SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS - Texas Backgammon Championships

The Menger Hotel is located at 204 Alamo Plaza in downtown
San Antonio, Texas. Telephone: 1.800.345.9285
Both taxi and shuttle service are available. Shuttle tickets are
available for purchase at the baggage claim area in Terminal
A and Terminal B. Shuttle reservations may be secured in
advance online at www.citytoursinc.com. The shuttle fare is
$19 one way or $34 round trip. Drive time from
the airport to downtown San Antonio is
approximately 15 to 20 minutes.
Directions
From the airport, follow the
signs to 281 South (also I-37)
to downtown San Antonio.
Entering the downtown area,
take the exit marked Houston
St. - The Alamo. Turn right on
Houston St. and proceed to
Bonham St. (2 signals), turn left on
Bonham St.
Menger Valet Parking
Those driving in or choosing to rent a car
should be aware that valet parking rates may
be higher than expected. The Menger has
offered us $15 + tax per day for in and out
privileges for hotel guests attending the
tournament.
Public Parking Facilities
Numerous city parking lots are available adjacent to the
Menger, offering both covered and uncovered parking. Prices
range from $6 per day to approximately $18 per day.
Built in 1859, the Menger Hotel is situated directly across the
street from the Alamo and 1 block from the Riverwalk. Rooms
feature selected views of the Alamo, Alamo Plaza, tropical
courtyard with fountain, or pool. The hotel offers in-room
dining from the Colonial Room, heated outdoor pool, spa, hot
tub, free Wi-Fi, historic bar, shopping, and valet or self-parking.
History & Amenities
Listed in the Historic Hotels of America, the Menger Hotel
is one of the best known and oldest hotels in the state of
Texas. In addition to its significance as a historical landmark,
the Menger offers unparalleled amenities to include the
magnificent three-story Victorian lobby with stained
glass ceiling, the famous cherry-paneled Menger Bar,
and exquisite antiques and paintings found throughout
the hotel.
Menger Grand Ballroom
The Grand Ballroom suite, which will
serve as the playing room for the
Texas Backgammon Championships, is
absolutely stunning. Soaring ceilings,
spectacular crystal chandeliers, intricate
mouldings, and floor-to-ceiling beveled
mirrors make this venue simply
outstanding and a pleasure to play in.
The Grand Ballroom and pre-function
area total almost 5,500 sf and open
directly on to the tropical Menger
pool and patio, allowing players
the option to play their matches
poolside (with Director approval,
of course).
Dining & Sightseeing
For a scenic tour along the Riverwalk, try the Rio Taxi. Stopping
continuously at over 39 stops along the Riverwalk, the Rio Taxi
gives you the opportunity to relax on your way to your favorite
restaurant, museum, or Riverwalk hotspot. Tickets range from
$5 one-way to $25 for a 3-day pass. See riosanantonio.com.
In addition to the Colonial Room
at the Menger Hotel, restaurant
options are endless. From
Starbucks to Morton’s of Chicago;
from bar-b-que to renowned Tex-Mex,
all are within short walking distance. The Rivercenter Mall is
adjacent to the hotel and the Riverwalk is just 1 block away.
Stroll to the Alamo or take the trolley to visit Mission San Jose.
Take a dinner cruise down the San Antonio River or a horse
drawn carriage ride around the Alamo and Alamo Plaza. You
can even take a guided tour of the Menger Hotel and learn
of its rich history & architecture. Don’t miss our updated
restaurant reviews, recommended dining options, must-see
historical attractions, and day trip suggestions detailed in our
“Where to Eat” and “What to See” pages on our website at
www.texasbackgammon.com.
Proudly sponsored by Geoffrey Parker Games
www.texasbackgammon.com
Getting Around San Antonio
VIA Downtown Trolleys
The trolley service is a fun and inexpensive way to explore the
downtown area. The red, yellow, purple, and blue line trolleys
serve four routes and stop at all major downtown attractions.
Transfers between trolleys are free. You can hop on the trolley
directly in front of the Menger Hotel.
Rio Taxi Service
Hotel Reservations
Menger Hotel
Reserve by Thursday, January 8, 2015
The historic Menger Hotel is offering discounted group
rates to all tournament participants. These rates are valid
from Monday, January 26th thru Friday, February 6th, 2015.
Reservations must be made no later than Thursday, January
8th, 2015 to guarantee these special rates.
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Standard Rooms
$99 Per Night Group Rate
A group rate of $99 per night for single or double occupancy is
available for all tournament participants. This rate applies to all
standard rooms. The Menger offers an array of room sizes and
options to choose from. Select from rooms featuring views of
the Alamo or Alamo Plaza, views of the lush interior courtyard
with fountain, pool view, or reserve a room with a private
balcony overlooking the pool. Special room requests are
subject to availability. Be sure to make your reservations early!
