saba istavder - USBGF - US Backgammon Federation

Transcription

PRIMETIME
BACKGAMMON
OFFICIAL MAGAZINE OF THE USBGF
MAY - JUNE 2015
saba
Bejanishvili
istavder
7th anniversary
Sabri Büyüksoy captures
the highlights of one of the
world's largest tournaments
U.s. Backgammon federation
Analysis of his stellar match
versus Mochy in the PR
Final of the 2014 Dual-Duel
Maintaining
Control
The importance of keeping
your composure over the board
visit us at usbgf.org
PRIME
TOURNAMENT
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4
USBGF PrimeTime Backgammon Magazine
winner Cuneyt Argun Genc (Turkey);
Intermediate Division winner Deborah
Ferolito (FL); and 2014 Circuit Monthly for
December winner John Gamalielson (WA).
Winners of all 2014 online tournaments
are competing in the USBGF Tournament
of Champions.
In an age when cyberbullying is a growing
MaY June Issue
PrimeTime Backgammon
By Karen Davis, Managing Editor
S
“
source of concern, USBGF President Bill
growing source of
Check out the live and online tournament
concern, USBGF
rankings and master points, Prime Clubs,
In an age when
cyberbullying is a
aba Bejanishvili, the recent Atlanta
In our feature article, Marty Storer analyzes
Spring Classic champion, graces the
an exciting match between Saba and Mochy
President Bill Riles
cover of the May-June 2015 issue of
in the finals of the Dual-Duel event in 2014.
PrimeTime Backgammon. Saba grew up in
Saba won on match score but Mochy’s PR
shares his thoughts
the Republic of Georgia where nearly every
carried the day.
household has a backgammon board or two.
Riles shares his thoughts on the importance of treating players with respect and
consideration, whether in person or in
social media.
upcoming events, and Get in the Game! 
“Get Into the Game – Become a Member”
on the importance
of treating players
He learned to play from his grandfather
There’s a lot of interesting tournament news.
when he was about 6, but it wasn’t until he
Sabri Büyüksoy depicts the ISTAVDER
came to the U.S. to study neurology at the
tournament in Istanbul in February, which
consideration, whether
Emory University School of Medicine in
had 346 attendees from 16 countries, in a
Atlanta, Georgia, in 2000, that he became
wonderful photo montage. Our reporters
in person or in social
familiar with the doubling cube. He got
cover the tournament beat. Ray Fogerlund
seriously interested in backgammon in
reprises the D.C. Capital Classic Champi-
February 2013 when he purchased eXtreme
onships; and Bob Wachtel shares news of
Gammon software out of curiosity. Within
the oldest running tournament in the U.S.,
one year he played in the 2014 Texas Back-
the Vietor Cup.
with respect and
media.
gammon Championships Dual-Duel event,
defeating top players Matt Cohn-Geier
Online backgammon on the USBGF Circuit
and Petko Kostadinov on Performance
is a wonderful way to meet and test your
Rating. His polite demeanor, discipline,
skills against top players from around the
and sportsmanship make him a role model
world. In this issue, I profile three of our
for many aspiring backgammon players.
recent online winners: Masters Divisional
KAREN DAVIS
Karen Davis is Chairman of the USBGF
Board of Directors and Managing
Editor of PrimeTime Backgammon.
Featuring over 30
expertly analyzed
positions by renowned
players of the game.
5
In This Issue
7
May June 2015
FEATURED
18 MOCHY AND SABA:
STEPPING UP TO THE BOARD
Marty Storer analyzes the 2014 Dual-Duel PR Final
12
match of Mochy versus Saba.
BY MARTY STORER
44 ISTAVDER 7TH ANNIVERSARY
TOURNAMENT
BACKGAMMON AND BEHAVIOR
Professionalism in backgammon is more than skill,
but encompasses conduct and sportsmanship, as
noted in this essay by USBGF President Bill Riles.
18
Sabri captures the photo highlights of ISTAVDER,
one of Europe's largest backgammon tournaments.
MOCHY VS. SABA
Saba Bejanishvili wins the 2015 Atlanta
Spring Classic against a tough field.
BY SABRI BÜYÜKSOY
PLAYER PROFILES
58 JOHN GAMALIELSON
3RD CAPITAL CLASSIC
88
70
SPEEDGAMMON AT ISTAVDER
International backgammon rock stars
Mochy and Lemi attract a crowd.
Questions or comments about PrimeTime
Contact us via e-mail at info@usbgf.org.
Circuit Monthly for December, recalls the early days
of backgammon in Seattle.
BY KAREN DAVIS
44
Cüneyt Argun Genç, winner of the Masters
Divisional V and XI, provides an international
perspective on the USBGF online tournaments.
BY KAREN DAVIS
FROM TOP: TRAN FRAM; UNKNOWN
Nothing like backgammon on the
beach in the California sunshine.
Backgammon? We want to hear from you!
Ray Fogerlund deploys a secret weapon to defeat
Bill Finneran in the final of 3rd Capital Classic.
Veteran John Gamalielson, winner of the 2014
64 CÜNEYT ARGUN GENÇ
VIETOR CUP
FROM LEFT: UNKNOWN; ROBERT AMADOR; BILL RILES
6
66 DEBORAH FEROLITO
Backgammon beginner Deborah Ferolito, winner
of the online Intermediate Divisional II, is already
hooked on the game and its beautiful boards.
BY KAREN DAVIS
8
In This Issue
In This Issue
May June 2015
VIDEO LESSON
56 EARLY GAME STRATEGY
ON THE COVER
Julius High discusses game plan strategy and
early game moves depending on match score.
Saba Bejanishvili has demonstrated his
mastery of the game as well as the enjoyment,
as captured in this photo by Bill Riles.
TOURNAMENT NEWS
70 THE 3RD CAPITAL CLASSIC
BACKGAMMON HEAVEN
Intrigue in the nation's capital is the theme of Ray
Ray is in backgammon heaven, surrounded
by the Queen of Backgammon, Carol Joy
Cole, and newcomer Leyla Zaloutskaya.
Fogerlund's coverage of the 3rd Capital Classic.
BY RAY FOGERLUND
88 THE 2014 VIETOR CUP
The oldest tournament in the U.S. is hosted
annually by Jon Vietor. Previous winners include
Barclay Cooke, an inaugural inductee into the
American Backgammon Hall of Fame.
BY BOB WACHTEL
94 QUALIFYING PRIME CLUBS
USBGF Prime Clubs reflect growing local
club interest and participation.
USBGF NEWS
USBGF LIVE & ONLINE STATS
12 BEAUTY AND THE BEAST
102 MASTER POINT LEADERS
TOURNAMENT RESULTS
USBGF President and Executive Director presents a
Carter Mattig has surged into the lead in the 2015
98 LIVE TOURNAMENT RESULTS
study on backgammon and behavior.
Live Master Points race, while Eva Žižková from the
BY BILL RILES
Czech Republic leads in 2015 Online Master Points.
held in Chicago, Ohio, and Las Vegas.
107 ONLINE CIRCUIT WINNERS
View recent winners of USBGF Online Circuit
16 FOUNDING SPONSORS
103 2014 ONLINE TOURNAMENT
OF CHAMPIONS
We thank our new corportate Prime
Benefactor, Geoffrey Parker Games, and
ten new Sponsors for their support.
BILL RILES
tournaments through late March 2015.
TARA MENDICINO
See all the results from ABT tournaments
BY RICH MUNITZ
24 winners of 2014 USBGF online tournaments
square off in the Tournament of Champions.
104 LIVE LEADERBOARD
Open, Advanced, and Novice leaders in USBGF Elo
ratings in live events and 2015 ABT Points.
BY BARRY SILLIMAN
106 ONLINE LEADERBOARD
See the latest leaders from USBGF online tournaments, plus wins, losses, and tournaments won.
BY TARA MENDICINO
9
PRIMETIME
BACKGAMMON
Staff &
Volunteers
publisher
USBGF Board
of Directors
Bill Riles
editor
Bob Wachtel
Founding Editor
Matt Cohn-Geier
President;
Executive Director;
Treasurer
Managing Editor
Karen Davis
Production Editor
William Riles
Tara Mendicino
Chair, Education
Committee
Assistant Editor
Mark Antranikian
Art Benjamin
Assistant Editor
and Design Analyst
MARK ANTRANIKIAN
Lisa Rockwell
Mark Antranikian, Assistant
Editor, was a member of the
USBGF Team Championships
winning team, Scared Hitless.
USBGF Photographers
Chair, Rules and Ethics
committee; Governance
and Nominating Committee
Dorn Bishop
Bill Riles, Karen Davis,
Tara Mendicino, and Steve Sax
Board Chair; Co-Chair,
Membership and Marketing
Committee
Rankings Editor
Barry Silliman
Karen Davis
Feature Editor,
Annotated Matches
Executive Committee;
Chair, Tournament
Directors liaison; Rules
and Ethics Committee;
Chair, Hall of Fame
Committee
Marty Storer
Editorial Advisory Board
Bob Wachtel, Editor of PrimeTime
Backgammon, is a renowned
author ranked #8 on the 2013
Giants of Backgammon.
Julius High
PrimeTime Backgammon is the
official magazine of the U.S.
Backgammon Federation.
E-Mail: info@usbgf.org
Website: usbgf.org
Opinions expressed in these pages are those of the individuals and do not
necessarily reflect official positions of the U.S. Backgammon Federation.
Co-Chair, Membership and
Marketing Committee
information
contact us
from the editor
Patrick Gibson
Volume 6, Issue 3
© 2015 U.S. Backgammon
Federation
Rules and Ethics
Committee
Neil Kazaross
Secretary
Steve Mellen
KAREN DAVIS
BOB WACHTEL
Karen Davis (Chair), Chuck Bower,
Matt Cohn-Geier, Carol Joy Cole,
Gus Contos, Mike Corbett,
Bill Riles, Justin Nunez,
Bob Wachtel, Kit Woolsey
TARA MENDICINO; STEVE SAX
10
vice president; ViceChair, Membership and
Marketing Committee;
chair, Governance and
Nominating Committee
Tara Mendicino
Chief Technology
Officer; cO-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
Governance and
Nominating Committee;
Executive Committee; cOchair, Ratings and Stats
Committee
Joseph Russell
Membership and Marketing
Committee; Director,
Streaming Initiative and
Member Services
Michelle Steinberg
Special Adviser to Board
of Directors
Carol Joy Cole
Accounting Manager
Sheryl R. Lennon
TARA MENDICINO
Tara Mendicino, Production Editor,
Vice President and member of
the USBGF Board of Directors,
and co-director of the Texas
Backgammon Championships.
11
12
13
Beauty and the Beast
centages of only 65% to 70% against rea-
I’ll conclude with a quote from each of two
sonably competent opponents — the best
backgammon players I greatly admire. The
player does not always win. We, as players,
thoughts are certainly applicable.
must remember that in any tournament,
everyone wants to win yet only one remains
Akiko Yazawa, the 2014 Backgammon
undefeated. We must remember that our
World Champion, is a most fierce, intense
opponents are also human — they should
competitor; however, she is the most gra-
be treated with respect. If you must, curse
cious opponent one may ever encounter.
Backgammon and Behavior
your bad fortune, but don’t curse your
Akiko has endured life challenges we might
opponent. We must recall our own joy
only imagine, but she has maintained a
By Bill Riles, President and Executive Director
upon winning and not deny others the
spirit, a resolve, and a determination to
same fulfillment.
persevere — in life and in backgammon. In
beauty and the beast
a recent inspirational message she stated:
B
Kindness and tolerance should predominate
“Did you watch my final game of World
ackgammon is beautiful. Anticipa-
and intricacies never totally appreciated
the playing skill of many, have reduced the
in backgammon so all feel welcome and all
Championship? I rolled a bad number and
tory brilliance and probabilistic
nor fully solved. These are manifestations
differences between players, and have pro-
enjoy. I recently saw a quote attributed to
was playing deuce point game with the
appreciation produce a refined
of the richness, the complexities, and the
vided knowledge ammunition permitting
Mark Twain (unverified): “Kindness is the
crunched two point board. I was forced
art form uncommon to many games. The
challenges of the game. Despite the many
definitive opinion and evaluation beyond
language which the deaf can hear and the
into the situation that everybody thought
skillful placement of checkers and the care-
skills and strategies requisite to play the
that available in the past. Each of these
blind can see." It is easy to be kind, con-
that I lose. That was like my life. Instead,
ful control of the flow of the game can be
game with enhanced proficiency, the uncer-
facts, I believe, contributes to the potential
siderate, and tolerant. May we all develop
I never think of losing. That’s because I
amazing to behold. However, tension and
tainties introduced by the randomness of
expression of the beast in backgammon.
and employ these traits.
kept thinking of the best choice for the
stress lurk behind every roll, every play;
dice mitigate skill differentials. Inevitably,
each only increases with the significance
the less experienced and less competent
The beast appears in many forms — out-
of the game. The beauty can be tarnished
players occasionally beat much better
bursts, intimidation, intolerance, games-
by a beast — the competitiveness innate
opponents. This is part of the allure of the
manship, drama, and more. The beast may
within many backgammon players, coupled
game, but that very randomness may well
simply appear as mere inconsideration or
with the uncertainties inherent in any dice
awaken the beast.
as only a lack of etiquette; it may extend to
game, occasionally produces less than
The innate beast within most, if not all, of
between these extremes. It is always wrong
us is aggravated by sources beyond those
and it is always destructive. We cannot
In my opinion, backgammon is a perfect
of the game itself. Our modern society is
promote and grow the game if the backgam-
game. It is arguably the oldest board game
critically divided — those with varying
mon community makes existence in the
— a game with elements of classic beauty.
opinions or eccentricities are denigrated,
backgammon world unpleasant. We can’t
Backgammon is a simple game with few
despised, and dehumanized rather than
eliminate the beast, but we must learn to
rules — thus, it is easy to learn and fun to
accepted, accommodated, and tolerated.
control the beast as much as possible — not
play on any level. It is a great social game,
On-line backgammon play provides players
only in play but also in communication, in
providing participants entertainment,
anonymity often resulting in bad behav-
exchange, and in discussion.
excitement, and fellowship. However, back-
ior and a lack of consideration toward
gammon is also a game of varied subtleties
unknown opponents. Bots have enhanced
The very best players realize winning per-
GUS CONTOS
exemplary behavior.
cheating; it covers the range of bad behavior
MALCOLM AND AKIKO
Two of the most gracious players on the circuit team up as doubles partners in the
2014 USBGF Tournament of the Stars at the Texas Backgammon Championships.
14
Beauty and the Beast
Growing Membership & Growing the Game
T
HALL OF FAME INDUCTEE MALCOLM DAVIS
Malcolm Davis made it into the inaugural American Backgammon Hall of Fame
class with 75 first or second place wins over a 40-year career, but he has made it into
the hearts of all who know him by his sportsmanship and impeccable demeanor.
win. Your game is still on the way. Though
ing environment, for all. Might we all act
it may not be an easy game, it is you that
similarly. To be successful, a player must
lead your game to the victory.” Might we
be skilled, must maintain focus, and must,
all demonstrate, with her grace, and with
above all, tame the beast.
PRIME
TOURNAMENT
Become a Prime Tournament Benefactor
her sportsmanship, such wisdom and spirit.
competitively is a blessing. Win or lose,
the USBGF American Backgammon Hall
we should revel in our good fortune; we
of Fame, is revered not only for his many
should not diminish our experience, or
accomplishments over the board but also
the experiences of others, by succumbing
for his impeccable demeanor. Win or lose,
to the beast. We would all be well served to
easily or brutally, Malcolm never, ever, dis-
emulate the champions. When tempted to
plays anything but exemplary behavior. In
react, think what would Akiko do? What
his recent Hall of Fame induction interview,
would Malcolm do? Then do it. It will be
Malcolm was asked to name his toughest
a better game. 
opponent. His response was simply, “I
might say myself.” Control of comportment
and discipline in execution provide better
individual performance and the best play-
“Get Into the Game — Become a Member”
TARA MENDICINO
Backgammon is a gift. To play the game
Malcolm Davis, an inaugural member of
he goal of the three-year USBGF Prime Tournament Initiative
is to increase USBGF membership among tournament
attendees, increase tournament attendance and participation in
events, and enhance the USBGF role, visibility, and influence.
Approximately 2,000 players have participated in ABT tournaments
since 2009 — only 25% are USBGF members. We want to encourage
the remaining 75%, and many others, to become USBGF members;
enjoy our resources; and help us fulfill our mission to promote
and grow the game. The Prime Tournament Initiative attempts to
accomplish this and allows the USBGF to target a membership of
1,000 by the end of 2015. We need your support to reach our goal.
Learn more at usbgf.org/media/prime/pt-initiative.pdf
Contribute at usbgf.org/media/prime/benefactor/
16
Founding Sponsors
Diamond
Malcolm Davis
Alan and Joan Grunwald
Hugh Sconyers
Mike Svobodny
platinum
Karen Davis
Morten Holm
Harvey Gillis
gold
usbgf founding sponsors
& Prime benefactors
Outstanding Supporters of our Organization
T
he USBGF salutes the individuals
event pairing Founding Sponsors and Prime
and organizations who have gen-
Benefactors with Giants of Backgammon
erously supported our Federation
— The Tournament of Stars — is held annu-
by becoming Founding Sponsors and Prime
ally, honoring the Founding Sponsors and
Benefactors. These 110 Founding Sponsors
Prime Benefactors who have been instru-
and Prime Benefactors have provided the
mental in the success of the organization.
seed capital needed for the launch of the
Founding Sponsors receive a doubling cube
U.S. Backgammon Federation and/or have
designed by Backgammon Elegance, and
Edj Analytics and Frank Frigo, and Mike
contributed to the Prime Tournament
Prime Benefactors receive a doubling cube
Costello for their support in becoming
Initiative. The support of our Founding
designed by Geoffrey Parker Games. We
the most recent Founding Sponsors and
Sponsors and Prime Benefactors will be
welcome additional Founding Sponsors
Prime Benefactors.
appreciated for years to come, and includes
and Prime Benefactors who wish to help
recognition on our website in perpetuity
us grow the game we all love!
and benefits not available to any other class
of Membership.
In appreciation of this support, a doubles
FOUNDERS' CUBES BY
LAWRENCE SONNÉ
Founding Sponsors are presented
with an exquisite, personalized, engraved doubling cube,
specially designed for the USBGF.
More information on the benefits of becoming a Founding Sponsor may be found at
Thanks to Geoffrey Parker Games, Robert
USBGF Founding Sponsor Benefits and on
Stoller, Harvey Gillis, Carol Joy Cole, Julius
becoming a Prime Benefactor at USBGF
High, Bill Finneran, Chuck Bower, and
Prime Tournament Initiative.
Larry Liebster
Ben Friesen
Jim Stutz
Gus Contos
Dion Hogan
Albert Steg
Julius High
Chuck Bower
Bill Finneran
bronze
bronze cont.
Bob Glass
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
Michelle Steinberg
Tariq Siddiqi
Steve Blanchard
John Hamlin
Anthony Anton
Vladimir Gudgenov
Stuart Domeshek
Jason Pack
Edj Analytics
Mike Costello
110
Anna Covlin
Myles Covlin
Rod Covlin
Patrick and Carla Gibson
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
Frank Talbot
silver
Silver cont.
Lynn Ehrlich
Chiva Tafazzoli
Alex Gerding
Bruce Newberg
Pat McCormick
Carol Joy Cole
Neal and Kathy Weiner
Neil Kazaross
Kit Woolsey
Michael Weinberger
Preston Guidry
Jake Jacobs
Sean Cearley
Kristina Vig
Play65 Backgammon
Judy Field
Rory Pascar
Greg Cottle
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
youth
István Éger
Within each level, names are presented in the order of becoming Founding Sponsors.
18
19
Position 1
13
14
15
16
17 18
19
20
21
22
23
24
Pip: 161
Saba Bejanishvili
11-Away
is Saba
score: 0
pip: 161
Mochy and Saba
11 point match
Stepping Up to the Board with
the Best of the Best
By Marty Storer with introduction by Karen Davis
12
11 10
9
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
11-Away
pip: 144
Mochy
Mochizuki
score: 0
Pip: 144
1
is Mochy
XGID=aa -BB-C-B---dD---d-cb-B---:0:0:1:00:0:0:0:11:10
I
Game 1, Move on
4: roll,
Black
(Mochy) on roll. Cube action?
cube action?
t takes courage to be willing to play
The 2013 Dual-Duel was won by Akiko
the star-studded fields. In 2014, he acquitted
against the world’s best players in front
Yazawa, catapulting her into #17 on the
himself admirably with PR wins over Matt
of a worldwide streaming audience.
