AUG - USBGF - US Backgammon Federation

Transcription

PRIMETIME
BACKGAMMON
OFFICIAL MAGAZINE OF THE USBGF
JULY - AUGUST 2014
bob wachtel's
New book!
Highly anticipated
In the Game Until
the End, Volume II
makes its debut
BEHIND THE SCENES
NORDIC OPEN
News and Interviews from
the 2014 Nordic Open &
Denmark vs. the World
U.s. Backgammon federation
the giants of
Backgammon
Jake Jacobs presents the
fascinating history of the
infamous Giants list
Video Lesson
Phil Simborg lectures on
how to play double deuces
visit us at usbgf.org
39th
Backgammon World Championship
Fairmont Monte Carlo, Monaco
pre-register online at
carolinabackgammon.com
Reserve Ro
oms Early!
August 3rd - 10th, 2014
Southern Swiss
Format
Faster Masters
Charlotte, NC
Aug 28 - Sep 1, 2014
Labor Day Weekend
Queen City Cup
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Buffet!
USBGF National
Championship East
Monte Carlo Open
August 3rd - 4th, 2014
World Championship
August 5th - 10th, 2014
New Double-Elimination Format!
new format for the 39th world championship!
Main double-elim flights, consolation flight, & last chance
Pre-Register Online at www.bwcmc.com
Book early! Our discounted Fairmont Monte Carlo room rates are in high demand! Rates start at
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online at www.bwcmc.com or contact Antoinette-Marie Williams at 212.222.7177.
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carolinabackgammon.com/brochure.pdf
Visit carolinabackgammon.com for complete details regarding our Southern Swiss
format. The Carolina Invitational is clocks required in the Championship division,
Faster Masters, Queen City Cup, & Doubles. Legal Moves will be in effect for all events.
BOARD BY
USBGF PrimeTime Backgammon Magazine
July August Issue
where perennial winner Ray Fogerlund
added the LA championship title to his
PrimeTime Backgammon
U.S. Open and California State Championship crowns, making him this year’s King
By Karen Davis, Managing Editor
D
of the West.
espite its population of only
number of Giants to Rory Pascar’s Chicago
We also profile: an outstanding club, Barry
6 million, Denmark has done
Open to receive their certificates. Five of the
Silliman’s Beltway Backgammon Club; an
more than any other country,
top six Giants participated (Chicagoan Neil
over the last two decades, to spearhead the
Kazaross was sidelined for health reasons).
revitalization of backgammon and to foster a
Paul Weaver analyzes a round-robin match
truly international community for the game.
in the World Backgammon Tournament
This issue of PrimeTime Backgammon puts a
of Champions between #3 and #5 Giants,
spotlight on that small country’s gala annual
Falafel Natanzon and Matt Cohn-Geier.
“
active female player, Michelle Steinberg; and
Giant Bob Wachtel’s
backgammon festival, the Nordic Open: the
Jake Jacobs provides his own witty take
to increase member benefits, encourage
“toughest tournament in the world,” and one
on the Giants list.
new book, In the
accompanied by a unique challenge match:
We also showcase #8
Game Until the End,
Volume II, a sequel to
Denmark vs. the World. Our coverage begins
We also showcase #8 Giant Bob Wachtel’s
with a couple of far-ranging and candid
new book, In the Game Until the End,
interviews conducted before the event
Volume II, a sequel to his pioneering 1993
by the Bulgarian expert, Iancho Hristov,
pre-bot-era study of ace-point endings.
pre-bot-era study of
with playing captains Thomas Kristensen
Reviewing the book, John O’Hagan calls it
(Denmark) and Mochy Mochizuki (World).
a “great work” and a “must read” for serious
ace-point endings.
With the stage thus set, we move to the big
students of the game. As Bob explains it,
Reviewing the book,
match itself, with an eyewitness report by
“some of the most intriguing — and mys-
our editor and World team member, Bob
terious — positions in the backgammon
John O’Hagan calls it
Wachtel. Bob adds local color to his account
universe lie at contact’s 11th hour. Holding
a “great work” and a
by highlighting not only the actual moves
the opponent’s ace point, a competitor is
“must read” for serious
that were played in the match but also the
‘in the game until the end’ — an end which
heated discussions, banter, and fearless
can run the gamut from utter disaster to
students of the game.
side betting that accompanied them. Our
miraculous deliverance.” After a hiatus of
Turkish friend Sabri Büyüksoy completes
20 years, Bob finally deploys the cutting-
the Scandinavian sketch by sharing with
edge tool of deep computer (XG) rollout
us his panoramic photographic portrayal
analysis to debug his prior research and
of the event.
to carefully extend it to a variety of more
complex ace-point endings.
Not that the U.S. does not have some superstrong tournaments itself. The release of
Around the U.S. tournament scene, we
the Giants of Backgammon list brought a
feature Steve Sax’s report on the LA Open,
his pioneering 1993
a promising junior, young Max Crosner.
Finally, USBGF President Bill Riles brings
us up to date on the Federation’s latest
programs and initiatives, all designed
member participation, and recruit new
blood from the great mass of recreational
American backgammon players.
Check out the live and online tournament
rankings, and Get in the Game! 
- KAREN DAVIS
KAREN DAVIS
Karen Davis is Chairman of the USBGF
Board of Directors and Managing
Editor of PrimeTime Backgammon.
Featuring in-depth
coverage of the
Nordic Open!
5
6
In This Issue
7
July August 2014
FEATURED
18 GIANT SORTING
Jake Jacobs tells the history of the Giants list and
18
argues that peer ratings mostly get it right.
BY JAKE JACOBS
24 FALAFEL VS. MATT COHN-GEIER
2014 CHICAGO OPEN
HISTORY OF GIANTS LIST
The Giants of Backgammon list
based on peer ratings has stood
the test of time for over 20 years.
24
The battle between the best of the best took place
in Chicago.
BY PAUL WEAVER
FALAFEL VS. MCG AT WBTOC
Giants received their certificates and competed in
the Tournament of Champions at the Chicago Open.
34 DENMARK VS. THE WORLD:
THE LINEUP
Danish and World playing captains size up the opposition in advance of the match.
THE BELTWAY BG CLUB
98
34
Ed O'Laughlin and DC players give
backgammon lessons at the annual
Smithsonian Nowruz celebration.
BY IANCHO HRISTOV
48 DENMARK VS. THE WORLD:
THE BACK STORY
Bob Wachtel provides the inside scoop on key deci-
DENMARK VS. THE WORLD
sions that took the World Team to victory in 2014.
BY BOB WACHTEL
Denmark is small but mighty when
it comes to backgammon.
66 26TH NORDIC OPEN:
BACKGAMMON AT ITS PEAK
THE BACK STORY
The lure of Copenhagen with its cornucopia of
The World Team savors its victory.
sights and backgammon are clearly captured.
BY SABRI BÜYÜKSOY
80 2-2 SECOND ROLL STUDY
Questions or comments about PrimeTime
Backgammon? We want to hear from you!
Contact us via e-mail at info@usbgf.org.
Phil Simborg video lesson on the complexity of
48
determining the best play after rolling 22s.
BY PHIL SIMBORG
8
In This Issue
9
In This Issue
July August 2014
BOOK REVIEW
ON THE COVER
75 IN THE GAME UNTIL THE END,
VOLUME II
Bob Wachtel, brilliant writer, talented
player, and consummate cosmopolitan — cover photo by Steve Sax.
Bob Wachtel's new book In the Game Until the End:
Volume II gets stellar reviews from John O'Hagan.
BY JOHN O'HAGAN
PLAYER PROFILES
WACHTEL LECTURE
Bob Wachtel hit the highlights of his
new book before a rapt early-morning
audience at the LA Open in June.
82 MICHELLE STEINBERG
Meet Michelle Steinberg, USBGF National Internet
Championship Intermediate Division winner.
BY KAREN DAVIS
86 MAX CROSNER
An interview with Max Crosner, just 12 years old
and already an ABT tournament veteran!
BY KAREN DAVIS
TOURNAMENT NEWS
90 2014 LOS ANGELES OPEN
Steve Sax covers the highlights of this year's Los
Angeles Open, including Ray Fogerlund's outstanding performance against tough competition.
BY STEVE SAX
104 LIVE TOURNAMENT RESULTS
See all the results from ABT tournaments
USBGF NEWS
USBGF LIVE & ONLINE RATINGS
LOCAL CLUB NEWS
12 WHAT'S ON THE DRAWING
BOARD FOR THE USBGF?
108 LIVE LEADERBOARD
98 BELTWAY BACKGAMMON CLUB
Check out the Open, Advanced, and Novice top
The Beltway Backgammon Club of Washington,
USBGF President and Executive Director Bill Riles
ten leaders in USBGF cumulative Elo ratings in live
D.C. is a force to be reckoned with! Meet some of its
announces exciting plans for the USBGF, including
events since 2009 and 2014 ABT Points.
outstanding players who have dominated the ABT.
the new USBGF Annual Awards and Hall of Fame.
BY BARRY SILLIMAN
BY KAREN DAVIS
BY BILL RILES
110 ONLINE LEADERBOARD
held in Chicago and Los Angeles.
View recent winners of USBGF Online Circuit
tournaments.
BY TARA MENDICINO
Become a Founding Sponsor and show your
support for the U.S. Backgammon Federation.
See the latest leaders based on cumulative Elo
KAREN DAVIS
107 ONLINE CIRCUIT WINNERS
16 FOUNDING SPONSORS
ratings from USBGF online tournaments, as well as
wins, losses, and tournaments won.
BY TARA MENDICINO
U.S. BACKGAMMON TOUR
112 UPCOMING TOURNAMENTS
Mark your calendar for upcoming ABT tournaments
and USBGF online events.
PRIMETIME
BACKGAMMON
Staff &
Volunteers
editor
USBGF Board
of Directors
Bob Wachtel
Founding Editor
Matt Cohn-Geier
Managing Editor
Karen Davis
President;
Executive Director;
Treasurer
Production Editor
Tara Mendicino
William Riles
Assistant Editor
Mark Antranikian
Chair, Education
Committee
Assistant Editor
and Design Analyst
MARK ANTRANIKIAN
Mark Antranikian, Assistant
Editor, was a member of the
USBGF Team Championships
winning team, Scared Hitless.
Art Benjamin
Lisa Rockwell
Governance and
Nominating Committee
USBGF Photographer
Steve Sax
Dorn Bishop
Rankings Editor
Board Chair; Co-Chair,
Membership and Marketing
Committee
Barry Silliman
Feature Editor,
Annotated Matches
Karen Davis
Executive Committee;
Chair, Tournament
Directors liaison; Rules
and Ethics Committee
Marty Storer
Editorial Advisory Board
Karen Davis (Chair), Chuck Bower,
Matt Cohn-Geier, Carol Joy Cole,
Gus Contos, Mike Corbett,
Bill Riles, Justin Nunez,
Bob Wachtel, Kit Woolsey
BOB WACHTEL
Bob Wachtel, Editor of PrimeTime
Backgammon, is a renowned
author ranked #8 on the 2013
Giants of Backgammon.
Patrick Gibson
Co-Chair, Membership and
Marketing Committee;
Chair, Rules and Ethics
Committee
information
PrimeTime Backgammon is the
official magazine of the U.S.
Backgammon Federation.
Jeb Horton
contact us
Neil Kazaross
Rules and Ethics
Committee
E-Mail: info@usbgf.org
Website: usbgf.org
from the editor
Opinions expressed in these pages are those of the individuals and do not
necessarily reflect official positions of the U.S. Backgammon Federation.
Chair, Legislative
Committee; Executive
Committee
Alfred Mamlet
KAREN DAVIS
Volume 5, Issue 4
© 2014 U.S. Backgammon
Federation
BILL RILES; BOB WACHTEL
10
Secretary
Steve Mellen
Vice-Chair, Membership
and Marketing Committee;
Governance and
Nominating Committee
Tara Mendicino
Chief Technology Officer;
Chair, Ratings and Stats
Committee; Governance
and Nominating Committee;
Rules and Ethics
Committee
Richard Munitz
Director, Local Club
Initiative; Rules and
Ethics Committee
Justin Nunez
Executive Committee
TARA MENDICINO
Special Adviser to Board
of Directors
Tara Mendicino, Production Editor,
is a member of the USBGF Board of
Directors and co-director of the Texas
State Backgammon Championships.
Joseph Russell
Carol Joy Cole
Education Adviser
Phil Simborg
Accounting Manager
Sheryl R. Lennon
Director of
Communications;
Webmaster
Tara Mendicino
11
usbgf news
What's on the Drawing Board for the
U.S. Backgammon Federation?
By Bill Riles, President and Executive Director
13
our website for new postings. Contact our
years three inductees will be elected from
work on a comprehensive revision of our
Online Tournament System Director, Tara
a slate of ten candidates. Inductees will be
by-laws and on a comprehensive rule set
Mendicino, for any ideas on tournaments
announced at the Awards Dinner.
which we shall recommend for all American
you’d like to see offered.
tournament play.
We are aiming to complete and implement
Another exciting new program is in the
the USBGF Master Points system by the
Late in the year we will have four more
offing. The Federation plans to raise money
end of the year. Members will earn master
Board of Director seats up for election.
from benefactors to be added to ABT tour-
points by matches won and tournament
Announcements will be forthcoming
nament prize pools for USBGF members
results in online and live tournaments.
regarding nominations and other details.
in January 2015 with approximately $1,000
Our Facebook page remains a vital conduit
Our list of potential endeavors and initia-
added money per tournament (depending
of information and entertainment. Phil
tives continues to exceed the capacities of
upon the number of tournament entrants
Simborg continues to add video lessons
our volunteers. We have a range of needs
and money raised). Details will be worked
there to our extensive, accessible online
requiring a variety of skills. Let us know
out by each tournament director with the
collection. These short videos are quite
if you are interested in helping at info@
USBGF. We expect the financial incentive
popular with and useful to members aspir-
usbgf.org.
– some on the basis of
to substantially boost USBGF membership
ing to improve their skills.
tournament results,
among ABT tournament participants. Look
“
only. Our goal is to implement it beginning
In 2015, the USBGF
will begin to recognize
members with a number of annual awards
some by member vote
– at an Awards Dinner
to be held at the Texas
Backgammon Championships in San Antonio,
January 29-February
1, 2015. Also at this
dinner, the recipient of
the first annual USBGF
Board of Directors’
Lifetime Achievement
Award will be announced.
for more details in the coming months.
A
It has been an exciting and positive first
Our USBGF BG Shop section on the web-
half of 2014. Let’s make the second half of
site has been redesigned, making it easier
the year and 2015 even better. 
t mid-year 2014, you’ll find much
We continue to expand our very popular
In 2015, the USBGF will begin to recognize
to order backgammon equipment, books,
that is new at the U.S. Backgam-
online tournament program. The monthly
members with a number of annual awards
magazines, merchandise, and gift mem-
mon Federation.
circuits fill quickly, and our new member-
– some on the basis of tournament results,
berships for friends. Shipping is available
ship blitzes have proven popular. We have
some by member vote – at an Awards Din-
worldwide. Check it out at usbgf.org/shop/.
The new design of our PrimeTime Backgam-
recently completed the National Internet
ner to be held at the Texas Backgammon
mon magazine has been widely praised,
Championship Divisional Tournaments:
Championships in San Antonio, January
The first USBGF publishing venture has
and has generated a substantial demand for
congratulations to winners Jacob Atie
29-February 1, 2015. Also at this dinner,
reached fruition. Copies of the brilliant
printed copies. Even though the magazine
(Panama) in the Championship division,
the recipient of the first annual USBGF
new book by Bob Wachtel, Giant #8 and
was initially conceived as an online prod-
Tom Christner (Colorado) in the Advanced
Board of Directors’ Lifetime Achievement
USBGF editor, In the Game Until the End,
uct, we have adapted. We do now print a
division, and Michelle Steinberg (New Jer-
Award will be announced.
Volume II, Ace Point Endgame Analysis—the
limited number of the magazines, which are
sey) in the Intermediate division. In addition
available by subscription. And the content
to this staple, we have launched the USBGF
Another development to be initiated in
delivery, and can be ordered at the USBGF
keeps improving: we’ve expanded the pool
Divisional Tournaments. Finally, planning
2015: the USBGF will establish the USBGF
BG Shop on our website. Members receive a
of expert authors writing for the magazine
is underway for a new USBGF Federation
American Backgammon Hall of Fame.
10% discount on their purchase (a member
(though we are always interested in submit-
Cup – a free event with cash prizes intended
Members will submit nominations, and
must be logged into the website to secure the
ted articles and suggestions for articles).
to serve existing members and to attract
a select committee will choose twenty
discount). The retail price is a very modest
Let our Managing Editor, Karen Davis,
new members – as well as for the fourth
nominees to appear on a ballot within our
$29.99 plus shipping/handling.
hear from you on how we can improve the
Internet Backgammon Championship (IBC
e-voting system. Members will elect ten
magazine and how you might contribute.
IV). Watch the Online Tournament list on
inductees in this first year. In subsequent
Next Generation are in stock for immediate
Additionally, the USBGF continues to
“Get Into the Game – Become a Member”
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16
Founding Sponsors
Diamond
Malcolm Davis
Alan and Joan Grunwald
Hugh Sconyers
Mike Svobodny
platinum
Karen Davis
Morten Holm
gold
usbgf founding sponsors
Outstanding Supporters
of our Organization
T
FOUNDERS' CUBES BY
LAWRENCE SONNÉ
he U.S. Backgammon Federation’s
and organizations who have generously
Founding Sponsors initiative has
supported our organization by becoming
attracted 99 donors who share
a Founder. We hope you will join this elite
its vision of drawing thousands of people
group by going to our website usbgf.org or
throughout the country to the exciting,
contacting Bill Riles at bill@usbgf.org for
skill-based game of backgammon through a
more information.
Founding Sponsors are presented
with an exquisite, personalized,
engraved doubling cube, specially
designed for the USBGF by Lawrence
Sonné of Backgammon Elegance.
ers, young and young-at-heart alike. The
Become a Founding Sponsor and play in
on their level of Sponsorship and order of
support of our Founding Sponsors during
the 2015 USBGF Tournament of Stars to
becoming Founding Sponsors.
this critical period will be appreciated for
be held in connection with the Texas Back-
years to come and includes recognition on
gammon Championships in San Antonio
More information on the benefits of becom-
our website in perpetuity and benefits not
January 29-February 1, 2015. Founding
ing a Founding Sponsor may be found at
available to any other class of Membership.
Sponsors select Giants of Backgammon and
USBGF Founding Sponsor Benefits.
rich array of activities appealing to all play-
other backgammon legends and experts
The Federation salutes the individuals
as partners in this doubles event based
Anna Covlin
Myles Covlin
Rod Covlin
Patrick and Carla Gibson
Harvey Gillis
Perry Gartner
Larry Taylor
Alfred Mamlet
Edward B. Bennett
Richard Munitz
Joseph Russell
Jeffrey Acierno
Masayuki Mochizuki
Falafel Natanzon
Jim Pasko
David Leibowitz
Jason Lee
Michael Louis Rosen
Jamie Erin Rosen
Art Benjamin
Lloyd E. Webber (LEW)
Saba Bejanishvili
silver
Lynn Ehrlich
Chiva Tafazzoli
Alex Gerding
Silver cont.
Bruce Newberg
Larry Liebster
Ben Friesen
Jim Stutz
Gus Contos
bronze
Pat McCormick
Carol Joy Cole
Neal and Kathy Weiner
Neil Kazaross
Kit Woolsey
Michael Weinberger
Chuck Bower
Preston Guidry
Jake Jacobs
Sean Cearley
Kristina Vig
Play65 Backgammon
Judy Field
Rory Pascar
Greg Cottle
Bill Finneran
James G. Allen
Sean Williams
Pat Geoffroy
Mark Gordon
Rochelle Hasson
Dennis Culpepper
Andrew Martinez
Drew Giovanis
James E. Roland
Bill Riles
Josh Racko
Russell Sands
Steve Schreiber
Bob Glass
bronze cont.
John Calcott
Jeff Burdsall
Justin and Rynell Nunez
Steve Sax
Dorn Bishop
Scott Kelland
Arthur Stein
Stepan Nuniyants
Powhatan French
Robert E. Stoller
Joe Potts
Arkadiy Tsinis
Carla Gibson
David Kettler
Michael Flohr
Mario Savan
Jeb Horton
Cloyd LaPorte
Secil Baysal
David Rennie
Alan Pruce
Phil Simborg
Ed Sawyer
Twain Pigott
Jerry Godsey
Julius High
Michelle Steinberg
Tariq Siddiqi
Steve Blanchard
John Hamlin
Anthony Anton
youth
István Éger
Within each level, names are presented in the order of becoming Founding Sponsors.
Giant
sorting
The Masses Know Best
By Jake Jacobs
“
The idea came first
to Michael Maxakuli,
way back in 1981.
Thirty-two appears
on the doubling cube
(it especially did in
was as much thought
as went into it. It isn’t
a bad choice. Some
voters have called for
a shorter list, but if
you choose a much
smaller number there
will be debate about
the names that fail to
make the cut.
I
don’t know; if I tried all that today it might
those hooves make it hard to shake the dice
performance are probably more important
kill me.
cup. But there are similarities between rating
than, say, whether a horse is gelded. There
the ability of a player to win a backgammon
is one factor, though, that is the single most
Anyway, from that story you’ll glean that I
game, and rating the ability of a horse to
accurate predictor. Can you guess what that
played backgammon in the office. Seeing
win a race. What factors do you consider?
is? The answer: public opinion. Race tracks
the board led one of my drivers to say that
Speed, certainly. But did the horse run six
use pari-mutuel betting. Suppose we have
she learned backgammon from “the best
furlongs, or one mile, or even further? Does
ten horses, and the pool of wagers is $1000;
player in Chicago.” Who was
we will ignore the track rake.
that? “Ira Sachs,” she said. A
If $400 is bet on Horse One,
few months later, at a Sunday
the horse will pay 3 to 2, and
night tournament, a player
for each dollar bet the winners
was talking up a new venue,
will receive $2.50. Maybe Horse
Gammons of Chicago, run by
Six has $50 bet, which means
Howard Markowitz, the “best
it is 19 to 1, and each dollar
player in Chicago.” Being new
bet returns $20. And so on for
to the game, I called my brother
each horse. No matter which
Munchkin, and asked him who
horse wins and how much or
the best player in Chicago was.
how little is bet on the winner,
“Greg Defotis,” he assured me.
the entire $1000 is returned.
The rundown he gave me on
We can express that differently.
started playing backgammon in June
hoped) they would next be free. Drivers
the three was this: that Ira
If the public bets $400 of the
1979. I was the night manager of a
were often lost, asking for directions, or
Sachs probably made more
$1000 on Horse One, they
cab company in the Chicago suburbs
asking us to call their passenger to come
money than anyone playing
have expressed the collective
then. I hope you will indulge me in a short
outside, or just calling in because they hadn’t
in Chicago at the time, because
opinion that Horse One has
reminiscence. My office was inside a train
spoken in a while, and their gums needed
he hung out with the wealthy
a 40% chance of winning the
station, with a Dutch door putting it, and
flapping. Our meters were old and broken,
fish at Faces disco, and never
race. If they bet $50 on Horse
me, on display. I had four business phones
so we had to give the drivers flat rates,
played anyone with a clue; that
with six lines, and also three wall-mounted
calculating how much a trip would run if
Howard Markowitz had more
hotline phones. I had two radios, one for
the meter worked (I thanked Pythagoras
the primary operation which serviced the
every night.) A friend dropped by on a
Des Plaines area, and one for a smaller
typical evening, and later told a group of
company working out of Palatine. It was
friends that when he arrived “there was a
cacophonous. We were just small enough,
TV going on the shelf over the radiator; an
or just primitive enough, that dispatching
open book in the inbox Jake was reading; he
the two fleets required the dispatcher to
was having a conversation with one of the
keep the whole picture in his head: where
drivers; and he was playing backgammon.”
the cabs were, what they were working on,
where they would end up, and when (one
They say youth is wasted on the young. I
MAXAKULI COLLECTION CHICAGOPOINT.COM
Max’s games); that
19
Six they are saying Horse Six
THE HEYDAYS
should win 5% of the time.
master points than anyone in 1981 Black & White Boston Classic tournament held at the Hyatt
Regency in Cambridge, Massachusetts 24-26 of April. Al Hodis
Chicago, because he played in
defeated Doug Mayfield in the final.
tournaments every night; but if
Those who have studied such
things have discovered that,
remarkably enough, the public
Greg played either he would eat them alive.
it do better on turf or on dirt? Who was its
is very accurate. This isn’t to say that the
(Howard became the most accomplished
trainer, and who were its parents? How has
public is always right about every horse.
of the three, but in 1979 his fame exceeded
it performed in other races, and were any of
Racing wouldn’t be interesting if that were
his facility.)
its present competitors running against it?
true. But if you look at all of the horses the
public expects to see win 40% of the time,
Let’s talk for a moment about horse racing.