Luxurious Suites
$155 Per Night Group Rate
Pamper yourself and reserve one of the Menger’s 25 lavish
suites at an incredible price. Suites range from 406 sf up to
922 sf. Many suites in the original section offer high ceilings,
plantation shutters, elegant parlor areas, balconies, brass
or four poster beds, chandeliers, and beautiful antiques.
All suites are subject to availability and must be booked
well in advance. Reservations for suites may only be made
directly through Bill Riles. To reserve a suite at our group rate,
tournament participants must contact Bill Riles by telephone
at 281.703.9304 or by email at billriles@sbcglobal.net.
Reserve Your Room Online
Visit www.texasbackgammon.com/hotel
Go to www.texasbackgammon.com/hotel. Enter your Check-in
and Check-out dates and hit, “CONTINUE”. The system will
allow you to check availability and reserve your choice of
rooms.
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Reserve Your Room By Phone
Call 1.800.345.9285
To make your reservations by phone, call 1.800.345.9285 and
be sure to mention the “BACKGAMMON TOURNAMENT” to
take advantage of our discounted group rate.
San Antonio Weather
Bring Your Swim Suit!
Weather in late January is normally sunny and dry. Expect
highs near 80 and lows around 60 degrees. Make plans to relax
and enjoy yourself at the Menger’s wonderful heated pool.
Proudly sponsored by Geoffrey Parker Games
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PRIME
TOURNAMENT
Schedule of Events
Thursday, January 29, 2015
11:00 am
11:45 am
12:00 pm
02:00 pm
02:00 pm
05:00 pm
06:00 pm
06:00 pm
Registration Begins
Announcements
Dual-Duel Tournament Begins
Seniors Tournament Begins
USBGF National Championship Qualifiers Begin
Dinner Break
Play Resumes
Registration for 2015 World Championship Satellites
Friday, January 30, 2015
09:30 am
09:45 am
10:00 am
10:00 am
10:30 am
11:00 am
02:00 pm
02:30 pm
05:00 pm
07:00 pm
07:00 pm
07:30 pm
07:45 pm
Registration Begins
Announcements
USBGF National Championship Qualifiers Continue
Seniors Tournament Continues
USBGF Tournament of Stars Selections
USBGF Tournament of Stars Begins
Longhorn Classic Masters Jackpot Early Start
Alamo Classic Limited Jackpot Early Start
Dinner Break – 2014 USBGF Awards Dinner
Play Resumes
Longhorn Classic Masters Jackpot Late Start
Alamo Classic Limited Jackpot Late Start
Ultimate BG Package Tournament Begins
Saturday, January 31, 2015
09:00 am
09:30 am
10:30 am
10:45 am
11:30 am
11:45 am
12:15 pm
05:00 pm
07:30 pm
08:00 pm
08:00 pm
08:30 pm
09:00 pm
Registration Begins
USBGF National Championship Qualifiers Continue
Registration Ends
Welcoming, Introductions, & Announcements
ABT Championship Division Begins
ABT Advanced Division Begins
ABT Limited Division Begins
Dinner Break
Play Resumes
Seniors Tournament Continues
USBGF National Championship Playoff Begins
DMP Surprise Freeroll Tournament Begins
Speedgammon Tournament Begins
Sunday, February 1, 2015
10:30 am
11:00 am
12:30 pm
01:00 pm
01:00 pm
01:30 pm
02:00 pm
02:00 pm
05:00 pm
05:30 pm
Play Resumes
USBGF National Championship Playoff Continues
Speedgammon Tournament Continues
DMP Surprise Freeroll Tournament Continues
Dual-Duel Tournament Final
Championship, Advanced, & Limited Division Finals
Masters & Limited Jackpot Finals
USBGF Tournament of Stars Final
Awards Presentation by Geoffrey Parker Games
Super Bowl XLIX Party (BBQ at Director’s Suite)
www.texasbackgammon.com
Main Tournament
Side Events
ABT Championship Division
The Dual-Duel
Open to all. Single elimination with progressive consolation &
progressive last chance. 11pts in Main, 9pts in Consolation, &
5pts in Last Chance. Clocks mandatory at 2m/12s settings.
The winner of the Championship Division will be awarded
an exquisite custom board made by Geoffrey Parker Games.
Unique high stakes format established for exceptional players.
First round matches will advance the score-based winner to
a single elimination score-based bracket and the PR-based
winner to a single elimination PR-based bracket. Individuals
may advance to both brackets. All matches will be 11 points. A
recombination final will match the winners of the score-based
bracket and the PR-based bracket.
Entry: $400 Return: 90% Side Pools: $100/$200
ABT Advanced Division
Entry: $200 Return: 85% Side Pools: $50/$100
Open to all players not deemed of Championship level
& subject to eligibility approval. Single elimination with
progressive consolation & progressive last chance. 9pts in
Main, 7pts in Consolation, & 5pts in Last Chance.
ABT Limited Division
Entry: $50
Return: 80%
Open to all players with commensurate skill level. Subject to
eligibility approval. Format to be determined based upon the
size of the overall field.