Giants of Backgammon 2013 list and captur-
Cohn-Geier (MCG) and Petko Kostadinov,
A newcomer, Saba Bejanishvili, has put
ing the attention and hearts of backgammon
before losing to Mochy in the PR finals. The
himself on the line, playing in the 2014
players around the world, before going on
level of play was extraordinarily high. Marty
and 2015 Dual-Duel events held at the
to win the 2014 World Championship of
Storer, USBGF PrimeTime Backgammon
Texas Backgammon Championships in San
Backgammon in Monte Carlo. The 2014
Editor for Annotated Matches analyzed
Antonio. In the Dual-Duel, a grueling com-
Dual-Duel was won by Giant #1 and 2009
his match with MCG in the May-June
petition of eight players, players advance
World Champion, Masayuki “Mochy”
2014 issue and his match with Petko in
on the right side of the bracket based on
Mochizuki. Matt Cohn-Geier, Giant #5,
the November-December 2014 issue. This
match score and on the left side of the
took the Dual-Duel title in 2015.
analysis of Saba’s match with Mochy in the
PR final concludes the three-part series.
bracket based on Performance Rating (PR).
The winners of both sides of the bracket
Saba Bejanishvili, a neurologist from Geor-
play off to determine the Dual-Duel title.
gia, has been willing to test his skill against
Analyzed in Rollout
Player Winning Chances:
Opponent Winning Chances:
Cubeless Equities
No double
Double/Take
+0.617
+0.582 (-0.036)
+1.000 (+0.383)
±0.014 (+0.604..+0.631)
±0.018 (+0.564..+0.600)
62.34% (G:26.77% B:1.18%)
37.66% (G:8.85% B:0.40%)
+0.437
Cubeful Equities
No double:
Double/Take:
Double/Pass:
62.55% (G:26.62% B:1.18%)
37.45% (G:8.93% B:0.39%)
+0.896
Best Cube action: No double / Take
Percentage of wrong pass needed to make the double decision right: 7.8%
Rollout details
1296 Games rolled with Variance Reduction.
Dice Seed: 23457322
Moves: 3-ply, cube decisions: XG Roller
Double Decision confidence:
Take Decision confidence:
Duration: 20 minutes 43 seconds
99.9%
100.0%
eXtreme Gammon Version: 2.19.208.pre-release, MET: Kazaross XG2
In the first game, Mochy reached a prom-
these advantages, he didn’t double. This
for Saba to enter, perhaps anchoring on the
ising position, with a stronger board, an
was the right choice. Both sides have two
24 point or elsewhere. Most of the time
advanced anchor, a big lead in the race, and
checkers back, and Mochy figures to have
he’ll have good counterplay.
one of Saba’s checkers on the bar. Despite
difficulty disengaging. It won’t be too hard
20
Mochy and Saba
Mochy and Saba
Position 2
13
Position 3
14
15
16
17 18
19
20
21
22
23
24
13
Pip: 161
Saba Bejanishvili
11-Away
14
15
16
17 18
19
20
21
22
23
24
is Saba
12
21
11 10
9
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
score: 0
pip: 161
score: 0
pip: 161
11 point match
11 point match
Cubeless Equities
66.16% (G:35.41% B:1.20%)
33.84% (G:7.58% B:0.35%)
+0.615
Cubeful Equities
No double:
Double/Take:
Double/Pass:
+0.791 (-0.204)
+0.995
+1.000 (+0.005)
9
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
is Mochy
Game 2, Move to1:play
Black
(Mochy) to play 21
21
Double/Take
66.38% (G:35.93% B:1.26%)
33.62% (G:7.76% B:0.40%)
+1.273
±0.006 (+0.785..+0.797)
±0.009 (+0.986..+1.004)
1.
2.
3.
Best Cube action: Double / Take
4.
Dice Seed: 23457322
5.
Rollout details
Duration: 1 hour 17 minutes
11 10
10-Away
pip: 167
Mochy
Mochizuki
score: 1
Pip: 167
XGID=-aa---E-C---dE---d-e----B-:0:0:1:21:1:0:0:11:10
Game 1, Move on
5: roll,
Black
cube action?
No double
12
is Mochy
XGID=aaBBB -B-A---dD---d-cb-B---:0:0:1:00:0:0:0:11:10
Analyzed in Rollout
is Saba
11-Away
pip: 134
Mochy
Mochizuki
score: 0
Pip: 134
1
Pip: 161
Saba Bejanishvili
11-Away
100.0%
86.6%
Mochy made his 2 point with 64 and Saba
Mochy’s double was almost perfectly effi-
mon about as often. If Saba’s pass here is
fanned. Now Mochy turned the cube and
cient. Though Saba wins the game about
Saba passed. According to the long rollout,
one-third of the time, Mochy wins a gam-
Rollout 1
24/21
eq: -0.172
Player:
Opponent:
Rollout 1
46.41% (G:11.23% B:0.50%)
53.59% (G:15.16% B:0.64%)
Player:
Opponent:
Rollout 2
45.80% (G:11.96% B:0.46%)
54.20% (G:16.06% B:0.71%)
Player:
Opponent:
Rollout 2
Player:
Opponent:
Rollout 2
Player:
Opponent:
Conf.: ± 0.007 (-0.179...-0.165) - [99.8%]
13/11 6/5
46.54% (G:12.32% B:0.55%)
53.46% (G:17.11% B:1.26%)
eq: -0.188 (-0.016)
Conf.: ± 0.009 (-0.197...-0.179) - [0.2%]
24/23 13/11
eq: -0.199 (-0.027)
Conf.: ± 0.010 (-0.209...-0.189) - [0.0%]
13/10
eq: -0.205 (-0.033)
45.72% (G:12.33% B:0.52%)
54.28% (G:16.00% B:0.89%)
Conf.: ± 0.010 (-0.216...-0.195) - [0.0%]
24/23 24/22
45.48% (G:10.63% B:0.39%)
54.52% (G:15.62% B:0.59%)
eq: -0.221 (-0.049)
Conf.: ± 0.010 (-0.231...-0.211) - [0.0%]
1
Dice Seed: 23457322
the choice too close to call between the slot
borderline, Mochy’s decision last turn was
On yet2another
occasion
in with
Saba’s
three Reduction.
6/5. (For a brief analysis, see Position 4 of
2592 Games
rolled
Variance
Dice
Seed: 23457322
analyzed
matches,
a player replied with
Saba’s match against Petko.) The rollout
certainly correct.
21 to the opening 51 minor split. Mochy
here dings the move slightly, but money-
enterprising and exciting alternative.
made what I believe is the best play: 13/11
game rollouts with stronger settings make
and 24/21. The slot is certainly the most
22
Mochy and Saba
Mochy and Saba
Position 4
12
Position 5
11 10
9
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
Pip: 161
Saba Bejanishvili
11-Away
12
11 10
9
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
Pip: 122
Saba Bejanishvili
11-Away
is Mochy
13
14
15
16
17 18
19
20
21
22
23
24
score: 1
pip: 151
11 point match
11 point match
10-Away
pip: 161
Mochy
Mochizuki
score: 0
Pip: 164
is Saba
2.
Player:
Opponent:
Rollout 1
Player:
Opponent:
eq: +0.419
Conf.: ± 0.015 (+0.405...+0.434) - [100.0%]
24/20*
eq: +0.182 (-0.237)
52.85% (G:17.74% B:1.28%)
47.15% (G:11.97% B:0.53%)
14
15
16
17 18
19
20
21
22
23
24
is Saba
Game 2, Move on
7: White
(Saba) on roll. Cube action?
roll, cube action?
8/7(2) 6/5(2)
59.79% (G:18.17% B:1.08%)
40.21% (G:11.89% B:0.51%)
13
10-Away
pip: 122
Mochy
Mochizuki
score: 0
Pip: 151
XGID=-----BCBB-AAdBb--c-b-bAbA-:0:0:-1:00:1:0:0:11:10
White
(Saba) to play 11
11
Rollout 1
is Mochy
score: 1
pip: 164
XGID=-aa--AD -C--AdD---d-e----B-:0:0:-1:11:1:0:0:11:10
1.
23
Conf.: ± 0.017 (+0.165...+0.199) - [0.0%]
1
Dice Seed: 23457322
Analyzed in Rollout
Cubeless Equities
No double
Double/Take
+0.890 (-0.110)
+1.009 (+0.009)
+1.000
±0.005 (+0.885..+0.896)
±0.007 (+1.002..+1.016)
71.60% (G:17.85% B:0.55%)
28.40% (G:4.26% B:0.17%)
+0.574
Cubeful Equities
No double:
Double/Take:
Double/Pass:
71.75% (G:18.34% B:0.52%)
28.25% (G:4.44% B:0.19%)
+1.182
Best Cube action: Double / Pass
Rollout details
Another reason to make the aggressive play
prime. This was a double whopper and then
8/7(2) would have gained a positional
is that most players are unfamiliar with it!
some. The hit gains 20 pips and starts the
edge, and Mochy’s catch-up blocking plan
Case in point: Saba hit from the 24 point
20 point, but it inaugurates a blot-hitting
would have been handicapped by Saba’s
instead of making an instant four-point
contest whose outcome is unclear. 6/5(2)
split back men.
Dice Seed: 23457322
Saba doubled
and Mochy
took. The double
Take Decision
confidence:
Duration:
hour
24isminutes
looks fine,
and it1is:
Saba
far ahead in
100.0%
plenty of gaps, with two checkers placed
99.3% rolls. (It’s quite useful to be able to do
inflexibly on the 2 point. Mochy’s four-
the race and Mochy’s blots are somewhat
prime will come in handy if he hits.
vulnerable. But the take seems easy. Mochy
this over the board, and practice makes
perfect.) Saba has a few jokers, and no
number leaves a direct shot. In fact, most
will often make the 22 anchor, sometimes
Surprisingly, the take is borderline! Saba’s
even the 20 or 18. Saba’s builder position
position is far stronger than it may seem.
doesn’t seem too threatening, and he has
It’s a good exercise to go through all his
improve his position.
24
Mochy and Saba
Mochy and Saba
Position 6
12
Position 7
11 10
9
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
12
Pip: 132
Saba Bejanishvili
11-Away
11 10
9
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
is Mochy
13
14
15
16
17 18
19
20
21
22
23
score: 1
pip: 119
11 point match
11 point match
2.
Player:
Opponent:
Rollout 1
Player:
Opponent:
15
16
17 18
19
20
21
22
23
24
is Saba
Game 2, Move to14:
White (Saba) to play 54
play 54
eq: +0.044
Conf.: ± 0.008 (+0.036...+0.052) - [100.0%]
Bar/21 8/7
53.83% (G:18.67% B:1.10%)
46.17% (G:19.20% B:0.67%)
14
10-Away
pip: 144
Mochy
Mochizuki
score: 0
Pip: 119
XGID=aaBCa-C-B--AbC----bbbbAb--:1:1:-1:54:1:0:0:11:10
Bar/21 7/6
57.63% (G:17.05% B:0.71%)
42.37% (G:14.95% B:0.37%)
13
is Saba
Game 2, Move to13:
play 41
Rollout 1
is Mochy
10-Away
pip: 132
Mochy
Mochizuki
score: 0
Pip: 128
24
Pip: 144
Saba Bejanishvili
11-Away
score: 1
pip: 128
XGID=aaBC--C-B--AbB ---babbbBb --:1:1:-1:41:1:0:0:11:10
1.
25
eq: -0.065 (-0.108)
Conf.: ± 0.009 (-0.073...-0.056) - [0.0%]
1
1.
2.
Rollout 1
Player:
Opponent:
Rollout 1
Player:
Opponent:
Bar/20 7/3*
58.91% (G:30.14% B:1.01%)
41.09% (G:18.97% B:2.04%)
eq: +0.175
Conf.: ± 0.009 (+0.166...+0.184) - [100.0%]
Bar/20 24/20
54.34% (G:17.61% B:0.50%)
45.66% (G:8.69% B:0.22%)
eq: +0.025 (-0.150)
Conf.: ± 0.008 (+0.017...+0.033) - [0.0%]
1
Dice Seed: 23457322
Dice Seed: 23457322
Mochy did anchor on his 22 point, but Saba gained a nice for-
more attention to tactics, and minimized blots with 7/6. Mochy’s
Mochy rolled 54 and tried the hit-and-run play: 22/17*/13, which
board and Mochy’s outside blot, Saba should have hit loose. The
ward structure. In this position, Saba naturally entered on the 21
forward position is strung out, so he’ll welcome the opportunity
was a bit better than the double hit. Saba came back with a 54
hit loses more gammons, but wins a few percent more games, and
point, but he erred with the “positional” 8/7. He should have paid
to hit and run all at once.
and made the 20 point. This was quite wrong. Given his stronger
also wins more gammons than the safe play gives up.
26
Mochy and Saba
Mochy and Saba
Position 8
12
Position 9
11 10
9
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
12
Pip: 128
Saba Bejanishvili
11-Away
11 10
9
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
is Mochy
13
14
15
16
17 18
19
20
21
22
23
24
2.
Player:
Opponent:
Rollout 1
11 point match
11 point match
10-Away
pip: 128
Mochy
Mochizuki
score: 0
Pip: 97
Player:
Opponent:
14
15
16
17 18
19
20
21
22
23
24
is Saba
White
(Saba) to play 21
21
eq: +0.137
Conf.: ± 0.007 (+0.130...+0.144) - [100.0%]
14/8 13/8
59.06% (G:10.19% B:0.29%)
40.94% (G:7.83% B:0.20%)
13
is Saba
10-Away
pip: 178
Mochy
Mochizuki
score: 2
Pip: 172
XGID=a--a--EaC---eD---c-dA-A-A-:0:0:-1:21:1:2:0:11:10
14/3*
61.79% (G:11.74% B:0.31%)
38.21% (G:10.31% B:0.25%)
is Mochy
score: 1
pip: 172
Game 2, Move to16:
play 65
Rollout 1
Pip: 178
Saba Bejanishvili
9-Away
score: 1
pip: 97
XGID=--BCBbC-B-Bab-----bbbbAb--:1:1:-1:65:1:0:0:11:10
1.
27
eq: +0.066 (-0.072)
Conf.: ± 0.006 (+0.059...+0.072) - [0.0%]
1.
2.
3.
1
Dice Seed: 23457322
Rollout 1
Bar/22
Player:
Opponent:
Rollout 1
47.10% (G:10.48% B:0.42%)
52.90% (G:14.08% B:0.51%)
Player:
Opponent:
46.52% (G:10.25% B:0.51%)
53.48% (G:16.30% B:0.80%)
Player:
Opponent:
Rollout 1
eq: -0.161
Conf.: ± 0.016 (-0.177...-0.145) - [100.0%]
Bar/23 6/5*
46.91% (G:11.01% B:0.48%)
53.09% (G:17.86% B:0.93%)
eq: -0.223 (-0.061)
Conf.: ± 0.025 (-0.248...-0.198) - [0.0%]
Bar/24 18/16
eq: -0.224 (-0.063)
Conf.: ± 0.015 (-0.240...-0.209) - [0.0%]
1
Saba could have continued his positional
But Saba hit loose despite Mochy’s four-
can. His good move paid off: Mochy fanned
ways by making his 8 point. This is a tempt-
point board. The safe play is a substantial
and Saba won two points after rolling 64
ing alternative, considering that Mochy’s
mistake. Saba will likely have to go after
to make a full prime.
position will get worse if he doesn’t escape.
Mochy sometime, so he must hit while he
Dice Seed: 23457322
In Game 3, Saba made what many players would consider a rou-
sometimes more than once. Moreover, the race is close, and Saba
tine loose hit, bar/23 6/5*. Actually, the safe play of bar/22 is best
has only seven checkers in the Attack Zone. It’s best to avoid return
by quite a bit. Note that if Mochy comes in, he’ll hit somewhere,
shots and grab a sure defensive asset.
28
Mochy and Saba
Mochy and Saba
Position 10
12
Position 11
11 10
9
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
13
Pip: 202
Saba Bejanishvili
9-Away
14
15
16
17 18
19
20
21
22
23
24
is Mochy
13
14
15
16
17 18
19
20
21
22
23
24
11 point match
11 point match
10-Away
pip: 202
Mochy
Mochizuki
score: 2
Pip: 179
2.
3.
4.
53.80% (G:13.38% B:0.66%)
46.20% (G:11.49% B:0.45%)
Player:
Opponent:
Rollout 2
53.14% (G:13.29% B:0.69%)
46.86% (G:12.59% B:0.51%)
Player:
Opponent:
Rollout 2
Player:
Opponent:
eq: +0.121
Conf.: ± 0.010 (+0.110...+0.131) - [97.2%]
Duration: 1 day 02 hours 22 minutes
eq: +0.107 (-0.014)
1.
2.
Conf.: ± 0.010 (+0.096...+0.117) - [2.8%]
Duration: 1 day 03 hours 56 minutes
Bar/21(2) 13/9(2)
eq: +0.089 (-0.032)
Conf.: ± 0.014 (+0.074...+0.103) - [0.0%]
Duration: 10 hours 36 minutes
Bar/21(2) 8/4*(2)
51.82% (G:15.12% B:0.89%)
48.18% (G:13.33% B:0.60%)
11 10
9
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
is Mochy
Game 3, Move to11:
Black (Mochy) to play 66
play 66
Bar/21(2) 22/18* 8/4*
53.13% (G:14.47% B:0.74%)
46.87% (G:12.55% B:0.53%)
12
is Saba
10-Away
pip: 154
Mochy
Mochizuki
score: 1
Pip: 154
XGID=---BabEb --C-d-A--Cac-b-A--:0:0:1:66:1:2:0:11:10
Bar/21(2) 22/18* 18/14
Player:
Opponent:
Rollout 1
is Saba
score: 2
pip: 182
White
(Saba) to play 44
44
Rollout 1
Pip: 182
Saba Bejanishvili
9-Away
score: 1
pip: 179
XGID=b-aa--EAB ---eC---c-cAAA -A-:0:0:-1:44:1:2:0:11:10
1.
29
eq: +0.052 (-0.069)
Conf.: ± 0.014 (+0.038...+0.066) - [0.0%]
Duration: 11 hours 16 minutes
1
Dice Seed: 74963678
Moves and cube decisions: 4-ply
The players
traded
hits Huge
and Saba had two
had his 8 point back.
Search
interval:
on the bar. Luckily he replied with a joker
2
double Dice
4. ButSeed:
how should
he play it?
Many players would make the 9 point
74963678
Moves and cube decisions: 4-ply
without a second thought. That’s a strong
Search interval: Huge
17/11 10/4*(3)
Player:
Opponent:
Rollout 1
55.05% (G:25.13% B:0.75%)
44.95% (G:10.40% B:0.45%)
Player:
Opponent:
54.08% (G:24.85% B:0.84%)
45.92% (G:10.76% B:0.59%)
Player:
Opponent:
Rollout 2
strong advanced anchor. It’s better for White
to hit, thus taking a lead in the race, adding
a builder for the useful 9, 10, and 11 points,
positional play. But a four-ply rollout favors
and denying Black a juicy opportunity to
with so few checkers forward, efficiency
the boring bar/21(2) 22/18*/14! Second by
consolidate.
becomes paramount, and the 8 point is
a small margin is the double hit, bar/21(2)
better for blocking than the 4. If Mochy
22/18* 8/4*. If Saba makes the 9 point,
Later in the game, Mochy had an edge, and
makes the 20 anchor, Saba will wish he
Mochy will be favored to make his bar or
a double 6 increased it:
Conf.: ± 0.010 (+0.347...+0.367) - [81.0%]
eq: +0.351 (-0.006)
Conf.: ± 0.010 (+0.340...+0.361) - [19.0%]
17/11(2) 10/4*(2)
eq: +0.306 (-0.051)
Conf.: ± 0.024 (+0.283...+0.330) - [0.0%]
1
Dice Seed: 23457322
2
5 point next turn. Other moves secure a
eq: +0.357
14/8 10/4*(3)
54.64% (G:25.34% B:0.67%)
45.36% (G:10.57% B:0.49%)
He made
his Seed:
4 and 11
points, putting Saba on the bar and making
Dice
23457322
Saba made both 4 points. This was incorrect;
3.
Rollout 1
Moves:
cubeBut
decisions:
XG Roller
a headlong
rush3-ply,
forward.