You have likely made a mental note that
on average they win 40% of the time. And
There are differences from backgammon –
these factors are not equal. Speed and past
if you look at the horses the public says
20
Giant Sorting: The Masses Know Best
have a 5% chance, the 19 to 1 shots, they
One thing we will be changing is how
Day. We would plan a presentation at one
win about one race in twenty.
quickly we publish the results next time.
or the other, and would get the list ready
2013 Giants of Backgammon
for publication in the Flint Area BackgamYou look at the bettors at a typical track,
We were caught flatfooted this year. Back
unshaven, unwashed, unprepossessing, and
in 1993, when Yamin Yamin revived the
think: “So this is where they went before
idea for the list, Yamin, Howard Ring, John
I left Chicago in 2001; Howard left us too
there was Walmart.” Yet those unseemly
Stryker, and I were all bachelors living in
soon and too young in 2005; Yamin and
individuals are collectively a keen math-
the northern suburbs of Chicago. Carol Joy
John are family men, which means they
#
moNews before the event.
2013 Giants of Backgammon
#
in Michigan. She is the glue that
the premise behind the Giant
holds it all together. This year
32. If Munchkin, a very strong
the deadline for ballots rolled
player in his day, could tell me
around, as it does every two
who the best players in Chicago
years, on January 31st. John
11. Victor Ashkenazi (52)
USA
43. Mary Hickey (33)
USA
were, imagine a group of the
had commitments and let the
12. Malcolm Davis (21)
USA
44. Nevzat Dogan (N/A)
Denmark
world’s strong players telling
ballots pile up. Suddenly, the
13. Paul Weaver (11)
USA
45. Morten Holm Lassen (24)
Denmark
us who the best among them
web began buzzing like a hive of
really were. From their collec-
caffeinated wasps. Meanwhile,
14. Kit Woolsey (8)
USA
46. Jake Jacobs (36)
Singapore
tive response we would get a
there were six thousand names
15. John O'Hagan (13)
USA
47. George Kleitsas (95)
Greece
very accurate notion of how
that had not been entered into
16. Ralf Jonas (15)
Germany
48. Marc B. Olsen (68)
Denmark
the best stacked up.
a computer, most handwritten
17. Akiko Abe Yazawa (108)
Japan
49. Julian Fetterlein (44)
England
18. Sander Lylloff (7)
Denmark
50. Phil Simborg (62)
USA
19. Gus Jacobsen Hansen (17)
Denmark
51. Thomas Kristensen (84)
Denmark
20. Ray Fogerlund (16)
USA
52. Freddie Noer (300)
Denmark
21. Ed O'Laughlin (18)
USA
53. Richard Munitz (30)
USA
crucial moments after that,
22. Bill Robertie (28)
USA
54. Slava Pryadkin (377)
Ukraine
John was dealing with a series
23. Tobias Hellwag (19)
Germany
55. Alfred Mamlet (51)
USA
of personal matters that kept
24. Jürgen Orlowski (22)
Germany
56. Alan Grunwald (140)
USA
25. Mike Senkiewicz (26)
USA
57. K. Papachristopoulos (323)
Germany
26. Karsten Bredahl (39)
Denmark
58. Sabri Büyüksoy (71)
Turkey
27. Fernando Braconi (31)
Italy
59. Kiyokazu Nishikawa (122)
Japan
28. Steen Grønbech (29)
Denmark
60. Mario Sequeira (53)
Portugal
29. Paul Magriel (34)
USA
61. Bernhard Kaiser (187)
Germany
30. Nack Ballard (14)
USA
62. Kostas Mitrelis (173)
Greece
31. Dana Nazarian (74)
USA
63. Christos Groutsos (120)
Greece
32. Othello Itikawa (42)
Japan
64. Alain Babillon (85)
France
bless her tireless efforts, is still
that crucial moment and for
Maxakuli, way back in 1981.
the next approximately fifty-
Thirty-two appears on the dou-
seven thousand six hundred
bling cube (it especially did in
PETER KALBA, CJC, & BILL DAVIS
Max’s games); that was as much Carol Joy Cole has been instrumental in the success of the Giants
of Backgammon list over the last 20 years. She is shown here in
thought as went into it. It isn’t
the early years with Peter Kalba (L) and ABT director Bill Davis (R).
a bad choice. Some voters have
his flying fingers grounded.
called for a shorter list, but if you choose a
was the odd woman out in the mix, living
Eventually those fingers were cleared for
much smaller number there will be debate
as she did in Michigan. We’d get the ballots
takeoff, and resumed flying, but by then
about the names that fail to make the cut.
to John, and after he did the data entry we’d
there was speculation that we had … what?
One complaint we never hear is that the
meet over at Howard’s or at Yamin’s, look
Taken the ballots and absconded to Rio?
best player isn’t on the list. Would, say, a
them over, discuss John’s tabulations, and
Buried them with Jimmy Hoffa? Asked Lois
Giant 16 be inclusive enough? Perhaps,
play some backgammon. The only deadline
Lerner to file them?
but by now the Giant 32 is a brand, and we
was the date of the tournament where the
aren’t about to make the mistake Coke did
certificates would be presented. Vegas was
All we can do this year is apologize. Rest
by changing a winning formula.
in April, the Chicago Open was Memorial
Continued on page 22
GIANTS OF BACKGAMMON FLINTBG.COM
The idea came first to Michael
MAXAKULI COLLECTION CHICAGOPOINT.COM
by indifferent spellers. And at
33.
34.
35.
36.
37.
38.
39.
40.
41.
42.
Country
That wisdom of the group is
are busy men; and Carol Joy,
Japan
Japan
Israel
USA
USA
USA
Denmark
USA
USA
USA
2013 Runners-Up
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
ematical mind.
Masayuki Mochizuki (2)
Michihito Kageyama (4)
"Falafel" Natanzon (1)
Neil Kazaross (3)
Matt Cohn-Geier (5)
Petko Kostadinov (20)
Lars Trabolt (12)
Bob Wachtel (9)
Steve Sax (10)
Stick Rice (6)
Country
*Numbers in parentheses show Giant ranking in 2011
Stepan Nuniyants (43)
Jeremy Bagai (40)
Carlo Melzi (46)
Raj Jansari (38)
Bill Phipps (90)
Bob Koca (35)
David Wells (27)
Carol Joy Cole (37)
Kenji Shimodaira (65)
Joe Russell (25)
USA
USA
Italy
England
USA
USA
USA
USA
Japan
USA
21
22
23
Continued from page 20
assured that next time we will be better
but human nature being what it is, second
This year, for the first time, we received
the old days, before online play, before the
for the top players; Elo ratings; cumulative
prepared, and the list will appear on time.
guessing the vote is more fun than voting.
over two hundred ballots, tripling the first
bots, players were known for their style.
error ratings as assessed by a bot; point rat-
And now that two decades have passed,
year’s total. Of the thirty-two names, four-
Today everyone tries to make the play the
ings based upon tournament performance
In 1993 we received sixty-six ballots. The
which foreign players were missing? Only
teen are foreign, and eighteen American.
bot would make, and so most players have
over a season. All of these have good and
number one player, Wilcox Snellings, was
a few players might have been playing well
This year the top three are from outside
the same style. They may make fewer errors,
bad points. But as the year 2015 nears its
a relative newcomer, but most of the next
enough to complain about being overlooked.
the USA: Masayuki “Mochy” Mochizuki
but some find less drama in the games.
end, the world will once again turn to the
ten names might have appeared on the
There was Ralf Jonas, and Jerry Grandell,
of Japan; Michihito “Michy” Kageyama,
1981 list. (The only one I am sure wasn’t
and Peter Jes Thomsen who had won a world
also of Japan; and Matvey “Falafel” Natan-
As the online community waited for the
wisdom of the crowd is one of the best
on that list was #3-ranked Joe
zon of Israel. Also in the top
new list’s release, various alternate methods
methods of all. 
Sylvester, who shot to fame
ten is Denmark’s Lars Trabolt.
of ranking players were proposed. None
as a twenty-one year old win-
There are four more players
of the ideas are new. They are old ideas
ner of the Plimpton Cup in
from Denmark, two more from
repackaged: round-robin tournaments
1983.) Notably, on that topic,
Japan, three from Germany,
Wilcox had never won a tour-
and one from Italy. Notable is
nament, and the #12 player,
the seventeenth-ranked player,
the first non-American player
Akiko Abe Yazawa of Japan,
on the list, was also known
who is the first woman to make
primarily for his money play.
the list.
Giant 32, recognizing that the collective
Who was that player? For that
matter, can you name any of
There are other changes from
the five – there were only five
the early days, less apparent but
– foreign players on the list?
no less significant. While most
of the players on that list had
Tino “the Gambler from Down
notable tournament records, I’d
Under” Lechich was #12, fol-
say that eight of the top twelve
lowed by world champion Phil
Marmorstein of Germany at
FALAFEL, YAMIN YAMIN, & MOCHY
#13. Canada’s world champion Yamin Yamin made the idea of a Backgammon Giants list a reality, starting in 1993, shown here with #3 Giant Falafel Natanzon
Hal Heinrich, was next, and
(L) and #1 Giant Mochy Mochizuki (R).
Germany’s Thomas Lumper was
were there primarily because of
their reputations as gamblers.
(On the other hand, a couple of
others with magnificent tournament records were actually
#16. Then we drop all the way to #30, just
championship, but was still only twenty.
hopeless money players.) Looking over the
after Howard Ring and before Erik Seidel,
Peter did vault onto the list the next time
current list, while I know that many of them
to find the name Rolf Schreuder, from the
around. Otherwise most of the highest rated
have played for high stakes, virtually all
Netherlands. The list’s homogeneity kicked
American “dinosaurs” on the list are still
made the list because of their tournament
off what became a perennial complaint: that
around (Senk, Nack, Robertie, Kit …). The
play, and even among the money players,
the list was too biased towards American
really great European players, the myriad
very few play regularly in high stakes games
players. The same ones complaining were
Danes, the Levermanns and Schiemanns
today. (A few may have never played for
often too lazy to vote, despite the arm-
and Tardieus, were a few years in the future.
more than quarters, and one unlucky fellow
twisting Carol Joy and I did every year,
might be lifetime minus at money play.) In
ABOUT JAKE JACOBS
Jake Jacobs is a member of the
USBGF Board of Governors and
serves on its Education Committee.
He is a prolific writer well-known to
those in the backgammon community for his wit and insight. He also
manages interconnected companies in Singapore and Japan. Mr.
Jacobs spends a lot of time in Tokyo
but lives in Singapore with his wife
Khampha and daughter Sasithon.
- JAKE JACOBS
FALAFEL vs. MATT COHN-GEIER
2014 CHICAGO OPEN
25
The international flavor of the tournament
a very strong field of 22 players. The first
outstanding 2.36 while Matt’s PR was an
delighted everyone. Nine countries and
stage consisted of pods containing five or
incredible 1.29. For reference, I mention
By Paul Weaver
five continents were represented, with six
six players. Each pod played a round robin
that there may be only about half a dozen
R
players from Japan, two each from Israel
or a modified round robin of seven-point
players on the planet whose average live
PR is below 3.0.
ory Pascar is to be commended
largest in the USA. This year, five of the top
and Canada, and one each from Australia,
matches. Congratulations to Saba Bejan-
for his outstanding and innovative
six on the new Giants list (Mochy, Michy,
Germany, Greece, Hong Kong, Turkey, and
ishvili for winning the event!
job in organizing and directing
Falafel, Matt and Petko) participated. Local
Venezuela.
the Chicago Open for the fourth year. Held
favorite Neil Kazaross (Giant #4) could not
over the Memorial Day weekend, the event
attend for medical reasons. We all wish
drew 105 participants, including 63 in the
him a speedy recovery.
championship flight, making it one of the
In the match discussed below, from the
many positions have been rolled out, see
The first event was the World Backgammon
round-robin stage of the WBTOC, Falafel
Falafel versus MCG match file.
Tournament of Champions (WBTOC),
(Giant #3) and Matt (Giant #5) both played
which started on Thursday, May 22, with
exceptionally well. Falafel’s PR was an
THEY SQUARE OFF
GIANTS CERTIFICATES AWARDED IN CHICAGO
Giant #5 Matt Cohn-Geier and Giant
#3 Falafel Natanzon square off in the
2014 World Backgammon Tournament
of Champions in Chicago. View the
format, brackets, and participants.
Petko Kostadinov, Victor Ashkenazi, Falafel, John
O'Hagan, Matt, Mochy, and Ed O'Laughlin receive their
Giants certificates from Yamin Yamin (third from right).
KAREN DAVIS
World Backgammon
Tournament of Champions
To download the entire match file, in which
26
Falafel vs. Matt Cohn-Geier: 2014 Chicago Open
Position 1
13
Position 2
14
15
16
17 18
19
20
21
22
23
24
13
Pip: 145
Matt Cohn-Geier
7-Away
14
15
16
17 18
19
20
21
22
23
24
Pip: 116
Matt Cohn-Geier
7-Away
is MCG
12
11 10
9
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
score: 0
pip: 116
7 point match
7 point match
7-Away
pip: 159
Falafel
score: 0Natanzon
Pip: 159
2.
Player:
Opponent:
Rollout 1
Player:
Opponent:
9
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
is Falafel
Game 1, Move 8:
(Falafel)
on Black
roll, cube
action?on roll. Cube action?
eq: +0.376
Conf.: ± 0.013 (+0.363...+0.388) - [100.0%]
Duration: 7 minutes 02 seconds
Bar/15 8/3*(2)
56.62% (G:19.68% B:0.68%)
43.38% (G:9.67% B:0.46%)
11 10
7-Away
pip: 108
Falafel
score: 0Natanzon
Pip: 108
XGID=--aB-BEB -A--bC---baccba---:0:0:1:00:0:0:0:7:10
Bar/20 13/3* 8/3
56.40% (G:22.65% B:0.58%)
43.60% (G:9.59% B:0.64%)
12
is Falafel
Game 1, Move 3:
Black
to play
55(Falafel) to play 55
Rollout 1
is MCG
score: 0
pip: 145
XGID=---a--EBB --AeC---c-e-a--AA:0:0:1:55:0:0:0:7:10
1.
27
eq: +0.342 (-0.034)
Conf.: ± 0.013 (+0.328...+0.355) - [0.0%]
1
1296 Games rolled with Variance Reduction.
Moves: 3-ply, cube decisions: XG Roller
eXtreme Gammon Version: 2.10, MET: Kazaross XG2
Analyzed in Rollout
Player Winning Chances:
Opponent Winning Chances:
Cubeless Equities
Cubeful Equities
No double:
Double/Take:
Double/Pass:
No double
Double/Take
+0.830 (-0.090)
+0.920
+1.000 (+0.080)
±0.008 (+0.822..+0.838)
±0.010 (+0.910..+0.930)
73.22% (G:8.09% B:0.23%)
26.78% (G:2.21% B:0.09%)
+0.526
Best Cube action: Double / Take
The first three 5s are easy: enter and point
While Matt is on the bar with a blot in his
Incidentally, if Matt fans after either play,
on the 3pt, B/20 8/3*(2). With the last 5,
board, Falafel can afford to put his checkers
Falafel should double and Matt should pass.
Falafel chose 20/15, putting a checker on a
where they will do the most good.
The check mark on the left side of the roll-
Double Decision confidence:
Take Decision confidence:
point that he is not really hoping to make.
A better 5 is 13/8, leaving him with check-
Falafel’s play, 20/15, gives Matt 8 undupli-
out data indicates the play that was made
ers on the 20pt and 8pt, either of which he
cated 3s to hit in the outfield, giving him
in the match .
would be happy to make in this position.
a chance to take the initiative.
73.76% (G:7.82% B:0.12%)
26.24% (G:1.99% B:0.05%)
+1.087
Rollout details
100.0%
100.0%
The contact in Position 2 slightly favors
eXtreme
Gammon
Version:
2.10, MET:
Kazaross
XG2
doubled
and Matt
correctly
took.
Although
shall see in Position 3, actually happened
Falafel. In other words, if Falafel led by
Falafel has only a few rolls that point on
in the match.
the same count (108-116) in a non-contact
Matt immediately, he will eventually close
position, he would have less of an advantage
out Matt often enough to win 8% gam-
If we improve Falafel’s position by unstack-
than he has here. In fact, he would not
mons. Matt can win by hitting a shot or by
ing a checker from his 6pt to his 5pt, he
have a double.
escaping and winning the race, giving him
would lead by 9 pips instead of 8, and would
enough equity to take. In fact, it is possible
have more attacking potential. Matt would
for Matt to win a gammon: which, as we
then have to pass.
In the actual position, Falafel correctly
28
Position 3
12
Position 4
11 10
9
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
12
11 10
9
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
is Falafel
score: 0
pip: 104
score: 0
pip: 196
7 point match
7 point match
pip: 47
score: 0
14
15
16
17 18
19
20
21
22
23
24
2.
Player:
Opponent:
Rollout 1
Player:
Opponent:
eq: +1.450
Conf.: ± 0.003 (+1.447...+1.453) - [100.0%]
Duration: 16.1 seconds
6/5 6/1
eq: +1.432 (-0.018)
96.01% (G:45.84% B:0.72%)
3.99% (G:0.00% B:0.00%)
15
16
17 18
19
20
21
22
23
24
is MCG
Game 2, Move 4:
to White
play 63 (MCG) to play 63
5/4 5/Off
95.34% (G:48.47% B:0.96%)
4.66% (G:0.00% B:0.00%)
14
7-Away
pip: 154
Falafel
score: 4Natanzon
Pip: 196
XGID=-a-a-BC -B---dC---b-ebB-AB-:0:0:-1:63:0:4:0:7:10
Game 1, Move 18:
White
to play
51 (MCG) to play 51
Rollout 1
13
is MCG
XGID=-BBB -BCB-----------bbcbbcB:1: -1:-1:51:0:0:0:7:10
1.
Pip: 154
Matt Cohn-Geier
3-Away
is Falafel
Pip: 47
Matt Cohn-Geier
7-Away
13
29
1.
2.
Conf.: ± 0.002 (+1.430...+1.434) - [0.0%]
7-Away
1
Falafel Natanzon
Pip: 104
3.
Rollout 1
Player:
Opponent:
Rollout 1
Player:
Opponent:
Rollout 1
Player:
Opponent:
22/13
eq: +0.068
55.02% (G:23.65% B:3.11%)
44.98% (G:10.36% B:0.44%)
Conf.: ± 0.016 (+0.052...+0.084) - [100.0%]
24/15
eq: +0.027 (-0.041)
54.45% (G:22.41% B:3.00%)
45.55% (G:11.56% B:0.50%)
Conf.: ± 0.016 (+0.011...+0.043) - [0.0%]
24/21 22/16
53.70% (G:22.47% B:3.22%)
46.30% (G:11.89% B:0.54%)
eq: -0.014 (-0.082)
Conf.: ± 0.017 (-0.031...+0.003) - [0.0%]
Matt hit a lucky fly shot with 64 from the
Matt increases his gammon chances by
Let’s consider a variation. Move one of
bar to turn the game around and play on
2.7% (from 45.8% to 48.5%) with this
Falafel’s checkers on the bar to anywhere
for the gammon. With his 51, Matt played
aggressive play, while decreasing his win-
between his 18pt and 1pt, and the conserva-
5/4 5/0, taking a justifiable risk to win more
ning chances by only 0.7% (from 96.0% to
tive 6/5 6/1 becomes better than 5/4 5/0.
gammons.
1
After seeing a rough draft of this article
With Matt’s 63, the beginner’s 22/13 is
the opportunity to attack on the 4pt with
95.3%). This tradeoff makes Matt’s “greedy”
which did not include this position, Matt
best. A distant second is 24/15. Lost in the
many numbers. If Matt hits back, Falafel’s
choice worthwhile.
insisted that I show his blunder with 63.
dust in third place is Matt’s 24/21 22/16.
backgame timing improves. If Matt does
Even the top five backgammon players
Leading by 51 pips after the play, Matt
not hit back, Falafel may have a chance to
occasionally make very bad plays.
should minimize contact with 22/13. His
win going forward.
actual choice, 24/21 22/16, gives Falafel
30
Position 5
13
Position 6
14
15
16
17 18
19
20
21
22
23
24
13
Pip: 140
Matt Cohn-Geier
3-Away
14
15
16
17 18
19
20
21
22
23
24
is MCG
score: 4
pip: 107
7
7 point match
11 10
9
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
2.
3.
4.
5.
Rollout 1
Player:
Opponent:
Rollout 1
40.39% (G:9.11% B:0.34%)
59.61% (G:18.91% B:0.93%)
Player:
Opponent:
Rollout 1
39.30% (G:10.01% B:0.36%)
60.70% (G:19.86% B:2.18%)
Player:
Opponent:
Rollout 1
Player:
Opponent:
eq: -0.169
Conf.: ± 0.015 (-0.184...-0.154) - [96.0%]
eq: -0.188 (-0.019)
1.
2.
Conf.: ± 0.015 (-0.203...-0.174) - [3.8%]
Duration: 11 minutes 00 second
23/18 21/16(2) 8/3
39.64% (G:9.64% B:0.42%)
60.36% (G:19.69% B:1.41%)
9
8
7
eq: -0.200 (-0.031)
Conf.: ± 0.015 (-0.216...-0.185) - [0.2%]
21/16(2) 8/3(2)
eq: -0.243 (-0.073)
Conf.: ± 0.016 (-0.259...-0.227) - [0.0%]
18/3 8/3
3.
Rollout 1
Player:
Opponent:
Rollout 1
5
4
3
2
1
Player:
Opponent:
Rollout 1
Player:
Opponent:
21/14
is Falafel
Conf.: ± 0.015 (-0.266...-0.235) - [0.0%]
eq: -0.290
38.43% (G:8.03% B:0.21%)
61.57% (G:10.92% B:0.84%)
Conf.: ± 0.009 (-0.299...-0.282) - [53.4%]
21/15 9/8
38.88% (G:7.65% B:0.21%)
61.12% (G:10.93% B:0.86%)
eq: -0.291 (-0.001)
Conf.: ± 0.009 (-0.300...-0.282) - [46.6%]
9/2
eq: -0.309 (-0.019)
37.88% (G:7.49% B:0.19%)
62.12% (G:11.06% B:0.76%)
Conf.: ± 0.009 (-0.317...-0.300) - [0.0%]
1
eq: -0.250 (-0.081)
39.00% (G:9.85% B:0.34%)
61.00% (G:17.25% B:1.69%)
6
Game 2, Move 11:
Black
to play
61 (Falafel) to play 61
23/18 21/16(2) 13/8
Player:
Opponent:
Rollout 1
11 10
7-Away
pip: 137
Falafel
score: 0Natanzon
Pip: 137
XGID=--BBBBB--A--b----c-gcB-B--:0:0:1:61:0:4:0:7:10
23/18 13/3 8/3
40.72% (G:10.13% B:0.32%)
59.28% (G:17.24% B:1.05%)
12
is Falafel
Game 2, Move 6:
Black
to play
55(Falafel) to play 55
1.