USBGF Events
USBGF Tournament of Stars
Entry: Free
Side Pool: $500
Doubles tournament pairing USBGF Founding Sponsors
with Giants of Backgammon, & noteworthy players. Single
elimination. Free entry.
USBGF National Championship West
Entry: Free initial entry
Side Pools: $50/$100
Free initial entry to USBGF members and unlimited $50
re-entries. Maximum of sixteen 8-player single elim knockout
brackets will determine qualifiers for a single elim playoff.
USBGF Prime Tournament Freeroll
Entry: Free
Free entry. Open to all USBGF members. 1pt rounds. Single
elimination. Our prize pool will be announced at the
tournament. Don’t miss this exciting new event!
Entry: $750 Return: 90% Side Pools: $250/$250
Overall winner must win a final match based on both score
and PR. Final match lengths will be incrementally reduced
until an overall winner is determined – first match to 11
points; second match, if necessary, to 7 points; third match,
if necessary to 3 points; and, if necessary, DMP games in a
sudden death playoff. Clocks mandatory at 2m/12s settings.
Longhorn Classic Masters Jackpot
Entry: $600
Return: 90% Side Pool: $150
High equity single elimination jackpot. 11pt rounds. Clocks
mandatory at 2m/12s settings.
Alamo Classic Limited Jackpot
Entry: $300
Return: 90% Side Pool: $75
Open to all players not deemed of Masters level & subject to
eligibility approval. 9pt rounds. Single elimination.
Seniors
Entry: $50
Return: 90%
Super Bowl Sunday XLIX TV Party
Watch the game in our private Director’s suite! Barbecue, side
dishes, desserts, beer, wine, & soft drinks will be provided.
Party tickets may be purchased for $25 at the tournament.
Please indicate your attendance on the attached Entry Form.
Tournament Staff
Directors & Committee Members
Directors: Bill Riles and Tara Mendicino
Staff: Robin Horton, Becca Thompson, and Scott Butki.
Seminars: Phil Simborg & Mochy Mochizuki
Technology Director: Rynell Nunez
Eligibility Advisory Committee: Carol Joy Cole,
Patrick Gibson, and Rory Pascar.
Rules Committee: Masayuki Mochizuki, Neil Kazaross,
Malcolm Davis, Falafel Natanzon, and Mary Hickey.
Speedgammon
Cell Phone: 281.703.9304 E-Mail: billriles@sbcglobal.net
Entry: $50
Return: 90%
Single elim. Open to all players. Continuous entries and
re-entries. 5pt rounds. Clocks mandatory at 2m total bank
time/10s settings.
2015 World Championship Satellites
Entry: $200
Sponsored by the IPATT Group
Entry: Free
Seminars
Side pools for all events return 95%
Join other USBGF members and guests Friday evening from
5pm to 7pm in the Menger Hotel’s Minuet Room. A seated
dinner will be followed by presentations of the initial USBGF
annual awards, announcement of the first recipient of the
annual USBGF Board of Directors Lifetime Achievement Award,
and announcement of the first elected inductees to the USBGF
American Backgammon Hall of Fame. Dinner tickets may be
purchased online or at the tournament. Reservations and
dinner selections will be required in advance.
Contact Us
Newcomer Freeroll Event
This tournament is designed for novices, intermediates, and
especially those players new to backgammon. 3pt rounds.
Single elimination. Our prize package features a 1-year USBGF
Premium membership awarded to the winner, 2 free tickets
to our Super Bowl Party (winner & runner-up), the chance to
meet backgammon’s most celebrated players, and more!
2014 USBGF Awards Dinner
Single elimination tournament open to all players over 50
years of age. Continuous entries and re-entries. 7pt rounds.
Single elimination. 8-player brackets. Winners will receive
complimentary registration fee & Championship Division entry
fee for the 40th World Championship in Monte Carlo. 7pt rnds.
Ultimate Backgammon Package
Awards Dinner & Parties
USBGF Seminars & Quizzes
Seminars with quizzes will be conducted by the premier
teacher, Phil Simborg, & the USBGF. Presentations are offered
for both novice and intermediate players. The seminar
schedule will be available at the tournament & online.
www.texasbackgammon.com
Contact Bill Riles for any questions or assistance.
Reminders
Bring your own board & digital clock!
Pre-registration deadline is Thursday, January 22nd, 2015
(postmark). Walk-in entries accepted. All fees paid on-site must
be in cash.
Visit Us Online
Visit www.texasbackgammon.com
Visit us online for live match streaming directly from the
event, bracket updates, tournament news, photos, and a full
list of confirmed attendees. If feasible, we plan to provide live
commentary during the Dual-Duel final.
State-of-the-art dual live match streams will be ongoing and
offered to viewers on usbgf.org/stream & usbgf.org/stream2.
Proudly sponsored by Geoffrey Parker Games