Saba’s strong
defensive formation
moving three checkers to the 4 point, then playing either 17/11
or 14/8 in order to maintain contact with White’s remaining blot.
and forward threats argue for a safer play. XG strongly prefers
30
Mochy and Saba
Mochy and Saba
Position 12
13
14
Position 13
15
16
17 18
19
20
21
22
23
24
13
Pip: 186
Saba Bejanishvili
9-Away
14
15
16
17 18
19
20
21
22
23
24
is Saba
12
31
11 10
9
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
score: 2
pip: 186
score: 2
pip: 170
11 point match
11 point match
Cubeless Equities
59.95% (G:31.36% B:0.85%)
40.05% (G:7.15% B:0.31%)
+0.461
Cubeful Equities
No double:
Double/Take:
Double/Pass:
+0.651
+0.614 (-0.036)
+1.000 (+0.349)
Double/Take
59.62% (G:31.12% B:0.87%)
40.38% (G:7.29% B:0.31%)
+0.948
±0.016 (+0.635..+0.667)
±0.020 (+0.594..+0.634)
1.
2.
3.
4.
Rollout details
Dice Seed: 23457322
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
is Mochy
Rollout 1
Bar/10 6/1
Player:
Opponent:
Rollout 1
63.66% (G:19.35% B:0.37%)
36.34% (G:6.53% B:0.26%)
Player:
Opponent:
Rollout 1
61.17% (G:19.35% B:0.29%)
38.83% (G:7.50% B:0.29%)
Player:
Opponent:
Rollout 1
Player:
Opponent:
eq: +0.283
Conf.: ± 0.010 (+0.273...+0.293) - [100.0%]
Bar/15 14/4
60.82% (G:20.09% B:0.52%)
39.18% (G:7.00% B:0.26%)
eq: +0.212 (-0.071)
Conf.: ± 0.010 (+0.202...+0.223) - [0.0%]
Bar/15 6/1(2)
eq: +0.211 (-0.072)
Conf.: ± 0.010 (+0.201...+0.221) - [0.0%]
Bar/20 14/9(3)
57.58% (G:24.50% B:0.72%)
42.42% (G:5.73% B:0.20%)
eq: +0.175 (-0.108)
Conf.: ± 0.012 (+0.164...+0.187) - [0.0%]
1
Dice Seed: 23457322
99.7%
Take and
Decision
Saba fanned
Mochyconfidence:
doubled. If he hits
100.0%reach safety. In most of Saba’s bad variaBut this is a trivial take, not even a double.
Saba’s blot, he may be able to scamper sev-
Saba’s defense is strong, and Mochy’s outside
eral checkers forward before Saba comes in.
checkers have a long way to go before they
9
Game 3, Move to16:
play 55
Best Cube action: No double / Take
11 10
10-Away
pip: 127
Mochy
Mochizuki
score: 1
Pip: 127
XGID=---BBbEbB---caC-aa-c-b---A:1:-1:1:55:1:2:0:11:10
Game 3, Move on
11:roll,
Black
cube action?
No double
12
is Mochy
XGID=a--BBbEb--ABd -A--Aac-b-A--:0:0:1:00:1:2:0:11:10
Analyzed in Rollout
is Saba
10-Away
pip: 130
Mochy
Mochizuki
score: 1
Pip: 130
1
Pip: 170
Saba Bejanishvili
9-Away
tions, he’ll have a playable holding game.
After Saba took, Mochy rolled well. He
The trouble is that Saba controls both
his defense and giving Mochy good tactical
ended up with his 8 and 14 points, and
outfields. He doesn’t have much of a board,
possibilities against Saba’s weaker board.
came off the bar with double 5. Again he
but he’s on roll with eight pointing numbers
After a miss, Mochy may make his 10 point
rushed several outfield checkers forward,
and more to hit loose. Far better for Mochy
and increase his chance to get home safely.
bar/20 14/9(3). This reduced the scope of
would have been bar/10 6/1! That play
his problem; now he only has to escape his
would have forced Saba to abandon one of
back checker in order to win.
his anchors in order to hit, compromising
In reply, Saba rolled 61:
32
Mochy and Saba
Mochy and Saba
Position 14
12
Position 15
11 10
9
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
Pip: 170
Saba Bejanishvili
9-Away
12
11 10
9
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
Pip: 117
Saba Bejanishvili
9-Away
is Mochy
13
14
15
16
17 18
19
20
21
22
23
24
score: 1
pip: 103
11 point match
11 point match
10-Away
pip: 170
Mochy
Mochizuki
score: 2
Pip: 107
is Saba
2.
3.
Player:
Opponent:
Rollout 1
Player:
Opponent:
Rollout 1
Player:
Opponent:
eq: -0.366
Conf.: ± 0.011 (-0.376...-0.355) - [97.5%]
18/12 9/8
34.13% (G:4.41% B:0.19%)
65.87% (G:23.59% B:0.43%)
eq: -0.380 (-0.015)
Conf.: ± 0.010 (-0.390...-0.371) - [2.2%]
12/6 9/8
32.23% (G:4.06% B:0.13%)
67.77% (G:18.27% B:0.32%)
14
15
16
17 18
19
20
21
22
23
24
is Saba
Game 3, Move on
21:roll,
White
(Saba) on roll. Cube action?
cube action?
12/5*
38.02% (G:5.29% B:0.19%)
61.98% (G:31.17% B:0.75%)
13
10-Away
pip: 117
Mochy
Mochizuki
score: 2
Pip: 103
XGID=--ABBADbBB----a--cbc-bb-A-:1:-1:-1:00:1:2:0:11:10
Game 3, Move to16:
play 61
Rollout 1
is Mochy
score: 1
pip: 107
XGID=---BBbEbBC --ca--aa-cAb----:1:-1:-1:61:1:2:0:11:10
1.
33
eq: -0.384 (-0.018)
Conf.: ± 0.009 (-0.393...-0.375) - [0.3%]
1
Dice Seed: 23457322
Instead of safely awaiting developments by making the 8 point, Saba hit loose on his 5. XG slightly prefers that extremely bold play.
After Mochy missed the return and Saba greatly improved his position, he had to decide whether to redouble:
Analyzed in Rollout
Cubeless Equities
No redouble
Redouble/Take
+0.801 (-0.133)
+0.933
+1.000 (+0.067)
±0.007 (+0.794..+0.807)
±0.010 (+0.923..+0.943)
74.93% (G:8.35% B:0.33%)
25.07% (G:6.32% B:0.23%)
+0.519
Cubeful Equities
No redouble:
Redouble/Take:
Redouble/Pass:
76.09% (G:8.88% B:0.31%)
23.91% (G:6.72% B:0.15%)
+1.077
Best Cube action: Redouble / Take
Rollout details
Dice Seed: 23457322
100.0%
100.0%
Saba did redouble, putting the question
builder-attackers. But Mochy properly
As it happened, Saba won an eight-point
to Mochy. The redouble is strong: if Saba
took despite his two inner-board blots.
gammon. He was ahead 10-1 in the Craw-
doesn’t make his 5 point directly, he can slot
Those blots can be covered quickly, and
ford Game.
it, or he can break his 18 point to control
Saba may not make his 5 point for a while.
the outfield and advance two potential
34
Mochy and Saba
Mochy and Saba
Position 16
12
Position 17
11 10
9
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
12
Pip: 167
Saba Bejanishvili
1-Away, Crawford
11 10
9
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
is Mochy
13
14
15
16
17 18
19
20
21
22
23
24
11 point match
Crawford
11 point match
Crawford
10-Away
pip: 167
Mochy
Mochizuki
score: 10
Pip: 167
10-Away
pip: 113
Mochy
Mochizuki
score: 10
Pip: 100
2.
3.
50.75% (G:16.18% B:2.32%)
49.25% (G:14.32% B:0.70%)
Player:
Opponent:
48.62% (G:16.49% B:2.62%)
51.38% (G:13.94% B:1.10%)
Player:
Opponent:
Rollout 1
14
15
16
17 18
19
20
21
22
23
24
is Saba
Game 4, Moveto9:play
White
(Saba) to play 52
52
eq: -0.149
Conf.: ± 0.007 (-0.156...-0.143) - [99.9%]
24/16
eq: -0.164 (-0.014)
50.17% (G:14.82% B:1.93%)
49.83% (G:14.60% B:0.58%)
13
is Saba
XGID=-BB-BBBAAA -----d-ccdBa----:0:0:-1:52:1:10:1:11:10
24/18 13/11
Player:
Opponent:
Rollout 1
is Mochy
score: 1
pip: 100
Game 4, Moveto1:play
White
(Saba) to play 62
62
Rollout 1
Pip: 113
Saba Bejanishvili
1-Away, Crawford
score: 1
pip: 167
XGID=-b----E-C---eE---c-e----B-:0:0:-1:62:1:10:1:11:10
1.
35
Conf.: ± 0.006 (-0.170...-0.157) - [0.1%]
13/5
eq: -0.188 (-0.039)
Conf.: ± 0.006 (-0.194...-0.182) - [0.0%]
1
Dice Seed: 23457322
1.
2.
Rollout 1
Player:
Opponent:
Rollout 1
Player:
Opponent:
8/3 6/4
52.56% (G:1.87% B:0.05%)
47.44% (G:2.26% B:0.02%)
Conf.: ± 0.003 (+0.022...+0.029) - [100.0%]
10/3
eq: -0.008 (-0.034)
51.27% (G:1.90% B:0.06%)
48.73% (G:2.94% B:0.02%)
Conf.: ± 0.003 (-0.011...-0.005) - [0.0%]
1
Dice Seed: 23457322
Later that game, Saba was a little behind
the obvious 8/3 6/4, improving the board
But run he did, and then won the race to
in the race. He played 10/3, which looks
and leaving only one blot inside. After that
stay alive in the match.
play, it’s more dangerous for Black to run.
With his opening 62, Saba played conser-
two-point games in order to win the match,
recommend it. The major split gives Saba
attractive but gives Mochy a great oppor-
vatively with 24/16. No doubt he wanted
whereas from 9-away he’d have to win five.
his best chance for the gammon-protection
tunity to run from the 20 point. Best is
to minimize contact, and thus reduce
eq: +0.025
of an advanced anchor, and also maximizes
Mochy’s chances to win a gammon. After
Yet XG says Saba’s play is too conservative,
his chance for a return hit. Such a hit would
all, a two-point win gets Mochy to 8-away,
though not by very much. Although it’s
stall Mochy’s attack and drastically cut his
Precision Dice at a Great Price!
a much better score than 9-away; with no
good to avoid contact and try to race, the
gammon chances. This is another good
gammons, Mochy would have to win four
standard 24/18 13/11 still has very much to
reference position.
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36
Mochy and Saba
Mochy and Saba
Position 18
13
14
Position 19
15
16
17 18
19
20
21
22
23
24
13
Pip: 162
Saba Bejanishvili
1-Away, Post-Crawford
14
15
16
17 18
19
20
21
22
23
24
is Saba
12
11 10
9
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
11 point match
11 point match
9-Away
pip: 151
Mochy
Mochizuki
score: 2
Pip: 151
2.
3.
Player:
Opponent:
40.90% (G:10.37% B:0.33%)
59.10% (G:18.06% B:2.54%)
Player:
Opponent:
Rollout 1
Conf.: ± 0.008 (+0.049...+0.064) - [100.0%]
13/8 6/5
eq: +0.022 (-0.034)
41.35% (G:10.12% B:0.30%)
58.65% (G:16.43% B:2.11%)
1.
2.
Conf.: ± 0.007 (+0.015...+0.029) - [0.0%]
24/23 13/8
eq: +0.017 (-0.040)
Conf.: ± 0.007 (+0.010...+0.024) - [0.0%]
Dice Seed: 23457322
Other moves would weaken his builder
Rollout 1
9
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
22/14*
is Mochy
eq: -0.220
Player:
Opponent:
Rollout 1
31.49% (G:7.81% B:0.22%)
68.51% (G:27.08% B:4.68%)
Player:
Opponent:
Rollout 1
28.87% (G:8.49% B:0.21%)
71.13% (G:26.08% B:3.87%)
Player:
Opponent:
Rollout 1
Player:
Opponent:
Conf.: ± 0.007 (-0.227...-0.214) - [100.0%]
24/22 8/2
31.31% (G:5.82% B:0.14%)
68.69% (G:12.58% B:0.96%)
eq: -0.253 (-0.033)
Conf.: ± 0.005 (-0.259...-0.248) - [0.0%]
8/2 6/4*
eq: -0.267 (-0.047)
Conf.: ± 0.006 (-0.274...-0.261) - [0.0%]
24/22 13/7
27.87% (G:4.69% B:0.11%)
72.13% (G:19.01% B:1.69%)
eq: -0.342 (-0.122)
Conf.: ± 0.006 (-0.348...-0.337) - [0.0%]
1
by anchoring on the 22 point.
3.
4.
1
Mochy made a world-class play, 24/18.
11 10
Black
(Mochy) to play 62
62
eq: +0.057
42.15% (G:11.11% B:0.46%)
57.85% (G:22.43% B:2.82%)
12
is Mochy
9-Away
pip: 145
Mochy
Mochizuki
score: 2
Pip: 145
XGID=--A-aBD-Cb---Ca--bbcbbA -A-:0:0:1:62:2:10:0:11:10
24/18
Player:
Opponent:
Rollout 1
is Saba
score: 10
pip: 130
Black
(Mochy) to play 51
51
Rollout 1
Pip: 130
Saba Bejanishvili
score: 10
pip: 162
XGID=-a-b-BD -D---bCb--b-bbbA-A-:0:0:1:51:2:10:0:11:10
1.
37
little by winning two points instead of one.
There’s always the off chance he’ll reach a
Dice Seed: 23457322
position, stripping his midpoint or put-
Note that the cube is still in the center. As
strong position and scare the leader into
ting a checker deep into his board. If Saba
long as Saba will still take, Mochy loses
dropping a takable position. As noted in
Saba attacked and built a five-point prime.
miss, and then Mochy can play against
gammons don’t count double against you,
hits, he’ll have to break one of his outfield
little by leaving the cube alone. At an odd-
the Saba-Petko match analysis, this ploy is
Already desperate, Mochy made his 2
multiple back men, perhaps escaping the
mobility is critical.
points, and Mochy may hit back or survive
away post-Crawford score, the trailer gains
called the Woolsey Gambit.
point and hit loose on his 4. But the pro-
last straggler at a more opportune time.
saic 22/14* is better. Half of Saba’s replies
That’s the most promising game plan; when
38
Mochy and Saba
Mochy and Saba
Position 20
12
Position 21
11 10
9
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
13
Pip: 153
Saba Bejanishvili
14
15
16
17 18
19
20
21
22
23
24
is Mochy
13
14
15
16
17 18
19
20
21
22
23
24
11 point match
11 point match
9-Away
pip: 153
Mochy
Mochizuki
score: 10
Pip: 153
2.
3.
4.
73.26% (G:29.23% B:6.71%)
26.74% (G:8.77% B:0.40%)
Player:
Opponent:
Rollout 1
69.21% (G:26.06% B:5.63%)
30.79% (G:10.93% B:0.77%)
Player:
Opponent:
Rollout 1
Player:
Opponent:
eq: +0.304
Conf.: ± 0.007 (+0.296...+0.311) - [100.0%]
eq: +0.242 (-0.062)
Conf.: ± 0.008 (+0.234...+0.250) - [0.0%]
Bar/24(2) 11/9
eq: +0.179 (-0.125)
1.
2.
3.
Conf.: ± 0.008 (+0.171...+0.187) - [0.0%]
Bar/24(2) 16/14
68.56% (G:26.99% B:6.93%)
31.44% (G:11.85% B:0.90%)
11 10
9
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
is Mochy
Game 5, Move to15:
play 41
Bar/24(2) 4/3*(2)
70.09% (G:35.11% B:14.00%)
29.91% (G:8.39% B:0.39%)
12
is Saba
9-Away
pip: 155
Mochy
Mochizuki
score: 2
Pip: 155
XGID=-aBABBB ---a-Ba----bcbbcBB -:0:0:1:41:2:10:0:11:10
Bar/24(2) 16/15(2)
Player:
Opponent:
Rollout 1
is Saba
score: 10
pip: 110
Game 5, Move to10:
play 11
Rollout 1
Pip: 110
Saba Bejanishvili
score: 2
pip: 153
XGID=b-B-ABC-Ab---Ca--bbbbbA-B-:0:0:-1:11:2:10:0:11:10
1.
39
eq: +0.150 (-0.154)
4.
Conf.: ± 0.008 (+0.141...+0.158) - [0.0%]
5.
1
Dice
Seed:
23457322
Saba sent
a third
checker
back behind the
checkers and had two more aces to play.
He switched from the 4 to the 3 point, but
deuces would be duplicated to make the
With this double ace, Saba entered both
it was considerably better to keep the prime
22 and the 4 point.
12/8 2/1*
eq: -0.390
Player:
Opponent:
Rollout 1
27.47% (G:1.91% B:0.06%)
72.53% (G:44.61% B:23.22%)
Player:
Opponent:
Rollout 1
23.64% (G:2.14% B:0.08%)
76.36% (G:42.62% B:18.21%)
Player:
Opponent:
Rollout 1
Player:
Opponent:
Rollout 1
Player:
Opponent:
with 16/15(2). After that play, Mochy’s
prime, and Mochy continued to attack.
Rollout 1
Conf.: ± 0.009 (-0.399...-0.381) - [100.0%]
12/7
eq: -0.447 (-0.057)
24.70% (G:2.03% B:0.07%)
75.30% (G:43.63% B:19.63%)
Conf.: ± 0.007 (-0.454...-0.440) - [0.0%]
12/11 12/8
eq: -0.468 (-0.078)
Conf.: ± 0.007 (-0.475...-0.460) - [0.0%]
12/11 5/1*
23.43% (G:1.33% B:0.05%)
76.57% (G:47.17% B:23.31%)
eq: -0.484 (-0.094)
Conf.: ± 0.009 (-0.493...-0.474) - [0.0%]
24/23 12/8
21.81% (G:3.07% B:0.12%)
78.19% (G:49.63% B:15.94%)
eq: -0.493 (-0.103)
Conf.: ± 0.007 (-0.499...-0.486) - [0.0%]
1
Dice Seed: 23457322
Moves:in3-ply,
cube decisions:
XG Roller
Mochy landed
a 1-2 backgame
and played
kamikaze play of 12/8 2/1*! Maybe Mochy
ardize his lead by complicating the position
12/7, hoping to gain timing if Saba escaped
rejected that move because he thought he
and giving himself a chance to make big
the back man. XG strongly prefers the
was ahead in PR, and didn’t want to jeop-
errors. Besides Mochy himself, who knows?
40
Mochy and Saba
Mochy and Saba
Position 22
12
Position 23
11 10
9
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
13
Pip: 110
Saba Bejanishvili
14
15
16
17 18
19
20
21
22
23
24
is Mochy
13
14
15
16
17 18
19
20
21
22
23
24
11 point match
11 point match
9-Away
pip: 110
Mochy
Mochizuki
score: 10
Pip: 150
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
76.26% (G:49.47% B:25.49%)
23.74% (G:0.93% B:0.04%)
Player:
Opponent:
Rollout 2
76.10% (G:48.68% B:24.71%)
23.90% (G:1.02% B:0.05%)
Player:
Opponent:
Rollout 1
Player:
Opponent:
Rollout 2
Player:
Opponent:
Rollout 2
Player:
Opponent:
Rollout 2
Player:
Opponent:
eq: +0.483
eq: +0.481 (-0.002)
Conf.: ± 0.004 (+0.477...+0.485) - [25.6%]
eq: +0.478 (-0.005)
Conf.: ± 0.004 (+0.474...+0.483) - [3.4%]
15/12
eq: +0.462 (-0.021)
Conf.: ± 0.007 (+0.455...+0.470) - [0.0%]
24/22* 15/14
74.58% (G:45.84% B:23.02%)
25.42% (G:1.33% B:0.05%)
eq: +0.442 (-0.041)
Conf.: ± 0.008 (+0.433...+0.450) - [0.0%]
24/22* 12/11
74.54% (G:46.27% B:23.17%)
25.46% (G:1.39% B:0.04%)
eq: +0.440 (-0.043)
Conf.: ± 0.009 (+0.432...+0.449) - [0.0%]
Duration: 8 minutes 00 second
24/22* 6/5
74.05% (G:46.04% B:23.73%)
25.95% (G:1.53% B:0.08%)
1.