7 point match
7-Away
pip: 189
Falafel
score: 0Natanzon
Pip: 189
XGID=-----BC -Bb--dC---bAebB -B--:0:0:1:55:0:4:0:7:10
Pip: 107
Matt Cohn-Geier
3-Away
is MCG
score: 4
pip: 140
12
31
Trailing by 23 pips after the play, Falafel
will force him to break it.
will win few games without hitting. In
1
combos) with 64. If Falafel runs and Matt
points on him, Falafel may enter on the 24pt,
order to win after hitting, it is imperative
It is better for Falafel to run off the 21pt now
that he maintain his beautiful, best five-
than to face that possibility. Although run-
increasing his long-term shot potential.
Falafel lost a gammon in the first game and
play a 2-4 backgame. He should relinquish
making the 3pt. This move makes Matt’s life
point board. Although 9/2 (Falafel’s play)
ning exposes him to 9 pointing numbers, it
The difference between 21/15 9/8 and 21/14
now trails 0-4 in the 7pt match With this
either the 21pt or the 23pt.
more difficult by giving him 14 shot-leaving
preserves that board for this roll, it leaves
also gives Matt some bad 6s. In particular,
is so tiny that it is not worth discussing.
numbers next turn (21 31 42 63 54 64 65).
him with several numbers next turn that
Matt is forced to leave a double shot (plus
Both are better than 9/2 by about 0.02.
difficult 55, he made his biggest mistake of
the match, playing 18/3 8/3, keeping both
The best play, 23/18 13/3 8/3, gives him a
If Falafel misses, he is a big favorite to get
anchors. Trailing by 29 pips after the play,
reasonable holding game, owning the 18pt
more shots down the road, when he will
he does not have nearly enough timing to
and 21pt, while strengthening his board by
have a stronger board.
32
Position 7
13
14
15
16
17 18
19
20
21
22
23
24
Pip: 96
Matt Cohn-Geier
3-Away
is MCG
score: 4
pip: 96
7
7 point match
12
11 10
9
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
7-Away
pip: 131
Falafel
score: 0Natanzon
Pip: 131
is Falafel
XGID=--CBBBB --------a-cAgd--B-A:0:0:1:54:0:4:0:7:10
Game 2, Move 13:
Black
to play
54 (Falafel) to play 54
1.
2.
3.
Rollout 1
Player:
Opponent:
Rollout 1
Player:
Opponent:
Rollout 1
Player:
Opponent:
Bar/21 18/13
27.42% (G:3.11% B:0.07%)
72.58% (G:10.43% B:0.51%)
eq: -0.693
Conf.: ± 0.011 (-0.703...-0.682) - [100.0%]
Bar/21 23/18
26.83% (G:2.96% B:0.08%)
73.17% (G:16.98% B:0.55%)
eq: -0.727 (-0.035)
Conf.: ± 0.011 (-0.738...-0.716) - [0.0%]
Bar/16
eq: -0.747 (-0.054)
26.47% (G:2.46% B:0.06%)
73.53% (G:8.55% B:0.33%)
Conf.: ± 0.010 (-0.757...-0.737) - [0.0%]
1
Matt Cohn-Geier, known as "The Genius" on the World Team at the
Nordic Open, is the youngest player to receive the Giants 32 certificate.
If Falafel plays B/21 18/13, Matt has 15
Falafel without an inner-board anchor, this
Congratulations to both Matt and Falafel
numbers that point on Falafel’s 21pt blot.
move loses too many gammons. The third
for playing such a great match!
Surprisingly, this could turn out to be a
best play, B/16 (Falafel’s choice), has the
blessing in disguise for Falafel, because it
advantage of losing the fewest gammons.
Thanks to Matt for his valuable sugges-
gives him a 30+% chance to enter on the
However, it also reduces contact and there-
tions. 
24pt, increasing his shot-hitting potential.
fore reduces Falafel’s shot-hitting potential
Another subtle advantage of B/21 18/13
when he is far behind in the race.
is that it gives Falafel a double shot after
Matt’s 65.
Matt doubled Falafel out a couple of rolls
later, taking a 5-0 lead into the final game.
B/21 23/18 is the second best play. Leaving
Matt won all three games of this short match.
MATT COHN-GEIER, "THE GENIUS"
- PAUL WEAVER
ABOUT PAUL WEAVER
Paul Weaver lives in Hoover, Alabama. He began playing backgammon in 1978.
He has won tournaments and given lessons on five continents. Paul is one of only
seven who have been on all eleven biannual Giants lists since they began in 1993.
He is currently ranked #13 but believes he is way overrated.
33
35
Denmark vs. The world:
the lineup
By Iancho Hristov
Five years ago, the president of the Danish
magazine editor Bob Wachtel, the “Wolf of
cumulative points they won in the four
Backgammon Federation, Steen Grǿnbech,
Wall Street" Bill Phipps, and David Wells.
categories listed above.
the World v. Denmark” — to be held on
On the Danish side, despite rumors that
To get a feeling for the attitudes and expec-
Easter weekend in Copenhagen, concur-
both Danish superstars Gus Hansen and
tations of the teams before the event, I
rently with the Nordic Open. The Rest of
Sander Lylloff would take part, only Sander
interviewed a key figure on each: Mochy
the World took up the gauntlet, fielding
showed, as well as young gun Marc Olsen,
for the World and Kristensen for Denmark.
their first team to fight against the terrible
Cyprus champion Mik Larsen, Nordic
Danes in 2010. The challenge has been
Open champ Thomas Myhr, 3-time World
renewed and accepted each year since
Championship finalist and winner Lars
then, with the Danes leading in the series
Trabolt, the very strong Thomas Kristensen,
3 to 1. Both sides looked impressive this
the Danish Champions League star Freddie
year; and the match, which was fought for
Noer, and World Champion Nevzat Dogan.
Mochy
The competition was split into four disci-
I bet everybody is familiar with Mochy, so
plines with different point weightings for
let’s go straight to the hot questions!
NYHAVN STREET
Danes flock to Nyhavn Street to enjoy food, drink, music, and good fellowship. A
short walk from the backgammon tournament, it’s a must-see attraction along
with the nearby Strøget walking street, Tivoli Gardens, the Royal Playhouse,
Amalienborg Palace, home of Hans Christian Andersen, the Little Mermaid
statue, Winston Churchill park, and the Resistance Museum, to name just a few.
MSTYSLAV CHERNOV VIA WIKIMEDIA COMMONS
proposed a challenge match – “The Rest of
Q&A
glory, bragging rights, and a little money,
was great fun for us spectators.
Both teams had strong lineups. The World
each. The categories this year were: DMPs
team included the two Japanese superstars
(1-point matches), speedgammon, singles,
Iancho: Can you say a few words about
Mochy and Michy, the legend Falafel, the
and doubles. One point was given to the
each player on the World team?
extraterrestrial genius MCG, the two best-
team with the better overall XG PR in these
performing live players in the USA over
preliminaries; from there on the two teams
Mochy: Falafel is a very famous player. He
the last two years— Petko Kostadinov
faced off in an exciting, full-consultation
knows the game by intuition, by feeling. He
and Victor Ashkenazi — our own USBGF
27-point match, each starting with the
does not memorize reference positions. He
36
Denmark vs. The World: The Lineup
just plays on the Internet and analyzes his
Mochy: Oh, David Wells, I don’t know him
Mochy: Victor is a semi-professional back-
be his first appearance in the World team.
matches. He is just Falafel.
that well — but he used to be a very strong
gammon player, but he has a regular job,
I guess he is not that well known, and some
money player like Falafel. He played money
like Petko and Bill. Victor has hustled
people have criticized his selection. As far
Michy — He is a professional backgammon
games in NYC, Chicago and many other
backgammon for around 20 years in NYC.
as I know he is a great online player. Can
player. He has been doing that for about 20
places in the world from small to very high
He is exactly the opposite of me: he does
you comment?
years. He is my doubles partner and he is
stakes. He is also a very strong poker player
not want to be famous, he wants to stay on
one of the best. He is a very hard worker.
so he is very talented. Now he is making
the dark side.
He wakes up around 8 o clock, does his
his living from poker and probably from
exercises, and while he is running he is
some investments, I don’t know…
checking his positions.
Iancho: Yes, he has rarely attended tourna-
Mochy: I mean in the gym, while he is on
Iancho: $25 per point?
Mochy: Yes.
Mochy: Yes. He was surprised that one of
So speedgammon…will be Falafel, MCG,
the best players played for only $25 per
Petko and Wells.
point. Now I think they live together, and
quit backgammon for almost 10 years, and
Bill plays a lot online with David Wells and
Iancho: About the speed I have a ques-
just started again two years ago.
MCG. They must play about 1000 matches
tion…. What qualities should a player
per year in GG.
have to play speedgammon and how did
you select which players to play it? In this
He is not very into math, but he is observant
Mochy: Actually he does not want to be
When he came back after 10 years he went
Iancho: Do you already know who will play
event you have only two minutes for the
and always finds all of the possible moves,
known. There was a lot of action in NYC
to a tournament, his very first tournament,
in every discipline for the World Team?
whole match?
some that others would miss?
in the 90’s.
and he was looking for action. He found a
Mochy: Yes.
Mochy: So basically you are asking what
guy sitting at a board and asked him how
tions on his Kindle. Then he comes back
Mochy: Yes. He is not like Michy or MCG.
Iancho: But now he has changed? He wants
from his exercises and starts studying. He
He is more like Falafel.
to go to tourneys, he attends ABT events, he
has been doing that for about 10 years.
went to Cyprus, he will play in the Denmark
Iancho: OK, next is Petko. This will be
vs World match…?
his first appearance on the World team.…
Mochy: Yes, obviously something has
is the best player in the world. He studies
a lot; he studies the game systematically —
Mochy: I first met him around two years
not like Falafel.
ago, so I don’t know him well, but when-
changed.
ever I meet/play him, he plays very well
Iancho: So next is Bob Wachtel. He is listed
Iancho: You mean he studies the game by
—2.6, 2.8 — but not only that: he is very
as sub. What does this mean? Will he play?
dividing positions into categories like prime
aggressive with the cube. He doubles very
vs prime, openings, and bearoffs – is that
early. This does not mean that he doubles
Mochy: He is probably the most intelligent
what you mean?
wrongly; just that whenever the doubling
guy in our team, I mean….
window opens he will cube. You know my
Mochy: Yes, and he also has built a database
style is a little bit different: I tend to double
Iancho: I think he has a PhD in psychol-
of his own. He checks his mistakes often
later. I don’t like to double if my window
ogy or so…?
and he is very good at math. Falafel always
has just opened. If I make a .03 mistake or
says his IQ must be very high.
so I don’t care: I wait until my opponent
Mochy: Yes, and he wrote a book, a book on
may drop. Petko doubles and takes very
backgammon and another on philosophy.
Iancho: Next is David Wells, who is an
aggressively, and his attitude is good: he
He is very intelligent and very strong in bg.
enigma for me. He was one of the best in
focuses on the game, he plays to win, and
He is a likable person and a good character
the world – but then he moved to poker.
he is confident. I like him.
for our team.
Iancho: Next: Victor A.
Iancho: The last one is Bill Phipps. It will
Why has he played for the World team over
the last few years?
Iancho: Can you share this with us?
I have an interesting story about him.
the running machine, he checks his posi-
MCG — you know MCG. I would say he
$25. This guy was MCG.
Mochy: I have not known him for long. He
ments, maybe only MC occasionally.
Iancho: I also heard that he is very talented.
Iancho: Is that even possible?
37
much he wanted to play for. The guy said
DENMARK VS. THE WORLD 2014
Giant #1, Mochy, playing for the World team (with Falafel as official team captain)
guided the World to victory in 2014 – shown flanked by Matt Cohn-Geier (R) and
Falafel (L) with Victor Ashkenazi, Michy, and Bill Phipps.
is the most important feature?
Iancho: Yes, what is the most important
strength one should have to play speedgammon and why did you pick exactly
those 4 players?
38
39
Mochy: Ok…well, I’m not good in SG,
strong. Then we have speedgammon and
Mochy: I don’t know him, but everyone
Mochy: Ah, I don’t know why but in Sweden
because I usually choose a play by calcu-
DMP. Speedgammon is more points for the
says he was very good, super talented, so
maybe… Jürgen Granstedt could be a good
lation — play A has this number of shots
overall score so we wanted to put him there
maybe I would have to choose him as well.
and play B has this number of shots, then
where it matters most. And Petko won a
I compare, but in SG this is impossible;
speedgammon tournament, so we know
Iancho: Any other thoughts who will be
basically you have to know the play by your
he has some experience with it.
good addition to the World team?
dictionary (laugh).
Iancho: Better than Sander?
Iancho: Steen?
candidate. But he does not play too often
Mochy: Maybe Sander, it depends on how
Mochy: Well he was swapped out for Mik
so anyway he will not be on the team.…
much training he has recently.
Larsen, as Steen will be busy with organizing the event.
Iancho: What about Bernard Kaiser (Ger-
Iancho: How do you see the Danish team
many) and Tommy Nesback (Norway)?
this year? There are some new names like
They play very well online.
Thomas Myhr. Can you give us some
Iancho: A few words about him?
Iancho: Next question: If you could bring
Mochy: I would add Stick Rice, because he
Iancho: So you are saying that players like
one person from the past for the World
is very good in the openings. The idea is
Falafel and Wells who have intuition are
team, who will it be? (Like Grandell, Bal-
that we need a player who can reinforce and
Mochy: I don’t know them but basically
suited for speed? Do you also pick players
lard, FT….) And why?
help us in the final consultation. Everybody
all the players should show up. You know,
should contribute something and Stick is
I play like 12 events per year and if I don’t
Mochy: This is the fifth year for the Danish
kind of player is relatively easy for me. He
very good in first 3-4 moves.
see them in any … I mean they should play
team and I still think the first one was the
just won Cyprus so he should be motivated.
regularly, not only online. I don’t care if
best, because they had Gus and Sander. This
someone play a 3 PR online.…
year’s team is their second best. You know
Mochy: Thomas Myhr — when I was living
Sander is very strong: I don’t know if he is
in Denmark, he was in same club I went
Iancho: What about Fernando Bracconi?
training but even without training I guess
to. I lived in Denmark for a few months
He was on the team in the past.
he is my level, maybe even better. Sander
to study backgammon — and back then
is not a math whiz but he is a genius. Lars
everybody played backgammon for money
Trabolt is also on the team.
and everybody made a living from it online.
if they can count fast as time is limited?
You need to count pips and shots fast, etc...?
Mochy: Oh I can select any player from
history?
Mochy: No, no you have to know when to
think. Two minutes is very short but this
Iancho: But then this is a good question—
Iancho: Yes and why…?
does not mean you can’t think. You have to
Stick is still an active player, he is not from
the past. Why is he not on the team?
know when to think. You can think like 10
Mochy: Oh I will obviously pick Francois
times per match, but sometimes you have
Tardieu. He is very good at math, very good
Mochy: Why? Because he does not show
to go by feel. You need this ability to find
in match play, so he would be very useful.…
up at tournaments.
moves by intuition. My style is different: I
have to check every play.
me. He never played backgammon for real
money or for a living. He plays OK, but this
the Nordic Open.
What is your reaction to this criticism and
Iancho: Finally the question everybody
Mochy: I admire him. Not many people
Iancho: What about Freddie Noer?
do you think you had other options from
is curious about: Will people see matches
can be a finalist in Monte Carlo three times
other countries?
such as Falafel vs Gus or Mochy vs Sander?
and he even won the Consolation there.
World Team?
the World team is too USA/Japan oriented.
Mochy: Ah no, it is impossible.…
Thomas Myhr was one of them. He won
Iancho: What about Lars Trabolt?
Iancho: So…some people comment that
Iancho: Why…?
This would be fine entertainment for the
Mochy: Oh, everybody says he is the best
player now in Denmark.
Mochy: Whoever wants to be in the team,
spectators. Will Gus even play? He is listed
Iancho: What about the Danish captain
Mochy: Well, Falafel already tried twice….
just contact me and we will test him, OK…?
as a sub.
Marc Olsen? He is very young?
Iancho: Sander?
Iancho: Too bad for the game; Francois
Iancho: OK, but for example do you think
Mochy: Well if Gus shows up, we will put
Mochy: Yes, he is former professional foot-
Mochy: Sander for me is… from another
Tardieu was my favorite player….
there are any players from Europe who are
him vs the strongest opponent, maybe vs Me,
ball player, so he is in very good shape. He
world. I understand players like Marc and
stronger than those players already on the
Falafel or MCG. The same with Sander….
is a student of the Copenhagen University,
Mik: I know how they study — but Sander
which is the best university in Denmark, so
is from another universe. I don’t think he
in math. Doesn’t that mean that he likes to
spend more time thinking and checking
each member, please.
me and prove his abilities.
Iancho: Did you ever invite him onto the
that they have this ability, but what about
Matt and Petko? We said that Matt is good
Mochy: Well Mik is kind of amateur for
who wants to play is welcome to contact
Iancho: So how did you pick those 4 players? For Falafel and Wells we understand
Mochy: Well basically, as I said, everyone
thoughts on their team? A few words for
every play?
Mochy: Well, it is hard to tell… well first off
MCG is very strong. We actually decided
the order based upon the doubles. We had
Mochy: He is a perfectionist, you know.…
World team? Outside of Scandinavia and
David Wells and Bill Phipps in doubles, just
Now he has a baby, and he has a regular
after Tardieu’s retirement from backgam-
Iancho: Do you think that Gus is the best
he can do everything, he is a bright person.
studies like I do or others do, but he is
because they are very confident together.
job in math; he teaches math and he does
mon, Europe has not produced any stars,
player on the Danish team?
He is taking backgammon as a very serious
capable of playing incredibly well.
So Matt can’t play doubles. We have to put
not play so much.…
except maybe Ralf Jonas. Does he deserve
him in at least two events. We want to put
him in singles for sure, because he is very
to be in? And why does Europe not produce
Iancho: What about Jerry Grandell?
strong players anymore?
hobby now. He studies a lot so we can’t
Mochy: I think so.
underestimate him.
Iancho: Something about Nevzat Dogan.
He is listed as a sub.
40
Mochy: No, the subs are Gus Hansen and
Iancho: What do you think about Thomas
advantage because they live close to one
matches and outplaying my opponents,
Karsten Bredhal. Karsten won the Nordic
Kristensen — he has shown some unbe-
another. They can meet whenever they
but obviously I want to win the big one. I
twice — and whoever wins a tournament
lievable live PRs lately. Also, in Cyprus
want. We can’t do this so we decided to
hope we win.
twice has something special. You can win a
recently he played 0.28 in 6 games of one
have a backgammon boot camp every year
tournament with luck once, but not twice,
match. Do you think he can be the star of
to prepare for the event.
especially in Denmark.
the tournament?
Iancho: Is there a question you wanted to
answer that I did not ask you?
world title?
Mochy: Yes he can be. I don’t know him
mentioned, who is the best player?
so well, but whenever I discuss a position
Mochy: Well Monte Carlo is different…
I learned a lot from him. Around the same
but this was very important.
time there was a tournament in Copenhagen
Thomas Kristensen
Mochy: Sander.
win was a backgammon board made by
fessional backgammon and poker player
Carlsberg— but all of the cafe players were
Iancho: In the end, what do you think the
from Denmark. After becoming one of the
there. With all the action around, I started
final score will be?
best backgammon players in the world, he
making some money playing backgammon
switched to poker. But now he is back. He
in high school.
Mochy: I will play singles and doubles.
Iancho: We heard that you will play doubles
his IQ is very high, and I don’t see a rea-
with your fellow countryman Michy, which
Iancho: Sander, for the reasons we listed
son why he could not to be the star of the
should be very exciting. Do you think play-
Mochy: Final score? (laugh). I don’t know,
has played in all of the Denmark vs World
above — because he is a natural talent
tournament.
ing doubles with your countryman is an
the PRs will be very low I think. If I can
matches. Thomas very kindly took the time
advantage, especially when the opponents
play 2.2 doubles with Michy, then why is
to answer our questions.
can’t understand your language?
it impossible to average 2.0 in the future?
Iancho: We heard that this year you will
Mochy: You know, the definition of strong
use the overall PR results. How is this going
is different if I have to put my money on
to be implemented?
who will go further in MC or so. Then I
will put it on Lars Trabolt.
Mochy: Well, we will put all the matches
average, and compare the teams.
a money game...?
Mochy: Oh yes, I don’t want to face Sander
tage, but it is the same here: our opponents
shows a human can do it, really! This was
involved in the game? How did you become
I was 21-22, I discovered that I could play
are Danish and we don’t understand Danish.
very big for me, because before the event
good? When did you realize that you were
online for money. GamesGrid had just been
we had no clue, but now we know we can
really good?
developed. I was pretty decent by then and
Iancho: Is there any special preparation
someone to do the pipcount?
but you know he has a lot of patience in
Mochy: Yes, I have started playing a lot of
let him roll. Mainly he is the player and
tournaments, and he has more stamina
matches on GG: at least one per day, and
I’m the navigator: he is playing but if I see
than Sander. For example, if Sander starts
if I play one hour I study one hour.
something I would do differently we will
play well.
the Consolation and the Last Chance. You
Iancho: Will you have a meeting before
the same when I play doubles with MCG:
know he is going crazy. Trabolt would not
the tournament to train live?
he will be the player and I will be the navi-
I played a lot on that site for money, even
Kristensen: I started playing backgammon
with that era’s best, like Nack Ballard and
Iancho: Let’s say we have to use numbers,
in Copenhagen in the late 90’s — 1995-
Jerry Grandell.
what will be the final score? Make a guess.
1996. In Copenhagen we have a very good
Mochy: It is 27 point match, so 27 to 26…
backgammon environment. We play in the
Iancho: I’m sure everyone is interested in
street — on the benches — and basically
this, please tell us about them.
every stranger could walk up and challenge.
Iancho: For the World team?
start discussing. I also count the pips. It’s
do that. Trabolt will be patient, stay calm
versity then, studying Philosophy, but all I
wanted to do was play backgammon. When
Mochy: Well, when I play with Michy I
losing, he will get upset and he gives up
Iancho: Can you please give us some background about yourself? How did you get
tion for the upcoming matches?
in a money game. Trabolt might be easier,
Kristensen:I think I was 18. I started uni-
We play full consultation below 2.0, so that
for the doubles? Do you assign tasks, like
Iancho: Do you have some special prepara-
Iancho: How old were you?
Mochy: Well I think it is an obvious advan-
into one account in XG, we will see the
Iancho: But if you have to battle them in
the beer producer Carlsberg. It was really
Thomas Kristensen is a 36-year-old pro-
He works hard, he records a lot of matches,
and etc…?
called the Carlsberg Open, sponsored by
big, and with no entry fee. All you could
Mochy: Not really.
with him, his answer is always very good.
articulating his ideas. He was one of the first
to make the two point with an opening 64.
Iancho: What disciplines will you play?
Iancho: So out of those players we have
41
Mochy: Of course.
