almost lost posi- on roll, cube action? tion, watched by his girlfriend Su Lim, who played in the Beginners Flight. Analyzed in Rollout No double Double/Take Player Winning Chances: 57.51% (G:34.31% B:2.49%) 58.07% (G:34.74% B:3.03%) Opponent Winning Chances: 42.49% (G:11.47% B:0.64%) 41.93% (G:11.42% B:0.62%) Cubeless Equities +0.401 +0.877 Cubeful Equities No double: +0.539 ±0.015 (+0.525..+0.554) Double/Take: +0.535 (-0.004) ±0.026 (+0.509..+0.561) Double/Pass: +1.000 (+0.461)

Best Cube action: No double / Take Percentage of wrong pass needed to make the double decision right: 0.9% Rollout details 1296 Games rolled with Variance Reduction. Moves: 3-ply, cube decisions: XG Roller

QUIZ "MASTER" Double Decision confidence: 61.2% Take Decision confidence: 100.0% Akiko draws attention to Tim Jason hasDuration: two men 29 on minutes the bar 24 and seconds Martin is a big favorite to make says the doubling decision is a tossup; so it’s an easy take despite Line's world-beating score of 42 eXtreme Gammon Version: 2.10, MET: Kazaross XG2 out of 50 in Mochy and Michy's another point in his board. Many of his wins will be gammons, the possibility of quickly losing four points.

Backgammon Proficiency Test. STARTIN DAVID but the ammunition to complete the attack is in short supply. XG Continued on page 60

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01 02 03 All photos (except 03) courtesy of David Startin.

01 Championship finalist Martin Birkhahn fully focused on his game.

02 Eight-year-old David Broomfield surveys the battlefield on his way to becoming Saturday Beginners Champion.

03 The U.K./Japan Team Chal- lenge decider - a consulting match with (counter-clockwise from left) Michy, Mochy, and Akiko versus Julian Fetterlein (standing), Raj Jansari, and Lawrence Powell.

04 A more-relaxed Martin Birkhahn receiving his trophy from UKBGF co-founder and Board member, Peter Bennet.

04 05 Who let that dude in?? Is there a tournament on this planet which Carter 06 hasn't attended? 06 Flavia Losniceriu, Sunday Begin- ners Champion, receiving her trophy from Eric McAlpine, recently elected to the UKBGF Board of Directors.

07 Tim Line's outstanding result in the Backgammon Proficiency Test earns him a special trophy presented by Mochy.

05 07 60 USBGF PrimeTime Backgammon Magazine USBGF PrimeTime Backgammon Magazine 61 The Inaugural U.K. Open The Inaugural U.K. Open Position 3 Position 4

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: 156 Pip: 125 Martin Birkhahn Martin Birkhahn 13-Away 13-Away is Martin Birkhahn is Jason Pack

score: 0 score: 1 pip: 156 pip: 127

13 point match 13 point match

12-Away 12-Away pip: 149 pip: 125 score:Jason 1 Pack score:Jason 0 Pack Pip: 149 Pip: 127 12 11 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 is Jason Pack is Martin Birkhahn Game 2: XGID=aaaB-bCCBA---A--a-abAbbBb-:1:1:1:D:1:0:0:13:10Black (Jason Pack) on roll. Cube action? Game 2: XGID=---BbbCCBC----A----bcbb-bA:2:-1:-1:00:1:0:0:13:10White (Martin Birkhahn) on roll. Cube action? on roll, cube action? on roll, cube action?

Analyzed in XG Roller++ No redouble Redouble/Take Analyzed in Rollout No redouble Redouble/Take Player Winning Chances: 71.16% (G:32.90% B:3.00%) 71.44% (G:33.90% B:3.07%) Player Winning Chances: 62.03% (G:35.43% B:0.46%) 62.33% (G:34.73% B:0.72%) Opponent Winning Chances: 28.84% (G:7.18% B:0.31%) 28.56% (G:7.29% B:0.32%) Opponent Winning Chances: 37.97% (G:7.02% B:0.21%) 37.67% (G:9.40% B:0.09%) Cubeless Equities +0.713 +1.376 Cubeless Equities +0.545 +0.807 Cubeful Equities Cubeful Equities No redouble: +0.933 (-0.067) No redouble: +0.675 (-0.039) ±0.017 (+0.658..+0.693) Redouble/Take: +1.098 (+0.098) Redouble/Take: +0.714 ±0.025 (+0.690..+0.739) Redouble/Pass: +1.000 Redouble/Pass: +1.000 (+0.286)

Best Cube action: Redouble / Pass Best Cube action: Redouble / Take

eXtreme Gammon Version: 2.10, MET: Kazaross XG2 Rollout details Continued from page 57 162 Games rolled with Variance Reduction. Moves: 3-ply, cube decisions: XG Roller Jason did take, and turned the tables: he the 20-point anchor and a stronger board. many gammons and should have let this Would you redouble to 8 here? I regard 33 are seriously destructive. And from ference in the correct cube action. In the eventually reached this position, where However, recirculating the hit checkers will go….but he took and regained the upper crunchingDouble as a speciality Decision of confidence: mine even when Jason’s side of the board, wouldn’t he hate99.4% first game of a 13-point match, redoubling Take Decision confidence: 100.0% he has one of Martin’s checkers on the not be easy: Jason is likely either to extend hand. There was more excitement to follow I have threeDuration: escaping 4 minutes numbers. 13 Inseconds Martin’s to see that 8-cube coming towards him with to 8 here would be a big error; while if

roof and is shooting at two more blots in his outside prime or to switch the attack a few rolls later. position I would have been dreading to eXtremea match-ending Gammon Version: gammon 2.10, MET: looming Kazaross large? XG2 White is trailing 0-3 instead of 0-1, he has the outfield. On the plus side, Martin has to his own inner board. Martin loses too see one of the 16 non-escaping rolls pop So this was a chance for Martin to pile on a monster recube and now taking would out of my dice cup. But if we look more the pressure. Not redoubling at this score be close to a blunder. Because of overage, closely, seven of those rolls (41, 31, 21 and is actually only a small error, and the take every extra point already chalked up by A total of 9 matches were recorded from the 2014 U.K. Backgammon Open. 11) don’t crunch the board at all — and a is scary but clear, but with the cube at this the match leader significantly reduces the The match files in XG format are available for download at ukbgf.com. further five (43, 32 and 22) retain some level it is interesting to note how a small value of 8-cube ownership. kind of five-point board. Only 42, 44 and change in the score can make a huge dif-

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12 11 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 All photos courtesy Pip: 118 of David Startin. Martin Birkhahn 13-Away is Jason Pack

score: 1 pip: 127

JASON DOES IT AGAIN 13 point match Following his victory in the Nordic Open Super Jackpot earlier in the year, Jason Pack takes the 2014 U.K. Open Championship title. 12-Away pip: 118 score:Jason 0 Pack Pip: 127 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 is Martin Birkhahn Game 2: XGID=---BbaCCBC--a-A----bcbb-bA:2:-1:-1:D:1:0:0:13:10White (Martin Birkhahn) on roll. Cube action? on roll, cube action?

Analyzed in XG Roller++ No redouble Redouble/Take Player Winning Chances: 75.72% (G:51.50% B:0.56%) 75.78% (G:51.17% B:0.58%) Opponent Winning Chances: 24.28% (G:4.11% B:0.21%) 24.22% (G:4.12% B:0.20%) Cubeless Equities +1.013 +1.515 Cubeful Equities No redouble: +1.130 Redouble/Take: +1.449 (+0.318) Redouble/Pass: +1.000 (-0.130)

Best Cube action: Too good to redouble / Pass Percentage of wrong take needed to make the double decision right: 29.1%

eXtreme Gammon Version: 2.10, MET: Kazaross XG2 Martin held onto the cube and rolled an too good to redouble but, with an 8-cube in Open to his growing list of tournament escaping 52 (20/13). Jason danced again, the offing, merely reversing the score from victories. The entire match, as well as Yan’s JAPAN TRIUMPHS OVER UK … and so Martin had another cube decision. 0-1 to 1-0 makes the play-on borderline. previously mentioned semi, and final, can … but Peter Bennet muscles in on Team Japan's victory photo! It is fairly obvious that Jason now has a pass, Give Martin a 3-1 lead and now the correct be downloaded from the UKBGF website. but Martin has no crunching numbers (even action is no redouble/take. In the match, When the last dice had been rolled early distributed to the winners. As the players at the Ricoh Arena, Coventry. Maybe you 44 can be handled … .just!) so he should Martin cashed, but went on to win only on Sunday evening and players were either left, the question I was most frequently U.S. players should make a quick hop across play on. At this score the position is much one more game as Jason added the U.K. heading for home or converging on the asked was “When’s the next one?” At the the pond to join us there?  Grosvenor Casino for a late dinner, over time I didn’t have an answer, but the second £30,000 in prize money, 18 trophies and U.K. Open is now scheduled for the first - PETER BENNET three Parker backgammon boards had been weekend in September 2015, once again

file:///C|/Users/user/Desktop/Position.htm[12/16/2014 4:42:00 PM] 64 USBGF PrimeTime Backgammon Magazine USBGF PrimeTime Backgammon Magazine 65 The Wolf of Wall Street

And of course my mother was horrified, and you were not in mainstream society. I with brokers and co-workers because it was all the people in my family were worried could not get a credit card, for example. I sort of a way of networking with people. about me; but I went and did what I loved, remember going to a Blockbuster and try- which was backgammon, poker and chess. ing to rent a movie — and I couldn’t rent Iancho: So … but when you were playing The Wolf one, even though I had like $25,000 cash backgammon, before you became an options I did that for about a decade and ended up in my pocket. And if you are interested trader, how and when did you realize that being recruited to work for a Wall Street in a woman and tell her, “I play poker or you were a good player? of Wall Street firm by Howard Ring — a very famous backgammon for a living,” it did not really backgammon player/trader, who died a play that well. And a lot of things about the Bill: When I first saw backgammon, it was few years ago; Howard was fantastic! He lifestyle were not healthy for me — staying in a coffee shop, and I was playing speed the Story of Bill Phipps actually was looking to recruit professional up late, lack of physical activity. So I real- chess for 25 cents a game trying to make gamblers. I went for my interview and was ized that (since nobody else would hire me) some money so I could eat. And I saw Interview by Iancho Hristov very nervous, but when they took out some options trading was an opportunity. I had that a lot of the people that I was better dice and a deck of cards, I immediately no job resume, and this was really my one than in chess were playing chouette, and relaxed. My interview started with a bunch chance to switch professions. If it did not the amount of money they were winning of probability questions, just what I had work out, I was going to commit fully to or losing was over $100 a night, while at been studying the last 10 years. I ended poker and backgammon. But interestingly, speed chess I was trying to make $6 — Q&A up getting the job, leaving gambling, and they hired David Wells at the same time as enough to go and buy a hamburger. So I going to Wall Street as an options trader. me. I had never met David before then. We started watching the backgammon games Iancho: To start, please introduce yourself. actually met for the first time in a training and started playing with my sister at home. What do you do for a living? How did you Iancho: But when you started working on program in Philadelphia. And we lived I really liked the game, so I went out and end up working on Wall Street? Wall Street, didn’t you miss this lifestyle? there for two and a half months together. bought every backgammon book I could We had very similar backgrounds: he had find and threw myself into studying. Only Bill: I’m 51 years old. I started playing back- Bill: Usually gamblers know that they have not gone to college, he was playing games six months later, I was one of the best players gammon in 1981, when I was still in high all the free time in the world — they can professionally. For David, it was never a very in Seattle (along with Alan Steffen). And I school, actually. Backgammon was pretty gamble, they can go to bars, or do whatever. good fit to have a normal job and a more could tell this just because my results were popular back then. There were tournaments It is not like working every day, when you structured life, so I ended up staying with very good and at that time, people were in bars and restaurants across the country have to wake up at a certain hour and stay it, and David ended up leaving — but we making extraordinary mistakes. The level … I fell in love with the game immediately. busy all day. have been good friends ever since. of play in 1983 was very, very poor. Actually, my trajectory is that I dropped out of college to play chess, backgammon, and Iancho: This must have been a huge change Iancho: So when you started working Iancho: So back then, when there were no poker for a living. in your life? on Wall Street, did you completely quit computer programs like XG and Snowie. gambling? What was the main method to improve? Iancho: What did you study? Bill: It was a huge change. There are a lot You said you read all possible books, but of attractive things about being a profes- Bill: Yes, I completely quit for several was that the main method? Bill: I was in college, but was undecided sional gambler. You get to make your own years. Well, that it is not entirely true — I about what to study. I was not interested in schedule, and you are your own boss. That completely quit backgammon and anything Bill: Yes, books were the best way to learn school, but rather in girls and playing games, is nice, but I got pretty sick of it. At that outside my profession, but on Wall Street I — and playing over recorded matches. But

so after one year of college, I dropped out. DAVIS KAREN time, if you were a professional gambler, did a lot of sports betting and poker playing I also solved a lot of positions by hand. 66 USBGF PrimeTime Backgammon Magazine USBGF PrimeTime Backgammon Magazine 67 The Wolf of Wall Street The Wolf of Wall Street