Conf.: ± 0.004 (+0.479...+0.487) - [70.9%]
15/13* 6/5
76.75% (G:42.27% B:16.35%)
23.25% (G:3.05% B:0.14%)
11 10
9
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
is Mochy
Game 5, Move to32:
play 42
15/13* 13/12
76.18% (G:48.34% B:23.98%)
23.82% (G:0.95% B:0.04%)
12
is Saba
9-Away
pip: 98
Mochy
Mochizuki
score: 2
Pip: 98
XGID=-CBBBBA--------A------dB--:0:0:1:42:2:10:0:11:10
15/13* 12/11
Player:
Opponent:
Rollout 1
is Saba
score: 10
pip: 12
Game 5, Move to15:
play 21
Rollout 1
Pip: 12
Saba Bejanishvili
score: 2
pip: 150
XGID=-aBABBBA--a-Aa----bcbbcBB -:0:0:-1:21:2:10:0:11:10
1.
41
eq: +0.427 (-0.056)
Conf.: ± 0.009 (+0.418...+0.435) - [0.0%]
1
Dice Seed: 23457322
Saba rolled 21, good for timing. He hit on the 22 point, but he should have hit outside and sent Mochy back 13 pips instead of 22.
Mochy is more likely to crash after 15/13*. If he comes in immediately, his board will usually break before he can escape a checker.
2
Dice Seed: 23457322
2.
Rollout 1
Player:
Opponent:
Rollout 1
Player:
Opponent:
15/9
eq: -0.950
2.34% (G:0.00% B:0.00%)
97.66% (G:88.30% B:50.05%)
Conf.: ± 0.002 (-0.952...-0.949) - [100.0%]
Duration: 13.2 seconds
23/21 15/11
2.11% (G:0.00% B:0.00%)
97.89% (G:88.15% B:42.58%)
eq: -0.955 (-0.005)
Conf.: ± 0.002 (-0.957...-0.954) - [0.0%]
Duration: 16.6 seconds
1
Dice Seed: 23457322
Reduced to the 23 anchor, against four
Saba rolls a 1 to leave a double shot, or a
remaining checkers on Saba’s 3 point,
2 to leave a single shot with another blot
Mochy decided to break the anchor and
on the 1 point. But Saba left no shots and
The backgammon world can applaud Saba
leave Saba eight blot numbers. XG says
won the match.
Bejanishvili, who came from nowhere to
it’s slightly better to keep the anchor! With
close to Mochy’s superhuman 1.94.
show his class against top-level competition.
15/9, Mochy can block double ace for a
That is, he won the match on score—but this
He’s truly a fine player, and we’ll surely hear
turn. Much more importantly, if Saba rolls
was the PR final. My rollouts and XGR++
much more from him. 
an ace and comes down to three checkers
evaluations say Saba performed at 4.48, a
on the 3, Mochy can then break, hoping
result in XG’s World Class range but not
- MARTY STORER
Mochy and Saba
Mochy and Saba
About The Players
MARTY STORER
Marty Storer is the USBGF Feature
Editor for Annotated Matches
and the 2013 New England Backgammon Club Champion.
MOCHY MOCHIZUKI
Mochy is the #1 ranked Giant of
Backgammon and former World
Champion (2009). He started the
PR 4.0 Club which recognizes players who have a Performance Rating
averaging under 4.0 in 10 preannounced publicly played matches.
His two-volume Backgammon Praxis
was released in 2005 to rave reviews.
With the intrepid co-author, two-time
U.S. Open Champion Mary Hickey,
he has contributed to another book,
What's Your Game Plan? Backgammon Strategy in the Middle Game.
Professional
Backgammon Scoreboard
Imported from Finland
This top-of-the-line professional
backgammon scoreboard
is a must-have item for any
tournament or chouette player!
Extra-heavy coated cardboard
construction ensures enhanced
stability and long-term durability.
Match scores from 0 to 25 points
are visible from either side, and
are easy to read from a distance.
This is the finest and highest
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Professional Scoreboard
FROM TOP: TARA MENDICINO; GUS CONTOS
Marty lives in southern New Hampshire with his wife, three children, four
pet mammals, and several pet bots.
USBGFBGSHOP
42
SABA BEJANISHVILI
Saba is a neurologist who grew up in
the Republic of Georgia and trained
at Emory University in Atlanta. He
now practices in Marietta, GA. He
won the 2nd World Backgammon
Tournament of Champions at
the 2014 Chicago Open.
43
45
ISTAVDER
ISTAVDER
7th anniversary
tournament
T
HIROO HAMAHARA
By Sabri Büyüksoy
he leading Turkish backgammon
ISTAVDER has proved that hard work and
organization ISTAVDER held its
vision can generate a significant media
7th Anniversary Tournament
interest in backgammon. Its president, Fuat
February 20-22 in Istanbul. The event
Erdağ, has ambitious plans for the coming
was a huge one: featuring ideal playing
years, with corporate sponsors coming on
conditions, it attracted 346 players from
board and a program in development to
16 different countries.
teach children the game.
DAVULCU PLAYS THE DRUM
“Davulcu” plays his special drum to invite
players to the playing room.
46
ISTAVDER
ISTAVDER
MOCHY VS. LEMI
Mochy and Lemi playing speedgammon with a big crowd watching.
TEAM SAKURA
Champion team Sakura from
multiple nations. Michy, Yan, and
Lemi prove that backgammon
transcends language and senses.
AMIR ESHRAGHI
Amir Eshraghi from Iran won
the tournament. With a group
of 24 players, Iran was the
biggest visiting nation.
ÇETINEL & MAMPORIA
Cihangir Çetinel from Turkey
(left) and Boris Mamporia from
Russia placed second and third.
47
48
ISTAVDER
49
ISTAVDER
03
01
01 Juergen and Michy contributed
to the international flavor of the tournament.
02 Turkish players are trying to
learn. Mochy and Michy stayed about
ten days in Istanbul and there was a
lot of backgammon studying and fun
involved.
02
03 Fikret Poyraz, one of our
backgammon friends, passed away. We
will miss him.
04 Lovely ladies from the tournament. The more the better.
05 Cenk Çorbacıoğlu from the
Organization and his Iranian friends
taking a selfie.
04
06
06 Michy enjoying a waltz to the
tunes of Group Backgammon.
07 The organization team was
larger than some tournaments.
05
07
50
ISTAVDER
ISTAVDER
GROUP BACKGAMMON
WINNERS
ERHAN YENIŞEN
Our musical group, “Backgammon,”
performing at the closing ceremony.
Winners of the tournament.
Turkish Backgammon Tour
winner Erhan Yenişen.
CLOCKS
Taking good care of the equipment.
IRANIAN CONTINGENT
Happy Iranian players.
AWARDS PARTY
Crazy dancing at the awards party.
51
52
ISTAVDER
Come Celebrate our 40th Year!
Tournament Results
PRIME
TOURNAMENT
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Backgammon
Championships
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56
Video Lesson
score based Early Game Strategy
Exclusive USBGF Teaching Video
By Julius High, USBGF Facebook Coordinator
U
SBGF Board of Directors mem-
nology to enable dedicated students of
release of issues of PrimeTime Backgammon,
ber, Julius High, launches a new
backgammon as well as fellow members of
quotable quotes, and notable positions.
series of backgammon videos
the Kansas City Backgammon Club to join
using his favorite metaphor of backgam-
his study group, contributing and learn-
And for more interesting positions and
mon as war. His new series in PrimeTime
ing together as they go over 10 positions
analysis by leading backgammon teacher,
Backgammon begins with the basic Early
around a given theme. To learn more about
author, and expert Mary Hickey, sign up
Game strategy depending on whether a
his monthly Backgammon Study Group
to participate in the USBGF Online Match
player is leading or trailing in the match
sessions, contact him at Julius@usbgf.org.
Series, with interesting positions in a match
score.
of USBGF members against all-time AmeriJulius has also agreed to serve as Coordi-
can Backgammon Tour champion Neil
Julius has created
nator for the USBGF Facebook site. Like
Kazaross. Cast your vote on cube and
the highly popular
the site and visit regularly to get all the
checker decisions! 
Backgammon Study
latest backgammon news — whether live
Group which uses the
American Backgammon Tour events or
latest Internet tech-
USBGF online tournaments, alerts to the
- KAREN DAVIS
your browser. Internet Explorer does this by default; Chrome and Firefox users should see Adobe Acrobat Help for complete
Adobe Acrobat and Adobe Reader plug-in configuration instructions.
KAREN DAVIS
JULIUS HIGH
 To be able to view this video, you must have Adobe Acrobat or Adobe Reader installed and set as the default PDF viewer in
57
Julius High is a frequent competitor on the American Backgammon Tour. His tournament wins
include: the 2015 3rd Capital Classic Masters Jackpot, the trifecta of the 2014 Atlanta Spring
Championship, Atlanta Cup, and Seniors events, the 2014 Wisconsin Badger Classic Masters
Jackpot, finalist in the 2014 Florida State Championships, and the 2009 Midwest Backgammon Championship,. At home, he won first place in the 2014 Kansas City Championship.
58
59
John Gamalielson
John Gamalielson
Winner of the 2014 USBGF
Circuit Monthly for December
Interview by Karen Davis
Q&A
group. Ted Barr was running the local tour-
and attended private schools, while I was
naments. There were four tournaments a
the product of 7 years of Catholic school
week in Seattle during the heyday; young,
and the last 5 in our lovely public school
single people playing into the wee hours,
system. Before you ask, I don’t know How-
When and why did you start
and still getting up and going to work the
ard Schultz either, but I do drink a lot of
playing backgammon?
next morning. Now, a late night BG ses-
his products.
I started playing in 1974 when I was in high
sion requires me to take the next day off
school. I was one of those nerdy math geeks
to recover!
that hung out in the math department and
WORKS ON HIS GAME
John Gamalielson, aka TarsTarkus, has been working to improve his game for 30 years.
It shows — he has an Elo rating in the high 1800s on both the USBGF Online Circuit
and GridGammon, and is currently ranked #6 in USBGF 2015 Online Master Points.
How have you tried to
improve your game?
was a counterculture haven. If you entered
I read all of the books — probably every
got together on Friday nights for all-night
Harvey and I have been friends over the
In the beginning, I was playing every day
through the backdoor, it was a given that
book written prior to 2000: my collection is
board game sessions. Many a worlds were
years, although he lived for a time in Sili-
I could. I found myself a couple of really
you would pass through a lingering cloud
pretty extensive. Magriel was the first book I
conquered over the Risk board back then!
con Valley, and is now in Arizona. I’m a
good mentors. One was a guy named Sid
of marijuana.[Editor’s note: Wikipedia
read. My favorite is Modern Backgammon.
One of my math teachers taught me how to
bit isolated in Seattle. Harvey used to live
Clark, who worked in the music industry,
notes that the coffeehouse was part of the
Robertie does such a good job of making
play and after I found out there were local
10 minutes away. After he moved, I lost a
had tons of free time. He was a very good
history of Seattle’s counterculture, played
dull and tedious topics readable. I really
tournaments, I was hooked. A small group
strategy session partner. We would carpool
player for the pre-bot days and I learned
a pioneering role in establishing Seattle’s
like his poker books as well. Lately I haven’t
of us whom I met in local tournaments
to the local tournaments and, given traffic
a lot from him. Bill Phipps and I played a
coffee culture, and was a popular destina-
read many of the new books.
started regular chouettes that sometimes
in our area, we would be able to have long
lot together in the mid-80s until Howard
tion for amateur and professional Go, chess,
would last all weekend!
discussions on the way. It’s hard to be the
Ring hired him to do options trading and he
Scrabble, and backgammon players. It
My job kept me out of the tournament
best when not routinely playing against
moved away. We hung out at a coffeehouse
quotes an interview in Sports Illustrated in
scene for a number of years. At the end of
the best.
called The Last Exit on Brooklyn. It was a
1981 of chess grandmaster Yasser Seirawan
the 90s, I again started playing regularly.
Seattle mecca for the espresso-drinking
who described the Last Exit as “Scrabble
Now learning is all about studying with
Some of the early Seattle players included
Harvey Gillis, Bill Phipps, Bill Schill, Alan
Steffen, Molly and Pete Anderson, Larry
Being from Seattle, people ask me if I know
games players and college students. Large
players, backgammon players, chess and
the bots. XG is a godsend. I doubt it makes
Arnold, Steven Carey, and Cliff Pappas. By
Bill Gates; we’re the same age, but he came
amounts of backgammon, chess, Go, bridge,
game hustling… This became my home.
all of the right plays, but I know it makes
the late 70s, Seattle had a big backgammon
from what was a rather well-to-do family
Scrabble, gin were going on there daily. It
This was to become my family.”]
more of them than I do!
60
John Gamalielson
61
John Gamalielson
Constant play and study of my blunders is
I usually end up traveling by myself and
Las Vegas. I told him we were going to play
matches anymore. You have to bring the
features — it’s great to be able to look up
where I concentrate. Studying my openings
have had really good luck meeting players
and win the 2002 Vegas Doubles event and
“A” game every round.
what matches I have pending and which
has become a priority, too. I didn’t realize
with whom I can relate. I played doubles
we did! Sweet memories at the tournament
I made so many mistakes with opening
one year with Bill Finneran and another
were beating teams that included Francois
On GridGammon I often don’t know
It does take time to get the Monthly Circuit
replies and 3rd and 4th roll plays. In the
with Gregg Cattanach in Novi. But again,
Tardieu and Hugh Sconyers.
whom I’m playing. In the Masters divisional
events played.
chess world there are volumes of books that
I have let yet another decade go by without
just go over one opening line. Backgam-
going to an out-of-town tournament.
tournaments I’m waiting for an opponent.
tournament, I lost to Frank Simon and was
But I’ve never really won a big one. There
really disappointed. I had never heard of
Tell us a little about your life
have been long stretches when I couldn’t get
him, but I see he made BMAB GrandMaster
outside backgammon?
The next Seattle tournament directed by
out of town to play. I won the 2001 Super
or some such ranking.
I live with my wife in one of the smaller
Kristina Vig is in the planning stages for
32 in LA, beating Bob Glass. Last year I
I’ve been playing a lot of matches on XG,
September 2015. Currently, given the size
won the Super Jackpot (with 22 players) at
Which do you prefer and why?
Seattleite and have never been interested
concentrating on playing what has turned
of the city and the amount of money and
the Seattle Classic 2014; Stepan Nuniyants
I play both live and online. Live play is
in straying much from Washington State.
into hundreds of one-point matches. In
technology in Seattle, the backgammon
was the finalist and it was a thrill to beat
always better. I love the tournament atmo-
We have some of the best weather in the
the BGO forum, Stick often advises you
playing community is tiny. I was one of
Ray Fogerlund along the way.
sphere and all the social interaction. On the
country, and I am less than an hour away
to make the DMP play. So, I want to know
the youngest players back in the 1970s;
other hand, online is great because you do
from either an ocean beach or a mountain
what they are. For me, PR is secondary to
I’m still one of the youngest 30 years later.
I feel I could have put myself out there
not have to get yourself presentable to the
top. I love the green hills. Brown and flat
win-loss record. I’d rather have W-L go up
Money and the allure of poker cost the U.S.
more and been a better player. If I came
public and drive to a venue! Online also
locales do not much interest me. We don’t
5 percentage points than PR go down by
a generation of backgammon players. Why
into money, I would quit my job and travel
has the advantage of being able to mask my
have any children and we just celebrated
1. The latter should lead to the former but
didn’t that happen in Denmark or the rest
the backgammon circuit. Take a few months
emotions when a match takes an inevitable
our 25th anniversary!
W-L is my priority.
of Europe? Now, the most attended event
off. Rent a RV. Make the circuit. Hit all the
downturn and my frustration starts show-
at Las Vegas is the Senior’s tournament!
summer ABT events. Think I’ve got the
ing. You have to keep the “poker face” on
I’ve worked in the gaming industry as a
potential for one or two big wins in me — I
all of the time when playing live. Again,
dealer or floor manager in poker rooms
live is best!
for the last 10 years. Washington state has
mon is heading that way but hasn’t gotten
anywhere near there yet.
I learn a lot from positions posted on Stick’s
suburbs of Seattle. I am a born-and-raised
BGOnline forum. In my opinion Stick,
What have been your most
need a new backgammon goal. I think it is
Neil, and John O’Hagan give some of the
memorable experiences
going to be to finally win a ABT event and
best answers and explanations, along with
playing live, online?
to make it to Monte Carlo for the World
How did you find your
that I was in manufacturing management
a few of the international players of whom
Memorable? Winning my first event! It
Championship.
experience participating in
and CAD design, but after my job got out-
I had heretofore never heard their names.
was the mini-match event in Novi in 1998.
the USBGF Online Circuit?
sourced to a foreign country I lost interest
had legalized poker for 40 years. Prior to
It was a 6-round affair and with all of the
Lastly (and the sweetest) was beating Jerry
The competition is great. Top line oppo-
in the manufacturing world. The gaming
Do you play in live tournaments
eventual reentries I beat the same person
Grandell in the first round of the 2002 Las
nents, with lots of both learning and teach-
industry is a different world after 30 years
as well as online?
3 times! I also won what had to be my
Vegas Open the day after he and Armando
able situations. Recently I’ve encountered
of a 9-5 job. A little more freedom, but it
I used to go to the Nevada tournaments on
most amazing game ever. I was in a 1-2
Balbi won the $100K Pro-Am. I did not play
a number of international players, such as
is not all fun and games (well it is games).
a semi-regular basis. A few years back, Bill
backgame (2 checkers on each point) with
in the Pro-Am event, but the other players
Eva Zizkova from the Czech Republic and
Davis’ Chicago Point site did a series with
a crashed board. After he broke his bar
were very pleased that he was knocked
Frank Simon from Germany — both very
I’ve learned a lot from working with the
100 pages of Mike Maxakuli photos from the
point I ran off a streak of big pairs while
off of what I was led to believe was a very
impressive. It’s also nice that they join the
games-playing public. You have got to have
70s and over the years that capture some of
he had an ace every roll, and I won the race
high horse!
USBGF — somehow I don’t think about
respect for everyone because you just don’t
that era. I would love to go back and replay
without hitting!
joining another country’s backgammon
know who they are. Give them a chance.
federation. Maybe I should?
When I was a young games player, I didn’t
those events. As far as other ABT events
Online? I guess winning this December
go, I have played in Novi several times, LA
Second was when a very good player friend
2014 Online Circuit USBGF event. There
twice, and Pittsburgh once.
of mine, Tom Taylor, was backing me in
are tough fields every month. No easy
do that nearly as much as I should have.
The “Find a Player” is one of the most helpful
It would have helped my game a lot. I’ve
62
35th Chicago Open
John Gamalielson
learned you can never tell about people
mon needs to follow the chess model. From
by their looks. It turns out that one of our
your first tournament, all chess players are
customers who just looks like a regular
taught to record every game they play. The
It would be great to have more material
retired guy, yet he is in the country music
Chessbase has millions of GM-v-GM games
available for teaching young people. If
Hall of Fame as a songwriter. You never
available for study online.
you can’t explain why something is right,
know who people are — some people
you can’t be a good teacher (me to a tee).
don’t present themselves for what they
I think backgammon should go to touch
I can’t just say experience tells me this is
are. Some are multi-millionaires and you
move to avoid any sleight of hand by less
right. I would love to have a book on how
would never know it. Others are complete
than reputable players, and, of course, to
to teach backgammon, what order to cover
phonies. First reaction to people can be
decrease the likelihood of misplays. Chess
various topics, how much time to spend on
wrong. When I first met Phil Laak, he was
players project the game moves ahead. Top
each topic, etc…
his crazy animated self, had purple hair,
level backgammon players should be able
brain going at a frenetic pace. Thought to
to do that as well. The number of illegal
It would be fun to know where some of the
myself “this has to be chemically induced,
moves would go down with touch move.
early players are now — e.g. Plimpton Cup
nobody is this crazy outside the enter-
It would be great to have a game clock app
winners like David Liebowitz and Wayne
tainment industry”. I couldn’t have been
combined with a random number genera-
Araki, a Vancouver truck driver who won
more wrong. He and Bill Phipps are good
tor. Hit clock, your opponent’s roll pops up,
the $150,000 first place prize for the World
friends and Bill informed me “Nope, that
and opponent’s time starts.