I played a little bit with my ex-girlfriend
Kristensen: Yes, especially Jerry Grandell
and I thought I was pretty good; and even
— he was clearly the best of that time. He
though I was a complete beginner I wanted
was my mentor, my idol. He quickly got a
to challenge the guys playing on the streets,
very good reputation in Denmark, because
gator. I’m very good at this. This way we
Mochy: I want to add that three years ago
and of course some of them were better than
he was just winning every tournament.
play better than in singles.
when we won the event I was much more
I am. They were professionals. And one of
He won everything possible. And I think
gratified than I would be just winning a
the guys — an American, a really interesting
I even discussed this with Falafel — Jerry
and in the end he will cash. Sander can’t
Mochy: Yes, we will have a backgammon
do this, but if he keeps winning, he is very,
boot camp. All of our teammates will
very strong. If I have to play one match or a
arrive before the event, maybe three days
Iancho: What are your personal goals for
tournament. It was very special and very
character — was very methodical. I started
was far ahead of the second best player of
money game for limited time, Sander will
before the event. We will practice matches,
the event?
important for me.
playing in chouettes with him, and he kind
that era, who may have been Nack Ballard.
be the strongest opponent.
doubles, especially the speedgammon and
of became my mentor. Actually he was
Probably his level back then was around
Sander’s mentor as well. He was very good at
3. Back in 1999, he clearly had an edge: he
full consultation. The Danish team has the
Mochy: My short-term goal is winning my
Iancho: More important than winning the
42
43
was the first one to study a lot with the best
booming. I decided that it will be hard to
game with a program and then study. You
lot of fun to discuss with and to play with.
in long tournaments. In big tournaments
with him in the old days, before I moved
program back then — JellyFish.
get better at backgammon, so I continued
can decide what your weaknesses are and
His backgammon knowledge is really,
you get on these crazy schedules where the
to poker. He is extremely good: he plays
mainly with poker.
train. Right now the backgammon scene
really good: he is great at assessing a posi-
last matches of the day start after midnight.
fast, and with a very low error rate. He was
in Denmark is not so good: we cannot play
tion he has not seen before. For example,
You have to have a lot of energy, so this is
basically always one of the best American
Iancho: So now you are playing backgam-
online. But the bright side is that there is
he won the quiz in Cyprus. He is also
why you need to be more practical; but I
players. When I started playing again and
mon, are you back or are you playing both?
plenty of live backgammon action. This is
extremely good at putting what he knows
would say Mochy is one of the top two in
I saw that David Wells was on the World
why I have taken it up again. We have great
into simple words, explaining and not
the world – and maybe the best.
team I thought: “OK, this is a really strong
Iancho: So you were very brave to play
those two for money!
Kristensen: After several years of playing some really bad players, I wanted to
Kristensen: Now I play both. I enjoy both
team tournaments over the winter. Also
saying some confusing stuff. He is a really
compete with the best, so I started playing
games: they are very different and also
now there are some good international
good backgammon teacher. In practice
Kristensen: Michy — I played him in
versus the World, I was again impressed
matches with them, matches for $100 or
similar. In backgammon you are more able
tournaments.
he is also extremely strong, but I think his
Cyprus. He did not play so well, but that
by how well he played. He is an extremely
something. I had the feeling — and Snowie
to train something specific. It is very nice
energy level is sometimes not high enough
was basically because it was a short match.
practical player. He has a very good intui-
confirmed it — that I played at around
to have a judge (XG) saying you play well
Iancho: How do you see the World team
for long matches: he will sometimes take a
I think he is extremely strong; not as strong
tive understanding of backgammon. He
their level, maybe a little bit worse. I got
or bad. You don’t have this in poker. You
this year? Can you say a few words about
little nap and then play some moves without
as Mochy, but a more practical player. He
is very strong psychologically as well. He
very comfortable playing them but this
are always guessing: Did I play well or...?
each of them? There are some new names
thinking and make some mistakes, which
rarely plays a really weak match. He is prob-
is the kind of player who knows: “OK, my
was around the time that poker started
In backgammon it is easy to analyze your
there as Petko Kostadinov and Bill Phipps.
I think Mochy will not do — but even so I
ably among the top 10 in the world as well.
opponent will pass, so I will cube now.” I
player.” During the last matches in Denmark
think he may be the best player in the world.
THOMAS KRISTENSEN
Thomas Kristensen (Center) playing captain for the Danes (with Marc Olsen as
official team captain). Standing behind him are Lars Trabolt (L), a member of the
Danish team who won the World Championship in 2008 and was finalist in 2014,
and team member Thomas Myrh (R).
Kristensen: I will ... about the players I
don’t know his real PR, but it should be
Kristensen: MCG — I played Matt a few
way better than what he shows, because
Kristensen: Mochy — I have not played
years ago in the Denmark vs World match.
his biggest strength is in exploiting other
much with him. I think he studies a lot.
I did not know the guy at all, and he seems
people’s weakness. I don’t know how much
I think Falafel is something like the great
He has a lot of good reference positions,
like a really nice guy. When we played, I
he practices now and if he is really in shape.
father of the World team. He is always a
and he is a perfectionist in the sense that he
got the feeling that I was outplaying him,
will keep on studying until he corrects his
but it turns out he played better. So it seems
Kristensen: Petko Kostadinov — I don’t
mistakes. He thinks a lot in positions where,
it is very easy to underestimate someone
really know Petko. I met him in Cyprus,
for example, Falafel will take no time. I think
like him. He is extremely humble, not like
when we analyzed a little bit of one of Marc
his weakness is that he is not so practical.
Falafel, who is always bragging about how
Olsen’s matches. He is an extremely nice
For example — maybe it was two years ago
good he is. Matt does not seem very confi-
guy and I have a sense that he is a very
in the Denmark vs World match — he lost
dent when he plays, but he is extremely good
strong backgammon player, but I don’t
on time. This is huge because you may play
and I think a lot of players underestimate
know that firsthand. I hear that he is one
with best PR in the world but if you lose on
him because he does not act like one of the
of the very best American players. I hope
time, PR can’t measure how good you are.
best in the world.
I will play Petko in Denmark vs World, it
know….
It was DMP against Marc Olsen. Also in
would be nice.
positions where he can‘t make a big mistake
Iancho: In my recent stats MCG is averaging
he spends a lot of time instead of saving
2.8 in his last 100 matches, so keep an eye
Kristensen: Victor Ashkenazi — this was
some energy for later. That is of course
on him, you may face him again!
another player I did not know but we played
because he loves the game and wants to get
last year in Denmark vs World and he
better and play perfectly, so I understand
Kristensen: I really hope so. I will be really
became a good friend of mine. I respect
it. In my opinion it is good to always try
focused now that I know how good he is.
both his play and analysis. There was one
to find the best move, but one has to be a
bit more practical (like Falafel), especially
moment in last year’s final consultation
Kristensen: David Wells — I played some
where the World team made its only blunder.
44
45
It was a really hard play and I think if we
Kristensen: Hm, I think many of the stron-
Kristensen: I know the Danish team much
a lot with XG. But he reports that when he
Iancho: I think this year will be different,
Kristensen: Freddie Noer— he is really
faced it we would also get it wrong – but
gest players are Japanese or Americans. They
better so yes I can do that. Who do we have?
has some spare time, he plays some longer
especially when Sander is there…?
special. Like Mik he has never been a pro-
the only one with the right idea was Victor.
have the most professional organizations/
Nobody would listen to him: he tried to
federations. There used to be a lot of strong
My good friend Marc Olsen with whom I
argue but they did not listen to him. It was
German players but they have disappeared.
had a PR bet over the last two team tournaments we played. It turns out that it was
a lot of fun for the Danish team. Of course
fessional, but he is extremely good with
sessions with XG and he averages 2.2.
Kristensen: Ah yes, definitely … as long
computers. He won the World Champi-
Iancho: Whattttt?????????????? Is this even
as they don’t agree, but if they do agree
onship in hacking, held in Las Vegas. He
possible? This is impressive!!!
there is a good chance that the play is right.
writes his own backgammon programs to
we did not know until the end of the match
Iancho: So why doesn’t Europe produce
extremely close. I play more steadily and
that his idea was right, but he thinks very
any more strong players? If we exclude the
he had more ups and down. He is one of
Kristensen:— (Laugh), yes, I’m not sure if
Kristensen: Thomas Myhr — he is my
unconventionally, outside the box. He is a
Scandinavian countries we don’t have any
the best Danes, very eager to learn. He
it is possible either but he claims it is so. It
teammate in the Danish team tourna-
Iancho: Wow, really? There was one guy
good analyst and also an ex-chess player. I
other strong players?
wrote a few books, he is very mathematical,
is quite impressive. What I will say is that
ment and he won the Nordic Open a few
with nickname Miracilieux in GG, he played
always thinking about what are the odds
Gus is like Falafel for the World team. He is
years ago. He is a really careful player. He
like 10 matches at 2.8 and then disappeared.
Was that Freddie Noer?
don’t think he is much weaker than Falafel
work on his game!
and Mochy. He is also extremely cool on the
Kristensen: I think this has to do with the
and stuff like that, always calculating. He
the star of the team which could be a good
takes his time, a bit like Mochy – and like
table, even cooler than Falafel I think — he
fact that a lot of good players switched to
is also a good competitor: he is practical
thing or a bad thing. Good is, for example,
Mochy he can get into time trouble. He is
does not show his emotions over the board.
poker. There were some really some strong
and used to play football at a high level. I
last year: he played against Falafel in the
extremely strong when he is in practice.
Kristensen:It sounds familiar but I don’t
ones, like Francois Tardieu, Schiemann
think in speed he is one of the best in the
final consulting and he took charge when
This last year he has not had time to play
remember. His problem is that, like Fran-
Kristensen: Bob Wachtel — I played him
and Levermann. There were also some
world. His speedgammon is not much
the Danish team was behind a lot. He is a
a lot because of his work (he is a teacher),
cois Tardieu, he can get into time trouble.
three years ago in the DMPs. He is a very
other really good Germans, though not so
worse than his normal play, which I think
master of table talk: he knows when and
which makes me question how well he is
I probably should not say this because
solid player. I think he can get tired in very
famous. Also Serge Rived from France. I
is quite exceptional. Sometimes he will
what to say, he knows how to throw his
playing. I’m going to train with him before
our opponents will see it [this interview
long matches: we played really late that time,
guess the backgammon scene is not so good
even avoid some mistakes that he would
opponent off. Not only is this effective —
the match to see how good he is, but right
took place before the event but was pub-
it was some crazy schedule and it looked
now in Europe, but who knows? Maybe it
make if he played normally. He is always
it is very entertaining for the audience as
now I have no idea. A year ago he was
lished after it, so it is OK], but he can get
like this really affected his game. But when
will pick up.
improving. He is our captain and he is good
well. Gus plays a lot of high stakes around
really, really good. He made a living from
distracted if a spectator makes a remark.
at organizing and training.
the world.
backgammon for three years — which I
This is something he should work on, but I
think is quite an achievement, since he
should say that his level and understanding
he is fresh he is an extremely good player.
Iancho: So out of those, who do you think
Iancho: Did you know that he owns the
would make the best World team? Who
Then we have my good friend Sander. He
But the negative side is that — I personally
trained only by playing XG. Both Sander
of the game is outstanding. I think he is one
record for the lowest recorded error rate in
is the one you don’t want to meet or are
may be the biggest talent we have. I think if
got a little bit irritated — because last year
and Gus played very high stakes in order
of the better players on our team — maybe
a final of the World Championship?
afraid of?
he played a lot, he might be number 1. He
this attitude led to some small mistakes. He
to become so good.
the best PR-wise.
has not played many live tourneys lately,
is just like: “This is my play and I want to
Kristensen: Oh, I didn't know that. That is
Kristensen: Boom, boom, if I have to name
but even when he is rusty he is never as bad
play this.” He is so persuasive that people
Iancho: I heard Steen is going to be replaced
Kristensen: Lars Trabolt-Lars is the most
really impressive. He played like 2?
one I will say Falafel.
as other people. He should still be one of
just follow him.
by Mik Larsen, as Steen will be busy with
experienced Danish player. He is real, real
organization?
grinder. He plays 10 hours a day online
the best players on our team.
Iancho: Yes, in a 25-point match.
Iancho: Do you speak English during the
Iancho: Falafel is the one you fear the most?
Iancho: If I had to bet on someone against
Kristensen: Bob is an extremely sympathetic
Kristensen: Yes I think he is the best, the
anybody in the world my pick would be
guy and a great player.
one I will give the most credit.
Sander.…
and also a lot live. He made it to the World
Kristensen: Mik is as good as you can get
Championship final three times. He is very
not being a professional player. He is very
practical and humble. When he talks about
Kristensen: Yes, he does so to make it more
practical and he has a lot of confidence now
himself, he says: “I never managed to play
interesting for the audience. He is kind of
as he just won a big tournament in Cyprus.
below 4.5 in my career.” But I don’t believe
full consultation?
Iancho: Some people comment that the
Iancho: How do you see the Danish team
Kristensen: About Gus: I have not played
a native English speaker so he explains his
He is consistently good: he played 3.1 in
it. It is negative advertising. He is extremely
World team is too USA/Japan oriented.
this year; can you do the same as for the
with him a lot, but he thinks very indepen-
ideas better than most of us; but he also
the final. He might be slightly weaker than
experienced, he never gets nervous, and he
What is your opinion of this criticism?
World team – say a few words for each of
dently and he is very quick. But he does
gets his way because he is such a big star
the best players on the team.
reads his opponents very well. He is very
them?
not play a lot and I don’t think he studies
and people respect what he says.
good to have in the team even if his PR is
46
47
not 100% sure and my partner seems to
Iancho: How is it possible for a small coun-
Kristensen: He is around 40. He has con-
hard in backgammon to judge just from a
Kristensen: Yes, I completely agree. It is
have different idea. He seems more sure
try like Denmark to produce so many
centrated on poker and I don’t think anyone
few matches as in Cyprus: I think we need
going to be interesting to see the level in
Iancho: I don’t have any personal obser-
than I am, so OK, I can see that his play
backgammon stars and to beat the stars
has been in touch with him lately. But yes,
(as you do in your list) to consider a lot
Denmark vs World but there will be a lot
vation, but some people have told me the
may be right. I think what can go wrong
of the World team three times? What is
it would be a close call between him and
of matches — there is a lot of variance. In
of variance. You really need a long run to
opposite: that he is very arrogant, and it is
when you play on a team with someone is
the secret?
Mogens Knudsen and Lars Bonding and
Cyprus I played one match where I did .20
see how good a player is. It is going to be
not possible to speak to him?
who is like: “I’m the better player and no
also a few others who were extremely good
something over 6 games – but I think most
fun. I really like the innovation that there
not the best. He is a very competitive person.
matter what you say I will make my play.”
Kristensen: The secret is variance, luck.
like Jan Bloxman, Morten Nielsen , Karsten
of the top players have like a 50/50 chance
will be one point given for the team with
Kristensen: Well he has never been arrogant
Marc and I respect each other and if we
The teams were very close: my guess is
Nielsen. But I would pick Tobias Kristensen.
of playing each game below one — and if
the lower PR. It is one more reason to train.
to me. He may appear arrogant when he is
disagree then we are very good in knowing
that neither team ever had more than 55%
playing, as he is very much into his own
how sure we are.
in any year. And though my teammates
Iancho: After your amazing performance
longer matches. Of course it is a skill thing
Iancho: What would you like to achieve in
may disagree, I think the World team has
in Cyprus where you scored below 0.28 in
but it is also a lot of variance. For instance,
the game in general?
world (very focused). I think whoever told
they are lucky they can score well even in
you this might be someone who tried to
Iancho: In which others events will you
always been a small favorite. Regarding
a match and overall great PRs, some people
if there is a backgame in the match it is very
talk with him during a match. Lars does
take part?
the question of how the Danes produce so
said you are the best Dane after Gus and
hard to get below 1.
many good players: we have a very good
Sander and the best active player. How do
Kristensen: I think I’m playing the DMP,
federation, we talk with each other a lot,
you feel about that?
Iancho: A popular question: Will we see
and I think I’m playing doubles with Marc
we even discuss positions on Facebook in
the two superstars, Gus Hansen and Sander
and the speed for sure.
special forums. People don’t keep informa-
Kristensen:This is flattering of course. I
one with the best stats. Now CMC said
Iancho: In the end: what do you think the
tion for themselves, and it has been like that
think there is always this talk in backgam-
you are the best Dane?
final score will be? You play to 27 points?
Iancho: What do you think your specialty
for many years. Most stronger players will
mon about who is the best, but it is better
is out of those?
be very generous and share their ideas with
to sit and play and see who will play the
Kristensen: Of course I like that, but it is
Kristensen: I think it will be close. It will
you. And it is a small country and most
best. But I think now I’m playing better
a bit random.
be 27-26 for the Danish team…, decided
not answer while playing, you know.…
Lylloff, in action?
Kristensen: I think Sander will see action
for sure. I just spoke with him and he is
to try to be the best player in the world at
Iancho: Even 10 years ago, when I first
Kristensen: That is the DMPs for sure. I
of the players live in the same city so it is
than Sander and Gus, because backgam-
He will definitely play.
have played a lot of them for money.
easy to meet.
mon is very much a game of staying in
Iancho: I think the minimum is like 100
practice and I’ve been playing more than
matches so we can judge one’s level?
Iancho: Do you do any special preparation
Iancho: If you could bring one person from
Olsen again? You made a great team last
for the event?
the past for the team, who would it be (PJT,
time.
will also play a lot of DMPs.
year, and we also played together in Cyprus.
Kristensen: Oh yes, I would say Tobias
Kristensen.
I can’t remember a match where we played
Iancho: Will the team have a boot camp
above 2.5, so we are a really strong team.
before the event?
Iancho: Why?
Kristensen: We meet every year for training
Kristensen: Because he was extremely
sessions. We discuss a lot, play speedgam-
good at winning matches. He is also a
mon (as you don’t have a chance to practice
professional chess master. He always did
that in normal events), and we also practice
well in big tournaments like MC.
I think the reason is that we are good in
different stuff.
Iancho: What is the key to doubles?
Kristensen: It is important to be able to
compromise – I like this move but I’m
at DMP like last year! 
- IANCHO HRISTOV
them in the last few years. I think it is very
Bonding, Andersen..)?
Kristensen: Yes, I practice the openings. I
Kristensen: We have played doubles every
some point.
started recording matches, you were the
practicing and looking forward to playing.
Iancho: Will you play doubles with Mark
Kristensen: Hmm, I think I would like
different formats.
Iancho: Where is he now and how old is he?
ABOUT IANCHO
Iancho Hristov, shown with his dog
Sunny fresh from a dip in the sea, is a
rising Bulgarian backgammon star. He
has won 20 or so trophies including
the Porto Caras in Greece in 2012 and
the doubles event with Petko Kostadinov at the North Cyprus Open in 2014.
His analysis of player performance
ratings of GridGammon online matches
has spurred interest in worldwide
player rankings based on quantitative
metrics – not just opinion of peers.
48
Denmark vs. The world:
the Back Story
O
“
ver the last 30 years, I have
such an elite event. In my case, it’s always
played backgammon in quite a
been a close call. I was a just a sparring
few exotic venues, for all sorts
partner for the team in its pre-competition
of stakes and under a variety of colorful
training camp in 2010 — the first year the
conditions; but I would have to rank the
match took place. In 2011 and again this
Barclay Cooke
experience of being a member of the World
year, I snuck in as an alternate who got to
team in its annual match against Denmark
play a bit.
unforgettably branded it
as among the most exciting and enjoyable
I have had.
I would rate every aspect of the competition
as great fun: training for the two unusual
A big part of the thrill, of course, is the
disciplines it requires, speed gammon and
honor of being chosen to participate in
1-point matches (DMPs); team powwows
SANDER LYLLOFF
Arms sternly crossed, Nordic
Open finalist Konrad Fröschl
surveys the final game. Danes,
from left to right: Freddie Noer,
Mik Larsen (with beer), Lars
Trabolt, Thomas Kristensen.
Sander and his beer.
Backgammon, as
in 1975, is a cruel – and
lonely – game. But it
hardly seems as cruel or
lonely when you have
THE WORLD TEAM
eight of the world’s best
6 of the 9 World team members at
the awards ceremony: Michy, Mochy,
Falafel, Petko, Wachtel, and Victor.
players on your side,
brainstorming with you
– and one another —
on every move or cube
decision.
CUBE LOGIC
World team members MCG
and Bill Phipps, Dane Freddie Noer, Akiko and other
spectators focused intently
on Falafel's explanation of
his "obvious" cube logic.
PETKO KOSTADINOV
By Bob Wachtel
THE FINAL GAME
49
50
Denmark vs. The World 2014: The Back Story
to discuss matchups and other strategic
aged to beat the Danes. We began the final
a very lopsided score. It was, in short, too
nuances; and being in action on a big
match that year down 26-23 to 35 (3-0 to
challenging even for the collective mind
stage. But for me, it is the final 9 vs. 9 full-
12). Right from the start we were faced
of the assembled geniuses. But since that
consulting match that is the ultimate treat.
with a number of extremely tough deci-
single game was a fascinating one, and
sions. Somehow, through a lot of patient
since it contained a number of plays that
Backgammon, as Barclay Cooke unforget-
teamwork, careful calculation, and blind
were hotly debated (and bet on), I’d like to
tably branded it in 1975, is a cruel — and
luck, we muddled through. We won the
take you back over the board to witness the
lonely — game. But it hardly seems as cruel
match, and it turned out that both teams
dynamics that led to the choices — some
or lonely when you have eight of the world’s
had played at phenomenal PRs (in the 1.0
good and some not so good — that we
best players on your side, brainstorming
range): PRs that no individual would have
made. As a bonus, we’ll get to see how the
with you — and one another — on every
come close to. I was proud of the way we
Danish sausage-making machine worked
move or cube decision. Then it is more like
had worked together and happy to have
as well. This has never been possible before,
playing in a big, very strong, consulting
contributed, in some small way, to such a
since no one has ever understood what the
chouette — the highly entertaining and
terrific result. Imagine my surprise when
Danes were saying to one another in previ-
social form of the game that has unfortu-
I saw a post on the bgonline.org forum a
ous matches; but this year, in a fine sporting
nately, with the rise in popularity of match
few days later in which the most prominent
gesture, they agreed to consult in English.
play, been almost forgotten.
backgammon teacher in the USA com-
51
Position 1
13
14
15
16
17 18
19
20
21
22
23
24
Pip: 158
Denmark
17-Away
is Denmark
12
11 10
9
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
5-Away
The World
score:
0
pip:
Pip:158
158
Game 1, Move 2: Black (World) to play 44
plained that this accomplishment proved
The lopsided score to which I alluded
Consulting backgammon, whether in chou-
that the game had become too simple for
above was 12-0 to 17: a consequence of
Surely every Giant knows this play — but
… they can’t do anything.” He got some
17 point
I took
him match
up on it. Rollout says: the nine
ette or team play, is unique in that it requires
the top players, and that the rules should be
lots of good luck we’d enjoyed in the prior
no, none of us had it in his mental data base.
votes, but Michy just as immediately voted
point is right, but not — as you can see — by
its participants not only to find good plays,
changed to make it more difficult for them.