I had a friend who created a computer that loves playing games, and I just picked become much better at the game. I’m also Iancho: Recently you were selected to Matt understand that I play pretty well. I program to solve all the non-contact posi- backgammon back up to satisfy that. And very fascinated by how much the game has represent the World team in the Denmark don’t play as well as they play, but I play tions and back then you could not store it a lot of that was about MCG (Matt Cohn- changed since I left it. I left right as JellyFish vs. The World challenge? What does this pretty well. on a disk. There was limited access to the Geier). He made me more interested in the was produced, and seeing how the game mean to you? computer, so he printed it all out and had game. It helps to have a friend in the game. has evolved since then has been fascinating Iancho: How did you prepare? We know 10 big cardboard boxes filled with results. for me. So many of the things we took for Bill: Well, I considered it a big honor. I that each year the World team runs a boot He had it organized and I tried to learn Iancho: I’m sure, especially if it is this granted were actually totally wrong. felt … my initial reaction was that I felt camp just before the start of the challenge. about non-contact positions from it. Or I kind of friend! honored that I had been asked, but also Can you tell us please what exactly did you would do hand rollouts … . Sometimes I Iancho: You play a lot online at Grid- I felt somewhat undeserving as there are do there and how you trained? would just spend hours rolling a position So, what do you like to do aside from back- Gammon. Which do you prefer: live or some players who are clearly better than I out and recording the results. Which can gammon and work? Do you have any other online play? am who were not invited. So I asked Falafel Bill: For me, the boot camp was my favorite be a pretty unreliable method, but it is bet- hobbies? You said you play poker, but do and Mochy, ”What about Paul Weaver, or part of the entire experience. For a couple ter than nothing — and if you are the only you enjoy playing or doing something else? Bill: I prefer live play, but unfortunately what about Ralf Jonas, etc.,” but it turns out of weeks leading up to Denmark you saw person doing that, you gain an advantage. there is just not a lot of it. I play a lot online, these players did not want to play this year. Victor, Petko, Wells, and Falalel playing It was hard to get good back then, and this Bill: Not so much, just the normal things: but most of that is after a whole day of For me being chosen for the team — I love online, and they were trying their best, is why nobody was very good. I have a big movie hobby: I watch a lot work. It is just pure relaxation. I am way the idea of the best players getting together they knew they would be playing, and more movies than most people, and I read too tired to think. and competing against each other and I feel they were training for the event. So when Iancho: Wow! This is amazing, I can’t a lot of books. One of my weaknesses is I that everybody grows, I feel that the game we were in Denmark, we actually rented imagine now sitting and doing hand roll- should be exercising more. I used to play Iancho: Yes, but it is still a good way to benefits. It is good for the spectators, the an apartment. David Wells, Matt, and I outs! (smile) basketball. I should do this more because prepare for live events …? players themselves get a lot out of it … . It stayed there. And we had group training I’m very sedentary these days. Most of my is good for everyone. And I felt privileged sessions at the apartment. And everyone Bill: We used to play a lot of propositions time off is spent on games like backgammon Bill: It is, but it is not as good as organized to be part of that environment. I feel it was except Victor was there, because he arrived — just playing the same position over and or sports betting or some project involving study. You can improve some by just playing really good for my game. just the day before his event. So, for several over again for money. numbers. It is always numbers. a lot of games, but I think over the last two days we gathered there and played speed- weeks in Denmark, I learned a lot more and Iancho: But exactly how do you think gammon, doubles, lot of DMPs, singles Iancho: So when you were away from Iancho: So basically you came back to grew a lot more as a player than I have in they selected you? matches, and everything was recorded. All backgammon for so many years, what backgammon as you did not like poker my last several months online. the matches were taken seriously. It was a brought you back? Backgammon is not so much, and you realized that you love Bill: My understanding of how the team very pure backgammon experience. It was as popular as it once was — not so many backgammon more, so backgammon is Iancho: What do you think is the key? is selected is: Falafel, Michy, Mochy, and great seeing how everyone’s mind works. tournaments, not so many players? giving you something. Can you compare Matt sit on top, and I don’t think you can And I think we all had a certain amount of playing backgammon with anything else? Bill: Well it is focus, for one thing. When find anyone who would disagree that those pride, where you see other people playing Bill: I reached the point where I started That feeling? you play live it is just that match. There is four people belong on the team. Those are at a phenomenal level, and you don’t want having some free time. I actually retired nothing to focus on but the move in front four of the best players in the world, and to be the one guy who sucks! We were all about 10 years ago for a few years, and I Bill: Let me think for a second…I noticed of you. But if you are around other top they deserve to be there. Then, they started trying to bring the best out of ourselves, played a lot of poker during that time. I it feels good to know you are becoming players, you can exchange ideas, you can proposing names. I don’t know how they and it was a very positive experience. found out I did not like poker as a game pretty good at something. For me, I have debate positions, and you get an idea of got to my name, but I know that Falafel that much. I get pretty bored with it. I never a challenge of trying to become one of the how other people are thinking about the and Matt know me well. I don’t think that Iancho: And I also think that this year really loved poker the way I love backgam- top players. I feel I’m not too far away, and game, and this can help you grow. Mochy and Michy knew me very well was the first when the team was so solid. mon. And I think there is some part of me I want to challenge myself to see if I can until recently. But I think that Falafel and I mean that every year there is a player 68 USBGF PrimeTime Backgammon Magazine USBGF PrimeTime Backgammon Magazine 69 The Wolf of Wall Street The Wolf of Wall Street who is clearly worst and is not as good as with David Wells. Did you two play a had a lot of confidence in his opinion. We people are very good players, but they are way he conducted himself. He is a student years I have seen Matt really grow: he is the others — but this year there were no lot of consultation matches against other gamble with each other on a lot of things, kind of too passive in speaking up, and of the game and overall his play is very finding his voice and coming into his own. real flaws: all the players were very solid players there? and trust me — you don’t want to be bet- they don’t effectively help their partner strong. I liked everything about him. If he I like that I have gotten to watch that, and world-class players. ting against David Wells when he feels that find the right move. ever needs backing in a high stakes game, I feel proud of him. Bill: The first night we played doubles confident about something. So it was clear I hope he calls me. Bill: For me what was great also was the against Matt and Petko, I believe, and the that we were going to take. Iancho: Then do you think you can make Iancho: From your posts in the forums, it way everybody supported each other. There combined PRs were, I think, 16 or 17. I think a good team with someone you don’t know? Iancho: Would you like to attend the event is obvious you like numbers. What do you was a good sense of teamwork. For example, they played 9 and we 7, something crazy Iancho: Wow, I like your method, very Is your friendship with David important? next year as well? think is the best way to compare players’ Petko was supposed to play speedgammon. (laugh), but then we slept more and the clever. :) So this is kind of how you work strength? During the first few practice matches, Petko next day started playing recorded doubles on Wall Street? Bill: I tried to play doubles with Matt. I did Bill: Since I was right on the cusp of being was playing pretty badly. He ran out of matches against Michy/Mochy, and Falafel/ not think we did very well. He did not think in, it is my job over the next year to get Bill: Obviously PR is the best measure. time a few times, got some high PRs, and Petko. We played 3 consecutive matches Bill: I work with a lot of models. I have we did very well. I think it takes some time better and to earn my spot on the team. However, I think something is missing from people got a bit worried, thinking maybe under a 2, and M/M played 2 matches a lot of computer programs that give you to play with each other to get used to it. But yes, I would like to play. the way we currently look at it, which is speedgammon is not a good fit for Petko. under a 2. It helped build confidence for numbers and things, but ultimately it is my the component of how the opponent plays Remember though, he had just gotten off a playing the Danes. job as a trader to know what those tools are Iancho: So for sure you need to know the Iancho: And maybe next year you would against you. Because it is possible to steer plane across six time zones. And as a team good for and not good for, and same thing person and have some experience with like to play singles or speed? I think you games towards complexity, and if you do we worked through it. There was a meet- Iancho: But when you play doubles, do for Dave. I know my partner. I know what them …. So when you were there, what will be very suitable for speed? that, you are going to raise your PR but you ing to discuss possibly switching him to you split the tasks: for example, I will do he is good at and what he is not good at. was your feeling? Who was the player you will also raise your opponent’s PR. And what another event, but people were supportive, the running pip count or anything like that? were most impressed by from each team? Bill: The first goal is just to be good enough matters, of course, is having the maximum and Petko rose to the occasion and found Iancho: So basically you used what he to make the team. spread between the PRs. Let’s take Mike his stride. By the end he was playing speed Bill: Well, as far as pip count, no, but in my likes to bet on to find the right decision … Bill: Well I think that everybody from the Senkiewicz for instance: he is possibly the matches with low 2.0 PRs — just phenom- opinion, and I think Dave will agree, we World team will agree that during the train- Iancho: In the July-August 2014 edition greatest player in the history of the game. enal backgammon. play our best when I make the moves and Bill: Right, we treated it like that: we try ing session nobody was more impressive of PrimeTime magazine, Mochy told us the I have played with him online, and his PR he is consulting. The reason for this is that to see how confident we are by how much than David Wells. In the training sessions story of how you met Matt. It looks like after is not the lowest, but he plays to increase Iancho: So you think that everybody it helps me engage by playing and touching money we will bet. And by the way, a lot for several days and even at the tournament that, you became very good friends. Could complexity in his games, and I think it is grew as players, just for those 2 weeks, in checkers, but more importantly, the person of strong players in the room thought this he was playing at a phenomenal level, he you say a few words about him? quite possible that he makes everyone play the disciplines they were about to play? with the dice kind of controls the ultimate was a pass. Dave found a very good take. was just on his game. Obviously Mochy a little bit worse. My PR after 25 matches is decisions and also controls the flow of the always impresses but we have come to expect Bill: Let’s see … he is a super sweet kid higher than my average PR, and it would Bill: It is not like you can relearn backgam- game. I know David’s game very, very well. Iancho: It looks like you get along very that. But I think Dave showed what he is and very smart. I liked him right away, not surprise me if everybody’s PR is a bit mon in a few days. What it really does is He is a brilliant backgammon player, and I well with David Wells. What is important capable of. On the Danish team, Sander and I guess I feel some paternal instinct higher when they play him. your pride kicks in, and I think people can know what his strengths are and what he is in creating a good team such as yours? was special. When you get good enough toward Matt. We are good friends, but I find another level of focus. All of the people weak at. For instance: in our match against at the game, you can spot talent right away also feel protective of him, like a mentor Iancho: What is your own PR? inside that room are capable of playing great the Danes, we were trailing 0-4 and a very Bill: You have to be comfortable with — and he has a crazy amount of talent. in some way. backgammon, and it is just a question in difficult cube came up. We talked about it each other, you have to not be afraid to say Also, Thomas Kristensen impressed me a Bill: Seems to be about 3.85. finding that level of focus and determina- for a long time, and I was leaning towards something stupid, and also have to not be lot — especially in the doubles. He is very We talk every day by instant messaging, tion, and I think everybody found it, the the pass, and he was leaning towards a take. overly attached to your own opinion. Some clear thinking and open to his partner’s he comes to visit me in N.Y. frequently, Iancho: Can you explain to all our readers level of play was very, very strong. Finally the way we made the decision was, people are very good players, but they are ideas. He was playing the checkers for the and we travel to tournaments. I value that who try very hard to achieve this level, what I asked Dave, "Do you want to bet?" And not good doubles partners because they team consultation, and the way he led the backgammon is only a small piece of our does it take to achieve a world-class level Iancho: You played in the doubles event I could tell by the way he said yes that he think they are always right. And also some discussion — I was very impressed by the friendship. In my opinion, in the last few or let’s say around 4 on average? 70 USBGF PrimeTime Backgammon Magazine USBGF PrimeTime Backgammon Magazine 71 The Wolf of Wall Street The Wolf of Wall Street