Amateur Championship Plimpton Cup in
is just Phil”. Make assumptions, you miss
1979. Gamers used to hang out at tourna-
out on a lot. Which reminds me, once this
Can’t stand hearing players complain about
ments, they were social affairs. I remember
gets published I believe I am going to owe
dice being fixed online. Players think when
one night over in the corner Stu Ungar and
someone an apology!
they get a great roll it is justice for all the bad
Puggy Pearson were playing high stakes
rolls. They forget losses, exaggerate wins.
gin rummy. It would be nice to get back
If it weren’t for backgammon, I would
Backgammon Tournament
for the game to put in that kind of effort.
to where a large backgammon tournament
never travel in the same circles as some
The PrimeTime Backgammon magazine is
very interesting people. Diverse people are
fabulous. The production quality is so good.
attracted to the game. In the 1970s, Vernon
Stories are great. It has excellent writers like
Online could be improved with easier access
Ball once said his worst fear would be to
Jake Jacobs and Bob Wachtel. Love Wachtel’s
to GridGammon. I know the history of the
have to award a trophy to a commoner. I
book In the Game Until the End. USBGF
site and think it needs major investment
don’t want to be “that guy”. Backgammon
Facebook site is great. Everything USBGF
into software upgrading. Either that or
can make some strange bedfellows!
does is an excellent product and reflects a
start an exclusive USBGF server. Now I
lot of work and attention to detail. I can’t
realize that is not currently economically
What suggestions would you have
believe USBGF can put out a 120-page
feasible, but a guy can dream! Just one
for USBGF to enhance playing
magazine from what are mostly volunteers.
guy’s opinions! 
opportunities for members?
In its heyday when Maxakuli published the
Suggestions? I have a laundry list, but if I
backgammon magazine, Gammon, it was
had to give just a couple: I think backgam-
never that big. You’ve got to have a passion
was “THE place to be!”
- KAREN DAVIS
PRIME
TOURNAMENT
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64
65
Cüneyt Argun Genç
was a part of the game and my opponent
best to comply with the constraints.
deserved the title. While playing online,
Cüneyt Argun Genç
Winner of USBGF
Masters Divisional V
final of Masters Divisional V against Jan
outside backgammon.
Cerny, one of the best Czech players. He
I graduated from the Department of Com-
was leading 19 – 7 in a 21-point match
puter Engineering, Boğaziçi University,
when suddenly the god of luck changed
İstanbul. I have been giving lectures on
his (or her) mind. I won the match 21-20.
Computing, Mathematics, Probability,
It was the most remarkable comeback in
Statistics, and Operations Research since
my career.
1993, in the same university. I am interested
in all type of puzzles including Rubik’s Cube
Q&A
C
the most exciting experience was the recent
and its variations.
I prefer to play online just for the reason
that I can analyze my matches without the
I started to play by myself. My personality
Belene, Erhan Yenişen, Sabri Büyüksoy, Feza
bother of bringing a tripod and video cam-
has not changed since then: I look at the
Diyarbekir, Cihangir Çetinel and Mustafa
era to the game, and afterwards transcribing
game abstractly, without any great interest
Altuntaş. We organize weekly meetings in
the match file. If one day board-size touch
The USBGF has been a bridge between
in my opponent. Even today I prefer to play
which live consulting doubles matches are
screens (giant tablets) which could save
European and American players. This is
üneyt Argun Genç, a top player
against a program, staying away from the
played and then analyzed. It has been a
the moves automatically were available, I
very important for us. There are several
from Turkey, won the online
social aspects of the game, which can be
privilege for me to be a part of that group.
would prefer to play live again.
master-level players in the U.S., but due to
USBGF Masters Divisional V
quite disturbing — especially when your
tournament in November 2014. The tourna-
opponents start behaving childishly. I
impossible to play them in live tournaments.
ment is single-elimination and is restricted
started to play modern backgammon (with
as well as online?
I am very grateful to USBGF for provid-
to those with an online Elo rating of 1650
the doubling cube) in 2010 after reading a
Yes. After participating in the master leagues
ing the opportunity for us to meet them
and above. There were 32 entrants. Cüneyt,
couple of nice books by Bill Robertie. I won
of the two leading organising bodies (WBF
After joining the USBGF, I feel like I am
online. In the long term, I would suggest
who has an online Elo rating of 1915,
the Turkish Championship of WBF Turkey
Turkey and İSTAVDER (İstanbul Backgam-
in backgammon paradise. I have been
that USBGF provide the average error rates
defeated Jan Cerny, a top Czech player, in
in 2011 and then started to participate in
mon Association) in İstanbul for almost 4
watching Phil Simborg’s video lessons; I
of all the players in its database beside their
the 21-point final, coming from behind
international tournaments.
years, I quit the leagues and started to play
have been participating in Masters Divi-
ratings. Also: a Nation’s Cup might be orga-
in local and international live tournaments,
sionals in which I can play long matches
nized in which the U.S., Japan, Denmark,
especially in North Cyprus.
(17-19-21 points) with master-level players;
Iran, Germany, Italy, UK, Croatia, Turkey,
and lastly, I have been reading PrimeTime
Greece, etc. could field teams.
7-19 to win 21-20. Brian Hoeft from Las
Vegas and Claude Landry from Quebec
finished 3/4 in the 19-point semi-finals.
improve your game?
geographical constraints it has been almost
Sure. After reading some books and prac-
magazine, a great learning tool and news
ticing with bots I realized that I was quite
source for the activities of the world’s most
As a last word, I appreciate your efforts
playing backgammon?
ignorant of some aspects of the game. I
famous players (with emphasis on the U.S.
to enlarge the international backgammon
Since it is a very popular game in Turkey,
used GNU and Snowie for a while, but I
The most memorable experience for me was
experts). In online tournaments organised
community and to provide the opportunity
I learned traditional backgammon very
have finally acquired XG and now use it to
the final of European Pro Championship
by USBGF, there is a practical problem of
for the foreign players to participate in your
young. I was only 5-6 years old when I
practice with and to analyse my matches. I
2013 in North Cyprus. I lost to Mochy on
scheduling against U.S. players due to the
tournaments. Thank you for everything. 
watched my father and grandfather play-
have studied with a couple of master-level
the clock when I was more than a 92-percent
huge time difference between our countries;
ing one another. I was not extroverted, so
players in İstanbul, including Ali Çetin
favorite. This is a sad memory but the clock
but almost all of them graciously do their
- KAREN DAVIS
66
67
Deborah Ferolito
deborah ferolito
Winner of USBGF
Intermediate Divisional II
GAMMONER BOARD
Deborah bought a beautiful backgammon board for her
boyfriend Randy, built by German
designer Volker Wenzlaff around
oversized Spanish checkers.
Q&A
him in the process, because I wanted to
a pleasure to play on. We received it in
board, which was still in remarkably good
day in the training mode. That taught me
new friends and enjoyed myself immensely.
make sure he got exactly what he wanted.
December of that year.
shape considering how OLD it was! At first,
A LOT. It still does. I play the app often,
I also got to see some masters play, and I
I was surprised that I struggled to keep up
and carefully consider the suggested moves
was enthralled. In particular, I could not
We embarked on a two-month journey of
Of course, I now wanted a board too,
with him. He didn’t have much patience
when I make mistakes. I seem to make the
believe how computer-like many of their
research of not just backgammon boards,
although I was just learning the fundamen-
for how SLOWLY I played. My father was
same mistakes in different ways repeatedly.
minds work. I am eternally envious of that
playing backgammon?
but the state of backgammon today in
tals of the game. After many discussions
a math geek — national bridge champion,
It is both frustrating and interesting at the
mind. It reminded me of my dad.
I started playing backgammon about two
America. We tracked down some of the
with Carol, I decided I wanted a Taki board
etc. My math skills are not as strong as his
same time. Backgammon is not for the
years ago. It was around October and my
more notable names in the game, includ-
for myself. Although I was just starting to
were, but I’m competent. So, I thought
faint of heart! The darn dice keep getting
After that, we went to San Antonio, Detroit,
boyfriend Randy’s birthday was coming
ing Phil Simborg and Carol Joy Cole, and
play, I knew I liked the feel and sound of the
backgammon would come naturally for
in the way of the best-laid plans! The ele-
and Ft. Lauderdale....we were hooked.
up. He had regaled me with stories of his
became thoroughly immersed in our proj-
wood-frame board. And...Taki boards are so
me. NOT SO!!!!
ment of chance is what differentiates this
backgammon adventures back in the late
ect: understanding tournament backgam-
beautiful, both inside and out. My birthday
70s. He told me about how he had played
mon as well as the modern equipment.
was coming up the following March, so
Again, at Carol’s suggestion, I purchased
well into the night, drinking scotch and
Everyone we talked to was so helpful and
we ordered my board in December, well
a couple of books and started studying. I
smoking cigars in some of the most elegant
encouraging. That’s when I knew I wanted
in advance. Unfortunately, Taki was hav-
started with memorizing opening moves.
I have three memorable (in very different
bars in New York, Los Angeles, and Palm
to get involved in this sport as well.
ing some health problems, so there was
This helped a lot. Then I focused on get-
as well as online?
ways) experiences of live tournaments.
no guarantee that I would get this unique
ting a game plan. Finally, I started studying
We started going to live tournaments right
Finally, we settled on a board from Germany,
and collectable board on schedule, but I
positions, which is tedious and difficult,
away. I had no business doing that! I really
The first experience was at my first tourna-
He hadn’t played in 30 years, but I knew
made by Volker Wenzlaff of Gammoner,
was willing to wait. It arrived in the nick
and I confess I should do more.
didn’t have an appreciation for how dif-
ment in Tarpon Springs. As I said before,
he had a lasting love for the game and I
Inc. I spent months going back and forth
of time. It is gorgeous!
ficult the game was, and I dove right in!
I probably had no business being at a live
thought I would surprise him with a really
with Volker picking colors for the board,
I joined the USBGF and downloaded Grid-
My first live tournament was (thankfully)
tournament, having played for only a few
nice present: a custom-made backgam-
pips, checkers. I had learned about Spanish
Gammon early on in my journey. I admit,
at a small, very friendly venue in Tarpon
months. On the first night there, I got
mon board. I did lots of research: I know
checkers from Carol, and Volker was able
improve your game?
at first live competition with other players
Springs, Florida. Neal and Kathy Weiner
myself involved in a chouette with lots of
my man, and he is very meticulous. After
to build a board around these oversized
Now to the game itself. Randy started to
– either in person or online - intimidated
made us feel very welcome and comfort-
fun (but really good) players. It was both
much consideration, I decided to involve
pieces. It is a beautiful work of art and
teach me on his old, old (almost antique)
me. I played the XG Mobile App every
able, and it was a good experience. I made
entertaining and sobering. I was really in
Beach. It sounded so romantic – and fun....
game from many others I have played. It
is unique and addicting.
68
Deborah Ferolito
69
Deborah Ferolito
RANDY
Randy hooked Deborah on
backgammon by spinning stores
about the late 70s backgammon
era — playing in elegant bars in New
York, Los Angeles, and Palm Beach.
over my head, and quickly felt intimidated.
master in every sense of the word. He is
However, everyone was very nice to me,
brilliant and humble. He was so helpful in
and I will never forget how encouraging
every way. He is a big reason why I continue
they were. I was lucky to have met such a
to be interested in backgammon.
great group of people!
FUN IN THE SUN
Randy and Deborah enjoy varied interests from horse
shows to an active life in the Florida sunshine.
My second memory is arriving at Detroit
I enjoy both online and live tournaments.
and wanting to sign up for the Limited
My work schedule has prevented me from
Doubles tournament. Randy had already
attending many live tournaments recently,
found a partner, and being a newbie, I
and the online monthly games give me my
didn’t have one. The management of the
tournament fix from home. I look forward
All good. I love it.
tournament paired me up with Bill Toth.
to these events every month!
I’m not sure he knew what he was getting
working on several start-up business ideas.
I think you guys are doing a great job. I
into — as I was still a rank novice, but we
I’m so happy the USBGF has created divi-
outside backgammon?
had made a suggestion when I first joined
had a great time together..... Somehow,
sions. I really have no chance against the
My background is in finance. I was an
that we should have a mentor program,
we WON!!!
higher-ranked players, but don’t mind,
investment banker with Lehman Broth-
which you instituted. I also applaud your
because I like to compete. But in the Inter-
ers for many years and then I started my
Junior program, which ensures the future
However, most memorable was Ft. Lau-
mediate Division, I can compete against
own business — recovering VAT tax for
of the game. 
derdale. I had the honor and great pleasure
players of my level and continue to learn
corporations — which I sold several years
to play in a doubles tournament with the
from the better players in the open com-
ago. I am now an independent consultant,
master, Neil Kazaross. It was a great learning
petitions.
experience and so much fun. Neil is a true
- KAREN DAVIS
70
71
The 3rd Capital Classic
The hotel bed was inviting, even though I
the 3rd
capital classic
had been unable to seduce any fem fatales
in the bar. I resolved to try again when
the bar was open! Agent 222 had to play
at 2, so he got a few winks. Required to
keep strange hours, I sometimes resort to
By Ray Fogerlund
chemical assistance in order to assimilate
my body clock to the local time zone... I
dispatched half a Benadryl before lying
down. The resultant Benadryl hangover is
not as bad as one that is alcohol induced,
and though I slept fitfully, I slept.
I arrived in the playing room sans appropriate positive adjective. The first enemy agent
I encountered in the high limits area called
I
the Masters Invitational was none other
was comfortable in the knowledge
2014 Capital Classic. When he went to the
As Bond is also known as 007, or double oh
than William Riles. I wonder what his three
that there would be no travel snafus
wedding, he was the ABT leader, when he
seven... I ought to have a number it seems
digits are. Regardless, he is the president of
this time. I had booked a round trip
got home, I was. My win in DC had put me
for this fantasy. I have always found it bet-
flight into DC and it was to be non-stop. I
in first place and turned out to be decisive
ter not to leave nicknames and such up to
really don’t relish flying cross country for
as neither of us scored ABT points the rest
ABT events, but I felt obligated having
AGENT 222 COOLREY FOGERLUND
the USBGF, and that makes him my boss I
others perceive you, and that may not be
Some might argue that I do not fit the pro-
settled in for the long flight. The Captain
less impressively, the next time I noted the
been asked to participate in a live streamed
who threatened to actually win the thing,
in complete accordance with your fantasy
file of the average three digit secret agent,
of the plane made an announcement about
score it was 7-8/13. Agent Riles doesn’t rile
backgammon seminar with local legend Ed
fell short and he will accept the third place
self-image. If we let the readers pick, I might
lacking certain credentials such as level of
some routine maintenance inspection taking
easily, it seems. Eventually I felled him with
O’Laughlin. Ed had asked me to do this
trophy at the Central States Invitational in
end up as Six Sixty Six or something, while
intelligence, charisma, fitness, and FFA (Fem
place, which might cause a minor delay....
my double-barreled dice cup.
at the end of the previous Capital Classic
Chicago, which will be history by the time
I much prefer Two Twenty Two. As this is
Fatale Appeal). One has to admit, however,
Perhaps United Airlines and the secret ser-
tournament which I had won. Incidentally,
you read this.
an article I agreed to write before I went to
that the modern day backgammon pro leads
vice have different definitions of the word
Moving on, I would now face Agent O, as in
a life that is somewhat similar. Flying into
minor. The delay ended up being 7 hours
Ed O. Having fallen on hard times, Agent O
remote and sometimes glamorous locales
and required both a plane and gate change.
was in a mood to hedge since this Masters
to ply his trade and take out enemy agents,
Other than that, my trip was uneventful,
Invitational only contained 8 agents. This
etc. My mission this time? To protect the
and I arrived promptly at oh three thirty.
despite having won his previous match 13-0.
Crown Jewels! Okay, I meant defend my
That’s secret agent talk, ok? Looking on the
I assumed the seat most recently occupied
title. You see, Agent 222 would arrive as the
bright side; the weather was nice, as it was
by Agent Culpepper. Surely, this seat was
defending Champion of the Capital Clas-
only one degree below zero. Fortunately,
prepared to produce some points by now?
sic. He checked his special Capital Classic
the escape ramp leading from the plane to
board and boarded the plane with 200 other
the airport was short; otherwise, the Crown
random individuals.... Secure in the knowl-
Jewels might have frozen!
DC, I get to pick! Henceforth, I shall assume
Frank Raposa, who was the runner up in
my secret identity, Agent 222.
the American Backgammon Tour race in
Do you like James Bond movies? I do! I
2014, also hails from this area and plays
watched a rerun of Casino Royal before I
in the Beltway Backgammon Club. The
left, so it might be amusing to look at this
Did I mention that my birthday is February
BBC rose to national prominence a couple
tournament through the eyes of a high-
22? Were you aware that this date was also
years ago when its two teams faced each
profile secret-agent-like backgammon
the birthdate of George Washington? You
other in the finals of the National Club
player. After all, backgammon was featured
know, the guy they built a monument to
Team Championship event hosted by the
in one Bond flick, and if you can’t recall its
in DC... I was traveling there the weekend
USBGF. Frank was on hand for this event,
name, there is a world-renowned author-
after President’s Day... A celebration of two
but last year he had to attend a family
ity on Bond flicks among our members:
presidents’ birthdays, Washington and
wedding held on the same weekend as the
Vietor, JON Vietor!
Lincoln, I believe... But I digress.
BILL RILES
of the year. A late charge by Matt Reklaitis,
007 Gun Logo and related James Bond Trademarks © Danjaq
LLC and United Artists Corporation. All rights reserved.
suppose. In true two twenty two fashion,
chance. Otherwise, you will be known as
Ray Fogerlund captured the DC Capital Classic two
years in a row and lived to tell the tale.
edge that he had not been recognized, 222
I sprang out to a 7-0/13 lead. Somewhat
72
Position 1
12
11 10
9
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
Pip: 4
Ed O'Laughlin
7-Away
is Player 1
score: 0
pip: 5
13 point match
13
14
15
16
17 18
19
20
21
22
23
13-Away
pip: 4
Ray
Fogerlund
score: 6
Pip: 5
24
is Player 2
XGID=-AB---------------------d-:2:-1:-1:00:0:6:0:13:10
White (O'Laughlin)
on roll. Cube action?
on roll, cube action?
Analyzed in XG Roller++
No redouble
Cubeless Equities
88.43% (G:0.00% B:0.00%)
11.57% (G:0.00% B:0.00%)
+0.769
Cubeful Equities
No redouble:
Redouble/Take:
Redouble/Pass:
73
Redouble/Take
88.43% (G:0.00% B:0.00%)
11.57% (G:0.00% B:0.00%)
+0.980
+0.769
+0.712 (-0.057)
+1.000 (+0.231)
Best Cube action: No redouble / Take
throughout the weekend, frying every agent
did better there than anyone else had done,
arose when initials were used on a draw
who sat in it in a most gruesome way. Heed-
by winning one game and scoring 2 points.
sheet, and for future reference draw sheets
ing my resolve, I reentered the event and
The score now stood @ Secret Weapon: 61,
have to be photographed for the results
with the help of Jason Lee I switched chairs
Ejection Seat: 2. Perhaps it would be more
to be compiled by the USBGF. Therefore,
before I met Agent Ashkenazi. No sooner
effective to use plain initials from here on?
full names would be more helpful in that
had he sat down, and he was promptly
SW and ES will do, respectively.
regard. It’s always something!
a formidable array of weaponry indeed, as
The first night was over and I had been
The USBGF representative at this event
computer analysis pegged his accuracy at
tired the whole day. However, I did notice
was Julius High. He took pride in signing
2.0X. More secret agent lingo, I am sure
a few relevant details. The hotel is conve-
up new members, just as he does with his
you will understand.
niently located near the Dulles airport.