(individual) stages of the competition. There
Hitting the 16-point blot is automatic, but
for the 9 point, the play that I liked. After
much. Somebody remarked later that this
but also to explain to their teammates why
“I think it is safe to say that watching [the
were nine of us around the board: Mochy,
then how do you play the other two fours?
almost four minutes of debate — a good
position (though not at score, of course)
those plays are good. This is, of course, a
World vs. Denmark teams] play is not a lot
the official playing captain; Falafel, the
Falafel immediately said he’d make the 4
argument for memorizing second-move
had
been 12
rolled out “like 50,000 times,” with
score:
skill in itself; but it is one that everyone
different from watching two bots play....
official team captain; Michy; Matt; David
point, backing it up with reasoning like “I
openings — Mochy finally chose to make
the result posted on the bgonline.org forum
who wants his input acknowledged must
How frigging boring,” the backgammon
Wells; Victor Ashkenazi; Petko; Bill Phipps;
would make the 4 ... it’s
just my style … we’re
the 9. Falafel offered to bet anybody on his
XGID=-b---BD -B---cE--ad-e----B-:0:0:1:44:12:0:0:17:10
some time ago. I never verified it though.
learn. In a different era, the mixture of
professor wrote.
and me. The Danes had only eight, and at
tokind
playof
44obvious
supposed to make 4 … it’s
debate, persuasion, and banter that char-
times less: Thomas Kristensen moving the
acterized consulting play was recognized
But I don’t expect that this year there will be
checkers; Marc Olsen, the official captain;
as by far the best way to learn the game.
any renewed calls for us to employ randomly
Freddie Noer; Thomas Myhr; Lars Trabolt;
“It’s totally worth it,” the amateurs in the
chosen starting positions, to use best two
Michael ”Mik” Larsen; and Sander Lylloff.
brilliant chouettes at New York’s legendary
out of three dice, to play to lose instead of
Gus Hansen, the star of their lineup, never
Mayfair Club used to say, “It’s like taking a
win, or any other of the exotic variants we
showed up!
free graduate course from the best players
used to call propositions. For this time the
in the world.” Well, those lessons weren’t
PRs were: World: 4.67, Denmark: 3.98! Not
We started debating — and, as it would
exactly free; but the principle was correct.
exactly bot level …
turn out, wasting time — on move 2! We
opened with a 3-1, the Danes rolled 5-4
The team-consulting format came under
Why? Well, the main reason is that the
and brought two down, and we rolled a
a queer sort of criticism in 2011, the only
final match consisted of just one extremely
beautiful double 4.
year prior to this one that the World man-
difficult prime vs. prime game, played at
1.
2.
3.
Rollout 1
is The World
play. At least three of us: Phipps, Michy and
24/16* 13/9(2)
Player:
Opponent:
Rollout 1
68.32% (G:26.09% B:3.16%)
31.68% (G:6.78% B:0.24%)
Player:
Opponent:
67.41% (G:28.57% B:3.86%)
32.59% (G:6.97% B:0.28%)
Player:
Opponent:
Rollout 1
pip: 163
eq: +0.523
Conf.: ± 0.011 (+0.513...+0.534) - [99.5%]
24/16*(2)
68.37% (G:20.86% B:2.09%)
31.63% (G:6.44% B:0.22%)
eq: +0.504 (-0.020)
Conf.: ± 0.010 (+0.493...+0.514) - [0.5%]
24/16* 8/4(2)
eq: +0.497 (-0.027)
Conf.: ± 0.011 (+0.486...+0.507) - [0.0%]
1
Dice Seed: 8916552
Moves and cube decisions: 3-ply
52
The Danes answered our joker with an anti-joker — a 5-1 — and our position looked
We then came up with another monster roll, a 5-5. The Danes answered with 1-1, mak-
wonderful:
ing their 23 and 5 points:
Position 3
Position 2
13
53
14
15
16
17 18
19
20
21
22
23
24
Pip: 168
Denmark
17-Away
13
14
15
16
17 18
19
20
21
22
23
24
Pip: 164
Denmark
17-Away
is Player 2
score: 0
pip: 164
is Denmark
12
11 10
9
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
5-Away
The World
score:
0
pip:
Pip:168
148
1
12
11 10
9
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
5-Away
The
World
17 point match
Pip: 128
1
Game 1, Move 4: Black (World) on roll. Cube action?
Game 1, Move 3: Black (World) on roll. Cube action?
pip: 128
This is already a big pass for money — but
Falafel: “No.”
17 point
match
After
which,
amidst a general chorus of
Now there was pretty general unanimity
So we did double. The Danes, with their
flipsscore:
the verdict
to no double. I’ll leave it
12
at this match score? Who knows? One thing
Wells: “Then it’s a cube.”
laughter, Mochy immediately rolled!
about the double (it is a 1.4 pass for money).
backs to the wall, took. Was our double cor-
for others to do the higher-ply rollouts.
was certain: nobody had his slide rule out
Mochy: “Is this a cube? Really?”
calculating take points and gammon prices.
Falafel: “Look, if you double, are they
The dialog went something like this:
gonna take”?
It was led by Falafel, XGID=-ab--BD
who announced:
rect? It depends on your analysis parameters.
-BBAAcC “I
---d-bb---a-:0:0:1:00:12:0:0:17:10
And he was right to do so. Doubling at this
pip: 148
score
is a12
double whopper:
score:
Mochy: “Sure.”
is The World
Wachtel: “We shouldXGID=-c---BD
double, huh?”
Falafel: “Then let’s not double.”
-BB--cC--Ad-d----aA:0:0:1:00:12:0:0:17:10
Wells: “Is it too good?” on roll, cube action?
Analyzed in XG Roller++
Cubeless Equities
Cubeful Equities
No double:
Double/Take:
Double/Pass:
on now.
roll, cube
action?XG++ says double/take, but a 3-ply rollout
think it’s a lot harder to lose
”
Analyzed in XG Roller++
Cubeless Equities
Cubeful Equities
No double
72.23% (G:26.89% B:2.66%)
27.77% (G:5.05% B:0.14%)
+0.654
Double/Take
72.31% (G:26.74% B:2.68%)
27.69% (G:5.12% B:0.14%)
+1.035
+0.662
+0.464 (-0.198)
+1.000 (+0.338)
Best Cube action: No double / Take
Percentage of wrong pass needed to make the double decision right: 27.0%
is Player 1
No double:
Double/Take:
Double/Pass:
No double
79.09% (G:20.88% B:1.02%)
20.91% (G:2.63% B:0.07%)
+0.748
Double/Take
79.13% (G:21.96% B:1.10%)
20.87% (G:2.49% B:0.05%)
+1.293
+0.905 (-0.019)
+0.925
+1.000 (+0.075)
Best Cube action: Double / Take
pip: 128
score: 12
54
is The World
XGID=-ab--BD -BBAAcC ---d-bb---a-:0:0:1:00:12:0:0:17:10
pip: 122
on roll,
cube action?
Denmark vs.
The
World 2014: The Back Story
Analyzed in Rollout
No double
Cubeless Equities
78.59% (G:22.58% B:1.65%)
21.41% (G:2.83% B:0.09%)
+0.756
Cubeful Equities
No double:
Double/Take:
Double/Pass:
+0.896
+0.876 (-0.019)
+1.000 (+0.104)
Denmark vs. The World 2014:
Back Story
score:The
12
Double/Take
77.89% (G:25.52% B:2.81%)
22.11% (G:2.86% B:0.09%)
+1.286
±0.010 (+0.886..+0.906)
±0.014 (+0.863..+0.890)
Best Cube action: No double / Take
Phipps. “I’ll take 3 toXGID=--b-BCCBBa
1, Bill.” “All right,
I’ll give it,” said Phipps, and we were finally able
--cB----abbab-aA:1:-1:1:51:12:0:0:17:10
Rollout details
Dice Seed: 8916552
98.8%
100.0%
play 51
to resume. Mochy playedto13/8.
1.
XG Roller++
2.
XG Roller++
Bar/24* 13/8
eq: +0.232
Bar/24* 6/1
eq: +0.169 (-0.063)
Player:
Opponent:
68.87% (G:41.33% B:4.04%)
31.13% (G:4.77% B:0.20%)
Player:
Opponent:
68.53% (G:38.83% B:3.71%)
31.47% (G:5.91% B:0.30%)
In this case Falafel’s play was clearly wrong,
The Danes answered with a 3-1: a great
accepted, and we relaxed for a few minutes
but the theme of whether or not to blot in
number, but a confusing one. “Here’s the
while the Danish experts tried to decide
our board behind the five prime was one
3-1,” said Falafel immediately, “I would
whether to hit or to simply enter with the
that would arise, most obscurely, several
have been punished.” Matt now belatedly
ace and cover their four point.
more times in this intricate game.
offered him 3 to 1 on the 5-1 play. Falafel
Position 5
We continued to roll perfectly, making
rolls, but the Danes showed a little life by
A move later we landed in their board and
our bar and four points on the next two
hitting a fly shot.
had a 5 to play.
12
11 10
9
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
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: 165
Denmark
17-Away
Pip: 141
Denmark
17-Away
13
/C|/Users/user/Desktop/Position.htm[6/21/2014 9:47:21 AM]
is The World
55
5-Away
The World
Pip: 122
14
15
16
17 18
19
20
21
22
23
24
5-Away
The World
Pip: 116
Game 1, Move 7: White (Denmark) to play 31
Their discussion was interesting. Marc
us with a lot of work to do: we would need
making the four point as the direct path to
Olsen observed that the hit play would
to safety our midpoint blot and to escape
that goal. “We just want to get to a cube,”
give the Danes a powerful redouble if we
our back checker. We could hardly do both
he said. “We have a guaranteed cube if we
fanned; but then some of his teammates
at once (except with a 6-5).
file:///C|/Users/user/Desktop/Position.htm[6/21/2014 12:51:18 PM]
counted the five blots it would strew around
make the point.” Some other Danish team
Opinion on the World team was unanimous
he moaned,” “I know that my play won’t
so brave, who will give me 5 to 1?” After
— almost. We all wanted to play 13/8 with
be made.” After seeing that everyone was
some negotiating, Matt offered him 2 to
the board. They began to study the quiet
It was Sander who seemed to turn the
the double shot at our blot on the mid-
the 5, but Falafel liked 6/1. “I’m outvoted,”
“against him,” he said: “Well, if you’re all
1. Falafel then appealed directly to Bill
covering play, and observed that it still left
tide. He was eager to redouble, and saw
point would make it too dangerous for us
members saw another benefit to covering:
pip: 116
score: 12
56
to make our three point with (say) a 5-2.
The problem with the quiet play is that
Captain Kristensen preferred the hit, but
although it does indeed lead to a lot of
he finally bowed to peer pressure. He made
redoubles, most of them (as we shall see)
the four point, and we
were on notice that
are not particularly strong. The hit, on the
XGID=a-b-BCCBCa--cA----abbab-A-:1:-1:-1:31:12:0:0:17:10
to play 31
the redouble was imminent.
1.
2.
Rollout 1
Player:
Opponent:
Rollout 1
is Denmark
2.
Rollout 1
13/6
Player:
Opponent:
Rollout 1
eq: -0.303
58.15% (G:28.24% B:7.80%)
41.85% (G:8.06% B:0.32%)
Conf.: ± 0.011 (-0.315...-0.292) - [100.0%]
8/3 5/3
Player:
Opponent:
XG prefers the hit, but it’s pretty close:
eq: -0.356 (-0.052)
59.03% (G:27.21% B:7.39%)
40.97% (G:10.61% B:0.54%)
Conf.: ± 0.013 (-0.368...-0.343) - [0.0%]
1
Conf.: ± 0.021 (+0.082...+0.123) - [97.4%]
Bar/24 7/4
1.
pip: 165
to score:
double0us in!
eq: +0.103
36.69% (G:8.44% B:0.42%)
63.31% (G:40.24% B:13.68%)
Player:
Opponent:
But Sander’s plan was no secret: he wanted
Dice Seed: 70961654
eq: +0.077 (-0.026)
36.02% (G:7.36% B:0.32%)
63.98% (G:31.17% B:7.82%)
Conf.: ± 0.016 (+0.061...+0.093) - [2.6%]
Duration: 1 minute 49 seconds
1
Dice Seed: 88045796
Now the Danes had the position they had
roll. There ensued a monumental logical
doubling, but Kristensen didn’t see what
aimed for on the previous roll, the “guar-
wrestling match, which lasted a full ten
the rush was.
anteed cube” that Sander had predicted
minutes, between Sander and Kristensen,
when he lobbied for the four point last
the Danish captain. Sander was intent on
Position 7
12
It was ironic that, after the Danes had discussed at some length how we would play it,
11 10
9
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
we now rolled a 5-2!
Position 6
13
14
15
16
17 18
19
20
21
22
23
24
11 10
9
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
5-Away
The World
Pip: 116
This play led to more controversy than I
point. It took us four minutes to play 13/6,
thought it should have. There were two
and in the meanwhile Falafel made a bet
team members who wanted to make the 3
or two with the dissenters.
/C|/Users/user/Desktop/Position.htm[6/21/2014 1:08:11 PM]
Pip: 161
Denmark
17-Away
Pip: 161
Denmark
17-Away
13
12
57
XGID=-ab-BCCBCa--cA-----bbbb-A-:1:-1:1:52:12:0:0:17:10
to play 52
other hand, leads to powerful redoubles.
Bar/22 13/12*
USBGF PrimeTimeisBackgammon
Magazine
The World
17 point match
13/6 is clearly right:
14
15
16
17 18
19
20
21
22
23
24
5-Away
The World
Pip: 109
Game 1, Move 8: White (Denmark) on roll. Cube action?
Some of the things that Sander said:
“It’s very important to me that you
double; you risk nothing and you gain
down 14-0.”
“You have to double now: you don’t want
the world.”
To all this, Kristensen simply said over and
them to pass.”
“You just have to double, man.”
over that he did not see any market losing
“If we lose this game we are going to lose
“It’s a triple whopper not to double.”
sequences, so what was the point of dou-
the match anyway, we will be down 14-0
“What you are trying to do is hold on
bling? Sander and Marc Olsen tried to find
or 16-0.”
to a teensy little straw, so that we can go
some such sequences — they suggested 3-3
58
for the Danes followed by 6-5 for us — but
never seen it [done].”
teammates voted for the redouble. And for
Position 8
pip: 161
Kristensen maintained that even after this
awful parlay the World team would not be
17 point match
13
allscore:
of the reasons
he had advanced, it was a
0
As coldly logical and Danish as he was,
14
15
16
17 18
19
20
21
22
23
24
mistake — though not a big one.
is Denmark
close to passing. “It’sXGID=-ab-BCDBCa--c------bbbb-A-:1:-1:-1:00:12:0:0:17:10
still a money beaver,”
Kristensen could not rally much support.
on roll,
cube action?
he said. “You don’t pass money
beavers.
I’ve
Except for one other player (Mik), all of his
Analyzed in Rollout
Cubeless Equities
Cubeful Equities
No redouble:
Redouble/Take:
Redouble/Pass:
No redouble
Redouble/Take
+0.295
+0.267 (-0.028)
+1.000 (+0.705)
±0.011 (+0.284..+0.306)
±0.012 (+0.255..+0.278)
41.84% (G:7.92% B:0.29%)
58.16% (G:28.35% B:7.65%)
-0.257
score: 0
pip: 152
42.08% (G:8.21% B:0.31%)
57.92% (G:29.11% B:11.18%)
+0.268
17 point match
Best Cube action: No redouble / Take
pip:
109
5-Away
score: 12
Rollout details
Dice Seed: 38265390
Search interval: Huge
12
11 10
9
8
7
6
5
4
XGID=-ab-BCDBCa--a--a--abbbb-A-:2:1:1:65:12:0:0:17:10
3
2
1
The World
Pip:is109
The World
to play 65
1.
100.0%
100.0%
2.
Rollout 1
Player:
Opponent:
Rollout 1
Player:
Opponent:
24/18* 6/1*
eq: +0.397
72.09% (G:48.67% B:26.75%)
27.91% (G:4.57% B:0.19%)
Conf.: ± 0.009 (+0.388...+0.407) - [100.0%]
24/18* 18/13
eq: +0.328 (-0.069)
68.77% (G:39.25% B:16.32%)
31.23% (G:4.27% B:0.15%)
Conf.: ± 0.008 (+0.320...+0.337) - [0.0%]
Duration: 1 minute 58 seconds
We took: and as planned, the Danes slotted
and he was eventually joined by most of
people started fantasizing about us getting
their bar point. But we luckily rolled a 6:
the team, with Michy a notable exception.
gammoned, our opponents, even if they
to be precise, a 6-5. “We can double hit,”
Indeed, the double hit is logical: it prevents
rolled an ace, would still have four checkers
said Falafel, “but the 6 is clear” … which
the Danes from establishing a pretty well
behind a five prime, with none at the edge.
got one of the biggest laughs of the night.
timed back game and unstacks our heavy
It was around now that we started losing our way. We got hit on the ace point and answered
Falafel went on to advocate the double hit,
six point. Nor is it dangerous. Though some
with a 4-2 in Position 9.
/C|/Users/user/Desktop/Position.htm[6/21/2014 1:16:45 PM]
Pip: 152
Denmark
17-Away
is Denmark
DOUBLES WINNERS
My partner, Christian Sorensen, and I
won the doubles! Here we are flanking
journalist and USBGF columnist Jason
Pack, who (with partner Lars Trabolt)
was the victim of our 6-6 in the finals.
1
Dice Seed: 88045796
THE BRAIN TRUST
The World brain trust: Mochy,
Michy, Matt, Bill Phipps.
THOMAS KRISTENSEN
The most Danish of the Danes:
their beleaguered, persistenly logical captain, Thomas Kristensen.
59
60
Position 9
13
Position 10
14
15
16
17 18
19
20
21
22
23
24
13
Pip: 170
Denmark
17-Away
14
15
16
17 18
19
20
21
22
23
24
is Denmark
11 10
9
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
score: 0
pip: 170
5-Away
The World
Pip: 122
17 point match
Pip: 152
Denmark
17-Away
is Denmark
score: 0
pip: 170
12
61
12
11 10
9
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
5-Away
The World
Pip: 109
17 point match
It seemed to me that there was no longer
ace in every position, was wishy-washy
opponents from establishing a second
Or at least I thought it was beautiful. The
exasperation, “You have to come out.” But
decision, playing 14/7. “When me, Genius
any reason to hit a second checker. I felt
about this hit. He said he’d follow the crowd,
anchor. And maybe, even if we get a third
obvious play is to jump out with the six,
now people started talking about getting
(Matt), and Mochy agree, it’s probably not
very sure of myself for some reason, and
and we were unanimous. We did not hit;
pip: 122
checker
score: back,
12 there is still very little risk
23/17, and play 8/7, duplicating deuces.
gammoned on a 4-cube — and the allure
thescore:
worst12play,” Falafel announced. But it
chirped up that we had “already adjusted
but we were wrong — very wrong. I guess
of losing the priming battle?
But when Mochy didn’t do so immediately
of “playing with less blots” eventually con-
was not the best:
our timing.” Then IXGID=aab-BCCBCa--a--a--Abbbb
said it again. Even
it’s
just thematic that we continue trying
--A:2:1:1:42:12:0:0:17:10
to play
42 on the
Falafel, who seemed to like
hitting
1.
2.
Rollout 1
Player:
Opponent:
Rollout 1
Player:
Opponent:
is The World
to play
61
“It’s simply prime vs. prime,
” I insisted
in
to improve our timing and prevent our
Bar/23 5/1*
72.34% (G:44.95% B:23.26%)
27.66% (G:5.52% B:0.26%)
eq: +0.376
1.
Conf.: ± 0.007 (+0.369...+0.383) - [100.0%]
Bar/23 18/14
70.13% (G:38.59% B:17.13%)
29.87% (G:5.78% B:0.24%)
and started looking at
14/7, I got nervous.
verted
both Matt and Falafel. The team was
XGID=aab-BCCBCa--a-Aa---bbbbA
--:2:1:1:61:12:0:0:17:10
eq: +0.321 (-0.056)
2.
Conf.: ± 0.007 (+0.314...+0.327) - [0.0%]
1
Dice Seed: 8916552
We played 18/14 and the Danes fanned. Then we rolled a beautiful 6-1.
Rollout 1
Player:
Opponent:
Rollout 1
Player:
Opponent:
pip: 116
is The World
divided, and Mochy made an executive
23/17 8/7
72.44% (G:41.82% B:18.07%)
27.56% (G:4.42% B:0.18%)
eq: +0.399
Conf.: ± 0.007 (+0.393...+0.406) - [100.0%]
14/7
eq: +0.327 (-0.072)
69.00% (G:40.03% B:16.47%)
31.00% (G:4.46% B:0.18%)
Conf.: ± 0.006 (+0.321...+0.334) - [0.0%]
1
Dice Seed: 8916552
62
There were several more tough decisions in
another 6-5. Out with the five, hit on the
theme should apply? No, in this position
It was like Groundhog Day. The same posi-
later the Danes cracked their board with
the moves to follow. The poor Danes fanned
ace with the six, right? Almost exactly the
XG likes hitting outside. Too deep for the
tions kept coming up, and we kept getting
a nasty 4-4. Then they escaped a checker,
again, and now we conveniently rolled
same position as on move 9, so the same
World, I’m afraid.
them wrong. We got hit and a few moves
and we had a 3-1 to play here:
Position 11
13
Position 12
14
15
16
17 18
19
20
21
22
23
24
13
Pip: 170
Denmark
17-Away
is Denmark
14
15
16
17 18
19
20
21
22
23
24
Pip: 143
Denmark
17-Away
score: 0
pip: 170
is Denmark
12
11 10
9
8
7
6
5
4
XGID=aab-BCCCCa--a--a---bbbbA --:2:1:1:65:12:0:0:17:10
3
2
1
17 point match
score: 0
pip: 143
pip:
109
5-Away
score: 12
5-Away
17
point match
The World
Pip:is109
The World
12
to play 65
1.
2.
Rollout 1
Player:
Opponent:
Rollout 1
Player:
Opponent:
eq: +0.428
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
hitting on the ace? We all agreed, without
thematic. We are trying
to make our three
any real dissension, not to hit. But once
XGID=-abaCCBCBa-A-------abbbbaA:2:1:1:31:12:0:0:17:10
to playbuilders
31
point, after all, so why waste
by
eq: +0.393 (-0.035)
Conf.: ± 0.010 (+0.383...+0.403) - [0.0%]
1.
XG Roller++
2.
XG Roller++
3.
XG Roller++
1
Dice Seed: 88045796
THE TROPHY
8
In with the ace, and? 11/8 looked neat and
Conf.: ± 0.009 (+0.419...+0.437) - [100.0%]
23/18 7/1*
71.87% (G:48.13% B:25.58%)
28.13% (G:4.46% B:0.21%)
9
23/12*
71.34% (G:48.67% B:25.10%)
28.66% (G:2.43% B:0.11%)
11 10
Only five of us posing now: Falafel
has gone off and left Mochy holding
the trophy. That's Steen Gronbech,
the Nordic organizer, with the mic.
pip: 112
score: 12
a blunder.
is The World
again not hitting is a big mistake, almost
Bar/24* 4/1*
eq: +0.589
Bar/24* 11/8
eq: +0.518 (-0.071)
Bar/24* 7/4
eq: +0.496 (-0.093)
Player:
Opponent:
79.51% (G:48.11% B:5.78%)
20.49% (G:2.38% B:0.11%)
Player:
Opponent:
76.11% (G:42.80% B:4.92%)
23.89% (G:2.32% B:0.08%)
Player:
Opponent:
75.66% (G:43.12% B:5.04%)
24.34% (G:2.88% B:0.13%)
AREF ALIPOUR
The World
Pip: 112
63
score: 0
pip: 160
64
65
17 point match
A few more jokers for us and anti-jokers
had only to bear off against their very well
Danes slotted their six point. But we hit
For a few minutes there was no more betting.
Bill Phipps was ready. “Down,” he said. “5000.”
“You like the play?” said Sander, a bit sur-
for the Danes, and we were coasting home.
timed deuce point game. But the drama
them, and were coasting again, when we
We escaped from the Danish home board
“Oh wow, I can’t believe you’re betting it,”
prised.
We put five of their checkers on the bar, and
wasn’t over. We left a shot and got hit. The
rolled this 5-1:
again, for the last time. Just as the match
said Falafel to Phipps. Then he said it again.
was ending (we won a gammon) and the
Position 13
13
14
teams were shaking hands, Sander said to
15
16
17 18
19
20
21
22
23
24
Mochy, Michy and David Wells now offered
the World team: “I want
more action on
to bet Sander. “Go ahead,” said Falafel to
XGID=aEbB-aa----Aa---a---bbbb--:2:1:1:51:12:0:0:17:10
Pip: 160
Denmark
17-Away
that play you made.”