Bill: Well, when you see natural players like right and try to discover what was going on licly, and I think that if there were more position where he has taken 14 men off and what did you want to be when you were Sander and Abe Mosseri, what strikes me with each decision. Try to find the thought people like you, it would be better for the I have a shot at his last checker. I have to a kid? about them is that they have a positional process behind the moves. community. What does it take to be like roll a 1 to hit, then to try to contain him (I sense of where the checkers belong and you in this closed backgammon society? had absolutely no forward position). Well, Bill: I wanted to go into psychology. I understand various structures. I think I also think people learn differently, so if I miss the shot and the people watching think it would have been a good fit, and a good way to learn is to answer some you are not a numbers person, don’t try to Bill: (Laugh)You will see I’m not posting start to congratulate him, his family and I actually kind of regret not doing some- strategically important questions like: force yourself to become one. Falafel, for that much anymore and there is a reason: friends, etc. And I had to be the jerk who thing more people-involved. Everybody When are you slotting or splitting? When example, can barely count pips. You can I was maybe idealistic and naïve. I thought says “wait wait, you can roll 11, and then has some regrets, but in the big picture, I are you trying for a priming game? When still become one of the best players in the that if I just expressed my opinion and I can hit you etc, … " and I made him roll. did pretty well. So no, I would not really are you trying for a blitz or a race? This world even with that kind of weakness. It tried to be fair and logical and fact-based, Sure enough, he rolled 11, I hit him, I won change anything … is how beginners should start and then is really about strategic understanding of other people would join me and together that game and then I won all the remain- you begin to refine over time into more the game. we would find the way to the truth. But ing games to win the match. Then I went Iancho: Do you feel you can challenge the complex positions. actually what happened was: a lot of people on to win first place and $125,000. At the top players in the world and be in the top Iancho: You said that now you average got defensive, and took things personally. I point where I made him roll, my equity in 10 in the Giants list for example? I know some people will give lessons and around 3.8. What level do you aim to found myself disappointed in many people the tourney was something like $5. And part of the package will be “what is your achieve? in the backgammon community and I found somehow I turned that into $125,000. Very Bill: No, I think that best players in the doubling window,” “what is your take-point that posting wasn’t particularly construc- lucky. And he was such a gentleman! I was world are better than I am. I have played at the score,” and I will say that if you are Bill: I think I have 3.3 in me. I think if I tive. So I stopped. very impressed the way he took the loss. them, I know their PRs. I know the amount a beginner, intermediate, or even a low- work hard, it is kind of realistic to be a low I’m expected to lose, but you know…Mochy level Open player, you might do well to 3’s player. If I just quit doing the dumb stuff, Iancho: Can you tell us the sickest story Iancho: Tell us something that people and Falafel and these guys are better than totally ignore that — because what is really I think I can get to 3.3 easily. of your gambling life? don’t know about you? I am, but I still play them and take it as a important about the game is what is going challenge. If I get to the Giants list, it will on in this position and how to address key Iancho: So talking about 3s, who do you Bill: Ah, this is an easy one. I’ve been Bill: Maybe that I exist:))) Maybe that in be nice but I also think that would not elements of the game strategically. For think is the best player in the world now? looking for the opportunity — this is such my 20s I went to massage school, I lived measure how good a player I am anyway. instance, in the World final match, when a good story, this is the luckiest I’ve ever in the mountains, I was a vegetarian who You can tell who the best players are from we were leading 12:0 to 17, we asked each Bill: I don’t know … . I don’t know! It is been in any gambling activity. So was had long hair, and I did not eat meat for who wants to play and who does not want other: what is the match equity -5 away -17 Falafel, Mochy, and Matt, and among the playing at Mike Svobodny's tournament in 10 years — basically the whole alternative to play you. away? Nobody on the team knew, and the players who are not that active, Gus and Cancun… I don’t remember, the entry fee lifestyle: and now I’m on Wall Street with reason that nobody knew is that, honestly, it Sander, and from that pool of 5, you can is $5,000 or $10,000, so I was playing the short hair, wearing suits and things. Iancho: Ok, now we said that after the is not that important. As long as you can get debate, I guess. first round against Christian Toth, who is Nordic, you have been very motivated to a reasonably accurate approximation, that a good player from Brazil, who was there Iancho: Usually people do that in the work hard and improve, that you can get to is good enough. Just making plays that are Iancho: You are known as a very open and with his family. He is a very nice man and other direction … . Do you miss that kind 3.3. In the next few years, if you can do this, reasonably close and avoiding .200 errors straightforward person. You often speak his family is very very nice. I was playing of lifestyle now? do you see yourself in the top 5 or top 10? will get you a long way in backgammon. directly even when people don’t like it, you that match, and he got a big lead, I don’t If I were an intermediate player trying to get into debates in the forums, and you remember all the details, but it was a long Bill: Yes I do, it is still part of me. Bill: Probably, I think probably, I think get good, I would play over the matches of are never afraid to separate yourself from match (15 points) and I’m down something it will be hard to find 10 players who are top players. I would want to find out why the crowd, to express your opinion. Often like 13 to 6, and a game comes up where Iancho: Ok, now let’s go 30 years back in playing below 3.3 on average and are active. I’m thinking this and they are thinking people talk about something or someone I have an ace-point game, and if he gam- time. Would you change anything about that, and then check XG and find who was privately, but they are afraid to say it pub- mons me, he wins the match. We reach a your life? 30 years back? Ok, let’s say 40, Iancho: I agree, maybe less … are you 72 USBGF PrimeTime Backgammon Magazine The Wolf of Wall Street Transparent Baffle willing to take this road? tournaments, or something you would Iancho: How do you think the game can Box with Etched like to change? grow and especially the USBGF? What USBGF Circular Logo Bill: I don’t know. As long as things are are your ideas? by Phil Simborg interesting and fun for me, I’m planning Bill: Ok, first I don’t like the Last Chance. I A USBGF BG Shop exclusive! to do that. It also depends on other things, think it is quite crazy to make people show Bill: Any TV time would be great, any Absolutely gorgeous transparent baffle box with the beautiful as backgammon is just a hobby. up on Sunday when many do not want internet time, the way all the matches from USBGF logo etched on the front. to be there (or at least not there playing the Nordic were posted on YouTube, the Be the envy of your friends at your Iancho: When you lose in a tournament, short matches for small amounts of prize Falafel commentary — those are all great local backgammon club, or stand do you get upset or depressed? Or does money). Also I think the game should move things for the game. out at the next ABT tournament. this motivate you to work even harder? into the technology age. It is starting to do Baffle Box: $52.00 each. Baffle Box that, but the more matches we can get on Iancho: Do you read PrimeTime maga- Carrying Case: $10.00 each. Bill: Honestly, winning or losing — I could the Internet, the more opportunities for zine!? A single baffle box purchase ships FREE within the USA. International care less. It is about playing well or poorly. people to play online — the better for the purchases will be credited with Playing poorly is the thing that bothers me. game. For me, it is ridiculous that after so Bill: Yes, every edition. :) a $7.00 shipping discount at It bothers me because — let’s face it, I’m many years of running events, we have checkout. now over 50 years old. Mentally I’m going not learned how to manage them. All the Iancho: What are your future backgammon usbgf.org/shop USBGF Baffle Box USBGF BG SHOP to be getting worse as I get older, so I’m delays, all this waiting, the whole LC thing goals? :) What would you like to achieve? motivated to stay sharp. I hang around with is ridiculous, people waiting and sitting for MCG, a 27-year-old kid who is mentally 2 hours for their match. I think we should Bill: Hopefully, if things work all right, very sharp and his memory is very good. keep the clocks. Speedgammon is another I should be retired in 2 years, and I will It motivates me to stay sharp, because I interesting thing to do. have a lot more free time to go to more eXtreme Gammon is now available on your Android device, iPhone and iPad remember myself at 27 and I am fighting tournaments. In the next year or two I’m to try to keep up. So honestly, I don’t care Iancho: What is your favorite tournament planning to go to Chicago, maybe Monte about winning or losing, but I do have venue? Director? Why? Carlo, San Antonio, Nordic. I want to go pride and I care if I play badly. I care if I to events which attract other top players. iOS embarrass myself. Bill: N.Y. Metro. It is close to home, I can I like that competition.  sleep in my own bed. The venue is gorgeous, Iancho: Are there any things you don’t and a lot of old school players like Senk - IANCHO HRISTOV Mobile The power of eXtreme Gammon in the palm of your hands like about the current rules of the game, and Kent Goulding show up.  Play with instant feedback using the Tutor Mode  Setup a position and analyze it using the same engine than XG desktop (up to 3-ply)  Games are saved and can be emailed for a full analyze in XG About Iancho  2 player mode: use XG Mobile as a portable board  High Quality Graphics ancho Hristov, shown with his dog Cyprus Open in 2014. His analy-  ISunny fresh from a dip in the sea, sis of player performance ratings Track your Progress, results and dice statistics is a rising Bulgarian backgammon of GridGammon online matches www.xg-mobile.com star. He has won 20 or so trophies has spurred interest in worldwide including the Porto Caras in Greece player rankings based on quantitative in 2012 and the doubles event metrics – not just opinion of peers. with Petko Kostadinov at the North 74 I in print, but his publisher cancelled the acopy.pried loose He was eager to get it polish. final Then twoyears ago editor an years ago, it was put on ashelf, awaiting a When I went to work time overseas full ten around of time the my first Japan Open. Butterfly Yes, Ihave out, book anew finishingthe touches on book. my so, but here one: is best the Iwas putting There were a number of reasons for doing years,the but to miss Idecided one. this have only two missed or three over since last back inthe Millennium. I have attending been Japan the Open USBGF PrimeTime Magazine Backgammon . This one I started working on TheBattered is available through my designed who cover. The print version a little help from some paid consultants houseSo Idid fictionline.it withmyself, his own arm, trying to provehis own arm, trying how adept wedding, hacking then his way through Thai as man junglebest at to serve my world,the hacking his way through the Carter, had who traveled around halfway ward. Mattig Carter was going to Tokyo: project, events were tugging me Tokyo Meanwhile, despite demands the of this enthusiastic.been edition U.K. Some TotallyRaw, , and Amazon Europe through have Amazon. Reviews Lots ofFish Amazon ; the Kindle , Amazon slightly Naïve - Player Two: “That’s nothing!” showed up with restraints.” her for twenty minutes until paramedics the my mother over with car, the Ihad to sit on Player One: “Afterrun shemetried to and naïfs inTokyo: while Actual conversation two of between the players to along. tag toseems have prompted a horde of foreign a number of his students, inturn which Simborg came word that he was bringing he was at opening beer. And from Phil By JakeJacobs

‘Water Ballet: Golden Japanese Koi’ by Martina Rathgens, https://www.flickr.com/photos/riviera2008/4258662461. Licence at http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0. a place Ihave and times, to on several been a Michelin-starred restaurant in Ginza. It’s years, was feted at at aparty Argento Aso, third World Champion of past the five the tournament, Akiko Yazawa, Japan’s managedwho to get lost. The nightbefore I needn’t have worried. Iwas only the one there to chaperone them? like thatinRoppongi loose without being In conscience, good how could Iletguys Famous Japaneseperformance artist pourschampagne from artist BALANCING ACT a bottleonhis head. Lots ofFish:SomeTotallyRaw,SlightlyNaïve Roberto spottedRoberto I should a sign. explain had to circle more block the twice before map and his knowledge of area the we only was —and with combination the of my nightclubs where ifhe knew therestaurant We touting asked alocal one of area the and Ginza is chock-full of Japanese people. Japanese people are incredibly helpful — toLitzenberger. find wasRoberto Luckily, But after circlingthe I all managed block go-roundthis map. Ievenhad aGoogle USBGF PrimeTime Magazine Backgammon World ChampionAkiko Yazawa. offers a toast to backgammon championMasaki Go Takemiya AKIKO HONORED artist. I am told famous; he is very the This fellowsome is sort performance of competitive passion is ballroom dancing. would better than be that —but his current He is a decent backgammon player, and in Go, along with two world championships. up backgammon, hea9-dan earned ranking is Masaki Takemiya. Before Takemiya took aira. On mike,the offering a toast Akiko,to through drapesthe behind Kenji Shimod You some can of see lights the of Ginza street. But at least it was inEnglish. tor around practically corner the from the plaquesmall inavestibule near an eleva of an office building, and was itssign a that restaurant the was on eighth the floor 75 - - 76 can on its where rim, it stayed until people spilled some on her. He then balanced a Akiko’s glassby bowing to her. He also bottle on top of his head, and refilled then Japanese him.He recognized all a placed Lots ofFish:SomeTotallyRaw,SlightlyNaïve USBGF PrimeTime Magazine Backgammon MAGIC VIRTUOSITY magic act bymagic Keiko's act son. The festivities includeda That isn’t Keiko,that’s son. her Healready is magician was ready with her act. happen. It spilled. By also Keiko then the tappingtried table the what to see would the officialholiday wasapproaching. restaurant downstairs inShidax Tower, from thedecorations outsidethe Halloween inJapan,butasyou see day is sometimes seems that every It HALLOWEEN IN JAPAN so youso can imagine how his mom good is. as adept as some professionals Ihave seen,