Kansas City backgammon study group. His
Busy backgammon Secret Service types
lessons are streamed live and consist of ten
I nodded to Jason, DC’s resident math
tend to appreciate this feature, and airport
questions each session. Julius is one of the
professor, acknowledging the effective-
hotels tend to be cheaper for directors and
two newest board members on the USBGF,
ness of this newfangled invention he was
players. No snacks were allowed this time
along with Michelle Steinberg who was not
letting me use. The southern chair of the
because it is apparently difficult to remove
in attendance. One could almost feel her in
western-most live streaming station now
trampled Cheetos from carpeting as had
the room though, as she was glued to her
sported a cumulative score of 48-0. “J”
been required last time. The restaurant in
computer at home transcribing streamed
taped my name to that seat for the rest
the hotel served a good breakfast buffet
matches for J. Sometimes she is in charge
of the tournament, lest anyone else sit in
and lunch, and there were several dif-
of the streaming video, which seems to
it. Conservative agents will now see the
ferent restaurants within short walking
get better every tournament now. I think
cunning advantages of tipping the staff
distance @ dinner time. The playing room
that after this tournament J will be work-
after winning backgammon tournaments,
was somewhat space challenged as this
ing on an invisible force field to protect
methinks!
tournament is growing in popularity. The
the camera boom, as using a chair wasn’t
Nation’s Capital is a viable destination, as
working! The small tripod mounted on
I wouldn’t always be streamed live during
there is plenty of stuff to go see. Maybe
the table for the second streaming station
this weekend, but when I was, J placed
not when it is minus 1, but you get the
experienced less problems than the floor
me there by silent agreement. We were on
idea. All rooms are suites, it is a Marriott
mounted overhead boom. Julius had one of
ejected from it 0-13/13. He had displayed
Alas, that was a premature gloat of sorts.
score was 0-6/13. I had to take the cube,
me into the frosty night. Sailing through the
a different mental plane than the others,
Rewards property, and they had a chess set
those in one corner of the room, (where a
Agent O had squandered quite a bit of
indeed it was a minor faux pas by Agent
air, I resolved to avoid that chair if possible
you see!
in the lobby. As far as I could see, only one
wall protected it from abuse) and it appears
time on a couple of previous positions
O to send it. But he is widely known to be
for the rest of the tournament. It was not
pawn had been stolen from it. A perfectly
he had his own Electric Chair over there,
trying to get his cross hairs aligned on
a swashbuckling gambler of a secret agent.
that I am superstitious, as I understand
To qualify as one of the three finalists in the
serviceable venue and there was enough
as we will soon see....
my forehead. Seizing this opportunity, he
He failed to take me out with his first shot,
that superstition cannot help. On the other
Masters Invitational, I would have to beat
attendance that purchasing an adjacent
redoubled me to 8. It was cold outside so
so he had to resort to plan B. Unfortunately
hand, if you are convinced that superstition
Agent O, he of the 22-0 debacle described
room for space fit into the budget. TD Barry
I believe we have set the stage for the Clas-
I was not surprised to see this snowman,
for me, his plan B was also a strong one,
can’t help you, then you have to subscribe
previously. Again he wanted to hedge,
Silliman is particularly detail conscious and
sic, but there were the inevitable welcome
and even less surprised that Agent O had
winning the game and match (with the cube
to the notion that it also can’t hurt!
and I agreed out of respect, or was it fear?
J is his most valuable assistant. Bill Pow has
announcements and staff credits to endure.
unleashed his pet on me! Agent O likes
now on 16 of course) 86% of the time. The
Assuming my place in the secret weapon, I
been directing tournaments in the area
I often wish that directors would skip
to keep the pressure on, and I was under
second barrel of my double-barreled dice
This chair, one of four designated for live
was curious to see if Agent O could handle
for years, I was told, and he stepped up
the part about upcoming tournaments,
quite a bit of pressure already since the
cup failed to engage, and my chair ejected
streamed video, would feature prominently
the curse of the ejection seat? In the end he
authoritatively to help out. One problem
but they feel obligated to recognize their
74
75
peers I suppose. Barry had a little fun at
PrimeTime magazine features prominent
the expense of one idiot who flew in from
individuals in backgammon and it is a first-
more temperate climes, and didn’t pack a
class publication, as the $25 price tag would
As I mentioned before, not all of my matches
jacket! Of course there were a couple of door
suggest. Bill Riles and Tara Mendicino
were live streamed at this tournament,
prizes randomly awarded. Paul Weaver was
provide most of the photographs, but are
and the first round of the Classic was no
the envy of the room when his name was
willing and able to use photos submitted by
exception. Defending my title began with
selected to receive the most recent edition
random individuals. So, bring your camera
a match against Ray Zamani, a colorful
of the USBGF’s PrimeTime magazine, for
out to the next ABT event. Who knows?
Iranian fellow... I wonder what my chances
instance. I am told that a third printing of
You might take the next cover photo! The
of repeating as the CCC were in the fol-
that issue is in the works because the oth-
USBGF also added funds to this event in
lowing position.
ers have literally flown off the shelves. The
the amount of $750. They were distributed
randomly among the events.
Position 3
13
14
15
16
17 18
19
20
21
22
23
24
Pip: 50
Ray Zamani
2-Away
is Ray Zamani
score: 9
pip: 50
11 point match
Position 2
12
11 10
9
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
3-Away
pip: 97
Ray Fogerlund
score: 8
Pip: 10
Ray Zamani
2-Away
is Ray Fogerlund
score: 8
pip: 100
12
3-Away
13
14
15
16
17 18
19
20
21
22
23
24
Pip: 100
is Ray Zamani
XGID=-AEBBB-----------A----bbB-:0:0:-1:52:8:9:0:11:10
White (Zamani)
to play 52
to play 52
1.
3-ply
Player:
Opponent:
3/Off 2/Off
eq: +1.771
84.49% (G:55.22% B:42.11%)
15.51% (G:0.00% B:0.00%)
was, but what was the proper ace to play???
9
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
Pip: 97
is Ray Fogerlund
XGID=bAEBBB-----------A----AA--:0:0:1:21:8:9:0:11:10
Black (Fogerlund)
to play 21
to play 21
1.
XG Roller++
2.
XG Roller++
3.
XG Roller++
4.
XG Roller++
11 point match
pip: 10
Ray Fogerlund
score: 9
11 10
17/15 2/1
Player:
Opponent:
46.91% (G:0.00% B:0.00%)
53.09% (G:6.87% B:1.64%)
Player:
Opponent:
46.97% (G:0.00% B:0.00%)
53.03% (G:6.89% B:1.59%)
Player:
Opponent:
46.58% (G:0.00% B:0.00%)
53.42% (G:6.84% B:1.67%)
Player:
Opponent:
39.46% (G:0.00% B:0.00%)
60.54% (G:13.28% B:4.42%)
eq: -0.128
23/21 2/1
eq: -0.129 (-0.001)
22/20 2/1
eq: -0.140 (-0.012)
22/21 17/15
eq: -0.427 (-0.298)
I have a tendency to overthink these things,
ace point. All the best plays cover, but I
be lying in wait for me on Sunday in the
and while other players might have auto-
always say: The best play is overrated!
Masters final....
not to. Ray and I both rolled another ace,
On to the second round where I had to
The third round would not be a cake walk
and I was able to hit loose there again. He
play Julius High. Julius had just beaten
either, as I had to face Alfred Mamlet,
missed and I used my next ace to cover.
backgammon Giant Paul Weaver for the
another high-profile secret agent who had
A bystander noted that this odd play had
second time that weekend in a tense double
graced the cover of PrimeTime magazine
matically covered the ace point, I chose
Ray rolled the obligatory (so he said) 52,
I hit them both with 21! Ray fanned, which
leaving me two blots to shoot at. I am nor-
was nice of him, and now I had a random
worked to perfection as I eventually closed
match point victory. In fact, The Evil Dr.
recently. Our match was not streamed at
mally good at missing those, but this time
ace to play. I forget what the other number
out Ray and won this game. Then I won the
High would dispatch 4 of the 5 Giants he
first, as it started just before the dinner
match at DMP. I checked XG’s opinion...
faced over the weekend. Things went my
break. Upon my return from dinner, I
and it was a BIG blunder not to cover the
way in our match, but Dr. High would
Continued on page 78
76
77
07
03
01 Newlyweds Bob and Eva Koca
won the Doubles event in a tough field
of 16 teams.
02 Feliks Goykhman (NJ) took the
Intermediate Jackpot.
01
02
03 Giant Ray Fogerlund (NV) and
Rich Munitz (NY), deep in thought,
strike similar poses.
04 Grant Schneider (VA), shown
with Capital Classic tournament
director Barry Silliman, is on a roll,
winning the Capital Classic Open
Jackpot.
05 Alia Azamat (NJ) took home the
Novice trophy in a field of 8 players.
04
06
one of the Canadians making a long
drive to attend the Capital Classic.
07 Julius High (KS) savors his
Masters Jackpot trophy, especially his
win over his teacher, Ray Fogerlund.
08 Paul Weaver (AL), #13 Giant of
BILL RILES
05
06 Tom Rebelo from Quebec was
Backgammon, ponders a play.
08
78
79
Continued from page 75
found Agent Alfred seated in the ES, and
rolled a big set that cleared my last point
out on some great opportunities, though.
motioning me over. I stole a glance at J,
and left Alfred sitting alone on my 2 point
By incorporating human nature into my
and sat down in the SW. As we were tied
(his 23 point). His task at that stage of the
cube decisions, I allow myself to get lucky.
2-2/11 before the dinner break, when I
game was merely to roll higher than 4, to
won the match 11-7 the running score had
exit my board and save a backgammon and
Sure, XG says this or that double is a pass,
become: SW 70, ES 7.
two extra points. Unfortunately his dice
and anyone who takes it is making a blunder
were not up to the task, producing a 31.
because they could just lose 1 point instead
At this point, let’s take a moment for reflec-
Suddenly the match score was 9-2/11 in
of 1.1. Technically, it is right, assuming
tion and perhaps we might learn some-
my favor. Decisive swings like this happen
perfect play. How many humans play per-
thing. Since this match was streamed, and
all the time in backgammon; it goes with
fectly? I don’t know, but I do know that
I continued to win, my matches continued
the territory.
the best score on Mochy’s backgammon
to be streamed. In the year 2015, with all
proficiency exam (a 50-question test on
the modern conveniences, matches like
Introspectively speaking, I am embarrassed
this are set upon by a voracious pack of
by this result, and that provides motivation
volunteers. The matches are transcribed
to improve. Understanding is the key that
and published at strategic locations such
basic backgammon) was 42. That translates
JASON LEE
to 84%, people. Even though it is a bit like
as Stick Rice’s excellent website: bgonline.
match I realize what happened. Since this
beings, etc. It’s not just me that gets nervous,
poorly after doubling. Now that there is
Okay, now which is less? 1.0 Or 0.924? XG
org. It is nice to have success, but it is
was the second game of the live streaming,
it's humans! XG was not allowed to enter
more riding on the game, there is more
gigs me for taking bad cubes, so my PR goes
another thing entirely to be subject to public
the bulk of the recorded games happened
this tournament, and that is a significant
pressure to win. Nobody wants to lose a
up. Humans play badly after doubling me,
scrutiny. By the time I returned home, this
in its aftermath. Accordingly, most of my
consideration that allows me to let this go.
game they were winning! Doubling repre-
so my game and match winning percentages
match had been transcribed and the results
mistakes happened later. Alfred had played
To give myself a pass instead of grief I must
sents a form of ownership and it is natural
go up. Which should I prefer? Lower PR
posted. Interestingly enough, I had played
close to world class @ around 5, but he
remember that I am only human. Humans
to be protective of things that you own.
or higher match winning percentage? It’s
my worst match of the weekend against
made a mistake of his own in taking my
have emotions and nerves and vanity and
We don’t like it when a passenger swings
a matter of personal preference, but I like
Alfred, and my PR had been above 10! I
initial double in the fateful game where he
a conscience. Computers don’t, and that is
open our car door carelessly and bangs it
winning. Getting back to my match with
won the tournament, ultimately, so what
got backgammoned. Suddenly leading 9-2,
why they can play perfectly, while we can’t.
into the vehicle next to us. How dare they
Alfred, the unexpected gain from winning
was going on here??? The key to winning,
a mental metamorphosis took place and
So I stunk up the place! I like to think it is
treat our stuff like that, when we nurture
a backgammon was good for my ego and
I believe, is to keep on learning and try-
I became conservative. Fearful of losing
good advertising.
and care for it on a daily basis. Anyway, I
bad for my PR. Can I ever forgive myself?
ing to improve. I stunk the place up with
despite this magnificent gift of good fortune,
mentally took ownership of this match when
Why not? I am only human after all….
this particular match, that’s a given. Let’s
I became tentative and indecisive. These are
How can the reader benefit from this? By
the dice handed me a big lead. I became
examine the match from two points of view:
not normal tendencies for experienced pro-
understanding human nature and making
overprotective.
objectively and introspectively.
fessionals, but taking a big lead unexpectedly
allowances for it when you find yourself
is slightly extraordinary. I understand the
over the board. The realization that people
I get the impression sometimes that it
when Agent Alfred got up. Bill Davis is
Objectively, Alfred and perhaps anyone
phenomenon and recognize it well. The
who are in the lead are going to get tight
infuriates technically stronger players
a world-renowned tournament director
reviewing this match might agree that I did
reason? It happens to everyone! Arguably, I
should lead you to some beneficial conclu-
that I am able to fly in the face of the bots
and was just inducted into the American
not deserve to win. I would be inclined to
am a pretty good player when compared to
sions. You can steal a point from a leader,
and get away with it. They would never
Backgammon Hall of Fame. Special Agent
agree with that assessment, btw. I made a
my peers. However, being one of the good
not something I would recommend you
take such bad cubes, and I never seem
Davis was anxious to get started, and had no
series of poor checker plays (one was a .550
players is merely a subset of the entity that
try against a person trailing in a match.
to pay for my mistakes. Like becoming
idea he was sitting in the ES! An interesting
blunder) and cube decisions. Why? Early
is all players…. All backgammon players
Going a bit further with the same concept,
overprotective here. I believe that players
doubling situation presented itself when I
in the match when I was leading 3-2/11, I
are a subset of a larger group we call human
I have noted a tendency in people to play
who become slaves to their PRs are missing
was leading early in the 11-point match 3-0.
BILL RILES
comparing apples to oranges, let me ask
unlocks learning, and looking back at this
Jason Lee, USBGF Online Match Series editor, streamed matches throughout
the Capital Classic, adding to a rich treasure trove of archived matches.
you this: What is 84% of 1.1? Answer: .924.
Bill Davis had been hovering near the
streaming station and promptly sat down
80
Position 4
12
Position 5
11 10
9
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
Pip: 105
Ray Fogerlund
8-Away
13
14
15
16
17 18
19
20
21
22
23
24
Pip: 105
Ray Fogerlund
8-Away
is Bill Davis
is Ray Fogerlund
score: 0
pip: 125
score: 3
pip: 105
11 point match
11 point match
11-Away
11-Away
pip: 105
Bill Davis
score: 3
13
81
14
15
16
17 18
19
20
21
22
23
Pip: 125
24
is Ray Fogerlund
XGID=a--Ba-D-CBA--Ba--A-cbcb-b-:0:0:-1:00:0:3:0:11:10
Cubeless Equities
Cubeful Equities
No double:
Double/Take:
Double/Pass:
12
11 10
9
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
Pip: 125
1
is Bill Davis
XGID=a--Ba-D-CBA--Ba--A-cbcb-b-:1:1:1:00:0:3:0:11:10
White (Fogerlund)
on roll. Cube action?
pip: 125
Bill Davis
score: 0
Black (Davis)onon
roll. Cube action?
roll, cube action?
No double
62.98% (G:37.52% B:0.43%)
37.02% (G:5.93% B:0.28%)
+0.614
Double/Take
62.94% (G:37.74% B:0.42%)
37.06% (G:5.83% B:0.27%)
+1.229
+0.539 (-0.270)
+0.809
+1.000 (+0.191)
Best Cube action: Double / Take
No redouble
Cubeless Equities
71.35% (G:18.68% B:0.99%)
28.65% (G:7.17% B:0.23%)
+0.570
Cubeful Equities
No redouble:
Redouble/Take:
Redouble/Pass:
Redouble/Take
71.57% (G:19.81% B:1.08%)
28.43% (G:8.31% B:0.42%)
+1.326
+0.876 (-0.124)
+1.244 (+0.244)
+1.000
Best Cube action: Redouble / Pass
I had been going for the gammon when Bill entered with a 26 from
this double would have been a blunder of .270. SA Davis was quite
SA Davis wasted no time redoubling me
the bar, hitting me in the process. After some thought I decided to
correct to take my double. What happened next was unexpected;
to 4, perhaps sensing the kill. My knee jerk
double him, which is clearly the correct course of action. Missing
(I fanned). Ouch!
reaction was to scoop up his early redouble.
I have built my empire on bad takes
SW 83, ES 7.
SA Davis was sitting in the Ejection Seat
… Almost beyond comprehension I wan-
I guess I had forgotten my recent lessons
dered around in a good-luck-induced
in cube strategy when I learned that one
As a result... SA Davis tossed a rather
daze. I had reached the last match on the
has to be careful taking redoubles when
harmless 41 grenade. He chose the best play
undefeated side of the Capital Classic 2015
one can pass and still retain the lead in the
which was to pick and pass, leaving two of
bracket. I would meet Agent Bill Finneran
match. Indeed, I had bitten off more than I
my checkers on the bar. My response was
the next day to decide the undefeated final-
should be able to chew with this redouble,
more explosive, containing 55 (!). I hit his
ist. Quite often this match provides the
as it was a blunder of some .244! Wow, what
ten point blot, and he fanned. This led to
most palpable tension of any match over
a difference one bad roll can make. Readers
a routine gammon on his 4 cube and the
a weekend event like this. We both wanted
would do well to remember two things:
running score became:
to get some rest before we started. I slept
82
83
fitfully but opted not to use any chemical
finalist in one tournament, Agent O took
High had lost one battle to me in the other
who would reside in the ES for the 2015
Weapon, and we began the 2015 Capital
assistance from Benadryl. I wanted to be
on Dr. High. The evil Dr. High had made
event, but now he had won the war!
Capital Classic final. Agent Finneran was
Classic Final. As luck would have it I built
sharp the next day! Agent 222 was alive
a flight reservation for the late afternoon,
able to shrug off his earlier defeat to reach
a comfortable lead in the finals, 9-5/11. I
and well in DC.
so it was imperative for the playoffs to
A miracle of modern medicine it is, the nap!
the final table opposite me. Unbeknownst
was rolling and playing well thus far. But
start and end in time for him to make
I rested up, and licked my wounds while
to him, he was seated in the Ejection Seat!
Bond movies are not musicals, and life
The transition from Saturday to Sunday
his flight. I was finished in time to watch
the players in the consolation sorted out
My buns touched down on the Secret
often imitates fiction, to wit:
at a regional event like the 2015 Capital
them play a bit, and of course their match
Classic can be challenging. Winning all
went to DMP. At 10-9 post Crawford, the
your matches on Saturday is one thing,
last game took place. The combined time
but even secret agents dream of winning
on their respective clocks was less than
all of their matches on Sunday! Agent 222
two minutes, and Dr. High (the evil) had
is no exception, and I hoped to win the
less than one minute. Maybe I should call
undefeated bracket final to afford myself
Julius Dr. Low, because he is always low on
the luxury of time, instead of having to
time. However, this time he was Dr. High
report to the loser’s bracket immediately.
on luck, as he won the DMP game from
Position 6
13
14
15
16
17 18
19
20
21
22
23
24
Pip: 124
Bill Finneran
6-Away
is Bill Finneran
score: 5
pip: 124
Agent O. Still smoking, Agent O arose from
Alert readers will recall that I was also to
Dr. High’s electric chair. I detected a faint
be in the three-player playoff in the Masters
odor that was hard to identify, but I would
event with the evil Dr. High and Agent O.
soon learn its source.
11 point match
Everything went according to plan, as I
defeated Agent Finneran. For the record, we
The finals of the Masters event was anti-
both played 4.5 PR, so there was nothing for
climactic. I stole a point in the first game,
either of us to be ashamed of. That’s world
and took the lead 1-0/11. We played the
class backgammon, baby! I won this match
finals to 11 points rather than 13 to save a
12-8/11, so the running count became: SW
little time. Confidently taking the next step
95, ES 15. Perhaps the battery was getting
after the first game bolstered my confidence,
low on the ejection seat?
I rolled. Suddenly, some straps pinned my
arms and legs to the chair. It was a trap!!!
2-Away
pip: 139
Ray Fogerlund
score: 9
12
11 10
9
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
Pip: 139
is Ray Fogerlund
XGID=aa -BBBBC --a------AbddB -Ab-:0:0:1:55:9:5:0:11:10
Black (Fogerlund)
to play 55
to play 55
1.
XG Roller++
2.
XG Roller++
3.