1.
2.
3.
to play 51
Rollout 1
Sander got the message. He took the bets
is The World
and gave Falafel some of his action.
Sander, “Bet more.”
11/6* 6/5*
Player:
Opponent:
Rollout 1
82.10% (G:70.89% B:51.75%)
17.90% (G:0.00% B:0.00%)
Player:
Opponent:
79.21% (G:65.76% B:47.36%)
20.79% (G:0.00% B:0.00%)
Player:
Opponent:
Rollout 1
pip: 22
“How
you12gonna lose?” asked Falafel, and
score:
eq: +0.720
Conf.: ± 0.004 (+0.716...+0.724) - [100.0%]
11/5*
eq: +0.677 (-0.043)
80.10% (G:68.11% B:42.12%)
19.90% (G:0.00% B:0.00%)
Conf.: ± 0.004 (+0.673...+0.680) - [0.0%]
11/6* 1/Off
eq: +0.657 (-0.063)
Conf.: ± 0.004 (+0.653...+0.661) - [0.0%]
1
12
11 10
9
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
Dice Seed: 8916552
5-Away
The World
Pip: 22
That was a nice maneuver by Falafel. XG
The bets on this play totaled more than
likes Sander’s play by quite a bit.
7000 euros. In collecting that sum Sander
won almost as much as the whole World
So difficult and complicated had this single
hit (6-5, 6-4, 5-4, 6-3, 5-3, 4-3, 3-3).
“Who wants to bet?” he asked. “Falafel,”
game been that we were running short of
That’s 13 versus 8.
you didn’t put that extra guy on the
1. 11/6* 6/5* (the double hit) leaves only
11 shots.
5. but the single hit has some hidden
“Why you so sure?” said Falafel.
repeaters: if the Danes roll any 5 (mak-
“Well, I just want to bet,” said Sander.
ing the 20 point) we will leave shots on
“How many beers you had?” asked
4-1 and 1-1 in addition to the basic 8.
Falafel.
2. 11/6* 1/off (the single hit) leaves two
After about only a minute of deliberation, we
At that point Matt took the Sander chal-
extra shots (2-2 and 4-4) for a total
chose the single hit. But the Danes rolled a
lenge. He bet 500 euros with Sander on
of 13.
6-6 and hit us, and the endless game started
the single hit.
THE MATCH
4. the single hit leaves less repeaters (6-5,
6-4, 5-4, 4-4, 2-2) — than the double
away for a few minutes, apparently watching
“You’re probably right,” Falafel said to
the game on a closed-circuit TV, appeared
himself and to Sander. “It’s just the two
at the board with a beer in his hand. He
numbers.”
looked happily inebriated.
AREF ALIPOUR
over again. Just then Sander, who had been
3. the single hit bears off an extra checker
- BOB WACHTEL
roof?”
time. There are several factors to weigh in
judging what to do here:
team did on the match! 
A panoramic view of the final consulting match. Only three Danes visible:
Kristensen, Sander, and Marc Olsen.
But almost all of the World got in
the picture. Going clockwise: Me,
Petko, Falafel, David Wells, Victor,
Mochy, Michy, and the top of Matt's
head. Only Phipps is missing.
2 6th Nordic Open
Backgammon
at its Peak
B
y Sabri Büyüksoy
SUNNY COPENHAGEN
It was very surprising to find a
sunny Copenhagen. Last year
the lake in front of the hotel was
frozen. There were even some
people walking on the ice.
W
67
ith a turnout of 371 players
the World Team was not representative,
in four divisions, the 26th
including (as it did) only players from the
Nordic Open, directed by
USA and Japan. I suggested that we can have
Steen Grønbech, confirmed its place at
a similar event in Turkey and players from
the backgammon summit. This was my
the different countries can play against the
third consecutive visit to the Nordic, and
Turkish team. I believe that as backgammon
I have observed with satisfaction the tour-
players and federations we need to develop
nament’s organizational and executional
a more global vision.
improvement year by year. During these
years, having had a chance to meet Danish
I had a satisfying personal experience in
players and those from nearby countries, I
the Team Event. Our team, Angara, made it
felt luckier than most.
to the final. We did very well, I thought, in
supporting one another: balancing anxiety
Marc Olsen (Denmark) won the tournament
and enthusiasm is a very important factor
and said it felt like winning Wimbledon.
in any performance activity. I would like
The new English translation of his book
to thank my teammates Kağan Karakaya
Backgammon: From Basics to Badass was
and Yaşar Gözel for giving me a chance to
on sale at the venue. I like the book: it is
share this experience with them.
suitable for beginners and intermediates,
offering a competent treatment of the
I would like to thank Ulrich Tamm and
fundamentals — supported, of course, by
Zafer Taş for providing some photos from
the modern analysis program XG.
the tournament.
The match between Team Denmark and the
World Team was one of the highlights of
the tournament. With Falafel as captain, the
World dominated Denmark (led by Marc
Olsen), winning the match by a score of
22-10. Unfortunately, because it was held
concurrently with the Nordic itself, it was
hard for some of us to both participate
“
We are dancing before
the final to modern
in the main tournament and watch the
traditional Turkish folk
show. Maybe next year the schedule can
music and having fun
be relaxed a bit. Another disappointment
was that Gus Hansen, who was listed on
regardless of what the
the Team Denmark roster, did not show up!
result might be.
And there were other gripes: some players
from legitimate backgammon countries
like Turkey and Greece complained that
68
26th Nordic Open: Backgammon at its Peak
CROWDED SQUARE
CIRCA 1620
KAĞAN KARAKAYA
A crowded square in Copenhagen. Last chance for shopping
before the Easter holiday.
A backgammon board from 1620.
This photo was taken by my friend
Ulrich Tamm who is after backgammon even in a museum.
Kağan Karakaya (Turkey) played the
final of the Super Jackpot. Possibly
surprising five years ago, but Turkish
players are performing better lately.
DANISH COURTYARD
I like courtyards. This one
kind of called me inside.
THE FINAL
At left my dear friend Konrad Fröschl
(Austria/Sweden) and at right Marc
Olsen (Denmark) before their final
match in the Open. Marc has recently
retired as a professional soccer player.
TIVOLI LUNAPARK
A magnificent statue at
the Tivoli Lunapark.
69
71
THE FINAL MATCH
World Team (Captain Matvey "Falafel" Natanzon (Israel), Victor Ashkenazi (USA), Matt Cohn-Geier (USA), Michihito Kageyama
(Japan), Petko Kostadinov (USA), Masayuki Mochizuki (Japan), Bill Phipps (USA), Bob Wachtel (USA), David Wells (USA)) against
Denmark Team (Captain Marc B. Olsen, Nevzat Dogan, Thomas Kristensen, Michael "Mik" Larsen, Sander Lylloff, Thomas Myhr,
Freddie Noer, Lars Trabolt) in the final match of the competition. This is the team match where all players are involved. It was an
hour-long single game ending with a doubled 4-cube.
FORGOT THE CLOCK
Good old friends Zafer Taş (Turkey)
on left and Peter Benett (England) on
right. Two years ago in Copenhagen,
Peter got the Fair Play award because
of his perfect behavior in our match.
He reminded me to press the clock —
which I had completely forgotten —
and then lost the match.
HAVING FUN
Our team Angara (Kağan Karakaya,
Yaşar Gözel, Sabri Büyüksoy of Turkey)
in the final of the Team Event playing against Svans (Robin Neumann,
Lars Nielsen, Saban Simsek of
Denmark). We are dancing before the
final to modern traditional Turkish
folk music and having fun regardless of what the result might be.
TROPHY PRESENTATION
The World Team receives their trophy presented
by Nordic Open director Steen Grønbech.
DOUBLES MATCH
Joanna Kerynia and Mick Dyett from Australia playing a doubles
match. I got to know them well during this tournament.
72
73
SPEEDGAMMON (256): 1-Timo Väätäinen (Finland), 2-Tore Fredriksen (Norway), 3/4-Tage Mellgren (Denmark) / Paulus van Rooijen
(Holland), 5/8-Taus Bøytler (Denmark) / Sabri Büyüksoy (Turkey) / Claus Elken (Denmark) / Michael K. Larsen (Denmark).
CONSULTATION DOUBLES (55 teams): 1-Bob Wachtel (USA) & Christian Sorensen (Denmark), 2-Jason Pack (USA) & Lars Trabolt
(Denmark), 3/4-Raj Jansari (England) & Simon Barget (England) / Niels Skov Larsen (Denmark) & Kenny Nissen (Denmark).
CONSULTATION MIXED DOUBLES (46 teams): 1-Matt Reklaitis (USA) & Ditte Schnack Martinsen (Denmark), 2-Emma Axling
(Sweden) & Robin Neumann (Denmark), 3/4-Pia Sevelin (Sweden) & Thomas Delbåge (Sweden) / Julie Thabault (France) & Michael
"Mik" Larsen (Denmark).
SUPER JACKPOT (32): 1-Jason Pack (USA), 2-Kagan Karakaya (Turkey), 3/4-Costin Constantinescu (Romania) / Lito Frondoso
SUGAR GIRLS
Angara playing against Sugar Girls
(from front to back Marie Gustafsson,
Patricia Pia Sevelin, and Linda Sjörin of
Sweden). We offered them some wine
and got an easy win.

- SABRI BÜYÜKSOY
(Philippines).
CHAMPIONS QUALIFIER (22): 1-Michihito Kageyama (Japan), 2-Victor Ashkenazi (USA).
LADIES TOURNAMENT (53): 1-Pernille Rosendal (Denmark), 2-Elle Wagstrom (Sweden), 3/4-Ulla Hansen (Denmark) / Pia Svendsen
(Denmark).
TEAM EVENT (24 teams): 1-Svans: Robin Neumann / Lars Nielsen / Saban Simsek (Denmark), 2-Angara: Sabri Büyüksoy / Yasar
Gözel / Kagan Karakaya (Turkey).
RESULTS: 26th NORDIC BACKGAMMON OPEN
TOURNAMENT TMP QUALIFIER (15): 1-Mogens Jørgen Dreier (Denmark), 2-Pernille Rosendal (Denmark).
April 16-21, 2014; Copenhagen, Denmark
ALL TMP QUALIFIER (7): 1-Kenny Nissen (Denmark).
CHAMPIONSHIP (99): 1-Marc Brockmann Olsen (Denmark), 2-Konrad Fröschl (Sweden), 3/4-Jon Kristian Røyset (Norway) / Norbert
Wiebusch (Germany), 5/8-Nevzat Dogan (Denmark) / Eric McAlpine (England) / Sven-Olav Nørén (Sweden) / Stepan Nuniyants
BEGINNERS (86): 1-John Blem (Denmark), 2-Flemming Larsen (Denmark), 3/4-Gorm Øster (Denmark) / Lars Ravn (Denmark);
(USA); 1LC-Jens Chr. Pedersen (Denmark), 2LC-Robin Neumann (Denmark).
1C-Ulrik Pagh (Denmark), 2C-Jette Lavenborg Breitenstein (Denmark).
ADVANCED (91): 1-Walter Meuwis (Belgium), 2-Aref Alipour (Iran/England), 3/4-Fredrik Carlsson (Sweden) / Michael Urban (Ger-
JUNIOR TOURNAMENT (4): 1-Oscar Hartmann (Denmark), 2-Mathias Juul Stage (Denmark).
many), 5/8-Rasoul Ghasemi (Sweden) / Kevin Jones (Wales) / Jonas Moehrdel (Denmark) / Patrick Toxværd (Denmark); 1LC-Jerker
Sandberg (Sweden), 2LC-Morten Marx (Denmark).
WARM-UP (90): 1-Gary Fries (USA), 2-Mick Dyett (Australia), 3/4-Ulla Hansen (Denmark) / Stepan Nuniyants (USA).
INTERMEDIATE (99): 1-Jens Quirin Hansen (Denmark), 2-Jens H. Christensen (Denmark), 3/4-Lennart Kurland (Denmark) / Anni
WORLD TEAM VS. DENMARK: The World Team won 27-10.
Bech Nielsen (Denmark), 5/8-Morten S. Andersen (Denmark) / Wolfgang Henze (Germany) / Bo Knudsen (Denmark) / Terje Pedersen
(Denmark); 1LC-Richard Biddle (England), 2LC-Christian Andresen (Germany).
1-World Team: Captain Matvey "Falafel" Natanzon (Israel), Victor Ashkenazi (USA), Matt Cohn-Geier (USA), Michihito Kageyama
(Japan), Petko Kostadinov (USA), Masayuki Mochizuki (Japan), Bill Phipps (USA), Bob Wachtel (USA), David Wells (USA).
OPEN (86): 1-Gary Fries (USA), 2-Franck Stepler (France), 3/4-Steen Haff (Denmark) / Sven-Olav Norén (Sweden), 5/8- Ed O'Laughlin
(USA) / Poul Lindberg Sørensen (Denmark) / Axel Stemark (Denmark) / Akiko Yazawa (Japan).
2-Denmark Team: Captain Marc B. Olsen, Nevzat Dogan, Thomas Kristensen, Michael "Mik" Larsen, Sander Lylloff, Thomas Myhr,
Freddie Noer, Lars Trabolt.
75
bOOK
rEVIEW
In the Game Until the End, Volume II
Ace-Point Endgame Analysis – the
Next Generation by Robert Wachtel
Review By John O'Hagan
B
ob Wachtel’s second book on well-
inner board that there was no way to run
timed ace-point games is a great
off the gammon without hitting a shot. The
work. It belongs in every aspiring
question that Bob answered was whether
player’s library. Ace point games are pretty
or not the defender should run or stay in
common so it’s important to know how to
these positions. Bob analyzed six such run or
play them correctly. This is the only book on
stay positions using hand calculations, hand
this subject, and it covers the positions in
rollouts, and hand-to-hand combat results
great detail. You’ll be learning from one of
from New York’s Mayfair Club (remember
the world’s best players — Bob is currently
that this was in the pre-bot era). The good
rated #8 on the Giants of Backgammon list.
news is that he was correct in all six even
though XG2 rollouts have shown that the
Volume 1 was printed in 1993. It analyzed
equity difference between the two plays was
several positions where the defender had
different from Bob’s estimates in Volume 1.
one or two checkers on the 24-point while
the other side had just three or four check-
Volume II starts out by comparing Bob’s
ers remaining and they were either all
equity estimates in Volume 1 with XG2
on their two-point or on their two- and
rollout results. The following are two posi-
three-points. The defender’s other thirteen
tions along with the Volume 1 estimates
checkers were far enough away from the
and the XG2 rollout results.
who was so proficient at it that he was able to beat his “propsucker” opponents
from both
encountered
got even shakier. A pair of sub-variations arose in my analysis of Position 5,
sides of the position. I concluded, on the basis of Tino’s results, his advice,
24 v 22and
, 32. several
Black rolls a 2-1 (5f), and has to decide whether to try to drive White off of the
hundred of my own rollouts, that the Tino Road Position had a small24
positive
equity.
point with
3/2,I 3/1* (5f* in Volume 1) or simply play 3/off (5f** in Volume 1).
used the figure of +.1 in my calculations.
77 call 5f
For ease of reference, and so we don’t have to juggle too many asterisks, I will
Once again, no doubt through its accurate checker play and cube decisions,
XG3Position”
(beta
“The Ring
(diagram 16) (in memory of the late Howard Ring, who motivated
version) is able to squeeze much more value from the position than evenme
Tino,
with allthis
of sort of play problem as I was doing the research for Volume 1). Now
to address
his experience, could. Its figure: +.585.
let’s call 5f*, which hits White on the 24 point, “Ring Attack” (diagram 17) and 5f**,
which simply bears off a checker, “Ring Off ” (diagram 18).
Tino Road Position: Volume 1: +.1 XG3: +.585
5f = Ring position
Black to play 2-1
I n T he G ame U nTIl T he e nd, V ol. II.
I n T he G ame U nTIl T he e nd, V ol. II.
Luckily the effect of this discrepancy upon the value of the original stay-or-run
USBGF
PrimeTime
Backgammon
Magazine
76 is again
position
minimal.
In Volume
1 I calculated that
White, if he decides not to run off
the backgammon with a six in Position 4, 24 v 24 (diagram 15) errs by .13 (equity:
Taking−4.13).
into account other instances of the Tino Road Position that occur in the
XG2 rollouts, taking better stock of the Tino Road position, reduce this
mistake by .02,
subvariations,
White’s negative equity in Position 5 is reduced from Volume 1’s −3.87 to
down to .11 (equity: −4.11).
XG2’s −3.84. The new value makes the decision to stay back on the 24 point just that much
more clear.
Position 4, stay: Volume 1: −4.13 XG2: −4.11
Position 5, stay: Volume 1: −3.87 XG2: −3.84 run: −4.0
Book Review - In the Game Until the End: Volume II
Volume 1 Position 4, XG2 rollout,
White’s equity = ?
13
14
15
16
17 18
19
20
21
22
23
The Tino Road Position, XG3 rollout,
White’s equity = ?
Volume 1, Position 5, XG2 rollout
24
13
14
15
16
17 18
19
20
21
22
23
13
24
11
14
15
16
17 18
19
20
21
22
23
The Ring Position
24
11 10
9
1 Rollout1 24/18
Player:
Opponent:
Opponent:
7
Run
6
5
4
3
2
Eq: −4.000 ±0.000
0.00% G: 0.00%
B: 0.00%
100.00% G: 100.00% B: 0.00%
2 Rollout2 18/12
Player:
8
Eq: −4.106 (−0.106) ±0.004
4.50% G: 0.00%
B: 0.00%
95.50% G: 90.52% B: 25.92%
Dice Seed: 16799256
2
Moves and cube decisions: XG Roller+
eXtreme Gammon Version: 2.10
1
1
12
11 10
1 Rollout1 18/11
Player:
Opponent:
9
8
Stay
6
5
4
3
2
12
1
Player:
Opponent:
6.50% G: 0.00% B: 0.00%
93.50% G: 83.71% B: 24.05%
Player:
15
16
17 18
19
20
21
22
23
24
11
diagram 16
9
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
12
11 10
9
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
Eq: +0.585 ±0.020
54.25% G: 0.00% B: 0.00%
45.75% G: 4.94% B: 1.52%
1
Dice Seed: 78623594
eXtreme Gammon Version: 3 (beta)
Eq: −4.000 (−0.162) ±0.000
0.00% G: 0.00%
11 10
1 Rollout1 Bar/24* 16/14
Eq: −3.838 ±0.010
2 Rollout2 24/18, 17/16
Opponent:
7
14
diagram 14
diagram 22
12
13
12
11
diagram 15
12
B: 0.00%
100.00% G: 100.00% B: 0.00%
1
Dice Seed: 31
2
Dice Seed: 16799256
11
19
Here we see a large .485 difference between
tion. Should Black attack 3/1* 3/2 or take
The other side can have four checkers on
1993 and the XG3 rollout.
a checker off with 3/2/off? 10,000 XG3
one point and two on the other, or maybe
rollouts weren’t statistically significant but
three on each. In all three cases, are you
slightly favored the attacking play.
supposed to run 24/18 if you roll a six?
Another group of positions analyzed in
both books are the “Ring Positions.” These
Volume II has the answer and also what
Bob’s initial equity estimates were real close
of the more difficult rollouts later in the
after Australian expert Tino Lechich who
are named after the late Howard Ring who
Bob also looks at “triplets” where you have
to do if the opponent has seven checkers
to XG for these two positions.
book. One of the positions where there
played this a lot and would prop either side
suggested that Bob include them in his
two checkers on the 24-point vs. a total of six
on his 2- and 3-points.
was a significant difference between the
of this position.
first book. Here’s the original Ring Posi-
checkers on the other side’s 2 and 3-points.
Volume II mainly uses XG2 rollouts but
1993 and 2014 books was in the “Tino
also uses the beta version of XG3 for some
Road Position.” This position was named
13
78
Book Review
Until the End:
I T G
U- InT the
e , Game
V
I T Volume
G
U
T II
e
n
he
ame
nTIl
he
nd
ol. II.
n
Super Coup Major, White to play 5-1
Split and stay: 24/23, 18/13: −3.565 Run: 24/18: −3.576
14
15
16
17 18
19
20
21
22
23
ame
nTIl
he
nd ,
White to play 3-1 after Black split, Black on 23
point, XG2 rollout with candidates chosen
Super Coup Minor 5-1, XG2 rollout
24
13
14
15
16
17 18
19
20
21
22
23
24
13
9
8
7
6
5
4
3
Split and Stay (inconclusive)
1 Rollout1 24/23 18/13
Player:
Opponent:
Opponent:
Eq: −3.565 ±0.014
1
12
Eq: −3.576 (−0.012) ±0.013
9.05% G: 0.00%
Player:
Opponent:
B: 0.00%
9
8
7
6
Split and Stay
5
4
3
2
1
16
17 18
19
20
21
22
23
24
Eq: −2.919 (−0.044) ±0.014
Player:
15.23% G: 0.00%
Opponent:
84.77% G: 64.20% B: 18.80%
B: 0.00%
1
You’ll also learn how to play with two
they are not
as decisive
as I would
have
liked,
theseand
results
dochoose
have a bright
opponent has 6, Though
7, or 8 checkers
there,
are
number
that
forces
a shot,
has to
checkers on the 24-point vs. three or four
you supposedstrong,
to runindeed,
or stay
if White
you roll
between
attacking
taking
a checker
off. hold
that
(asawe shall
see), when
facingor
tall
3-point
stacks, should
on the three-point. Is it better to play 24/18
six? Buy the book and you’ll find out.
side. They reveal how very strong the ace split to the 23 point is in these positions; so
the 24 point and wait for an ace!
or the minor split 24/23 if you roll a 51?
XG rollouts show that the correct play
mainly depends on whether that side has
You’ll also learn a lot more about various
What if your anchor is opposed by the
Ring positions. The side bearing off has
opponent’s big stack on the 3-point? If the
from 5 to 10 checkers remaining, rolls a
an even or odd number of checkers left.
diagram 8
96
Eq: −2.875 ±0.013
18.97% G: 0.00% B: 0.00%
81.03% G: 51.81% B: 38.07%
2 Rollout1 24/18
90.95% G: 80.83% B: 20.86%
1
11 10
1 Rollout1 24/23 18/13
12.36% G: 0.00% B: 0.00%
87.64% G: 72.06% B: 37.04%
2 Rollout1 24/18
Player:
2
15
12
diagram 15
11 10
14
12
11
12
79
V ol. II.
Super Coup Minor, White to play 5-1
Split and stay: 24/23, 18/13: −2.875 Run: 24/18: −2.919
Super Coup Major 5-1, XG2 rollout
13
he
iagram 14
6
It is when he rolls a 3-1 with Black on the 23 point that White finally gets paid to let the
USBGF
PrimeTime
Backgammon
Magazine
dogs out. Now the gonzo play—5/2*, 4/3—is far better than
its competitors.
Second
best,
but clearly inferior, is 15/14, 5/2* (again, neither of these moves appears on XG2’s 1-ply
list). Why does board demolition work so much better here than with the 3-2 above? The
answer, I suspect, is that once you have gone to the dark side by breaking your 5 point,
there is no turning back. Your prime is history, so you may as well wreck it entirely to get
the full benefit of blotting in your home board.
37
12
11 10
9
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
There are also some interesting post-hit
board? If you don’t hit, the opponent safeties
This is just a taste of what Volume II has
variations rolled out in the book. The side
both blots with an ace which really hurts
to offer. Virtually everyone — from inter-
that was hit has entered in your board and
your winning chances. On the other hand,
mediate to expert — will learn from this
has two other blots on its 2- and 1-points.
tearing up your prime gives the opponent
very well-written book! 