JAKE JACOBS blanks, and a box into which to drop your along wall, answer with pencils, entry the year, ten fresh problems are on posted Another year, another Each Quiz. Othello Othello Quiz: Blackto Quiz: play 64 Othello Position 1 21 0987654321 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 24 23 22 21 20 19 18 17 16 15 14 13 Lots ofFish:SomeTotallyRaw,SlightlyNaïve one has advantage. evertaken reveal I’ll at end the of second the day of play. No since you may enter as late as Sunday night, choices. Players are on honor the system, USBGF PrimeTime Magazine Backgammon sign points theway. via aninterior elevator; this The tournament was upstairs, FOLLOWSIGN THE you’ll find it on wouldtheentire who those like to quiz, try answerthe at end the of article. the For Pip: 131 Black 2-Away 7-Away White Pip: 158

Othello Itikawa'sOthello website 77 . 78 USBGF PrimeTime Backgammon Magazine USBGF PrimeTime Backgammon Magazine 79 Lots of Fish: Some Totally Raw, Some Slightly Naïve Lots of Fish: Some Totally Raw, Some Slightly Naïve Position 3 Another quiz awaited me that morning. one hour to answer fifty questions covering to bread-and-butter plays, with sections 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 Actually it was a full-blown test, the 4th all aspects of the game. Unlike the Othello covering early game, middle game, and Pip: 160 Backgammon Proficiency Test. Maestros Quiz, which is known for fiendishly dif- end game checker plays and cube decisions. White Mochy and Michy created it. Takers have ficult plays, the test tries to confine itself Some are very easy. Unlimited Game Position 2

13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 Pip: 145 White Unlimited Game

Unlimited Game Black Pip: 167 12 11 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 is Player 2 4th Backgammon Proficiency Test: Black to play 52 score: 0 Unlimited Game pip: 160 Black Pip: 47 Now try Position 3. Your choices are: a) opponent’s strategy. If you mentally clas- Or so I heard back when everyone was 12 11 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 24/22, 13/8; b) 13/8, 13/11; c) 13/8, 6/4; sify some positions as defensive, others as rolling the openings out 128,000 times Unlimited Game 4th Backgammon Proficiency Test d) 13/6. offensive, then if he chooses offense, so do onJacoby 5-ply, gargantuan Beaver space. Today I sup- you, and vice versa. That is, if he plays an pose they are busy rolling them all out Playing as safely as possible, how many rolls will force Black to leave a shot? It is multiple choice, with any number from eight to twelve It is the second roll of the game; shouldn’t opening 21 by slotting, and you roll 21, you 128,000,000 times on 13-ply, hyperspace, available. The answer is twelve: 13, 15, 35, 36, 44, 56, and 66. Easy, isn’t it? we all know the right play? As it happens I slot. If he splits, you split. Second, I have and we will find out that Bruce Becker pip: 167 know a couple of general principles, posited seen learned lore warning that if he opens wasscore: right 0 after all. Meanwhile I had two by pros positive that they know profound with 61, you should not split because that perfectly good principles that both pointed is Player 1 things about precociousXGID=-b----E-C---dE---bbe----B-:0:0:1:52:0:0:3:0:10 positions. One would give him options with numbers that the same way: 13/11, 13/8. But no (sigh), is that you usually prefer to playto mimic 52 the might otherwise play awkwardly. it is correct to split.

1. Book1 24/22 13/8 eq: -0.218 Player: 44.90% (G:11.42% B:0.48%) Conf.: ± 0.008 (-0.226...-0.211) - [100.0%] Opponent: 55.10% (G:15.96% B:0.64%) 2. Book2 13/11 13/8 eq: -0.284 (-0.065) Player: 43.37% (G:12.23% B:0.70%) Conf.: ± 0.011 (-0.295...-0.273) - [0.0%] GEOGRAPHY QUIZ Opponent: 56.63% (G:17.13% B:1.14%) 3. XG Roller++ 13/8 6/4 eq: -0.324 (-0.106) Players were encouraged to place Player: 42.46% (G:10.75% B:0.44%) a red dot to show where they Opponent: 57.54% (G:17.36% B:1.04%) came from. Can you guess which 4. XG Roller++ 13/6 eq: -0.357 (-0.139) of those is mine? Can you guess Player: 41.29% (G:10.59% B:0.44%) Opponent: 58.71% (G:17.23% B:0.83%) the locations of all three? JACOBS JAKE

1 Generated by David Rockwell on 5/10/2012 using eXtreme Gammon 2.00 5184 Games rolled with Variance Reduction. Dice Seed: 30746486 Moves and cube decisions: 3-ply

2 Generated by David Rockwell on 6/6/2010 using eXtreme Gammon 1.14 5184 Games rolled with Variance Reduction. Dice Seed: 7876781 Moves and cube decisions: 3-ply

eXtreme Gammon Version: 2.10

file:///C|/Users/user/Desktop/Position.htm[1/5/2015 10:40:17 AM] 80 USBGF PrimeTime Backgammon Magazine USBGF PrimeTime Backgammon Magazine 81 Lots of Fish: Some Totally Raw, Some Slightly Naïve Lots of Fish: Some Totally Raw, Some Slightly Naïve

If you are guessing I did not score well on this year’s quiz you are correct. I got more than half right, and had very good excuses for a couple of others. (That is, if mismarking an answer and not noticing it counts as a “good excuse.”) MYSTERIOUS EVENTS Position 4 There are lots of mysterious events. There are events for ladies and events 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 for gents, events for youngsters, Pip: 139 and events for not-so-youngsters, Michihito Kageyama events where the prizes are mush- 4-Away rooms, and events where the players are mushrooms. Stick with the basics: the Super Jackpot, the Open, the Doubles, and if you are knocked out early, the special jackpots.

is Player 2

score: 3 MEET KENJI, EAT SUSHI pip: 139 8-Away Kenji gives sushi eating Jake Jacobs lessons at Fukumoto. Pip: 91 12 11 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 11 point match Black (Jake Jacobs) to play 55

I drew Michy in the first round of the Super There was some discussion afterward. I had I have a strong double after he rolls 43. He

Jackpot. I didn’t play well, but here was a decided before playing 55 that my play was didpip: correctly 91 take, but I went on to win the bright spot. How should I play 55? clearly better than 18/8, 16/11, 7/2 unless match,score: only 7 to lose in the second round to

he rolled 43. If he did roll 43 I would cube, Robin Swaffield.is Player 1 I chose 18/8, 16/6 leavingXGID=aBBBaBBAB---b-a-AbAdb-b---:0:0:1:55:7:3:0:11:10 a 43. Michy rolled and it would be up to him to decide if he to play 55 a 43. Now what? should take. My play proved 5% better, and

1. XG Roller++ 18/8 16/6 eq: +1.515 MUSHROOMS Player: 87.86% (G:54.03% B:0.49%) Opponent: 12.14% (G:0.79% B:0.03%) You thought I was kidding 2. XG Roller++ 18/3 16/11 eq: +1.471 (-0.044) about those mushrooms? Yama- Player: 86.50% (G:52.38% B:0.45%) moto is a happy winner. Opponent: 13.50% (G:1.04% B:0.04%) 3. XG Roller++ 18/8 16/11 7/2 eq: +1.459 (-0.056) Player: 87.72% (G:47.14% B:0.35%) Opponent: 12.28% (G:0.69% B:0.02%)

eXtreme Gammon Version: 2.10, MET: Kazaross XG2 Later I won a first-round fifteen-point is in the Michelin Guide, so it isn’t quite a basement beneath a dental practice. Kenji match in the Open, and then at ten was under the radar. But it is in a residential was able to book the entire restaurant for off to Fukumoto Sushi. Fukumoto was neighborhood twenty minutes by taxi from our party, and with so many neophytes in

recently on Japanese television, and it Shibuya, heading away from town, and is in Continued on page 82 JACOBS JAKE

file:///C|/Users/user/Desktop/Position.htm[1/5/2015 11:35:25 AM] 82 USBGF PrimeTime Backgammon Magazine USBGF PrimeTime Backgammon Magazine 83 Lots of Fish: Some Totally Raw, Some Slightly Naïve Lots of Fish: Some Totally Raw, Some Slightly Naïve Continued from page 80 the crowd, he asked Mr. Fukumoto to make it a “Tuna Paradise” I won some matches the next day, but then met Robin Swaffield backgammon boards advertise “Mogami by scoring the best tuna to be had at Tsukiji Market. It was that. It once again, in the round of sixteen. Restaurant.” Kazuko Numazawa owns sev- was more than that. One bite and you expected Poseidon himself eral restaurants by that name, which offer to appear and snatch back the rest. kushiage, a type of Japanese cooking you seldom find outside Japan. I once described Position 5 it as “Hush-Puppying” anything you could 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 Pip: 149 skewer. Items are placed on thin wooden Jake Jacobs sticks, covered with breading, and fried. 13-Away There is a plate with dipping sauces before is Player 2 you, and when the waiters serve the skewers

score: 2 they position them so that the base of the pip: 149 skewer points to the sauce you should use.

By Monday afternoon the finals were in long-time tournament director, led Lon- The finals of the main saw Mick Dyett of progress. World Champion Nevzat Dogan don’s Jysen Quah 7-1 to 9 when his time Australia squaring off against Robin Swaf- 15 point match of Denmark defeated Masahiko Nasu in ran out. Pat said that he didn’t notice that field. (As both of them run clubs, it meant the Super Jackpot. There was an upset in he was in trouble. that three of the four main and consolation the Consolation. Pat Gibson, Los Angeles’s finalists were club directors.) 5-Away 6 pip: 145 Robinscore: 10Swaffield Position 6 Pip: 145 12 11 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 is Player 1 Pip: 164 Black (RobinXGID=-a---BCBBA--fCA--b-cb-a--A:0:0:1:D:10:2:0:15:10 Swaffield) doubles to 2 on roll, cube action? Mick Dyett 14-Away Analyzed in XG Roller++ No double Double/Take Player Winning Chances: 64.69% (G:17.20% B:0.77%) 64.70% (G:17.21% B:0.82%) Opponent Winning Chances: 35.31% (G:8.50% B:0.28%) 35.30% (G:8.34% B:0.25%) Cubeless Equities +0.377 +0.616 Cubeful Equities No double: +0.363 Double/Take: -0.100 (-0.463) Double/Pass: +1.000 (+0.637)

Best Cube action: No double / Take Percentage of wrong pass needed to make the double decision right: 29.6%

eXtreme Gammon Version: 2.10, MET: Kazaross XG2 17-Away Robin Swaffield If there is such a thing as a “score beaver,” I lost 15-2, and when my consolation match Open as long as I have. (She wasn’t playing Pip: 204 this would qualify. But I have found that rolled around, was knocked out by Yuri Open back in 1999, but still ….) 12 11 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 two qualities of tournament winners are: Nakamura. Yuri is one of the younger play- Black (Robin Swaffield) to play 55 aggression — and really good dice. Robin ers. She is around twenty or twenty-one, Once again, it was time for dinner. had the dice – and, as this cube indicates, which is impressive, especially when you

was not hesitant about doubling. realize she has been coming to the Japan If you play in Japan you will notice the JBL JACOBS JAKE

file:///C|/Users/user/Desktop/Position.htm[1/5/2015 11:55:13 AM] is Player 2

score: 3 pip: 164

17 point match

pip: 204 score: 0

84 USBGF PrimeTime Backgammon Magazine is Player 1 USBGF PrimeTime Backgammon Magazine 85 XGID=-a--BaC-a---cE--bb-eA-AAB-:0:0:1:55:0:3:0:17:10 Lots of Fish: to play Some 55 Totally Raw, Some Slightly Naïve Lots of Fish: Some Totally Raw, Some Slightly Naïve

1. XG Roller++ 20/5* 13/8* eq: +0.112 Position 7 Player: 51.80% (G:15.79% B:0.97%) 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 Opponent: 48.20% (G:15.62% B:1.20%) Pip: 158 2. XG Roller++ 13/8*(2) 8/3(2) eq: -0.005 (-0.116) White Player: 48.34% (G:13.78% B:0.78%) 7-Away Opponent: 51.66% (G:13.78% B:0.70%) is Player 2 3. XG Roller++ 20/10 13/8*(2) eq: -0.044 (-0.155) Player: 48.29% (G:12.59% B:0.64%) Opponent: 51.71% (G:15.30% B:0.93%) score: 0 4. XG Roller++ 23/8* 13/8 eq: -0.049 (-0.160) pip: 158 Player: 48.02% (G:11.52% B:0.51%) Opponent: 51.98% (G:13.53% B:0.71%)

eXtreme Gammon Version: 2.10, MET: Kazaross XG2

7 point match Mick took the early lead and Robin’s choice of 23/8*, 13/8 was a blunder here. Correct is 20/5*, 13/8*. But Robin was not to be stopped this weekend, and went on to win the match.