XG Roller++
17/2 7/2
eq: +1.458
Player:
Opponent:
89.04% (G:46.65% B:3.30%)
10.96% (G:1.86% B:0.09%)
Player:
Opponent:
83.58% (G:56.31% B:3.17%)
16.42% (G:3.80% B:0.21%)
Player:
Opponent:
86.32% (G:49.80% B:4.15%)
13.68% (G:4.19% B:0.17%)
7/2(2) 6/1*(2)
eq: +1.440 (-0.018)
21/16(2) 7/2(2)
eq: +1.385 (-0.073)
Meanwhile, the mathematicians had cooked
I heard a humming sound and felt a slight
up a perfectly equitable solution to the
vibration in my chair. There was an evil
three-player playoff. I believe it is histori-
laugh coming from the direction of Dr.
cally accurate to credit this complicated
High, who flicked a hidden switch on his
formula to backgammon legend in his
dice cup. My flesh began to crawl as joker
own time: Neil Kazaross. Though Neil
after joker emanated from his dice cup,
I was in control, in fact on cruise control
backgammon, when I noticed something
for other possibilities briefly but my mind
was absent, there were some accomplished
while my own dice burned into my hide.
at this point. Little did I know what was
enticing… I could make the two point,
had been made up. I knew that I should
mathematicians on the Beltway! In fact,
Now I know how the witches of Salem
about to transpire. I have rolled a marvel-
then switch the 6 point for the 1 point and
be looking for just such a situation at this
two of their players teach mathematics,
must have felt; what happens at the end
ous number, 55, here. What is your play? I
place a second man of Agent Finneran’s on
score of 2 away, because undoubled gam-
so the situation was well in hand. While I
of the green mile. The coroner removed
began pondering the possibilities, one ought
the bar! I stifled my passion for a moment
mons win the match with perfect efficiency.
played for the right to be the undefeated
my lifeless body on a gurney. The evil Dr.
to slow down when one rolls a double in
to try and remain calm, I looked around
Agent F was in a precarious position and he
pip: 112
score: 5
84
USBGF PrimeTime Backgammon
Magazine
is Player 2
XGID=-BBBBBaa--a---AA--bddA-Bb-:0:0:-1:00:9:5:0:11:10
was seated upon the ES! Without further
my assessment of the match score and
consideration I made the ace and deuce
situation were accurate, the best play was
points, leaving my 6 point open. I figured
not better than my play by much. Still, it
The criminal act I had committed was not so
to be able to escape his home board easily,
was better to make the two point and a six
much picking the wrong play, but failing to
scooping up his outfield blot along the way.
prime using the checker on the 17 point.
even see the best one! I can’t say for certain
Should he enter with a quick six, I could
This is an unusual deployment of checkers,
that I would have made the 6 prime, but I
alternatively pick and pass. This position
so it is understandable that I would miss
think human nature would dictate going
was the perfect prescription for my cur-
this play under pressure. But handling
with the strong play with NO risk, rather
rent affliction, which was needing 2 more
pressure situations is what Secret Service
than the big play with a little risk.
points to complete my mission and save
work is all about! Making the 6 prime would
the Crown Jewels!
also appeal to the average, run of the mill
stages of the finals unfold…
No double
Cubeless Equities
65.96% (G:28.45% B:1.76%)
34.04% (G:9.10% B:0.35%)
+0.490
Cubeful Equities
No double:
Double/Take:
Double/Pass:
85
Double/Take
66.12% (G:32.87% B:2.16%)
33.88% (G:11.20% B:0.73%)
+1.402
+0.810 (-0.190)
+1.402 (+0.402)
+1.000
Best Cube action: Double / Pass
Having entered with consecutive 61’s, and
to be sure, but I still had a 5-point board.
to end? Agent 222 hurtled towards earth
The point is moot, for two twenty two got
hitting a blot with the second one, Agent F
Had I overplayed my double 5s previously,
spinning out of control and belching thick
player, while a James Bond type might
caught up in the excitement. His punish-
was now on the offensive. No longer help-
I wondered, as the seconds ticked off my
black smoke. The crash yielded the obliga-
In all the excitement there lie some con-
just prefer the bolder more hair-raising
ment came a couple of rolls later in the
lessly pinned down, he was now able to
clock. Never mind that, should I let this
tory ball of fire, and the aftermath left 222
cealed confusion, however, as I missed
play, especially in front of a crowd. Yes,
same game:
return fire. Not one to shrink from a fight,
one go? Take it and win and I will win the
in a pinch. Now the title would be decided
entirely the best play! Due to the fact that
the number of kibitzers swell as the last
he fired a 2 cube my way! By this time I was
match. But, I might get gammoned and
by one last game. With the score now tied
muttering to myself and looking around for
we would be tied… Hem. Haw. Take! The
9-9/11, someone was sure to double at his
J. The previously dependable ES had failed
kibitzers gasped while I gritted my teeth. I
first advantage to put the match (and the
to launch Agent F into the stratosphere! Get
got a shot, but missed it and got gammoned
Crown Jewels) on the line. As usual the
the jumper cables, J, the battery seems to
routinely by Agent F.
final act had a few twists and turns, but
Position 7
12
11 10
9
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
Pip: 112
Bill Finneran
6-Away
have died. Left to my own devices, I decided
to take this double. I was a little steamed,
14
15
16
17 18
19
White (Finneran) on roll. Cube action?
20
21
22
23
24
Well hey, how do you expect a Bond flick
2-Away
Ray Fogerlund
Pip: 126
file:///C|/Users/user/Desktop/Position.htm[5/4/2015 7:54:07 PM]
BILL RILES
13
the ending was typical.
RAY FOGERLUND VS. BILL FINNERAN
D.C. player Bill Finneran has his back to the wall in
a tough final Open match with Ray.
Transparent Baffle
Box with Etched
USBGF Circular Logo
by Phil Simborg
Position 8
13
14
15
16
17 18
19
20
21
22
23
24
Pip: 85
Bill Finneran
2-Away
A USBGF BG Shop exclusive!
Absolutely gorgeous transparent
baffle box with the beautiful
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is Bill Finneran
score: 9
pip: 85
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11 point match
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pip: 77
Ray9Fogerlund
score:
12
11 10
9
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
Pip: 77
usbgf.org/shop
is Ray Fogerlund
USBGFBGSHOP
86
USBGF Baffle Box
XGID=-CBBABCA--baa--------ccbcA:1:1:1:66:9:9:0:11:10
Black (Fogerlund)
to play 66
to play 66
1.
3-ply
Player:
Opponent:
Bar/1
eq: +0.951
97.53% (G:0.47% B:0.00%)
2.47% (G:0.00% B:0.00%)
eXtreme Gammon is now available on your Android device, iPhone and iPad
After bouncing back and forth on and off the
merely in the testing phase, and even then
The date and time stood still... 2-22-2015
bar for the last few turns, Agent 222 found
it would only fire once. Two Twenty Two
@ 2:22 pm. 
himself perched upon it yet again. He was
drew back his cup, and shook it vigorously.
beginning to tire, and worried he would not
Then he fired! The recoil was extensive,
be able to run the gauntlet one last time…
and the damage? Catastrophic! For there,
Suddenly he remembered something J had
landing with a heavy thud, were a pair of
prepared for him just for this assignment.
massive 6s! Mortally wounded, Agent F
James Bond normally has to use his last
limped gamely on, but the 66-caliber shell
resort to save the day in his movies, and
had hit its mark, and he was doomed. Agent
two twenty two was down to his. With
222 had come to the rescue of the Crown
the Ejection Seat malfunction, it was up
Jewels! Somewhere in the distance, the
to him. His fate hung in the balance as he
evil Dr. High rubbed his hands together,
produced an experimental dice cup. J had
pondering his next crime!
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- RAY FOGERLUND
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88
2014 Vietor Cup
VIETOR VS. ROCKWELL
the 2014
vietor cup
Our host, Jon Vietor, playing the
iconic Johnny Rockwell, intimidating
indeed in his NASCAR-style gear.
By Bob Wachtel
TWIST OF FATE
I
Two great gentlemen and
great players, Dorn Bishop
and Nick Maffeo, amused by a
twist of fate in their match.
f there is one vision that the contem-
paradigm emerged: the smooth operators
1966, 1974, 1979, 1980, 1981), Ted Bassett
porary backgammon community
wrote books that shared their secrets and
III (1969), Claude Beer (1971), Porter Ijams
shares, it is that the game needs to be
stories with the public; backgammon tables
(1975, 1977), Alfred Dupont Dent (1976,
“grown”: promoted, boosted, taught, and
appeared in discos; and open tournaments,
1978) and even the notorious British gam-
explained to as great and global an audi-
like the First World Amateur Backgammon
bler and murder suspect Lord Lucan, whose
ence as possible.
Championship (1978), drew huge fields of
name (as John Lucan) is engraved on the
starry-eyed hopefuls.
Vietor Cup (yes, there is a real, perpetual
It was not always so. A few short genera-
cup) as the winner in 1972, just a couple
tions ago, backgammon (in the Western
It was in 1982, as this democratization of
of years before he spectacularly vanished
world) was an exclusive diversion, confined
the game was peaking, that one of the grand
from the face of the earth.
MOLLY & JOHN
almost solely to the luxurious salons of
characters of the old, private backgammon
private “gentleman’s clubs,” mostly in New
world, John Vietor, passed away. A Yale
The Vietor Cup was discontinued with
Molly Anderson and John Isaac
enjoy the tournament.
York City and London. That scene was
man, diplomat, member of a number of
John’s death, but he had schooled his son,
strictly members-only: no insider dreamed
prestigious clubs, and consummate back-
Jon, in the game. Though it took a while,
of inviting the masses to the party. But
gammon amateur, John had established in
Jon revived the family tradition in 2000.
then, in the mid-1970s, Madison Avenue
1962 an invitational tournament, which he
The new Vietor Cup, with entrants limited
discovered that backgammon (a favorite
called the Vietor Cup, at his home in La
to 28, has been held over a weekend each
pastime of Hugh Hefner’s) could be used
Jolla, California. Many of the great sharks
September ever since, a few short yards
to sell the champagne dreams to which
and personalities of the day had attended
from the beach, at Jon’s La Jolla house. It
the middle class of the era aspired. A new
and won — including Barclay Cooke (1963,
Continued on page 93
89
90
2014 Vietor Cup
91
2014 Vietor Cup
03
01
01 The perpetual Vietor Cup next to
this year's trophy.
02 Ergin Bayrak and Mike Ungerleider enjoy a match.
02
03 If you need a quick workout
during the Vietor Cup, there are pickup
beach volleyball games going on all
day just a few steps away.
04 Dennis Rutkowski and Mario
Savan play their match outside on the
patio.
05 Ceci Pedroza, LA travel agent
and one of Pat's assistants, with Saul
Meir.
04
05
07
06 John Vietor hits the clock in a
06
match with Mark Andrus.
07 The author in 2008, the last time
he won something (the Consolation) at
the Vietor Cup.
08 San Diego tournament director
08
Tom Fahland and tournament winner
Bob Glass face off in the final.
93
2014 Vietor Cup
BOB GLASS WINS!
Tournament winner Bob Glass and
3rd-place finisher Mario Savan
posing with the trophies.
Continued from page 88
has been, and surely always will be, run
Saturday and Sunday; the house is Internet-
club, at 8-3. Of the five places paid, the
by SoCal’s cutting-edge director, Patrick
equipped, and is furnished with comfy
remaining three were:
Gibson. The Vietor atmosphere is casual
leather couches, a wide-screen TV tuned
and cozy, but make no mistake: Patrick is a
to the football, and (if you like that kind
3rd: Mario Savan (CA) 7-3
disciplinarian. He keeps the trains running
of thing) a few small, excitable dogs to
4/5th: Mark Andrus (CA) 6-3
on time (all matches are clocked) — unless
play with. The tournament itself features
4/5th: Bob Wachtel (CA) 6-3
you count those breaks in the action which
both a zero-rake side pool and a briskly-
occur each year as he puzzles over the
run auction.
implementation of his latest, experimental
Although the Vietor Cup is officially an
invitational tournament, it is not closed
format. Patrick, you see, is a tireless innova-
The 2014 Vietor Cup attracted 19 entrants,
(subject to space limitations) to anyone from
tor — though it seems he has settled, for
who were eventually sorted out after 9
anywhere who is okay with pre-registering.
the time being, on something he calls the
rounds: six on Saturday and three (plus
And this year, when Jon moves himself and
“More Swiss” system.
playoffs) on Sunday. By the time that all
the Cup to his new home in Carlsbad, the
the jokers had been rolled, LA expert Bob
event promises to be more comfortable
As befits an intimate event like this, the
Glass had emerged victorious, with a 9-2
and enjoyable than ever. 
Vietor Cup is not short on amenities.
record. Next in line was Tom Fahland,
Brunch and snacks are provided on both
proprietor of the San Diego backgammon
- BOB WACHTEL
94
95
Qualifying Prime Clubs
BELTWAY BACKGAMMON
qualifying prime clubs
Local Affiliated Clubs List
Director: Barry Silliman
Location: Washington, D.C.
Phone: (240) 674-7222
E-Mail: sillybaz@beltwaybg.org
Website: beltwaybg.org
Details: Beltway Backgammon had 23 USBGF members as of December 2014. For more information about the Beltway Backgammon club, please visit beltwaybg.org.
ARIZONA BACKGAMMON CLUB
T
he U.S. Backgammon Federation provides support to
gift memberships. The awards are made on an annual basis. For
Director: Doug Amenda
Location: Phoenix, Arizona
local affiliated clubs with ten or more USBGF members
more information, contact Justin Nunez, Local Club Initiatives
Phone: N/A
E-Mail: doug@amendainsurance.com
including the club director, designated as Prime Clubs,
Director at justin_nunez@yahoo.com or info@usbgf.org.
Details: The Arizona Backgammon Club had 18 USBGF members as of December 31, 2014. For more information about the Ari-
to help promote the growth of backgammon in their communities.
Website: N/A
zona Backgammon Club, email Doug at doug@amendainsurance.com.
At the end of May 2015, 16 clubs qualified as Prime Clubs, includ-
Prime Clubs with 10-19 USBGF members receive one gift USBGF
ing for the first time the Atlanta Northside Backgammon Club,
CHICAGO BAR POINT CLUB
Premium membership to award to an individual selected by the
directed by Jerry Godsey. Congratulations! The sixteen clubs listed
Director: Bill Davis
Location: Chicago, Illinois
Prime Club Director; those with 20-29 USBG members receive
below have received the Prime Club designation.
Phone: (773) 583-6464
E-Mail: on-line@chicagopoint.com
Website: chicagopoint.com
Details: The Chicago Bar Point Club achieved Prime Club with 17 USBGF members as of December 2014. For more information
two gift Premium memberships; and those with 30+ receive three
about the Chicago Bar Point Club, please visit chicagopoint.com/bpc.html.
GAMMON ASSOCIATES
DALLAS BACKGAMMON LEAGUE
Director: Patrick Gibson
Location: Los Angeles, California
Phone: (818) 901-0464
E-Mail: pgibsonmfic@gmail.com
Website: GammonAssociates.com
Director: Tom Wheeler
Location: Dallas, Texas
Phone: N/A
E-Mail: zwheel@sbcglobal.com
Website: N/A
Details: The first club to reach the goal of USBGF Prime Club status is Gammon Associates. At the end of December 2014 it had
Details: The Dallas Backgammon League has 13 USBGF members as of December 31, 2014. For more information about the Dallas
39 USBGF members. Gammon Associates donated their 2013 award to furthering the work of the U.S. Backgammon Federation.
Backgammon League, email Tom at zwheel@sbcglobal.com.
BACKGAMMON BY THE BAY
LAS VEGAS BACKGAMMON CLUB
Director: Ted Chee
Location: San Francisco Bay Area, California
Director: Tony Anton
Location: Las Vegas, Nevada
Phone: (831) 261-4583
E-Mail: ted@bgbythebay.com
Phone: (702) 458-0926
E-Mail: tonyanton@earthlink.net
Website: bgbythebay.com
Website: vegasbg.com
Details: Backgammon By the Bay had 30 USBGF Premium and Youth members as of December 31, 2014. Backgammon By the Bay
Details: The Las Vegas Backgammon Club had 13 USBGF members as of December 31, 2014. For more information about the Las
donated their 2013 Prime Club award to furthering USBGF application of backgames.org.
Vegas Backgammon Club, email Tony at tonyanton@earthlink.net.
NYC BACKGAMMON
DURHAM/CHAPEL HILL BACKGAMMON CLUB
Director: Richard Munitz
Location: New York, New York
Phone: N/A
E-Mail: rich@usbgf.org
Website: nycbg.com
Director: Ken Larsen
Location: Chapel Hill, North Carolina
Phone: N/A
E-Mail: KLarsen1@nc.rr.com
Website: Durham/Chapel Hill BG Club
Details: USBGF liaison Richard Munitz and NYC Backgammon has also reached Prime Club designation. As of the end of December
Details: The Durham/Chapel Hill Backgammon Club has achieved Prime Club status as of December 2014, with 12 USBGF mem-
2014, the NYC Backgammon group had 24 USBGF members.
bers. For more information about the Durham/Chapel Hill Backgammon Club, please email Ken at KLarsen1@nc.rr.com.
FLINT AREA BACKGAMMON CLUB
Director: Carol Joy Cole
Location: Flint, Michigan
Phone: (810) 232-9731
E-Mail: cjc@flintbg.com
Website: flintbg.com
Details: The Flint Area Backgammon Club had 12 USBGF members as of December 31, 2014. For more information about the
Flint Area Backgammon Club, email Carol Joy Cole at cjc@flintbg.com.
AUSTIN BACKGAMMON CLUB
Director: Scott Butki
Location: Austin, Texas
Phone: N/A
E-Mail: sbutki@gmail.com
Website: austinbackgammon.com
Details: The Austin Backgammon Club has achieved Prime Club status as of February 15, 2015, with 12 USBGF members. For
more information about the Austin Backgammon Club, please email Scott at sbutki@gmail.com.
ATLANTA NORTHSIDE BACKGAMMON CLUB
Director: Jerry Godsey
Location: Atlanta, Georgia
Phone: N/A
E-Mail: jerrygod2000@hotmail.com
Website: N/A
Details: The Atlanta Northside Backgammon Club has achieved Prime Club status as of May 8, 2015 with 12 USBGF members. For
more information about the Atlanta Northside Backgammon Club, email Jerry at jerrygod2000@hotmail.com.
HOUSTON BACKGAMMON CLUB
Director: Bill Riles
Location: Houston, Texas
Phone: (281) 703-9304
E-Mail: billriles@sbcglobal.net
Website: N/A
Houston Backgammon Club, email Bill Riles at billriles@sbcglobal.net.
COLORADO BACKGAMMON CLUB
Director: Lynda Clay
Location: Boulder, Colorado
Phone: N/A
E-Mail: info@coloradobackgammon.com Website: coloradobackgammon.com
Details: The Colorado Backgammon Club had 11 USBGF members as of December 31, 2014. For more information about the
Colorado Backgammon Club, email Lynda at info@coloradobackgammon.com.
CHARLOTTE BACKGAMMON CLUB
Location: Charlotte, North Carolina
Phone: (704) 965-3573
E-Mail: dashro@bellsouth.net
Website: N/A
Details: The Charlotte Backgammon Club achieved Prime Club status in 2012. As of December 2014, it had 10 USBGF members.
For more information about the Charlotte Backgammon Club, please email dashro@bellsouth.net.
KANSAS CITY BACKGAMMON CLUB
Director: Eric Barr
Location: Overland Park , Kansas
Phone: (816) 237-8089
E-Mail: mister.eb@gmail.com
Website: Kansas City Backgammon Club
Details: The Kansas City Backgammon Club had 10 USBGF members as of December 31, 2014. For more information about the
Kansas City Backgammon Club, email Eric Barr at mister.eb@gmail.com.
WISCONSIN STATE
BACKGAMMON CHAMPIONSHIPS
AUGUST 14 - 16, 2015
Radisson Hotel Madison
517 Grand Canyon Drive
Madison, Wisconsin
(608) 833-6448
Details: The Houston Backgammon Club had 12 USBGF members as of December 31, 2014. For more information about the
Director: David Rogers
The Madison Backgammon Club
Presents the 13th Annual
•
•
•
•
•
Double elimination with progressive consolation
USBGF Prime Tournament with $500 added
Speedgammon
Blitzes, Quickies, and Jackpots
All at the friendliest tournament on the ABT
For more information go to
www.madisonbg.com
or contact
Keene Marin at 608-467-0013
keene@ksmweb.com
PRIME
TOURNAMENT
98
live abt tournament results
From March 13 - April 19
Complete tournament results may be found at chicagopoint.com
March 2015
ABT - CSI: BACKGAMMON / CENTRAL STATES INVITATIONAL
March 13-15, 2015; Oakbrook Terrace, Illinois
99
Live ABT Tournament Results
ABT PLAYER OF THE YEAR 2014: 1-Ray Fogerlund (NV), 2-Frank Raposa (VA), 3-Matt Reklaitis (MA).
ABT - 21st OHIO STATE BACKGAMMON CHAMPIONSHIPS
March 27-29, 2015; Cleveland, Ohio
OPEN (25): 1-Bill Calton (MI), 2-David Rockwell (IL); 1C-Nick Mourtos (Canada), 2C-Carter Mattig (IL).