How aggressive should you be in breaking
better gammon and backgammon chances.
your board to hit the blot in your inner
Above is an example.
- JOHN O'HAGAN
80
Video Lesson
2-2 Second Roll Study
Exclusive USBGF Teaching Video
U
81
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
every 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
is often joined by guest lecturers to offer
of children locally and he will help you
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 over 300 students all over the
materials. For more information contact
Phil has created over
world via the Internet. In addition, Phil
Phil at pjsimborg@gmail.com. 
100 videos thus far,
is an adviser to our Education Commit-
and all can be viewed
tee and has started backgammon clubs
- PHIL SIMBORG
KAREN DAVIS
By Phil Simborg, USBGF Teaching Pro
 To be able to view this video, you must have Adobe Acrobat or Adobe Reader installed and set as the default PDF viewer
in your browser. Internet Explorer does this by default, however, Chrome and Firefox users should see Adobe Acrobat Help
for complete Adobe Acrobat and Adobe Reader plug-in configuration instructions.
PHIL SIMBORG
Phil Simborg was honored at the 2013 London Open for being the No. 1 contributor to the
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.
82
Michelle steinberg
Winner of the 2013-2014 National Internet
Championship Intermediate Division
MICHELLE IN LA
Michelle cheers on doubles team
of Cheryl Andersen and David
Rennie, playing Carter Mattig
and his daughter Lindsay.
By Karen Davis
T
he USBGF National Internet
Championship is the U.S. Backgammon Federation’s most pres-
tigious online tournament. This year it
attracted a total of 280 entrants in three
divisions (Championship, Advanced, and
Intermediate). Division level was determined by a player’s USBGF online Elo
rating at the start of the tournament — with
those whose Elo ratings were 1500 or less
automatically assigned to the Intermedi-
U.S. Youth Exhibition match in Las Vegas
ate division, 1501-1649 to the Advanced
in 2013) were losing semi-finalists.
division, and those 1650 and above to the
Championship division.
While Michelle has played casually online
for almost 10 years, she only began live
A Panamanian player, Jacob Atie, cap-
tournament play in 2012. She met LA player
tured the Championship division title.
David Rennie online, and he opened up
Tom Christner (Colorado) prevailed in the
a new world to her, helping her see that
Advanced. These winners will be profiled in
backgammon is a game of strategy. David
upcoming issues, but we are here to profile
encouraged her to compete. She dipped her
the winner of the 48-entry Intermediate
toe in the water by visiting (but not playing
Division, Michelle Steinberg.
in) the NY Metropolitan Open in her home
state of New Jersey in January 2012. Justin
Each of the early rounds was played in a
Nunez and Falafel, then rated number 1
best-two-of-three 7-point match format.
Giant, urged her to try some of the West
The ante was raised in the semis, which was
Coast tournaments. She took the plunge
best-two-of-three 9-pointers. Michelle ran
and entered the April 2012 Nevada State
this gauntlet with aplomb, and then defeated
tournament. Director Howard Markowitz
Jay Robinson (Illinois) in the final, which
checked out her play on GridGammon and
was a true test of skill: best-two-of-three
placed her in the Intermediate division.
CONTRIBUTES BY TRANSCRIBING LIVE MATCHES
She’s now played in 16 ABT tournaments
Michelle, shown with Falafel, has earned the appreciation of
top players by transcribing streamed matches in XG.
11-pointers. John Rickel (Arizona) and
Japan’s Yuki Hiroki (winner of the Japan-
83
84
Michelle Steinberg
85
Michelle Steinberg
over the last three years — including the NY
fornia State second doubles event with Phil
Game Plan? Backgammon Strategy in the
her more important matches in XG, but isn’t
online circuit — monthly tournaments,
Metro, Nevada and Las Vegas, Los Angeles
Simborg and the $20 After-Tournament at
Middle Game.
systematic about it. She admits that does
National Internet Championships; and
and California State, Vietor Cup, Michigan
the 2012 37th Michigan Summer Cham-
help her understand where her weaknesses
loves the PrimeTime Backgammon magazine
Summer Championships, Texas Champion-
pionships. She’d rather record matches in
But she says that what has really bumped
are and to eliminate her mistakes. She vows
and video lessons. She participates in the
ships in San Antonio, the Chicago Open,
the main event and learn from watching.
up her game is volunteering to transcribe
to be more diligent.
Online Match Series, enjoying both Neil
the DC Capital Classic, and Connecticut.
She doesn’t have a local club near where
videotaped matches. Entering these matches
Being able to drive to a tournament is a
she lives in New Jersey so she treasures
(especially of the top experts) in eXtreme
Michelle studied history, liberal arts, and
and Marty Storer’s commentary on USBGF
major attraction, but what really attracts her
watching live play.
Gammon (XG) helps her to get inside their
elementary education at Brooklyn College,
member moves.
minds and anticipate their moves. She is
and received a Masters of Environmental
are warm and friendly tournament directors like Patrick Gibson and Carol Joy Cole
Michelle has worked on her game, tak-
very organized, using two monitors so she
and their wonderful staffs. Hailing from
ing lessons from Phil Simborg, whom
can watch the video on one screen and tran-
Brooklyn, she never ceases to be surprised
she describes as a great teacher. Phil, she
scribe on the other. She has even helped to
MICHELLE & COOLREY
Ray Fogerlund is a fun doubles partner,
giving tips to partners such as Michelle
who are on the early learning curve.
Kazaross’s explanations of his reasoning
“
She is the most frequent cheerleader on
the USBGF Facebook
site, always congratulating winners and cheering friends on whose
matches are being
streamed. She’s glad to
have found such a fun
and educational community.
Sciences for elementary school teachers.
Even when she can’t go to a tournament,
She met her current husband through
Michelle always checks the results on the
an AOL trivia chat group in 1995. It was
usbgf.org website, looks for the drawsheets
love at first date. He immediately took to
when they are posted, and sees how her
her then 7-year-old daughter: they joined
friends are doing. She is the most frequent
forces to tease Michelle. When Michelle
cheerleader on the USBGF Facebook site,
called her husband to report that she wasn’t
always congratulating winners and cheer-
being taken seriously by her opponent at a
ing friends on whose matches are being
Michigan tournament, he nicknamed her
streamed. She’s glad to have found such a
“cotton candy” — even though she maintains
fun and educational community.
that she can be ferocious. She loves being
with her artist/musician daughter who is a
She thinks having USBGF establish rules
lot of fun — like her mother! Her interests
for the game is a very important role. Back-
are varied: she takes wildlife photography
gammon tournaments need to be organized
from her deck, hikes through the woods,
properly to thrive.
and loves gourmet food. But her real passion
is craft beer. She manages to work visits to
Her suggestions for the U.S. Backgammon
microbreweries into her travel itinerar-
Federation are to do more for intermediate
by how quickly she has been embraced by
says, is always willing to help, is available
organize a team of volunteer transcribers,
the backgammon community — which
by e-mail anytime, and makes his lessons
who make sure that all of the matches posted
ies, often sharing favorite breweries with
players and support streaming matches
responds to her cheery, upbeat persona in
enjoyable rather than daunting. However,
on YouTube get love. And when matches
backgammon friends. She loves to travel
at tournaments so that even those who
kind. She loves the nomadic backgammon
she has taken a break from lessons, find-
are streamed at tournaments, that is good
and is looking forward to a cruise with her
can’t attend tournaments can learn. She
lifestyle and looks forward to connecting
ing that she doesn’t have time to do the
news for Michelle. She knows that when
husband, stopping in France, Barcelona,
has offered to volunteer her talent to the
with friends when she travels.
homework. Instead she’s gone back to the
those streams are posted online, there will
Italy, Malta, Greece, and Istanbul.
organization — including writing articles for
basics, re-reading a number of classic books,
be a treasure trove of videos to be mined.
She also likes tournaments that innovate and
including Paul Magriel’s Backgammon,
It’s even more fun to do the transcriptions
Michelle is a big supporter of the U.S. Back-
players. So keep a lookout for Michelle in
offer new types of playing opportunities.
Walter Trice’s Backgammon Boot Camp,
when there’s a live commentator with wit
gammon Federation. She thinks everybody
future issues! 
She likes the Swiss format of the Chicago
Bill Robertie’s 501 Essential Backgammon
and expertise, such as Carter Mattig at the
should join. Why wouldn’t they? On the sec-
Open because it provides lots of play. She’s
Problems, Tami Jones and Kit Woolsey’s
Nordic Open.
ond anniversary of her joining, she became
not a big fan of side events, although she’s
Understanding Backgammon, and Mary
done well in some, winning the 2012 Cali-
Hickey and Marty Storer’s What’s Your
PrimeTime Backgammon profiling women
a Bronze Founding Sponsor, wanting to do
She also plays on GridGammon and enters
more for the organization. She enjoys the
- KAREN DAVIS
Max
Crosner
87
2012 NEVADA STATE
Max proudly displays his trophy
from the Beginners Division at the
2012 Nevada State tournament.
Young Player
on the Tour
2012 LA OPEN
by Karen Davis
Stephen Collins and Max played each
other non-stop at 2012 LA Open.
LOVES TOURNAMENTS
Max Crosner, son of Todd Crosner
from Phoenix, is one of the youngest players on the backgammon
tour, and a delightful addition to
any tournament he attends.
thrill out of playing Ted Chee, director of
Michy spent time getting/giving tips across
gammon veteran. He has been playing
the San Francisco-area’s Backgammon By
the board with Max and Stephen.
in tournaments for four years, and has
the Bay Club, and Joe Roth, then-captain
entered 9 ABT events in Los Angeles or Las
of the UCLA collegiate backgammon team.
Max has had some success on the Tour.
Vegas since his December 2010 debut, the
And defeating major Open players such
He won the Beginner’s division at the 2012
California State Championships. There,
as Jeff Burdsall and Nick Maffeo has been
Nevada State Backgammon Championships,
memorably, he was paired with one of the
fun as well.
going 4-0 in round robin play with the other
participants; Erwin Hom, the second place
oldest players on the Tour, Norm Wiggins.
Backgammon is truly a game for the young
Since he’s often the only person under 20 at
winner, was at least double his age. He and
and young at heart!
a tournament, it’s exciting when he finds a
his dad, Todd Crosner, also finished second
fellow youth player. For example, he played
in the Doubles event at the 2011 LA Open.
Max thinks of tournaments as a chance to
non-stop against Stephen Collins at the June
see friends, play, and have fun. Asked for
2012 LA Open tournament. The LA Open
Max takes the game seriously. He’s read
highlights, he stated that Ray Fogerlund was
drew lots of Giants of Backgammon in 2012
Walter Trice’s Backgammon Boot Camp,
“especially fun to be around.” He also got a
— and top-rated Giants Falafel, Mochy, and
as well as Mike Corbett’s Backgammon
KAREN DAVIS
J
ust 12 years old, Max Crosner is a back-
NORM WIGGINS VS. MAX
Norm Wiggins, one of the
oldest players on the circuit but
young at heart, plays Max.
88
89
Max Crosner
Max Crosner
Problems, which he finds “creative.” He
his GridGammon matches in eXtreme
company, MathRise Learning Centers, and
all mental. Max plays tackle football, and
preferences of those opponents who prefer
learns by watching top players play, and
Gammon afterwards to study his errors.
Max is one of its star pupils. He mastered
is looking forward to participating in the
quiet. Max, in other words, is great to be
his dad gives him pointers in their every-
He’s entered USBGF online tournaments,
skip counting at the age of 7 (captured on
Pop Warner league soon. He loves getting
around. We hope that more backgammon
other-day game. He plays in the monthly
and won 3 out of 8 matches played.
a YouTube video), and was multiplying
together with his friends to play on Xbox
players will introduce their children and
and dividing numbers before kindergarten
or computer games.
grandchildren to the game, and we encour-
Arizona Backgammon Club tournaments.
But his main practice comes from playing
His life isn’t consumed by backgammon.
utilizing some of the MathRise techniques.
2-3 matches a day on the “Grid,” entering
His dad owns a mathematics teaching
He’s gotten straight A's in school, but it’s not
age them to bring them along to get a taste
A personable young man with an infectious
of the camaraderie of tournament play. 
smile and polite demeanor, Max has made
many new adult friends playing backgam-
TIPS FROM FALAFEL
- KAREN DAVIS
mon. He likes talking to his opponents
over the board, but always respects the
Giants Falafel (R), Mochy, and Michy
spent time with Max and Stephen at
the 2012 LA Open, encouraging them
to take up the game in earnest.
MAX VS. JOE ROTH
Max enjoyed playing Joe Roth,
captain of the winning UCLA 2011
USBGF Collegiate Championship, at the LA Open in 2012.
NEW BOARD
Max at age 9 proudly carried
his new board to his first
tournament, the 2010 California State Championship.
PROUD USBGF YOUTH MEMBER
Max is a USBGF Youth member, and enjoys learning by
reading backgammon books and articles.
90
his career as an animator for some time, has
91
John Rockwell and Tiran Dangor.
to the game.
But in L.A. he welcomed himself back big
In the finals of the winners’ bracket Ray
After losing to Ray, Dorn came through the
time with his 3rd place finish in the Open
played Dorn Bishop, the newest member
second chance with a win over 4th/5th-place
as well as a Super-32 Masters victory. Odis
of the USBGF Board of Directors. Con-
finisher Jonah Seewald. Jonah has had a
bested the great Texan Malcolm Davis in
gratulations, Dorn, for your backgammon
great year, not only finishing 2nd to Mochy
the final. Semi-finalists in that event were
accomplishments and your time donated
been missing from the tournament scene.
DORN VS. ODIS
Dorn Bishop (L), shown playing Odis
Chenault, was a finalist in the Open
Division of the LA Open, fighting back
through the Second Chance before
losing to Ray Fogerlund in the final.
SUPER 32 WINNER
Odis Chenault captured the
Super 32 Jackpot trophy.
Coolrey
Todd Crosner, the 2011 California State
The King of the West
By Steve Sax
and in the third the veteran LA expert
Gus Contos.
In the fourth round, Ray faced his only
to a wide view of the United States and you
Eastern foe, Virginia’s own Frank Raposa.
— Ray Fogerlund — has won three
will see that Ray won the U.S. Open (in Las
Due to his wins this year at the Ohio State
major tournaments all in the western
Vegas, Nevada). Then, less than two months
in March and the Chicago Open in May,
later, zoom all the way in to a city view of
Frank currently leads Ray in the ABT point
Los Angeles. On June 22nd, Ray captured
race by a slim 2.33 points, even after Ray’s
Using your Google Earth app, zoom in from
the Los Angeles Open there. This last one
latest win.
the Earth view to California — where, on
was no small achievement, as it required
December 8th, 2013, Ray won the State
him to defeat some of the other top players
In the fifth round, Ray defeated the Bay
Championship.
on the West coast (and one Eastern dude).
Area’s Odis Chenault — a three-time Gam-
United States.
mon Associates big tournament winner in
Fast forward to April 27th and zoom out
In the first round Ray vanquished Arizona’s
the 90’s alone. Odis, who has been pursuing
SAUL MEIR WINS
KAREN DAVIS
n the last seven months, “Coolrey”
PATRICK GIBSON
I
champion. In the 2nd round he beat me,
Saul Meir won the Open Consolation; director Patrick Gibson and
wife Carla, shown in background,
pulled off yet another great tournament with 110 entrants.
92
Coolrey: The King of the West
93
Coolrey: The King of the West
07
03
01
01 David Rennie won the Paul
Dingwell Amateur Jackpot.
02 Bob Glass, winner of the 2006 LA
Open and 1989 California tournament.
02
03 Harvey Gillis, winner of the 2011
LA Open.
04 Caitlin Cole, Carla Gibson,
and Tiffany Lantello ensured smooth
tournament operation.
05 Larry Liebster active on the
tournament scene.
04
05
06 Ted Chee (L) won the Blitz and
06
2-Point Quickies, shown with Rory
Pascar, director of the Chicago Open,
and Bob Wachtel, USBGF Editor.
07 David Cohen, winner of
Advanced Consolation.
08 Carter Mattig and his daughter
08
Lindsay won the Doubles event.
HAVING FUN IN LA
DEEP IN THOUGHT
Max Crosner, Michelle Steinberg,
and Justin Nunez having fun.
ADVANCED WINNER
Farid Khalili, shown with son Jonathan, won the Advanced Division.
Alain Azoulay plays Eliot Bean.
In addition to main-flight winners, those
with two losses could still capture prizes in
the consolation bracket. Saul Meir defeated
ANTRANIKIAN VS. DAVIS
Chicago’s Carter Mattig in the finals. Justin
Mark Antranikian plays Malcolm Davis.
Nunez and Cheryl Andersen had to settle
for semi-final berths.
In the quarterfinals on the other side of
Other action: David Rennie won a 2nd
the bracket, Odis Chenault defeated Mark
Paul Dingwell Memorial crown, beating
Antranikian, the 2012 Vegas jackpot winner,
Israel’s Adam Prager. Joe Nolan (Tennessee)
before losing to Dorn in the semifinals.
and California player Sean Taghani were
stopped in the semi-finals.
This meant that Ray and Dorn would face
off for one more match to determine the
Along with the 58 entries in the Los Angeles
Open champion. And (no surprise, given
Open, the Advanced division fielded 41
the theme of this article) Ray prevailed —
players. When the dust had settled, Farid
capturing his third major title in the West
Khalili emerged victorious from his final
in little more than half a year.
tussle with John Isaac. Georgia’s David
MAMLET VS. GILLIS
Alfred Mamlet plays Harvey Gillis.
Will Ray continue his West-side domina-
was the losing finalist. Bill Darrow and Glen
in the 2014 Texas State Championship, but
tion? Only the coming months will tell. All
deGuzman were semifinalists.
also winning the USBGF West National
eyes will be on the Vietor Cup (September),
Championship at that tournament.
the Las Vegas Open (November), and the
California State (December).
Eleven players entered the Limited DiviContinued on page 96
GUS CONTOS
KAREN DAVIS
Cohen won the consolation. Patrick Keene
LESSON WITH STEVE SAX
Steve Sax gave a well-received lesson
to a dozen beginner players.
October 10 - 12, 2014
The Grand Hotel
4400 N. Brandywine Drive
Peoria, Illinois
(309) 686-8000
•
•
•
•
•
•
AMENDA VS. ROCKWELL
Doug Amenda plays John Rockwell.
In generations to come, the blitz and mini-
sion. They were treated to a free lecture
match events will just be referred to as “The
from Giant #9 Steve Sax before competi-
Chee” as Ted once again excelled in short
Kudos to Patrick and his staff: Carla Gibson,
tion began. Since all eleven of the players
matches with wins in both events. His
Cecilia Pedroza, Caitlin Cole, and Tiffany
attended the lecture I could safely guarantee
mini-match victory was over John Isaac,
Lantello. They had their hands full keeping
my advice would produce a winner. And
and his blitz victory over David Taniguchi.
the draw sheets updated and the bowls full
Prairie Classic
Land of Lincoln Masters
Lincoln-Douglas Doubles
Zombie Zeroes “Lost Chance” Free Roll
Special Giants of Backgammon Reserved Seating
Frighteningly Fun Lecture by F. Raykenstein
www.peoriabg.com
of candy and pretzels stocked.
Stephen Furry was 2nd. Larry Andersen
The Seniors’ event (32) had two separate
won the consolation flight.
brackets. In an all-Arizona final Doug
Finally, thanks to auctioneer Phil Simborg,
Amenda defeated Giora Ben-Horin. I
who also gave a lecture on Sunday morn-
In side events, Carter Mattig was all smiles
find this ironic because I didn’t think there
ing on the secrets of the backgammon
as he got to share a doubles victory with
were any retired people in Arizona…well
Giants. Having been eliminated from all
his daughter Lindsay. David Rennie and
live and learn. The satellite Seniors’ event,
events, I chose to sleep in, but I wish I had
Cheryl Andersen were second in the eight-
with 16 competitors, saw Colorado’s Lynn
attended because now I’ll never know how
team field.
Lusk defeat Marv Porten.
I got here. 
The micro-doubles (4 teams) was won by
Sam Ahmed won the eight-player jackpot
- STEVE SAX
Alain Azouley and Fara Yousefi.
and Sean Taghani won the L.A. Open board
GUS CONTOS
somehow it did. That was Cem Yorulmaz.
event over three other competitors.
Featuring
For more information contact
Linda Rockwell
847-845-3579 or
Ldrockwell@comcast.net
Local club Profile:
washington, d.c.
The Powerful Beltway
Backgammon Club
By Karen Davis, Managing Editor
W
99
major force sustaining backgammon activity
(with any fifth Sunday devoted to chouettes)
Since then it has moved again a couple of
in the D.C. area over the last 30 years. It was
in Bethesda, MD, at the Pooks Hill apart-
times, until settling at its current address
founded in 1984 by Barry Steinberg, who
ment complex, where Barry’s father lived. A
in a friendly Middle Eastern restaurant,
was succeeded by David Montgomery when
pay telephone in the game room provided
Neighbor’s, in Vienna, VA. But that is all
Barry moved to Florida. David remained in
the club’s official number. Despite the primi-
good: recently some restaurant patrons and
charge until spring 2000, when he himself
tive communications technology, it hosted
staff have checked out the scene and joined
left for California, passing the torch to Barry
major Saturday tournaments about four
in tournaments or casual play.
Silliman, the current director. Barry was a
times a year, drawing players such as Dennis
relative newcomer, but David knew he had
Culpepper and Greg Lilley from Richmond,
The breadth and depth of the D.C. met-
the people skills for the job. Bill Pow helped
VA, and — from Pittsburgh — the Zaltash
ropolitan backgammon community is a
keep the club running smoothly for a few
brothers and Steve Hast. But after almost
reflection of the vitality of its local clubs.
months in the transition phase.
10 years without an apartment-resident
Attendance at the Beltway Backgammon
host, someone noticed that the game room
Club semi-monthly tournaments has
ashington, D.C. is home
Grant Schneider, Barry Silliman), which
to many powerful political
garnered second place in the inaugural
leaders and many powerful
event in 2011; (2) the Beltway Bandits (Bob
Like its leadership, the club’s quarters have
was occupied by squatters! This revelation
climbed in recent years, regularly hitting
backgammon players. The D.C. Metropoli-
Koca, Alfred Mamlet, and Frank Raposa);
changed a few times. It originally met on the
led the club to find new digs in fall 2007
20 players. Over the last 14 years that Sil-
tan area has spawned more than its share
(3) the Parkway Patriots (Bill Finneran, Gary
second and fourth Sundays of the month
at O’Malley’s Pub in suburban Virginia.
of Giants — including the 1980s quartet of
Fries, Ed O’Laughlin, and LEW Webber);
Kent Goulding, Ed O’Laughlin, Paul Weaver,
(4) FrankLee Unflappable (Frank Raposa,
and Kit Woolsey. Today D.C. players such
Jason Lee, and Bob Koca); and (5) the
as Bob Koca, Alfred Mamlet, Ed O, Frank
Capital Classics (Dennis Culpepper, Karen
Raposa, and Barry Silliman routinely col-
Davis, and Ed O’Laughlin). In 2012, D.C.
lect ABT trophies in the Open division.
teams claimed first and second place in
The Beltway Backgammon Club — the
the Championship, with They Might Not
local club home of a cadre of strong play-
be Giants edging out the Beltway Bandits .
ers — qualified as a USBGF Prime Club in
And D.C. winning ways continued in 2013
2012, one of the first four clubs to achieve
with FrankLee Unflappable taking first place,
that recognition based on its number of
with They Might Not be Giants making it
USBGF members.
to the semi-finals and the Capital Classics
team also giving it a go.