2-Away pip: 131 Blackscore: 5 Pip: 131 SWAFFIELD WINS 12 11 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 is Player 1 Hong Kong's Robin Swaffield Othello Quiz:XGID=--BaBbDB----bC--bbbbbB----:0:0:1:64:5:0:0:7:10 Black to play 64 brings it home, defeating Austral- to play 64 ian Mick Dyett in the final. 1. XG Roller++ 21/11 eq: -0.613 Player: 38.63% (G:13.39% B:0.42%) Opponent: 61.37% (G:13.71% B:0.52%) 2. XG Roller++ 13/3* eq: -0.694 (-0.080) Player: 36.12% (G:11.03% B:0.25%) Opponent: 63.88% (G:12.77% B:0.47%) 3. XG Roller++ 13/7 6/2 eq: -0.717 (-0.104) Player: 35.41% (G:9.46% B:0.16%) Opponent: 64.59% (G:12.39% B:0.42%)

eXtreme Gammon Version: 2.10, MET: Kazaross XG2 Now it's time to reveal the answer to the doesn’t. If this were a money game, I would you’ve gained little or nothing. But leading Othello Quiz from Position 1. shrug my shoulders and run 21/11. Black is 5-0 to 7, perhaps you need to play super MCG GETS A MEDAL running out of time, and if you don’t want safe? Could 13/7, 6/2 be right? That’s Matt Cohn-Geier receiving Othello gets his problems from his own to run, the other option would seem to be a medal from Mochy for scoring matches. He includes the original score, hitting. What does hitting accomplish? Let’s No, it isn’t. You should shrug your shoulders 9/10 on the Othello Quiz. whether it matters or not, which adds a suppose you hit and White fans: are you and play 21/11. level of complexity. We are accustomed to doubling? Are you even close to doubling? file:///C|/Users/user/Desktop/Position.htm[1/5/2015 12:12:35 PM] seeing quiz problems and telling ourselves: Of course not. In other words, sometimes There was still one more meal to be eaten. “Aha, this hinges on that score.” But in an you are hit back, and that is very bad. The Othello Quiz, maybe it does, and maybe it rest of the time you aren’t hit back, and JAKE JACOBS JAKE

file:///C|/Users/user/Desktop/Position.htm[1/5/2015 9:42:33 AM] 86 USBGF PrimeTime Backgammon Magazine Lots of Fish: Some Totally Raw, Some Slightly Naïve

ONE MORE MEAL Thirty-six stories above Tokyo, as may be seen through the windows in the background, high atop the ANA Intercontinental Hotel in Akasaka, Carter Mattig, Mick Dyett, and Phil Simborg are ready for teppanyaki.

LEGENDARY KOBE BEEF

Magnificent dinner of Japanese Kobe beef.

Perhaps you have heard stories of Kobe beef, the beef from legendary Japanese cattle that are fed a diet of beer, and receive daily massages to make the meat as tender About Jake as possible? If you look closely, I think you ake Jacobs is a member of the can see the masseuse’s fingerprints. USBGF Board of Governors and

J GIBSON PATRICK serves on its Education Committee. He is a prolific writer, well-known to All of the innocents made it home after all those in the backgammon commu- — some a little wealthier, all a bit heavier, nity for his wit and insight. He also but all safely home. And after weighing me, manages interconnected compa- shrugging their shoulders and crossing their nies in Singapore and Japan. Mr. fingers, Singapore Airlines let me board. I Jacobs spends a lot of time in Tokyo,

but lives in Singapore with his wife JACOBS, JAKE JACOBS; JAKE returned home too.  Khampha and daughter Sasithon.

- JAKE JACOBS TOP: FROM 88 USBGF PrimeTime Backgammon Magazine USBGF PrimeTime Backgammon Magazine 89

Video Lesson SBGF resident Teaching Pro, by going to usbgf.org/category/bg-prob- at elementary, high schools, and colleges Phil Simborg, has been creat- lems/video/. Most of Phil's videos are from throughout the country, and he donates free ing videos covering just about 10 to 25 minutes long, but here is a short, lessons and seminars to students on behalf tough middle-game checker play Uevery aspect of the game you can imagine. 5-minute sample of the kind of wonderful of the USBGF. Phil encourages members He does anywhere from 1 to 3 a week, and insights you can gain from these videos. to become sponsors of clubs and mentors Exclusive USBGF Teaching Video is often joined by guest lecturers to offer of children locally, and he will help you By Phil Simborg, USBGF Teaching Pro their insights into these checker and cube Phil is a full-time professional backgammon get started, provide backgammon boards decisions. teacher and lecturer, and has given private on consignment, and help with teaching lessons to more than 300 students all over materials. For more information contact Phil has created over the world via the Internet. In addition, Phil at [email protected].  100 videos thus far, Phil is an adviser to our Education Com- and all can be viewed mittee and has started backgammon clubs - PHIL SIMBORG KAREN DAVIS KAREN

 To be able to view this video, you must have Adobe Acrobat or Adobe Reader installed and set as the default PDF viewer in PHIL SIMBORG your browser. Internet Explorer does this by default; Chrome and Firefox users should see Adobe Acrobat Help for complete Phil Simborg was honored at the 2013 London Open for being the No. 1 contributor to the Adobe Acrobat and Adobe Reader plug-in configuration instructions. game worldwide. He is the USBGF Teaching Pro and Manager of the USBGF Facebook page, as well as being a highly ranked tournament player and the leading lecturer on the U.S. Tour. 90 USBGF PrimeTime Backgammon Magazine USBGF PrimeTime Backgammon Magazine 91 2nd Merit Open Showed the Way

he 2nd Merit Open, held in Kyre- ers from 33 countries put the lie to the 235 players to win the tournament. Hen- nia, North Cyprus, from October grumblings we have heard in recent years rik Veje (Denmark) was second. In the 29 to November 2, was the peak about the “decline” of backgammon. Both Intermediate flight, a 16-year-old, Zdenek Texperience of my 20+-year backgammon the Merit Park Casino and WBF went to Zizka of the Czech Republic, beat out 70 career. I would therefore like, first and great lengths to keep the players happy, other competitors. The Doubles event was foremost, to thank the organizers and the comfortable — and well fed! The opening huge — 104 teams — and was won by two backgammon community for making it and prize-giving ceremonies were fabu- German experts, Volker Sonnabend and happen. What remains is that we resolve lous. As the winner Katsios put it, North Rainer Witt. 32 players put up 1000 euros to learn enough from this success story to Cyprus was a “backgammon paradise.” each for the Super Jackpot, won by Steen ensure that events like this one will become Before presenting some pictures from the Grønbech (Denmark). As an indication the norm, rather than the exception. Then tournament, I would like to stress again of how much the Turkish players have 2nd merit open we can talk about an official acceptance of that, with proper planning, we should be improved, three of them — Cüneyt Argun backgammon similar to the “noble” game able to recreate this paradise over and over Genç, Atila Malçok and Gültekin Uygur — Showed the Way of chess. again. More is better! reached the top eight of the Championship flight. The complete results may be found By Sabri Büyüksoy Not only was the Merit Open beautifully In the Championship flight, Athanasios on pages 109-110 in this current issue of organized; it was huge. Some 325 play- Katsios (Greece) emerged from a field of PrimeTime Backgammon magazine. IAN MACFARLANE IAN 92 USBGF PrimeTime Backgammon Magazine USBGF PrimeTime Backgammon Magazine 93 2nd Merit Open Showed the Way 2nd Merit Open Showed the Way

01 03 07 01 Akiko and Massoud.

02 Championship 4th place Cüneyt Argun Genç (Turkey).

02 03 Draw time!

04 Athanasios Katsios (Greece) won the tournament.

05 Ladies finalist Eva Zizkova (Czech Republic) at left and the winner Scarlett Serrero (France). 04

06 It is wonderful when four birth- 05 06 days are also added to the celebration.

07 Part of the huge tournament team.

08 16-year-old talent Zdeněk Žižka, who won the Intermediate category at his first tournament. 08 IAN MACFARLANE; ŞEBNEM BÜYÜKSOY ŞEBNEM MACFARLANE; IAN  - SABRI BÜYÜKSOY 94 USBGF PrimeTime Backgammon Magazine USBGF PrimeTime Backgammon Magazine 95 Illinois State Championships illinois state BIGGEST LOSER Keene Marin loved being the championships "Biggest Loser" with the worst roll in the Zombie Zeroes free roll. By Linda Rockwell

he CD, “Sounds of Horror” greeted players on October 10 as they arrived for the Illinois State TBackgammon Championships weekend in Peoria. The Halloween-themed tournament highlighted new ghosts and goblins amongst this year’s decorations. Attendees were each provided a pumpkin stress ball to help alleviate their fear.

Friday’s Prairie Classic warm-up event as big as their cube errors when it came to attracted its usual full field of 32. The iconic supporting one of our own. Julius High American Eagle trophy was won by for- was the winning bidder for a spectacular mer Indiana University professor Chuck backgammon-patterned quilt, handmade Bower. Illinoisan Chris Scott was Chuck’s by Grand Rapids seamstress Karen Drexel, final victim. with proceeds benefitting nurse Mary Ann Meese’s medical mission to Haiti. Nearly On Saturday morning, guest lecturer F. two dozen additional players contributed to Raykenstein (who bore a striking resem- the fund, with a total of more than $1,100 blance to Ray Fogerlund) shared several raised. Thank you to all who supported terrifying situations from past matches, this worthy cause. and emphasized the importance of “not being afraid of sudden death” by making A lively new competition this year was the right play. The Calcutta auction festivi- “Zombie Zeroes LOST Chance.” This “free ties featured a Halloween costume contest roll” event was open to players in all divi- where the pirate (Eric Barr) swashbuckled sions who lost their first two main event a victory away from Santa Claus (Joe Potts). matches. The seventeen qualifying losers Additional entries included a Chicago sewer were given a free roll - a scrumptious cin- engineer (Bill Davis) and Keene Marin as namon roll fresh-baked at a local bakery SKELETAL STAFF … himself! — and a chance to roll the lowest possible CHUCK WINS THE PRAIRIE CLASSIC Bone-weary staff made sure everyone had a frighteningly fun time. number to be the “biggest loser.” A hot finals Chuck Bower receives his Prairie Classic trophy.

Players proved that their hearts could be ROCKWELL LINDA tie-breaker for the worst roll between Open 96 USBGF PrimeTime Backgammon Magazine USBGF PrimeTime Backgammon Magazine 97 Illinois State Championships Illinois State Championships

player Keene Marin and Novice player Bijie Zhu resulted in Keene rolling a total of a 7 using four dice (three 2s and a 1). Keene drowned his biggest loser sorrow with the grand prize: a 175 ml bottle of Jack Daniels.

The tradition begun last year of providing the Giants of Backgammon with their own private tables and special amenities was retained. Giants Malcolm Davis, Petko Kostadinov, and Ray Fogerlund showed their appreciation of the service with gentlemanly behavior and top-notch play.

The weekend’s winners ranged from the veteran to the up-and-coming. Master board designer Tak Morioka collected his second Illinois State Championship Divi- sion victory, over seasoned competitor Don Marek. The Consolation flight was won by Grand Dame Wendy Kaplan, with youngster Vadim Nuniyants capturing Last Chance. HALLOWEEN SPIRIT First-timer to Peoria Mick Zakrajsek wrested Cinda King, winner of Advanced Consolation, and Peoria the Advanced Division title from Chicago player, Ed Zell, got into the Halloween spirit.

veteran Georgina Flanagan. Mick’s son of Keene Marin and Vadim Nuniyants. The David and daughter Mary competed in the Midstate Microblitz winner was Faddoul F. RAYKENSTEIN Novice division, with David reaching the Khoury (Sean Garber was second), and the finals, but falling to Michigander Amber Peoria Quickies champion was Scott Day. Ray's lectures have never been more spell-binding! McLean. (David did come out on top in the Peoria Quickies #2). Peoria’s own Cinda The tournament staff of Sue Will, Mary King won the Advanced Consolation, with Ann Meese, Butch Meese, and Tournament Larry Whittenberg capturing Last Chance. Director Linda Rockwell is grateful to all Giant Petko Kostadinov scored a Land of who made the trip to central Illinois. Be sure Lincoln Masters victory over David Todd to rev up your broom and head to Peoria (from the “Show Me (the money)” state of on October 2-4 for another frighteningly Missouri). An all-Wisconsin Doubles final fun weekend!  resulted in the “married team” of Bill Minser

LINDA ROCKWELL LINDA and Beth Martinson over the “friends team” - LINDA ROCKWELL 98 USBGF PrimeTime Backgammon Magazine USBGF PrimeTime Backgammon Magazine 99