ADVANCED (41): 1-Bruce Ballance (PA), 2-Faris Gabbara (MI); 1C-Steve Grund (PA), 2C-Paul Laubner
(MD).
NOVICE (3): 1-Jeanette De Oliveira (Canada), 2-Charlene Britton (OH).
CHAMPIONSHIP (52): 1-Tak Morioka (IL), 2-Gerry Tansey (MO), 3/4-Keene Marin (WI) / Bruce Russell
(WI); 1C-Akiko Yazawa (Japan), 2C-Neil Kazaross (IL); 1LC-Frank Raposa (VA).
ADVANCED (37): 1-Eric Barr (MO), 2-Shlomo Karbal (IL), 3/4-Steve Hairgrove (IL) / Roger Hickman (IL);
1C-Zach Tabak (WI), 2C-Serge Bondar (IL); 1LC-David Nosik (IL).
OHIO MASTERS (9): 1-Frank Raposa (VA), 2-Frank Talbot (MI).
AMATEUR JACKPOT (15): 1-Ray Cifani (OH), 2-John McDonald (Canada).
BLITZ (40): 1-Phil Simborg (IL), 2-Gary Koscielny (NY).
LIMITED (12): 1-Ken Torrens (IL), 2-Melvin Smith (IL); 1LC-Paulette Duong (IL).
QUICKIES (16): 1-Ross Gordon (CT).
GRAND CRYSTAL BEAVER XVII (16): 1-Yury Millman (MN), 2-Steve Blanchard (IL).
14th BATTLE OF THE SEXES (32 men & 16 women): 1-Michelle Steinberg (NJ), 2-Ray Fogerlund (NV), 3/4Nancy Elliott (WI) / Neil Kazaross (IL).
DOUBLES (9 teams): 1-Bill Calton (MI) & Mike Clapsadle (MI), 2-Patty Geoffroy (MA) & Chris Knapp
(Canada).
PRE-TOURNAMENT WARM-UP (12): 1-Karen Davis (DC), 2-Farhan Forudi (OH).
CENTRAL STATES DOUBLES (16 teams): 1-Bill Funchion (IL) & Don Marek (IL), 2-Kathleen Davis (MO) &
Nancy Elliott (WI).
1-POINT QUICKIE TOURAMENT (64): 1-Herb Roman (IL), 2-Faddoul Khoury (IL).
MICROBLITZ (40): 1-Steve Brown (MN), 2-Phil Simborg (IL).
April 2015
ABT - U.S. OPEN BACKGAMMON CHAMPIONSHIPS
April 15-19, 2015; Las Vegas, Nevada
TAKI BAKELITE BACKGAMMON BOARD FUNDRAISER (16): 1-Michael Ginat (CO), 2-Phil Simborg (IL).
LIAR'S DICE: 1-Yury Millman (MN).
CHAMPIONSHIP (66+22 rebuys): 1-Joe Russell (CA), 2-Stacy Turner (FL), 3/4-Jeb Horton (NC) / Bill Riles
(TX); 1C-Ray Fogerlund (NV), 2C-Tom Wheeler (TX), 3C/4C-Pete Anderson (WA) / Malcolm Davis (TX);
1LC-Kit Woolsey (CA), 2LC-Max Mowzoon (AZ).
JIGSAW-GAMMON DOUBLES (9 teams): 1-Ray Fogerlund (NV) & Leyla Zaloutskaya (NY).
BAR POINT CLUB RACCOON RUMBLE: Open (19): 1-Allen Tish (IL), 2-Chris Scott (IL); 1C-David Rockwell
(IL). Intermediate (8): 1-Sue Will (IL), 2-Cinda King (IL); 1C-Amy Trudeau (IL).
INTERMEDIATE (65+19 rebuys): 1-Dennis McFarlin (NV), 2-Proctor Ritchie (AZ), 3/4-Patty Geoffroy (MA)
/ Kevin McDonough (AZ); 1C-Leyla Zaloutskaya (NY), 2C-Gary Stern (NV), 3C/4C-Larry Liebster (NV)
Pete Mostoufi (CA); 1LC-Ron Genter (NV), 2LC-Peter Yanakis (NV).
100
BEGINNERS (6): 1-Garry Boltjes (NV), 2-Elena Evans (TX).
SUPER JACKPOT (16): 1-Malcolm Davis (TX), 2-Gregg Cattanach (GA).
LIMITED JACKPOT (30): 1-Mark Andrus (CA), 2-Georges Nader (FL), 3/4-Nick Blasier (TX) / Ronald Loero
(Venezuela).
SENIORS TOURNAMENT (64): 1-Cliff Pappas (AZ), 2-Dave Williams (NV), 3/4-Randi Sachar (NY) / Phil
Simborg (IL).
SENIORS OVERFLOW (8): 1-Frank Talbot (MI).
DOUBLES TOURNAMENT (23 teams): 1-Frank & Monica Talbot (MI), 2-Craig Anderson (IL) & Jim Forbes
(WY).
BLITZ (64): 1-Brian Hoeft (NV), 2-Jona Alexander (NV).
MINI-MATCH (128): 1-Marcelo Di Filippo (Argentina), 2-Joe Russell (CA).
$100 SATURDAY JACKPOT (32): 1-Kit Woolsey (CA), 2-Julius High (KS).
$100 SUNDAY JACKPOT (4): 1-Jose Franco (Brazil).
AFTER TOURNAMENT TOURNAMENT (32): 1-Jose Franco (Brazil), 2-Jeb Horton (NC).
KICKING UP HER HEELS
RELAXING IN OHIO
Leyla Zaloutskaya teamed up with Ray Fogerlund to win the
Jigsaw-Gammon Doubles at the CSI tournament in March.
OHIO CHOUETTE
BILL RILES
KAREN DAVIS
David Rockwell was finalist at the
21st Ohio State Championships,
shown relaxing afterwards with
his wife Linda, 2013 champion
Greg Merriman, and Ed Bennett.
Marcy Kossar was a mainstay of the ongoing
chouette at the Ohio State Championships.
101
102
u sbgf master point leaders
B
y Rich Munitz
Updated: 04/25/2015
2015 Live Master Points Top 10
#
Name
Master Pts
Match Pts
Rank Pts *
Win - Loss
Win %
Rating
Events
1st Pl.
Carter Mattig
Victor Ashkenazi
Carol Joy Cole
Ray Fogerlund
Julius High
Jonah Seewald
39.25
31.22
28.13
26.70
24.63
22.61
32.85
25.78
26.88
22.05
21.93
19.09
6.40
5.44
1.25
4.65
2.71
3.52
31 - 21
24 - 15
29 - 21
19 - 17
22 - 23
20 - 5
59.62%
61.54%
58.00%
52.78%
48.89%
80.00%
1640.87
1661.82
1575.78
1639.78
1587.59
1720.41
9
7
10
9
13
5
1
0
0
1
1
1
7.
8.
9.
10.
Grant Schneider
Richard Munitz
Frank Talbot
Frank Raposa
21.87
20.42
20.34
19.08
16.47
18.58
16.72
15.98
5.40
1.83
3.62
3.09
15 - 7
19 - 10
15 - 9
17 - 17
68.18%
65.52%
62.50%
50.00%
1708.53
1628.78
1628.64
1613.76
5
5
5
8
2
0
0
1
* Master Points are calculated by adding Match Points + (Rank Points * 0.6).
2015 Online Master Points Top 10
Name
Master Pts
Match Pts
Rank Pts *
Win - Loss
Win %
Rating
Events
1st Pl.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Eva Zizkova
Igor Erovenko
Jan Cerny
Zdenek Zizka
Karen Davis
John Gamalielson
17.82
15.19
14.59
14.18
13.26
13.02
16.56
13.24
13.89
12.38
12.19
10.08
1.26
1.95
0.70
1.80
1.07
2.94
21 - 12
17 - 9
17 - 11
13 - 11
16 - 10
17 - 6
63.64%
65.38%
60.71%
54.17%
61.54%
73.91%
1832.92
1768.02
1801.29
1792.65
1796.22
1884.04
15
12
13
12
13
7
0
1
0
1
0
1
7.
8.
9.
10.
William Lonergan
Barry Silliman
Harvey Gillis
Frank Simon
12.31
11.85
11.58
11.40
10.73
11.54
9.58
9.45
1.58
0.32
2.00
1.95
23 - 13
14 - 13
13 - 7
15 - 6
63.89%
51.85%
65.00%
71.43%
1713.57
1791.41
1798.23
1868.99
17
11
8
7
0
0
1
1
* Master Points are calculated by adding Match Points + (Rank Points * 0.6).
B
y Karen Davis
2014 Tournament of Champions Player List
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
#
u sbgf online circuit
Name
GG ID
Rating
Tournament Won
Bill Riles
Bruce Newberg
Cuneyt Argun Genc
David Kettler
David Presser
Deborah Ferolito
Ed Sawyer
Eva Zizkova
Frank Simon
Harvey Gillis
Igor Erovenko
Irina Litzenberger
70cbcht69
thenewb
caggammon
SuperDavek
Gasman
Tricksy
Shusaku
elza
pattayastyle
Sandman
Sharikov
spirals
1769.98
1835.11
1901.15
1828.77
1942.26
1503.08
1568.63
1832.92
1868.99
1798.23
1768.02
1646.55
Circuit Monthly for June
Circuit Monthly for September
USBGF Masters Divisional V
Circuit Monthly for April
Feb, Mar, Oct; Masters III
Intermediate Divisional II
USBGF Advanced Divisional I
Circuit Monthly for January
USBGF Masters Divisional VII
Circuit for November
Circuit for May
Istvan Eger
Jacob Atie
John Gamalielson
egeristi
Dolphin
TarsTarkus
1487.26
1799.68
1884.04
USBGF Intermediate I
NIC Championship Division
John Klein
Karen Davis
Michelle Steinberg
Peter Toftsoe
Ralph Desimone
Ted Chee
Tom Christner
Walt Smith
Zdenek Zizka
66fromthebar
karendavis
MishyPoo
Toftsoe
raymond
tedc
Poettom
dapenguin
XZet24
1808.50
1796.22
1607.62
1839.56
1594.32
1856.60
1607.42
1570.66
1792.65
Circuit Monthly for August
Circuit Monthly for July
Adv III; NIC Intermediate
USBGF Masters Divisional I
USBGF Advanced Divisional IV
USBGF Masters Divisional II
NIC Advanced Division
USBGF Advanced Divisional II
USBGF Masters Divisional IV
Follow the Action!
Follow all the action in the 2014 Online Circuit Tournament of Champions! The official
drawsheet may be viewed at http://usbgf.org/trny/drawsheets/?trny=200
103
104
u sbgf live leaderboard
Open / Championship
Top-Ranked Players
In USBGF-Rated Events
#
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
Name
Masayuki Mochizuki
Odis Chenault
Kit Woolsey
Jonah Seewald
Ed O'Laughlin
Victor Ashkenazi
Stick Rice
Neil Kazaross
Bill Calton
John O'Hagan
Novice / Beginners
Top-Ranked Players In
American Backgammon Tour Events
Rating
#
1666.07
1661.00
1646.23
1644.59
1633.29
1625.54
1621.67
1619.04
1617.86
1616.90
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
7.
9.
9.
9.
9.
Name
Chuck Bower
Tak Morioka
Carter Mattig
Ray Fogerlund
Phil Simborg
Bill Calton
Akiko Yazawa
Gerry Tansey
Grant Schneider
F. Talbot, M. Senkiewicz
Top-Ranked Players
In USBGF Rated Events
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
Name
Josh Racko
Bob Howayeck
Artie Sutton
Neal Weiner
Cheryl Andersen
Brandon Macklin
Lynn Lusk
Cliff Mayoh
David Rennie
Robert Lessard
#
1622.61
1602.66
1599.79
1592.35
1584.73
1580.08
1575.62
1573.40
1571.03
1563.29
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
#
Name
Rating
#
25.78
17.33
17.30
13.60
12.89
11.11
8.67
8.67
8.00
7.26
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
CJ Uttley
Jin Hu
Maria Heiner
Gary Koscielny
Victor De Oliveira
Rebecca Lively
Genna Cowan
Larry Andersen
Sheri Peters
Fran Miller
1553.73
1537.49
1535.80
1533.51
1532.12
1530.54
1530.24
1529.25
1529.01
1527.54
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
Name
C. J. Uttley
Igor Baburov
Rebecca Lively
Ken Torrens
Alia Azamat
Barry Retzkin
Konstantin Keresteliev
Allen Michie
Jin Hu
M. Smith, P. Duong
Qualifications for inclusion in USBGF-Rated Events
Rating
Top-Ranked Players
In USBGF-Rated Events
Points
Intermediate / Advanced
#
u sbgf live leaderboard
Updated: 4/25/2015
B
y Barry Silliman - Rankings Editor
Name
Kathleen Davis
Bruce Ballance
Gary Koscielny
Feliks Goykhman
Bob Howayeck
Eric Barr
Jackie Seiders-Smart
Martin Goldman
Faris Gabbara
Steve Grund
Points
9.14
9.11
8.60
7.85
6.25
6.17
4.57
4.57
4.56
4.56
105
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 2015 competing in the specified
division.
Points
2.27
2.27
2.14
1.50
1.14
1.13
1.13
1.07
0.85
0.75
u sbgf online leaderboard
Updated: 05/09/2015
B
y Tara Mendicino
Online Circuit Top 10
#
Name
u sbgf online circuit winners
Updated: 05/09/2015
B
y Tara Mendicino
Recent Online Circuit Tournament Winners
GG ID
Rating
Win - Loss
Win %
Trnys Won
High Rating
Start Date
Status
Mar 29, 2015
Mar 13, 2015
Mar 08, 2015
Feb 27, 2015
Feb 27, 2015
Feb 24, 2015
Feb 11, 2015
Jan 27, 2015
Jan 27, 2015
Jan 19, 2015
Jan 15, 2015
Jan 08, 2015
Completed
Completed
Completed
Completed
Completed
Completed
Completed
Completed
Completed
Completed
Completed
Completed
Jan 05, 2015
Dec 29, 2014
Dec 04, 2014
Completed Membership Blitz #13
Completed USBGF Intermediate Divisional II
Completed USBGF Advanced Divisional IV
Roger Vincent
Deborah Ferolito
Ralph Desimone
Dec 01, 2014
Nov 26, 2014
Nov 25, 2014
Nov 02, 2014
Completed
Completed
Completed
Completed
John Gamalielson
Mario Savan
Frank Simon
Harvey Gillis
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
David Presser
Adam Versaw
Jim Stutz
Chris Yep
Petko Kostadinov
Dorn Bishop
Gasman
adamV
NaturalDog
cyep
bulgari
dorn
1948.44
1947.94
1943.92
1942.39
1942.31
1940.80
69 – 26
18 – 6
15 – 3
13 – 3
14 – 3
13 – 4
73%
75%
83%
81%
82%
76%
6
3
1
1
1
2
1948.44
1965.32
1958.73
1952.17
1953.24
1942.86
7.
8.
9.
10.
Doug Amenda
Bill Phipps
Arthur Sutton
Dmitriy Obukhov
thephoenix2
bjp
im4tunet
Lyurix
1924.53
1919.49
1914.04
1912.74
50 – 25
5–0
6–1
51 – 26
67%
100%
86%
66%
4
1
1
2
1934.97
1919.49
1914.04
1924.42
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 June
Start Date: June 1, 2015
Registration Link: usbgf.org/trny/registration/?trny=212
Masters and Advanced Divisional Tournaments
Masters Divisional XVI Registration Link: usbgf.org/trny/registration/?trny=209
Advanced Divisional IX Registration Link: usbgf.org/trny/registration/?trny=211
Membership Blitz Tournaments
Membership Blitz #19 Registration Link: usbgf.org/trny/registration/?trny=213
107
Tournament
Membership Blitz #17
Club Team Championship Qualifier 4
USBGF Masters Divisional XI
USBGF Advanced Divisional VI
USBGF Intermediate Divisional III
USBGF Advanced Divisional V
Circuit Monthly for November
Winner
Eva Zizkova
awkWARd N@mbe8s
Gary Marchenia
Cuneyt Argun Genc
Steven Waller
Jeff Boester
They Might Not Be Giants
Jiri Stranak
Jeff Boester
Phoenix Stars
Genna Cowan
Hrrrrrrrrr na ne!
2015 USBGF Online Circuit
Tournament of Champions
All 2015 Online Circuit tournament winners will be invited to participate in the 2015
USBGF Online Circuit Tournament of Champions. This exclusive event will start in midApril 2016. Don't miss it!
108
40th
Backgammon World Championship
Fairmont Monte Carlo, Monaco
Save the Dat
es!
August 2nd - 9th, 2015
Monte Carlo Open
August 2nd - 3rd, 2015
World Championship
August 4th - 9th, 2015
Double-Elimination Format!
Double-Elimination Format for the Championship Division
Exclusive New Side Events & Tournament of World Champions
Pre-Register Online at www.bwcmc.com
Book early! Discounted Fairmont Monte Carlo room rates are in high demand! Rates start at €325
and reservations must be made by June 15th to secure this discount. Make your reservations online
at www.bwcmc.com or contact Antoinette-Marie Williams at 212.222.7177.
Presented by the IPATT Group | Patti Donner-Rubin | E-Mail: pattirubin@aol.com
Like us on Facebook!
facebook.com/usbgf
110
Upcoming Tournaments
upcoming tournaments
Upcoming ABT Tournaments and
USBGF Sponsored Live & Online Events
Dates: July 24 - 26, 2015
Place: Comfort Inn, Bloomington, MN
Details: Website
Phone: 612/718-2613
Be sure to mark your calendar and attend these exciting ABT tournaments
& USBGF events. For complete tournament listings, see chicagopoint.com.
ABT: CHICAGO OPEN /
GIANTS INVITATIONAL
MAY
40th WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP
AUG
Dates: August 2 - 9, 2015
Place: Fairmont Monte Carlo, Monaco
Details: Website
Phone: 702/360-5800
Dates: May 21 - 25, 2015
Place: Rosemont, IL
Details: Website
Phone: 617/699-9100
ABT: LOS ANGELES OPEN
JUL
ABT: 20th MINNESOTA OPEN
PRIME
TOURNAMENT
JUN
ABT: WISCONSIN STATE
AUG
Dates: August 14 - 16, 2015
Place: Radisson, Madison, WI
Details: Website
Phone: 608/467-0013
Dates: June 5 - 7, 2015
Place: Hilton LAX, Los Angeles, CA
Details: Website
Phone: 818/901-0464
PRIME
TOURNAMENT
PRIME
TOURNAMENT
ABT: MICHIGAN SUMMER
CHAMPIONSHIPS
Dates: July 2 - 5, 2015
Place: Sheraton, Novi, MI
Details: Website
Phone: 810/232-9731
JUL
ABT: CAROLINA INVITATIONAL
SEP
Dates: September 3 - 7, 2015
Place: Crowne Plaza, Charlotte, NC
Details: Website
Phone: 704/651-2949
PRIME
TOURNAMENT
PRIME
TOURNAMENT
111
112
Los Angeles
Open
Upcoming Tournaments
ABT: SEATTLE CLASSIC
SEP
Place: Baymount Inn, Kirkland, WA
Details: Email
Phone: 206/568-0632
VIETOR CUP
Hilton LAX
5711 West Century Boulevard
Los Angeles, CA 90045
SEP
Place: Vietor Residence, Carlsbad, CA
Details: Email
Phone: 818/901-0464
ABT: ILLINOIS STATE
CHAMPIONSHIPS
Dates: October 2 - 4, 2015
Place: Travelodge, Peoria, IL
Details: Email
Phone: 309/699-6005
ABT: FLORIDA STATE
JUNE 5 - 7, 2015
OCT
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
PRIME
TOURNAMENT
Double Elimination Format
USBGF Prime Tournament with $1,000 added
Super-32 and Paul Dingwell Amateur Jackpot
Open, Super-32, and Doubles will be clocked
Side Events galore: Seniors, Doubles, Blitzes, Quickies, Jackpots
"The Most Fun and Challenging" Lecture by Phil Simborg
Tournament is video friendly
Hospitality-mornings and snacks
$114 per night; reserve by May 21, 2015 by calling (310) 410-4000
Contact Patrick Gibson at pgibsonmfic@gmail.com
Tournament Brochure available at gammonassociates.com
OCT
Dates: October 16 - 18, 2015
Place: Rodeway Inn, Ft. Lauderdale, FL
Details: Email
Phone: 941/355-6354
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 at usbgf.org/members/brochure.pdf.

saba istavder - USBGF - US Backgammon Federation

Transcription

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