D.C. has such a deep bench that 16 different
players (including Ed O'Laughlin, Frank
The Beltway Backgammon Club has been a
Raposa, Bob Koca, Karen Davis, and others)
have won the last 16 tournaments -- Player
dominated the USBGF Club Team Championship since it started three years ago,
fielding five strong teams since it started:
(1) They Might Not be Giants (John Klein,
O'LAUGHLIN DANCERS
Ed O’Laughlin focuses on his
backgammon lessons while Middle
Eastern folk dancers attract others at
the Smithsonian Nowruz celebration.
KAREN DAVIS
year! In addition, the Beltway Club has
SONGQUAN DENG
of the Year will be very competitive this
100
101
The Powerful Beltway Backgammon Club
LESSONS FROM A GIANT
BARRY ON THE BAR
MIGHT NOT BE GIANTS
Students line up for lessons from
Giants like Ed O’Laughlin and
other Beltway Club players at
the annual Nowruz celebration.
Barry Silliman, director of the Beltway
Backgammon Club, is known for
being personable, fair, and firm.
They Might Not Be Giants team of
Grant Schneider, Barry Silliman, and
John Klein won the 2012 USBGF
National Club Team Championship.
day job in the IT industry, he finds time to
liman has kept statistics, over 300 players
do the programming on the USBGF tourna-
have played in Beltway tournaments and
ment database, which includes over 1900
over 150 remain active.
players competing in over 100 tournaments
from 2009 to present. He also serves as the
FRANKLEE UNFLAPPABLE
The FrankLee Unflappable team
of Frank Raposa, Jason Lee, and
Bob Koca won the 2013 USBGF
Club Team Championship.
Barry Silliman enters club tournament
USBGF Rankings Editor, compiling the
results in the backgames.org system, and
leaderboard based on ABT and USBGF
awards points according to the original
live tournament events. That leaderboard
ABT formula, with each player earning in
is published in PrimeTime Backgammon
proportion to his or her share of the prize
and posted on the usbgf.org website. He has
pool multiplied by the number of entrants.
also done the programming on the USBGF
Barry offers a 100% payout, selflessly and
database and helped Ken Larsen develop
sometimes thanklessly promoting the game.
the Larsen-Silliman ranking system, based
Frank Raposa was Player of the Year in
on points per event entered.
KAREN DAVIS
2013 and 2012; Bob Koca in 2011; Barry
HOLIDAY PARTY
Giant of Backgammon Ed O’Laughlin
and Jason Lee wear matching red
and green outfits to the 2013 Beltway
Backgammon Holiday Party.
Silliman five times between 2002 and 2010;
He’d like to see the USBGF develop a system
Joe Freedman in 2009; Ed O’Laughlin in
of integrating local club tournament points
Arlington — which also typically draw 15-20
2008; Ed Maslansky four times between
with its live tournament rating system,
players. Ken Indart has recently started
1993 and 2006; David Montgomery twice
thereby recognizing players with higher
holding tournaments in Silver Spring, MD
in the late 1990s; Mel Leifer three times in
combined point totals. He feels it would
on Tuesdays, alternating weeks with the
the mid-1990s; and Ali Rebatchi, Harry
help induce players to participate in more
Beltway Club. The Board Room recently
Zilli, Paul Weaver, and Barry Steinberg in
local events, as well as to join the USBGF
opened near Dupont Circle in D.C. with
the early 1990s. Nearly all of the champions
and enter ABT events.
nightly play. All the clubs are listed on the
still in the area continue to play.
USBGF Affiliated Clubs list. They support
There’s action aplenty in the area nowadays.
one another and promote each other’s
Silliman combines directing with his love of
Frank Raposa organizes weekly tourna-
events.
programming. In addition to his full-time
ments on Mondays at the Green Turtle in
102
103
BIRTHDAY PARTY
flap. Lili Iravani brings cake to celebrate
Birthdays are celebrated at the Beltway Backgammon
Club, including a Middle Eastern feast for Ed O’Laughlin’s
75th birthday and a birthday cake for Majid Jahanbani.
birthdays and brownies to celebrate her
wins, like that of the Novice event at the
1st Capital Classic.
But the competitive juices still flow and
regional rivalry is alive and well. In October the Beltway Backgammon Club will
host a Virginia vs. Maryland-D.C. Team
Challenge — a round-robin event with a
traveling trophy going to the winning team.
ALFRED MAMLET & BILL RILES
Alfred Mamlet (L), a member of the USBGF Board of Directors, routinely brings
home ABT trophies like this Longhorn Classic Masters Jackpot trophy from
the 2014 Texas Backgammon Championships presented by Bill Riles.
DOUBLES WINNERS
Chen-Fu Yu (L) and Frank Raposa
(R) teamed up to win the Doubles
event at the inaugural Capital Classic
Championships in November 2013.
If you’re visiting D.C., be sure and check
out the scene at one of the local venues. 
- KAREN DAVIS
D.C. Area Backgammon Clubs
NORTHERN VIRGINIA BACKGAMMON CLUB
Ed O’Laughlin has been a mainstay, help-
annual Nowruz (Middle Eastern New Year’s)
player requests it (the “clocks preferred”
Director: Frank Raposa
Location: Arlington, Virginia
ing clubs find venues, and most recently
celebration at the Smithsonian’s Freer Gal-
rule). Friction among players is almost
Phone: N/A
E-Mail: frankpraposa@yahoo.com
partnering with Barry Silliman to offer
lery. Organized by Bill Finneran and Majid
non-existent — though the same cannot
Details: Play takes place every Monday at the Green Turtle at 900 North Glebe Road. Venue phone number is (703) 741-0901.
ABT events near Dulles airport in Hern-
Jahanbani, 8 to10 Beltway Backgammon
be said for the nation’s power brokers.
Tournament registration opens at 6:45 PM with the random draw starting at 7:00 PM sharp.
don, VA — starting with the 1st Beltway
Club volunteers help USBGF Chairman
Backgammon Championships in February
Karen Davis staff the event, playing and
Perhaps it helps that the club has attracted
BELTWAY BACKGAMMON CLUB
2013, the Capital Classic Backgammon
teaching backgammon to kids from 5 to
a number of women. Karen Davis and Rose
Director: Barry Silliman
Location: Vienna, Virginia
Championships in November 2013, and
85. The Nowruz event at the Freer draws
Marie Holsing hosted a Beltway Backgam-
Phone: (240) 674-7222
E-Mail: sillybaz@beltwaybg.org
looking forward to the 2nd Capital Classic
almost 10,000 people a year, many of whom
mon holiday party in mid-December with
Details: Tournaments held every 2nd and 4th Sunday. Registration runs from noon to 12:15 PM with the tournament beginning
Championships, to be held from September
stop by the backgammon tables at the
a doubles event, white elephant gifts, free
at 12:30 PM. The venue is Neighbor's Restaurant at 262-D Cedar Lane.
19-21 at the Marriott Suites Washington
Independence Avenue entrance on their
Middle Eastern buffet at Neighbor's, and
Dulles in Herndon. This year the event
way to enjoy the festivities.
special treats by Marcy Kossar. Area women
D.C. METRO BACKGAMMON CLUB
players are hosting a bridal shower for Eva
Director: Ken Indart
Location: Silver Spring, Maryland
E-Mail: kindart@bluestarjets.com
will use the Larsen-Silliman player rating
Website: N/A
Website: beltwaybg.org
system as one criteria to solve the often
Silliman says he “doesn’t do anything spe-
Mitter, who will marry Bob Koca in July
Phone: (504) 366-7498
contentious issue of determining player
cial” to attract new members, but he is the
(he plans to say “I take” when asked if he
Details: Held on Tuesdays after the 1st and 3rd Sunday to not conflict with the Beltway BG Club. Registration opens at 6:30 PM and
division.
perfect tournament director — personable,
takes this woman to be his lawful wedded
the tournament starts at 7:00 PM. Venue is Ruby Tuesday at 11160 Viers Mill Road in the Wheaton Mall (301) 962-4270.
firm, and fair. The club follows the “legal
wife). Eva is the only person known to
moves” rule, and clocks are used when a
make the Unflappable Bob Koca (aka UBK)
D.C. players happily participate in the
Website: D.C. Metro BG Club
104
live abt tournament results
From May 22 - June 22
Complete tournament results may be found at chicagopoint.com
105
TAKI-BOARD TOURNAMENT (16): 1-Malcolm Robertson (Hong Kong), 2-Phil Simborg (IL).
869 BOARD TOURNAMENT #1 (4): 1-Jim Pappas (NV).
869 BOARD TOURNAMENT #2 (4): 1-Kazuhiko Yotsushika (Japan).
THE BLITZ (32): 1-Ronald Loero (Venezuela), 2-Howard Markowitz (NV).
May 2014
$200 JACKPOT #2 (8): 1/2-Stuart Dunkin (FL) / Michihito Kageyama (Japan).
ABT - 34th CHICAGO OPEN & 2ND WORLD BACKGAMMON
TOURNAMENT OF CHAMPIONS
May 22-26, 2014; Rosemont, Illinois
MOCHY'S 4th PROFICIENCY TEST (28): 1-Matvey "Falafel" Natanzon (Israel), 2-David Presser (IL), 3-John
O'Hagan (IN).
$100 JACKPOT #2 (8): 1-Tak Morioka (IL), 2-Bill Davis (IL).
AFTER TOURNEY TOURNEY (32): 1-Fred Chamanara (IL), 2-Howard Markowitz (NV).
2nd WORLD BACKGAMMON TOURNAMENT OF CHAMPIONS (22): 1-Saba Bejanishvili (GA), 2-Gerry Tansey (MO), 3/4-Victor Ashkenazi (NJ) / Mary Hickey (OH).
OPEN (63): 1-Frank Raposa (VA), 2/8-Steve Blanchard (IL) / Jack Edelson (WI) / Ben Friesen (MI) / Petko
Kostadinov (SC) / Roberto Litzenberger (VA) / Ed O'Laughlin (VA) / Malcolm Robertson (Hong Kong).
INTERMEDIATE (37): 1-Christopher Shanava (IL), 2-David Hanold (IL), 3/4-Leslie Lockett (NM) / Simon
Woodhead (Australia), 5-Chris Scott (IL); 1C-Oleg Raygorodsky (IL), 2C-Don Marek (IL); 1LC-Serge Bondar
(IL).
NOVICE (5): 1-Kathy Quentan (TX), 2-Jami Tipton (AZ); 1C-Antoinette Marter (IL).
FASTER MASTERS (16): 1-Kazuhiko Yotsushika (Japan), 2-Fred Chamanara (IL).
June 2014
ABT - LOS ANGELES BACKGAMMON OPEN
June 20-22, 2014; Los Angeles, California
OPEN (58): 1-Ray Fogerlund (NV), 2-Dorn Bishop (CA), 3-Odis Chenault (CA), 4/5-Mark Antranikian (CA)
/ Jonah Seewald (CO); 1C-Saul Meir (CA), 2C-Carter Mattig (IL), 3C/4C-Cheryl Andersen (CA) / Justin
Nunez (CA).
ADVANCED (41): 1-Farid Khalili (CA), 2-John Isaac (CA); 1C-David Cohen (GA), 2C-Patrick Keene (CA),
3C/4C-Bill Darrow (CA) / Glen DeGuzman (MN).
MARKOWITZ MASTERS (24): 1-Tom Zarrinnam (CA), 2-Kenji Shimodaira (Japan), 3-David Todd (MO).
LIMITED (11): 1-Cem Yorulmaz (CA), 2-Stephen Furry (CA); 1C-Larry Andersen (CA).
LIMITED JACKPOT (24): 1-Boris Dekhtyar (NY), 2-Ronald Loero (Venezuela), 3-Frank Dama (FL).
SUPER 32 (30): 1-Odis Chenault (CA), 2-Malcolm Davis (TX), 3/4-Tiran Dangor (CA) / John Rockwell (CA).
DOUBLES (24 teams): 1-David & Linda Rockwell (IL), 2-Al Moskos (FL) & Takis Sakkalis (Greece), 3-Rachel
Bishop (WI) & Carter Mattig (IL).
PAUL DINGWELL AMATEUR JACKPOT (32): 1-David Rennie (CA), 2-Adam Prager (Israel), 3/4-Joe Nolan
(TN) / Sean Taghani (CA).
UNLUCKY DICE LAST CHANCE (11): 1-Karen Davis (DC).
BLITZ (64): 1-Ted Chee (CA), 2-David Taniguchi (CA).
SENIORS (48): 1-Kazuko Numazawa (Japan), 2-Lucky Nelson (IL), 3-Chris Knapp (Canada).
106
u sbgf online circuit winners
Live ABT Tournament Results
SENIORS #1 (32): 1-Doug Amenda (AZ), 2-Giora Ben-Horin (AZ).
SENIORS #2 (16): 1-Lynn Lusk (CO), 2-Marv Porten (CA).
Updated: 07/05/2014
B
y Tara Mendicino
Recent Online Circuit Tournament Winners
2-POINT QUICKIES (32): 1-Ted Chee (CA), 2-John Isaac (CA).
L.A. OPEN LOGO BOARD EVENT (4): 1-Sean Taghani (CA).
DOUBLES #1 (8 teams): 1-Carter Mattig (IL) & Lindsay Mattig (CA), 2-Cheryl Andersen (CA) & David Rennie (CA).
DOUBLES #2 (4 teams): 1-Alain Azoulay (CA) & Fara Yousefi (CA).
$50 JACKPOT (8): 1-Sam Ahmed (CA).
Start Date
Status
Tournament
Winner
Jun 06, 2014
May 29, 2014
May 22, 2014
May 22, 2014
May 06, 2014
Mar 17, 2014
Mar 03, 2014
Feb 04, 2014
Jan 01, 2014
Dec 01, 2013
Nov 01, 2013
Oct 29, 2013
Completed
Completed
Completed
Completed
Completed
Completed
Completed
Completed
Completed
Completed
Completed
Completed
Membership Blitz #2
Membership Blitz #1
NIC Intermediate Division
NIC Advanced Division
NIC Championship Division
2012-2013 Tournament of Champions
Circuit Monthly for March
Circuit Monthly for February
Circuit Monthly for January
Circuit Monthly for December
Circuit Monthly for November
3rd Club Team Championship Playoff
Alan Pruce
Julius High
Michelle Steinberg
Tom Christner
Jacob Atie
Benjamin Friesen
David Presser
David Presser
Eva Zizkova
Ted Chee
Maya Peycheva
Franklee Unflappable
Sep 30, 2013
Sep 27, 2013
Sep 04, 2013
Aug 31, 2013
Aug 21, 2013
Aug 14, 2013
Aug 02, 2013
Aug 01, 2013
Jul 24, 2013
Jul 01, 2013
Jun 24, 2013
Completed
Completed
Completed
Completed
Completed
Completed
Completed
Completed
Completed
Completed
Completed
Circuit Monthly for October
Club Team Championship Qualifier 6
Circuit Monthly for September
Circuit Monthly for August
Circuit Monthly for July
Online Team Championship Playoff
Harvey Gillis
Jersey Boys
Bruce Newberg
They Might Not Be Giants
Crash and Burn
Ready For Prime Time
Franklee Unflappable
Gerard Jendras
JustBg
Alfred Mamlet
Scared Hitless
2014 USBGF Online Circuit
Tournament of Champions
BOARDS FOR SALE
LA OPEN LIMITED DIVISION
Alan Martin and his wife Cookie had a steady stream of
customers at their table selling backgammon boards.
Larry Andersen won the Los Angeles
Open Limited Division Consolation.
107
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 midFebruary 2015. Don't miss it!
108
u sbgf live leaderboard
Open / Championship
Top-Ranked Players
In USBGF-Rated Events
#
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
Name
Sasha Bennett
Masayuki Mochizuki
Frank Raposa
Fernando Neumark
Stuart Thomson
Jonah Seewald
Dorn Bishop
Rachel Rhodes
Victor Ashkenazi
Bill Phipps
Novice / Beginners
Top-Ranked Players In
American Backgammon Tour Events
Rating
#
1729.02
1714.16
1704.94
1702.76
1697.69
1696.36
1682.53
1669.69
1665.25
1664.91
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
Name
Frank Raposa
Ray Fogerlund
Masayuki Mochizuki
Dorn Bishop
Malcolm Robertson
Matt Reklaitis
Rory Pascar
Antoinette-Marie Williams
Jonah Seewald
Julius High
Top-Ranked Players
In USBGF Rated Events
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
Name
Chen-Fu Yu
Artie Sutton
Bob Howayeck
David Rennie
John Manning
Michael Edge
Mick Zakrajsek
Gus Contos
Josh Racko
John Rockwell
#
1766.09
1710.30
1693.83
1692.76
1684.75
1680.55
1673.90
1671.21
1668.43
1661.81
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
#
Name
Rating
#
37.33
35.00
24.04
17.50
15.78
15.11
14.40
14.08
13.50
12.00
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
Joan Grunwald
Rochelle Hasson
Max Gruby
Dominic Johnson
Timothy Turner
Mike Clapsadle
Josh Avery
Victor De Oliveira
Lili Iravani
Kathy Quentan
1676.89
1641.87
1633.14
1631.63
1630.00
1619.97
1619.46
1617.80
1613.15
1610.81
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
Name
Sharon Torres
Josh Avery
Kathy Quentan
Cem Yorulmaz
Chuck Young
Robert Domaine
Paul Turdik
Randy Vacek
Larry Andersen
Stephen Furry
Qualifications for inclusion in USBGF-Rated Events
Rating
Top-Ranked Players
In USBGF-Rated Events
Points
Intermediate / Advanced
#
u sbgf live leaderboard
Updated: 07/06/2014
B
y Barry Silliman - Rankings Editor
Name
Christopher Shanava
Tim Lawless
Mick Zakrajsek
Farid Khalili
Alex Owen
Samuel Wang
Ghazi Al-Kinani
Lucky Nelson
Rob Ring
Abby Biss
Points
9.92
8.50
8.32
8.20
8.00
7.70
6.67
4.25
4.25
4.21
109
The numbers following the player names show their Elo ratings, cumulative since 2009. Open and Advanced
player listings are restricted to USBGF members. To be listed, a player must have played in the listed division
of a live USBGF-rated tournament in the past thirteen months.
Qualifications for inclusion in American Backgammon Tour Events
ABT Points are awarded only in the main events of ABT tournaments; no points are awarded in any side events.
The numbers following the player names show the total ABT Points earned in 2014 competing in the specified
division.
Points
2.70
2.33
1.80
1.38
1.35
1.35
1.25
1.17
0.69
0.69
110
u sbgf online leaderboard
Updated: 07/05/2014
B
y Tara Mendicino
Online Circuit Top 10
#
Name
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Adam Versaw
Jim Stutz
Petko Kostadinov
Dorn Bishop
Chris Yep
Bill Phipps
7.
8.
9.
10.
Neil Kazaross
Arthur Sutton
Jeffrey Acierno
Tilman Söhnchen
GG ID
Rating
Win - Loss
adamV
NaturalDog
bulgari
dorn
cyep
bjp
1944.47
1943.92
1942.31
1926.19
1921.61
1919.49
15 - 5
15 - 3
14 - 3
9-3
7-2
5-0
neilkaz
im4tunet
Execshark
yearbook2000
1908.92
1908.35
1906.10
1905.58
7-2
5-1
20 - 9
25 - 11
Win %
Trnys Won
High Rating
75%
83%
82%
75%
78%
100%
3
1
1
2
1
1
1965.32
1958.73
1953.24
1939.38
1932.88
1919.49
78%
83%
69%
69%
0
1
2
3
1927.99
1912.69
1928.72
1938.85
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 September
Start Date: September 1, 2014
Registration Link: usbgf.org/trny/registration/?trny=155
Masters and Advanced Divisional Tournaments
Masters Divisional III Registration Link: usbgf.org/trny/registration/?trny=156
Advanced Divisional II Registration Link: usbgf.org/trny/registration/?trny=157
The Madison Backgammon Club
Presents the 12th Annual
Wisconsin State Backgammon
Championships
August 1 - 3, 2014
Radisson Hotel Madison
517 Grand Canyon Drive
Madison, Wisconsin
(608) 833-0100
Featuring
• 90% Return in all divisions
• Single elimination, progressive consolation, fresh draw last chance
• Handcrafted Customized Backgammon boards as optional prizes to
whoever progresses the furthest in both Open & Advanced divisions!
• Speedgammon side event
• Blitzes, Quickies, Jackpots
• All at the friendliest tournament on the ABT
• Recently refurbished hotel, same great rates as last year!
• Ray Fogerlund lecture: When the Bots get it wrong!
For more information go to
www.madisonbg.com
or contact
Keene Marin 608-467-0013
keene@ksmweb.com
112
upcoming tournaments
Upcoming ABT Tournaments and
USBGF Sponsored Live & Online Events
Be sure to mark your calendar and attend these exciting ABT tournaments
& USBGF events. For complete tournament listings, see chicagopoint.com.
JUL
ABT: 19th MINNESOTA OPEN
Dates: July 18 - 20, 2014
Place: Comfort Inn, Bloomington, MN
Details: Website
Phone: 612/718-2613
ABT: WISCONSIN CHAMPIONSHIPS
AUG
AUG
Dates: August 28 - Sept 1, 2014
Place: Charlotte, NC
Details: Website
Phone: 704/651-2949
ABT: SEATTLE CLASSIC
SEP
Dates: September 5 - 7, 2014
Place: World Sports Grille, Seattle, WA
Details: Website
Phone: 253/230-6561
ABT: 2nd CAPITAL CLASSIC
SEP
Dates: September 19 - 21, 2014
Place: Dulles Marriott, Herndon, VA
Details: Website
Phone: 540/222-6431
Dates: August 1 - 3, 2014
Place: Radission, Madison, WI
Details: Website
Phone: 608/467-0013
39th WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP
& 4th MONTE CARLO OPEN
ABT: CAROLINA INVITATIONAL
AUG
Dates: August 3 - 10, 2014
Place: Fairmont Monte Carlo, Monaco
Details: Website
Phone: 212/222-7177
ABT: 2014 ILLINOIS STATE
Dates: October 10 - 12, 2014
Place: Grand Hotel, Peoria, IL
Details: Brochure
Phone: 847/845-3579
OCT
113
114
Upcoming Tournaments
ABT: 2014 FLORIDA STATE
OCT
Dates: October 23 - 26, 2014
Place: Rodeway Inn, Ft. Lauderdale, FL
Details: Email
Phone: 941/355-6354
ABT: 2nd CONNECTICUT STATE
OCT
Dates: Oct 31 - Nov 2, 2014
Place: Sheraton Airport, Hartford, CT
Details: Website
Phone: 203/521-7866
ABT: LAS VEGAS OPEN
NOV
Dates: November 19 - 23, 2014
Place: Flamingo Hotel, Las Vegas, NV
Details: Email
Phone: 702/218-8238
ABT: CALIFORNIA STATE
CHAMPIONSHIP
Dates: December 5 - 7, 2014
Place: Hilton LAX, Los Angeles, CA
Details: Email
Phone: 818/901-0464
DEC
2nd Capital Classic
Backgammon Championships
September 19-21, 2014
Marriott Suites Washington Dulles
13101 Worldgate Drive
Herndon, VA 20170
•
•
•
•
•
•
Double Elimination with Progressive Consolation Format
$500 Free Roll
USBGF Blitzes
Clocks required – Jackpot, Open, & Doubles
All events are Legal Moves
Complimentary airport shuttle
Contact Ed O'Laughlin at edolaug@aol.com
Tournament Brochure available at beltwaybg.org/capitalclassic
BECOME A
MEMBER
JOIN US
USBGF.ORG
We encourage you to be part of our community and help
us promote the game we love to all players worldwide.
Want to learn more? Read our brochure.

AUG - USBGF - US Backgammon Federation

Transcription

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