FRANK RAPOSA Fitchburg's 'Kid' Frank Raposa has already made his mark as the #2 player on the 2014 is No. 1 at backgammon in U.S. American Backgammon Tour standings. By Anne O'Connor, Correspondent "They taught me a lot," he said. "Before I he is not a "numbers guy." He thinks in he plays, but not always from tournaments. knew it, I was playing 30 hours a week." terms of controlling the board. In Chicago, he sat across from a local competitor and they introduced themselves. For the last two years, Raposa has been Backgammon is a part-time job. He comes Steve Blanchard recognized the name. ITCHBURG — The world of com- Raposa, a 2002 Fitchburg High School family. Her daughter, Raposa's mother, Player of the Year at the Beltway Backgam- home with enough cash prizes to cover The businessman went to Fitchburg High petitive backgammon is small — a graduate, started playing the game as a child. occasionally adds to the trove of boards in mon Club. They call him "The Kid." travel expenses. School with Raposa's father, Joe Raposa. core group of players flying around the bottom shelf of a living-room bookcase. Fthe country, meeting for weekend tourna- "It's a family thing," he said. New technology plays a big part in helping Right now in the ABT, he is placed ahead of Raposa would like to see younger players. ments at airport hotels. At first, backgammon was a way for Raposa players develop skills. Using computer bots world champion, Mochy Mochizuki, who The Raposas live in the apartment building to spend time with his brothers. Later, while makes polishing backgammon strategies as travels to the U.S. for Japan to compete in "I'm willing to help anyone that's willing The top-ranked player in the U.S. Backgam- in the Greektown neighborhood of Fitch- enrolled at Clark University, it was a way effective as learning a language as a baby, the USBGF tournaments. to learn," he said. mon Federation knows the competition. burg that his great-grandfather, Nicholas to refresh his mind. Raposa said. G. Maravell, bought in 1912. The world tournament is in Monte Carlo Be warned, though. Backgammon can "It's tough to be great and fly under the After earning a degree in government and "A world champion of 40 years ago would this year. Raposa is not planning to go but become addictive. Raposa recently sat radar," Frank Raposa said. "When I travel, Backgammon has been part of the family international relations, Raposa moved to probably be crushed by an average inter- hopes to compete in the worlds in the future. outside and played from 8 p.m. until 11 I know everyone." since. Maravell, who emigrated from Greece, the Washington, D.C., area with his cousin. mediate," he said. a.m. the next day. taught his family how to play the game. There, he discovered a backgammon club. By day, Raposa is an administrator at the His goal is to hold the title for the rest of Backgammon is a game where players "eke Pan American Health Organization, the "It's a lot of fun," he said. the year and be named the player of the His descendants grew up using the board The popularity of the game has diminished out the best, positive expected value," he Latin American branch of the World Health year in the American Backgammon Tour. the carpenter carved. since it peaked in the 1970s, and the play- said, adding that probability plays a big Organization of the United Nations. He © 2014 Sentinel & Enterprise. All rights There are some very good players out there ers, mostly men over 50, welcomed the part in planning a game. lives in Arlington, Va. reserved. Reproduced with the permission and quite a few tournaments to go before His daughter, Raposa's grandmother, bought younger man. of Digital First Media. the year is over. backgammon boards for all the men in the Art is also part of it, said Raposa, who says Raposa says he knows almost everybody USBGF PrimeTime Backgammon Magazine 101 Zdeněk Žižka International Winner of the 2nd Merit Open Backgammon Star Intermediate Division and USBGF By Karen Davis Masters Divisional IV Online Tournament

I started to play backgammon when I was 5 I prefer live play, where I can roll the dice years old. My parents taught me the game, myself. The advantage of online play is that because I love math and counting. I can analyze and learn from my mistakes.

How have you tried to improve your How did you find your experience game? participating in the USBGF Online Circuit? Analyzing all my matches in eXtreme Gammon and consulting with my mom I really like playing on the USBGF Online and with our friend Honza Cerny (he is Circuit. It is a good opportunity to play the best player in the Czech Republic). with many strong players

Do you play in live tournaments as Tell us a little about your life outside well as online? backgammon.

I play more online, because there are not I am 16 years old, a student at a mathemat- many players and opportunities to play ics-specialized high school. I live in Prague live games. In Prague, we play live every 2 with my parents, younger brother, and dog. Backgammon by the Bay director Ted Chee, weeks in a backgammon league. I play basketball. We practice four times a top German player Frank Simon, North week, and on weekend have matches. Carolina math professor Igor Erovenko, What have been your most memorable Q&A and top-ranked Jeff Acierno. His USBGF experiences playing live, online? What suggestions would you have for deněk Žižka, the talented 16-year- online ranking is 1809, putting him in the USBGF to enhance playing opportu- old son of Eva Zizkova, is already top 15 percent of 500+ online players. He’s Two weeks ago I came back from the Merit nities for members? an international backgammon won two-thirds of his matches, close to his Open tournament in Cyprus, where I Zstar. In October, at his first international Mom’s stellar online record. won the intermediate division. Both the I would like it if the Leaderboard included tournament, he won the Intermediate great tournament organization and my only active players, meaning that if a player Division (71 entrants) of the Merit Open in We posed some questions to this young win made it a fantastic experience for me! does not participate in any tournament in a Cyprus. Zdeněk also plays a lot on the net: Czech player which he answered by email: This tournament was my first international given period of time (for example 3 months), this year he entered 19 USBGF online tour- tournament. he would be out of the rankings.  naments, winning the Masters Divisional When and why did you start playing

IV event, where he defeated San Francisco backgammon? MACFARLANE IAN Which do you prefer and why? - KAREN DAVIS USBGF PrimeTime Backgammon Magazine 103 Kansas City Kansas City Backgammon Club Bill Robertie’s 501 Essential Backgammon Backgammon Club Problems on the plane on my way to a rare out-of-town tournament in California or By Karen Davis Chicago. The Backgammon Study Group has met in our home and the gathering has forged deeper friendships among participants.”

What USBGF benefits/services are attractive to members and what could USBGF do to attract local club members?

Eric: “The members of our club that are USBGF members enjoy the online tourna- ‘Kansas City Skyline’ by Zach Werner, https://www.flickr.com/photos/zachwerner/7730952314. ments. We’ve participated in the 3-player Licence at http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0. Club Team online tournaments on a couple NEW EXCITEMENT IN KANSAS CITY of occasions. And we enjoy the magazine Oakland, California. Bill Davis helped me with Eric to help build attendance. When Julius High (R) brings new excitement to the Kansas City Backgammon Club formed too. I think if the USBGF were willing to by Eric Barr (L) a decade ago. Julius has formed a Backgammon Study Group and gift- get started, providing some names and email some players from the north end of Kan- provide some free memberships to local ed USBGF memberships to participating KC players out of his tournament winnings. Q&A addresses of people in the area from a list sas City complained about the drive, she clubs to be offered as prizes, that might he Kansas City Backgammon Club that Bill had, and providing some brackets started tournaments at Black Dog Café in on the Missouri side of the border, which recognize the player of the year. Since we allow more players to try out membership recently became a USBGF Prime and materials. Overland Park, where she lived at the time, have a $20 entry fee and $20 side pool.” don’t play for money now, our club is part and see the benefits. The membership Club with ten USBGF members. to entice people to come. She says it didn’t of the U.S. Backgammon League, which is prizes could even have a restriction of new TIts Kansas City Backgammon Study Group, We’ve tried many different formats and really expand attendance, just shortened How do you communicate with your only for clubs that don’t play for money. The members only.” led by Julius High, has become quite popu- locations over the years. And we’ve rotated their drive, and added to Eric’s! members? USBL website provides forms for entering lar with over 40 attendees of this monthly directors too, with Steve Miller helping out results and gives reports on master points What could USBGF do to help sup- session in person or by Internet streaming. as director for several years. We’ve always “We’ve used the local free newspaper, Eric: “We have an email listserv that is and club Elo ratings. We also have one port local clubs? had between 4 and 12 people showing up Craigslist, Meetup.com, and a couple other provided by our web hosting company so money tournament a year in Missouri with Interview questions posed by Karen Davis for tournaments. Of course those have things,” says Kathleen. “But usually people that mass emails can be sent out without trophies and prizes that is not part of the Eric: “Providing a library of tournament and answered by Eric Barr and Kathleen been different people over time, and our find us when they look for us online and exposing the addresses of the members.” normal club points-race.” brackets would be great so that different Davis Barr. total list of players in the area has grown find our website. The Kansas City club does types of brackets could be downloaded to over 100.” make a special effort to make new attendees Do you use a point system, have a How has having Julius High move to from the site. Particularly, we often look for What is the history of the club — feel welcome. There’s no entry fee when we player of the year, or other forms of Kansas City affected the club? better ways of handling awkward numbers when formed, number of attendees How have you tried to grow atten- play on the Kansas side of the border — now recognition? Do you enter tournament like 9 or 10 people.”  over time? dance? meeting at Johnny’s Tavern. That brings drawsheets into backgames.org? Kathleen: “It’s been great fun having Julius out people who wouldn’t feel comfortable High join the Kansas City Club. Before - KAREN DAVIS Eric: “The club formed 10 years ago in Karen: From the time they met through paying $20 every other week, but it also Eric: “We do use a master point system he came only a few members spent any

2004 when I moved to Kansas City from the club, Kathleen has worked as a partner builds interest in the annual tournaments BARR DAVIS KATHLEEN to keep track of player performance and time studying. I would read a book like 104 USBGF PrimeTime Backgammon Magazine USBGF PrimeTime Backgammon Magazine 105 Qualifying Prime Clubs

BELTWAY BACKGAMMON Director: Barry Silliman Location: Washington, D.C. qualifying prime clubs Phone: (240) 674-7222 E-Mail: [email protected] Website: beltwaybg.org Details: Beltway Backgammon had 23 USBGF members as of December 2014. For more information about the Beltway Backgam- Local Affiliated Clubs List mon club, please visit beltwaybg.org.

ARIZONA BACKGAMMON CLUB he U.S. Backgammon Federation provides financial support more information, contact Justin Nunez, Local Club Initiatives Director: Doug Amenda Location: Phoenix, Arizona to local affiliated clubs with ten or more USBGF members Director at [email protected] or [email protected]. Phone: N/A E-Mail: [email protected] Website: N/A including the club director, designated as Prime Clubs, to Details: The Arizona Backgammon Club had 18 USBGF members as of December 31, 2014. For more information about the Ari- Thelp promote the growth of backgammon in their communities. At the end of December 2014, 15 clubs qualified as Prime Clubs, zona Backgammon Club, email Doug at [email protected]. including for the first time the Flint Area Backgammon Club Prime Clubs with 10-19 USBGF members receive one gift USBGF directed by Carol Joy Cole; the Houston Backgammon Club CHICAGO BAR POINT CLUB Premium membership to award to an individual selected by the directed by Bill Riles; the Kansas City Backgammon Club directed Director: Bill Davis Location: Chicago, Illinois Prime Club Director; those with 20-29 USBG members receive by Eric Barr; and the South Florida Backgammon Club directed Phone: (773) 583-6464 E-Mail: [email protected] Website: chicagopoint.com two gift Premium memberships; and those with 30+ receive three by Rick Wolf. Congratulations! The fifteen clubs listed below have Details: The Chicago Bar Point Club achieved Prime Club with 17 USBGF members as of December 2014. For more information gift memberships. The awards are made on an annual basis. For received the Prime Club designation. about the Chicago Bar Point Club, please visit chicagopoint.com/bpc.html.

GAMMON ASSOCIATES DALLAS BACKGAMMON LEAGUE Director: Patrick Gibson Location: Los Angeles, California Director: Tom Wheeler Location: Dallas, Texas Phone: (818) 901-0464 E-Mail: [email protected] Website: GammonAssociates.com Phone: N/A E-Mail: [email protected] Website: N/A Details: The first club to reach the goal of USBGF Prime Club status is Gammon Associates. At the end of December 2014 it had Details: The Dallas Backgammon League has 13 USBGF members as of December 31, 2014. For more information about the Dallas 39 USBGF members. Gammon Associates donated their 2013 award to furthering the work of the U.S. Backgammon Federation. Backgammon League, email Tom at [email protected].

BACKGAMMON BY THE BAY LAS VEGAS BACKGAMMON CLUB Director: Ted Chee Location: San Francisco Bay Area, California Director: Tony Anton Location: Las Vegas, Nevada Phone: (831) 261-4583 E-Mail: [email protected] Website: bgbythebay.com Phone: (702) 458-0926 E-Mail: [email protected] Website: vegasbg.com Details: Backgammon By the Bay had 30 USBGF Premium and Youth members as of December 31, 2014. Backgammon By the Bay Details: The Las Vegas Backgammon Club had 13 USBGF members as of December 31, 2014. For more information about the Las donated their 2013 Prime Club award to furthering USBGF application of backgames.org. Vegas Backgammon Club, email Tony at [email protected].

NYC BACKGAMMON DURHAM/CHAPEL HILL BACKGAMMON CLUB Director: Richard Munitz Location: New York, New York Director: Ken Larsen Location: Chapel Hill, North Carolina Phone: N/A E-Mail: [email protected] Website: nycbg.com Phone: N/A E-Mail: [email protected] Website: Durham/Chapel Hill BG Club Details: USBGF liaison Richard Munitz and NYC Backgammon has also reached Prime Club designation. As of the end of December Details: The Durham/Chapel Hill Backgammon Club has achieved Prime Club status as of December 2014, with 12 USBGF mem- 2014, the NYC Backgammon group had 24 USBGF members. bers. For more information about the Durham/Chapel Hill Backgammon Club, please email Ken at [email protected]. 106 USBGF PrimeTime Backgammon Magazine Qualifying Prime Clubs Ohio State FLINT AREA BACKGAMMON CLUB Backgammon Director: Carol Joy Cole Location: Flint, Michigan Phone: (810) 232-9731 E-Mail: [email protected] Website: flintbg.com Championships Details: The Flint Area Backgammon Club had 12 USBGF members as of December 31, 2014. For more information about the PRIME Flint Area Backgammon Club, email Carol Joy Cole at [email protected]. TOURNAMENT “The People - Friendly HOUSTON BACKGAMMON CLUB Tournament” Director: Bill Riles Location: Houston, Texas Phone: (281) 703-9304 E-Mail: [email protected] Website: N/A March 27th - 29th, 2015 Details: The Houston Backgammon Club had 12 USBGF members as of December 31, 2014. For more information about the Houston Backgammon Club, email Bill Riles at [email protected]. Cleveland Airport Marriott COLORADO BACKGAMMON CLUB 4277 West 150th Street Director: Lynda Clay Location: Boulder, Colorado Cleveland, Ohio 44135 Phone: N/A E-Mail: [email protected] Website: coloradobackgammon.com 800-627-7468 Details: The Colorado Backgammon Club had 11 USBGF members as of December 31, 2014. For more information about the Colorado Backgammon Club, email Lynda at [email protected]. Featuring CHARLOTTE BACKGAMMON CLUB • $750 Prime Tournament added money for USBGF members Director: David Rogers Location: Charlotte, North Carolina who go the farthest in the Main Event Phone: (704) 965-3573 E-Mail: [email protected] Website: N/A • Ohio Masters & Amateur Jackpot Details: The Charlotte Backgammon Club achieved Prime Club status in 2012. As of December 2014, it had 10 USBGF members. For more information about the Charlotte Backgammon Club, please email [email protected]. • Blitzes & Quickies • Lecture by Phil Simborg KANSAS CITY BACKGAMMON CLUB • $2.00 from each entry will be donated to support the USBGF Director: Eric Barr Location: Overland Park , Kansas Phone: (816) 237-8089 E-Mail: [email protected] Website: Kansas City Backgammon Club • Complimentary airport transportation & shuttle service Details: The Kansas City Backgammon Club had 10 USBGF members as of December 31, 2014. For more information about the Kansas City Backgammon Club, email Eric Barr at [email protected]. Make your reservations at the guaranteed rate of $93.00 by March 15th SOUTH FLORIDA BACKGAMMON CLUB Director: Rick Wolf Location: Fort Lauderdale, Florida Phone: N/A E-Mail: [email protected] Website: N/A Arrive on Thursday for the pre-tournament Details: The South Florida Backgammon Club had 10 USBGF members as of December 31, 2014. For more information about the warm-up event at 7:00pm South Florida Backgammon Club, email Rick Wolf at [email protected]. Joe Miller

Congratulations to all our Prime Clubs, and thank you for all you do to promote the skill-based game of backgammon! (330) 268-4610 Email: [email protected] 108 USBGF PrimeTime Backgammon Magazine USBGF PrimeTime Backgammon Magazine 109 live abt tournament results Live ABT Tournament Results COPPER ADVANCED (21): 1-Phyllis Shapiro (MO), 2-Eric Stevens (CT); 1C-Feliks Goykhman (NJ), 2C-Patty From October 23 - October 13 Geoffroy (MA); 1LC-Daniel Bluestone (MA). Complete tournament results may be found at chicagopoint.com NUTMEG NOVICE (10): 1-Gary Koscielny (NY), 2-Jin Hu (CT), 3-Bogdan Ianculescu (MA).

October 2014 MILFORD MASTERS (8): 1-Jim Stutz (CT), 2-Victor Ashkenazi (NJ).

DANBURY DOUBLES (12 teams): 1-Marcy Kossar (MD) & Larry Shiller (CT), 2-Scott Kelland (CT) & ABT - FLORIDA STATE BACKGAMMON TOURNAMENT Richard Munitz (NY). October 23-26, 2014; Fort Lauderdale, Florida WESTPORT WARM-UP (64): 1-Garry Kallos (Canada). SHARK OPEN (25): 1-Harry Brown, 2-Julius High (KS); 1C-Stuart Katz (NY), 2C-Carlos Mendoza; 1LC-Mary Hickey (OH). RIDGEFIELD $50 BLITZ (12): 1-Tom Coash (CT), 2-Larry Shiller (CT).

PANTHER ADVANCED (18): 1-Doug Kranz, 2-Raul Tabraue; 1C-Alec Izzo, 2C-Dan Gruby; 1LC-Leslie FAIRFIELD $20 BLITZ (28): 1-Phyllis Seidel (MA), 2-Mike Pollack (CT). Lockett (NM). WBF - 2nd MERIT OPEN INTERNATIONAL BACKGAMMON CHAMPIONSHIP TORTUGA SENIORS (32): 1-Mary Hickey (OH), 2-Ed Bennett (NM). October 29-November 2, 2014; Kyrenia, North Cyprus

OVERFLOW SENIORS (8): 1-Roland Leutert, 2-Sam Ahmed (CA). MASTERS (235): 1-Athanasios Katsios (Greece), 2-Henrik Veje (Denmark), 3-Michihito Kageyama (Japan), 4/5-Cuneyt Argun Genç (Turkey) / Maya Peycheva (Bulgaria), 6/8-Paul Gilbertson (England) / Atila Malçok GATOR MASTERS (8): 1-Stacy Turner, 2-Ray Fogerlund (NV). (Turkey) / Gültekin Uygur (Turkey), 9/12-Boris Mamporia (Russia) / Ary Nogueira (Brazil) / Kimon Papachristopoulos (Germany) / Jacek Wojciechowski (Poland); 1LC-Jürgen Orlowski (Germany), 2LC-Franz FLAMINGO LIMITED JACKPOT (18): 1-Alec Izzo, 2-Eugen Moebius, 3/4-Michael Klein (Cayman Islands) / J. Munk Rediin (Denmark), 3LC/4LC-Mehmet Ali Akpolat (Turkey) / Konstantinos Mitrelis (Greece); Ladies P. McGirr. Prize: Maya Peycheva (Bulgaria).

WORLD CHOUETTE CHALLENGE (7): 1-Philippe Salnave, 2-Lucky Nelson (IL). INTERMEDIATE (71): 1-Zdenek Zizka (Czech Republic), 2-Kazuko Numazawa (Japan), 3-Sergey Grinev (Russia), 4/5-Gagik Harutyunyan (Armenia) / Kader Türk (France), 6/8-Franco Candeo (Italy) / Ahmet DOLPHIN DOUBLES (16 teams): 1-Susan Randall & Stacy Turner, 2-Bob Howayeck & Tim Shane. Sirmaçek (Turkey) / Marc Werner (Germany); 1LC-Cengiz Dindar (Turkey), 2LC-Sigrid Seyrling (Austria); Ladies Prize: Kazuko Numazawa (Japan). PRE-TOURNAMENT (18): 1-Mary Hickey (OH), 2-Vladi Gudgenov (NC). SUPER-JACKPOT (32): 1-Steen Grønbech (Denmark), 2-Shahab Ghodsi (Norway), 3/4-Stepan Nuniyants AFTER-TOURNAMENT (8): 1-Mary Hickey (OH), 2-Kathy Weiner. (USA) / Akiko Yazawa (Japan).

ABT - 2nd CONNECTICUT STATE BACKGAMMON CHAMPIONSHIP LADIES TOURNAMENT (26): 1-Scarlett Serrero (France), 2-Eva Zizkova (Czech Republic), 3/4-Carol Joy Cole October 31-November 2, 2014; Hartford, Connecticut (USA) / Marie Gustafsson (Sweden). WARM-UP (270): 1-Mario Sequeira (Portugal), 2-Dario Bertola (Italy), 3/4-Gagik Harutyunyan (Armenia) / OYSTER OPEN (23): 1-Matt Reklaitis (MA), 2-Bill Robertie (MA); 1C-Claude Landry (Canada), 2C-Jim Stutz Sami Sallak (Germany). (CT); 1LC-Larry Shiller (CT). 869 (128): 1-Scarlett Serrero (FR), 2-Philippe Vouhé (FR), 3/4-Timur Bulekbaev (RU) / Boris Martinello (IT). 110 USBGF PrimeTime Backgammon Magazine USBGF PrimeTime Backgammon Magazine 111 Live ABT Tournament Results Live ABT Tournament Results

PRESIDENT'S ONE-POINT MATCH (128): 1-Gökhan Kazandag (Turkey), 2-Kemal Aksu (Turkey), 3/4-Honza MINI-MATCH (64): 1-Howard Markowitz (NV), 2-Steve Diano (NV). Czerny (Czech Republic) / Boris Martinello (Italy). $100 SATURDAY JACKPOT (32); 1-Ethan Nissani (NM), 2-Jysen Quah (Singapore/England). MERIT "ION RESSU MEMORIAL" DOUBLES CHAMPIONSHIP (104 teams): 1-Volker Sonnabend (Germany) & Rainer Witt (Germany), 2- Philip Kazemieh (Germany) & Thomas Kazemieh (Germany), 3/4-Carol Joy USBGF NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP PLAYOFF: 1-Jonah Seewald (CO), 2-Mary Hickey (OH). Cole (USA) & Bob Wachtel (USA) / Athanasios Katsios (Greece) & Ioannis Passialias (Greece). AFTER TOURNAMENT TOURNAMENT (37): 1-Paul Baraz (CA), 2-Howard Markowitz (NV). MOCHY'S QUIZ (102): 1-Franck Stepler (France), 2-Honza Czerny (Czech Republic), 3-Michel Serrero (FR). December 2014 November 2014

ABT -CALIFORNIA STATE BACKGAMMON CHAMPIONSHIP ABT - LAS VEGAS OPEN BACKGAMMON TOURNAMENT December 5-7, 2014; Los Angeles, California November 19-23, 2014; Las Vegas, Nevada OPEN (64): 1-Odis Chenault (CA), 2-Phil Simborg (IL), 3-Khachik Melikyan (Armenia), 4/5-Jerry CHAMPIONSHIP (88+34 rebuys): 1-Akiko Yazawa (Japan), 2-Kit Woolsey (CA), 3/4-Doug Mayfield (CA) / Jabagchourian (CA) / Peter Wisniewski (CA); 1C-Justin Nunez (CA), 2C-Art Benjamin (CA), 3C/4C-Matt Matt Reklaitis (MA); 1C-Dennis Culpepper (VA), 2C-Walter Busato (Germany), 3C/4C-Michihito Kageyama Reklaitis (MA) / Ed Rosenblum (NM). (Japan) / Masayuki Mochizuki (Japan), 1LC-Bob Stringer (CA), 2LC-Robert Tansi (MA). ADVANCED (40): 1-Michael Showkati (CA), 2-Matt Soomakh (CA); 1C-Michael Derylo (CA), 2C-David INTERMEDIATE (78+32 rebuys): 1-Lawson He (CA), 2-Cem Aslan (TX), 3/4-Len Dangremond (NV) / Tara Cohen (CA), 3C/4C-Ergin Bayrak (CA) / Mark Weiner (CA). Mendicino (TX); 1C-Milton Gonzalez (Costa Rica), 2C-Jenny Galaugher (Canada), 3C/4C Steve Bowen (MI) / Roz Ferris (IL); 1LC-Leyla Zaloutskaya (NY), 2LC-Doug Johnson (FL). LIMITED (8): 1-Daniel Saltzman (CA), 2-Tom McGraw (CA); 1C-Jerry Nussbaum (CA).

BEGINNER (13): 1-Pierre Mendicino (TX); 1C-Kaeley Loskutoff (NV); 1LC-Sherril Harlow (ID). SUPER-32 JACKPOT (32): 1-Norm Wiggins (CA), 2-Jonah Seewald (CO), 3/4-Ted Chee (CA) / Joe Russell (CA). SUPER JACKPOT (16): 1-Malcolm Davis (TX), 2-Stepan Nuniyants (WA), 3/4-Ray Fogerlund (NV) / Paul Magriel (NV). PAUL DINGWELL AMATEUR JACKPOT (22): 1-Carol Joy Cole (MI), 2-Cheryl Andersen (CA), 3-David Taniguchi (CA). LIMITED JACKPOT (16): 1-Ken Bame (CA), 2-Bob Stringer (CA), 3/4-Ramon Eleazar (NV) / David Kettler (TX). BLITZ (56): 1-Jon Vietor (CA), 2-Tuvya Felt (TN).

BEGINNER JACKPOT (8): 1-Susanna Öhman (Sweden), 2-Daniel Raybol (NM). SENIORS (32): 1/2-Ron Bruns (CA) / Alfred Mamlet (MD). OVERFLOW SENIORS (16): 1/2-Paul Baraz (CA) / John Isaac (CA). SENIORS (128): 1-Walter Busato (Ger.), 2-Herb Roman (IL), 3/4-Eduardo Maciel (Brazil) / Steve Bowen (MI). DOUBLES (22 teams): 1-Masayuki Mochizuki (Japan) & Shohei Noguchi (Japan), 2-Charlie Raichle (CO) & 2-POINT QUICKIES (32): 1-Phil Simborg (IL), 2-Mario Savan (CA). Jonah Seewald (CO). BLITZ (152): 1-Ted Chee (CA), 2-Gary Fries (VA). DOUBLES (8 teams): 1-Mark Astemborski (CA) & Alan Martin (CA), 2-Paul Berg (MI) & Jim Slomkoski (MI). USBGF PrimeTime Backgammon Magazine 113 40th usbgf online circuit winners By Tara Mendicino Updated: 01/04/2015

Backgammon World Championship Recent Online Circuit Tournament Winners Fairmont Monte Carlo, Monaco Start Date Status Tournament Winner Oct 24, 2014 Completed Membership Blitz #11 Treena Bouque Oct 15, 2014 Completed USBGF Intermediate Divisional I Istvan Eger Save Oct 15, 2014 Completed USBGF Advanced Divisional III Michelle Steinberg the Dates! Oct 06, 2014 Completed Membership Blitz #10 James Allen Sep 27, 2014 Completed USBGF Masters Divisional V Cuneyt Argun Genc Sep 21, 2014 Completed Membership Blitz #9 Ronald Loero Sep 06, 2014 Completed USBGF Masters Divisional IV Zdenek Zizka August 2nd - 9th, 2015 Sep 01, 2014 Completed USBGF Advanced Divisional II Walt Smith Sep 01, 2014 Completed Circuit Monthly for September Bruce Newberg Monte Carlo Open World Championship Aug 25, 2014 Completed Membership Blitz #8 Ron Lewis August 2nd - 3rd, 2015 August 4th - 9th, 2015 Aug 15, 2014 Completed USBGF Masters Divisional III David Presser Aug 13, 2014 Completed Membership Blitz #7 Mario Savan Jul 26, 2014 Completed Membership Blitz #6 John Manning Double-Elimination Format! Jul 26, 2014 Completed USBGF Masters Divisional II Ted Chee Double-Elimination Format for the Championship Division Jul 26, 2014 Completed USBGF Advanced Divisional I Ed Sawyer Exclusive New Side Events & Tournament of World Champions Jul 08, 2014 Completed USBGF Masters Divisional I Peter Toftsoe Jul 08, 2014 Completed Membership Blitz #5 Julius High Jul 01, 2014 Completed Circuit Monthly for July Karen Davis Pre-Register Online at www.bwcmc.com Jun 25, 2014 Completed Membership Blitz #4 Lynda Clay Book early! Discounted Fairmont Monte Carlo room rates are in high demand! Rates start at €325 and reservations must be made by June 15th to secure this discount. Make your reservations online at www.bwcmc.com or contact Antoinette-Marie Williams at 212.222.7177. 2014 USBGF Online Circuit Presented by the IPATT Group | Patti Donner-Rubin | E-Mail: [email protected] Tournament of Champions All 2014 Online Circuit tournament winners will be invited to participate in the 2014 USBGF Online Circuit Tournament of Champions. This exclusive event will start in mid- February 2015. Don't miss it! 114 USBGF PrimeTime Backgammon Magazine USBGF PrimeTime Backgammon Magazine 115 usbgf live leaderboard usbgf live leaderboard By Barry Silliman - Rankings Editor Updated: 12/25/2014 Open / Championship Novice / Beginners Top-Ranked Players Top-Ranked Players In Top-Ranked Players Top-Ranked Players In In USBGF-Rated Events American Backgammon Tour Events In USBGF-Rated Events American Backgammon Tour Events

# Name Rating # Name Points # Name Rating # Name Points 1. Masayuki Mochizuki 1667.14 1. Ray Fogerlund 51.56 1. Maria Heiner 1535.80 1. Sharon Torres 2.70 2. Ed O'Laughlin 1665.74 2. Frank Raposa 37.33 2. Sheri Peters 1534.75 2. Josh Avery 2.33 3. Odis Chenault 1658.01 3. Matt Reklaitis 33.50 3. Gary Koscielny 1534.36 3. Pierre Mendicino 1.86 4. Kit Woolsey 1631.60 4. Masayuki Mochizuki 27.30 4. Victor De Oliveira 1532.12 4. Kathy Quentan 1.80 5. John O'Hagan 1617.18 5. Gary Bauer 27.22 5. Larry Andersen 1529.25 5. Gary Koscielny 1.77 6. Stick Rice 1616.50 6. Kit Woolsey 26.57 6. Fran Miller 1527.54 6. Paul Turdik 1.75 7. Dennis Culpepper 1611.68 7. Odis Chenault 26.16 7. Kathy Quentan 1527.49 7. Amber McLean 1.56 8. Matt Cohn-Geier 1609.56 8. Akiko Yazawa 26.07 8. Genna Cowan 1527.11 8. Cem Yorulmaz 1.38 9. Joe Russell 1609.22 9. Julius High 23.17 9. Diane Westra-Hanaback 1527.06 9. Genna Cowan 1.38 10. Bill Phipps 1607.22 10. Ben Friesen 21.47 10. Norma Lunsford 1526.73 10. Chuck Young, Robert Domaine 1.35

Intermediate / Advanced Qualifications for inclusion in USBGF-Rated Events The numbers following the player names show their Elo ratings, cumulative since 2009. Open and Advanced Top-Ranked Players Top-Ranked Players In player listings are restricted to USBGF members. To be listed, a player must have played in the listed division In USBGF Rated Events American Backgammon Tour Events of a live USBGF-rated tournament in the past thirteen months.

# Name Rating # Name Points Qualifications for inclusion in American Backgammon Tour Events 1. Josh Racko 1622.68 1. Mick Zakrajsek 13.32 ABT Points are awarded only in the main events of ABT tournaments; no points are awarded in any side events. 2. Artie Sutton 1613.67 2. Lawson He 11.56 The numbers following the player names show the total ABT Points earned in 2014 competing in the specified 3. Neal Weiner 1592.32 3. Paul Stebbing 10.18 division. 4. Brandon Macklin 1586.11 4. Christopher Shanava 9.92 5. Cheryl Andersen 1584.83 5. Tim Lawless 8.50 6. Cliff Mayoh 1573.42 6. Farid Khalili 8.20 7. Bob Howayeck 1572.40 7. Alex Owen 8.00 8. Scott Kelland 1571.26 8. Michael Showkati 8.00 9. David Rennie 1571.00 9. Samuel Wang 7.70 10. Mick Zakrajsek 1564.20 10. Scotty Kelland 7.29 116 USBGF PrimeTime Backgammon Magazine usbgf online leaderboard By Tara Mendicino Updated: 01/04/2015 Online Circuit Top 10

# Name GG ID Rating Win - Loss Win % Trnys Won High Rating 1. Adam Versaw adamV 1947.94 18 - 6 75% 3 1965.32 2. Jim Stutz NaturalDog 1943.92 15 - 3 83% 1 1958.73 3. Petko Kostadinov bulgari 1942.31 14 - 3 82% 1 1953.24 4. Dorn Bishop dorn 1926.19 9 - 3 75% 2 1939.38 5. David Presser Gasman 1922.76 59 - 25 70% 5 1922.76 6. Cuneyt Argun Genc caggammon 1922.33 14 - 5 74% 1 1922.33 7. Chris Yep cyep 1921.61 7 - 2 78% 1 1932.88 8. Bill Phipps bjp 1919.49 5 - 0 100% 1 1919.49 9. Neil Kazaross neilkaz 1908.92 7 - 2 78% 0 1927.99 10. Arthur Sutton im4tunet 1908.35 5 - 1 83% 1 1912.69

Up-to-date ratings may be found at: usbgf.org/trny/leaderboard/

Qualifications for inclusion in USBGF Online Circuit Events

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. Upcoming Online Circuit Tournaments Circuit Monthly for February Start Date: February 1, 2015 Registration Link: usbgf.org/trny/registration/?trny=182 Like us on Facebook!

Masters and Advanced Divisional Tournaments Masters Divisional IX Registration Link: usbgf.org/trny/registration/?trny=181 Advanced Divisional V Registration Link: usbgf.org/trny/registration/?trny=179 facebook.com/usbgf Membership Blitz Tournaments Membership Blitz #14 Registration Link: usbgf.org/trny/registration/?trny=183 118 USBGF PrimeTime Backgammon Magazine USBGF PrimeTime Backgammon Magazine 119

upcoming tournaments ABT: SUNSHINE STATE CLASSIC FEB

Upcoming ABT Tournaments and Dates: February 27 - March 1, 2015 Place: Ramada Inn, Tampa, FL USBGF Sponsored Live & Online Events Details: Website Be sure to mark your calendar and attend these exciting ABT tournaments Phone: 727/743-0500 & USBGF events. For complete tournament listings, see chicagopoint.com.

ABT: 8th NEW YORK METRO OPEN JAN ABT: CSI / ABT AWARDS MAR

Dates: January 8 - 11, 2015 Dates: March 13 - 15, 2015 Place: Hyatt, Jersey City, NJ Place: Holiday Inn, Oakbrook Terr., IL Details: Website Details: Website Phone: 408/529-6769 Phone: 773/583-6464

PRIME TOURNAMENT

ABT: 2015 TEXAS BACKGAMMON JAN ABT: OHIO STATE CHAMPIONSHIPS MAR CHAMPIONSHIPS & USBGF AWARDS Dates: March 27 - 29, 2015 Dates: January 29 - February 1, 2015 Place: Marriott, Cleveland, OH Place: Menger Hotel, San Antonio, TX Details: Website Details: Website Phone: 330/268-4610

Phone: 281/703-9304 PRIME PRIME TOURNAMENT TOURNAMENT

ABT: 3RD CAPITAL CLASSIC FEB ABT: U.S. OPEN APR

Dates: February 20 - 22, 2015 Dates: April 15 - 19, 2015 Place: Dulles Marriott, Herndon, VA Place: Flamingo Hotel, Las Vegas, NV Details: Website Details: Website Phone: 540/222-6431 Phone: 702/218-8238

PRIME PRIME TOURNAMENT TOURNAMENT 120 USBGF PrimeTime Backgammon Magazine Upcoming Tournaments

ABT: 7th ATLANTA SPRING CLASSIC APR

Dates: April 30 - May 3, 2015 Place: Sheraton, Atlanta, GA Details: Website Phone: 404/403-1957

PRIME TOURNAMENT PRIME TOURNAMENT

ABT: CHICAGO OPEN / MAY GIANTS INVITATIONAL 3rd Capital Classic Dates: May 21 - 25, 2015 Place: Rosemont, IL Backgammon Championships Details: Email February 20 - 22, 2015 Phone: 617/699-9100 PRIME TOURNAMENT Marriott Suites Washington Dulles 13101 Worldgate Drive ABT: LOS ANGELES OPEN JUN Herndon, VA 20170

Dates: June 5 - 7, 2015 • Double-elimination with progressive consolation Place: Hilton LAX, Los Angeles, CA Details: Email • USBGF Prime Tournament with $750 in added money and prizes! Phone: 818/901-0464 • Freeroll side event with $500 donated added money

PRIME • 90% or 95% return in most events TOURNAMENT • Clocks required in Masters & Open Jackpots, Open ABT, & Doubles JUL • All events are Legal Moves ABT: MICHIGAN SUMMER • Group hotel rate of $79/night for reservations made by February 5th CHAMPIONSHIPS • Complimentary airport shuttle and free parking Dates: July 2 - 5, 2015 Place: Sheraton, Novi, MI Contact Ed O'Laughlin at [email protected] or 540-222-6431 Details: Website or Barry Silliman at [email protected] or 240-674-7222

Phone: 810/232-9731 PRIME TOURNAMENT Tournament Brochure available at beltwaybg.org/capitalclassic INTERIOR DESIGNERS

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