AUG - USBGF - US Backgammon Federation
Transcription
AUG - USBGF - US Backgammon Federation
PRIMETIME BACKGAMMON OFFICIAL MAGAZINE OF THE USBGF JULY - AUGUST 2014 bob wachtel's New book! Highly anticipated In the Game Until the End, Volume II makes its debut BEHIND THE SCENES NORDIC OPEN News and Interviews from the 2014 Nordic Open & Denmark vs. the World U.s. Backgammon federation the giants of Backgammon Jake Jacobs presents the fascinating history of the infamous Giants list Video Lesson Phil Simborg lectures on how to play double deuces visit us at usbgf.org 39th Backgammon World Championship Fairmont Monte Carlo, Monaco pre-register online at carolinabackgammon.com Reserve Ro oms Early! August 3rd - 10th, 2014 Southern Swiss Format Faster Masters Charlotte, NC Aug 28 - Sep 1, 2014 Labor Day Weekend Queen City Cup Backgammon Buffet! USBGF National Championship East Monte Carlo Open August 3rd - 4th, 2014 World Championship August 5th - 10th, 2014 New Double-Elimination Format! new format for the 39th world championship! Main double-elim flights, consolation flight, & last chance Pre-Register Online at www.bwcmc.com Book early! Our discounted Fairmont Monte Carlo room rates are in high demand! Rates start at €314 and reservations must be made by July 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: [email protected] [email protected] carolinabackgammon.com/brochure.pdf Visit carolinabackgammon.com for complete details regarding our Southern Swiss format. The Carolina Invitational is clocks required in the Championship division, Faster Masters, Queen City Cup, & Doubles. Legal Moves will be in effect for all events. BOARD BY USBGF PrimeTime Backgammon Magazine July August Issue where perennial winner Ray Fogerlund added the LA championship title to his PrimeTime Backgammon U.S. Open and California State Championship crowns, making him this year’s King By Karen Davis, Managing Editor D of the West. espite its population of only number of Giants to Rory Pascar’s Chicago We also profile: an outstanding club, Barry 6 million, Denmark has done Open to receive their certificates. Five of the Silliman’s Beltway Backgammon Club; an more than any other country, top six Giants participated (Chicagoan Neil over the last two decades, to spearhead the Kazaross was sidelined for health reasons). revitalization of backgammon and to foster a Paul Weaver analyzes a round-robin match truly international community for the game. in the World Backgammon Tournament This issue of PrimeTime Backgammon puts a of Champions between #3 and #5 Giants, spotlight on that small country’s gala annual Falafel Natanzon and Matt Cohn-Geier. “ active female player, Michelle Steinberg; and Giant Bob Wachtel’s backgammon festival, the Nordic Open: the Jake Jacobs provides his own witty take to increase member benefits, encourage “toughest tournament in the world,” and one on the Giants list. new book, In the accompanied by a unique challenge match: We also showcase #8 Game Until the End, Volume II, a sequel to Denmark vs. the World. Our coverage begins We also showcase #8 Giant Bob Wachtel’s with a couple of far-ranging and candid new book, In the Game Until the End, interviews conducted before the event Volume II, a sequel to his pioneering 1993 by the Bulgarian expert, Iancho Hristov, pre-bot-era study of ace-point endings. pre-bot-era study of with playing captains Thomas Kristensen Reviewing the book, John O’Hagan calls it (Denmark) and Mochy Mochizuki (World). a “great work” and a “must read” for serious ace-point endings. With the stage thus set, we move to the big students of the game. As Bob explains it, Reviewing the book, match itself, with an eyewitness report by “some of the most intriguing — and mys- our editor and World team member, Bob terious — positions in the backgammon John O’Hagan calls it Wachtel. Bob adds local color to his account universe lie at contact’s 11th hour. Holding a “great work” and a by highlighting not only the actual moves the opponent’s ace point, a competitor is “must read” for serious that were played in the match but also the ‘in the game until the end’ — an end which heated discussions, banter, and fearless can run the gamut from utter disaster to students of the game. side betting that accompanied them. Our miraculous deliverance.” After a hiatus of Turkish friend Sabri Büyüksoy completes 20 years, Bob finally deploys the cutting- the Scandinavian sketch by sharing with edge tool of deep computer (XG) rollout us his panoramic photographic portrayal analysis to debug his prior research and of the event. to carefully extend it to a variety of more complex ace-point endings. Not that the U.S. does not have some superstrong tournaments itself. The release of Around the U.S. tournament scene, we the Giants of Backgammon list brought a feature Steve Sax’s report on the LA Open, his pioneering 1993 a promising junior, young Max Crosner. Finally, USBGF President Bill Riles brings us up to date on the Federation’s latest programs and initiatives, all designed member participation, and recruit new blood from the great mass of recreational American backgammon players. Check out the live and online tournament rankings, and Get in the Game! - KAREN DAVIS KAREN DAVIS Karen Davis is Chairman of the USBGF Board of Directors and Managing Editor of PrimeTime Backgammon. Featuring in-depth coverage of the Nordic Open! 5 6 USBGF PrimeTime Backgammon Magazine USBGF PrimeTime Backgammon Magazine In This Issue 7 July August 2014 FEATURED 18 GIANT SORTING Jake Jacobs tells the history of the Giants list and 18 argues that peer ratings mostly get it right. BY JAKE JACOBS 24 FALAFEL VS. MATT COHN-GEIER 2014 CHICAGO OPEN HISTORY OF GIANTS LIST The Giants of Backgammon list based on peer ratings has stood the test of time for over 20 years. 24 The battle between the best of the best took place in Chicago. BY PAUL WEAVER FALAFEL VS. MCG AT WBTOC Giants received their certificates and competed in the Tournament of Champions at the Chicago Open. 34 DENMARK VS. THE WORLD: THE LINEUP Danish and World playing captains size up the opposition in advance of the match. THE BELTWAY BG CLUB 98 34 Ed O'Laughlin and DC players give backgammon lessons at the annual Smithsonian Nowruz celebration. BY IANCHO HRISTOV 48 DENMARK VS. THE WORLD: THE BACK STORY Bob Wachtel provides the inside scoop on key deci- DENMARK VS. THE WORLD sions that took the World Team to victory in 2014. BY BOB WACHTEL Denmark is small but mighty when it comes to backgammon. 66 26TH NORDIC OPEN: BACKGAMMON AT ITS PEAK THE BACK STORY The lure of Copenhagen with its cornucopia of The World Team savors its victory. sights and backgammon are clearly captured. BY SABRI BÜYÜKSOY 80 2-2 SECOND ROLL STUDY Questions or comments about PrimeTime Backgammon? We want to hear from you! Contact us via e-mail at [email protected]. Phil Simborg video lesson on the complexity of 48 determining the best play after rolling 22s. BY PHIL SIMBORG 8 USBGF PrimeTime Backgammon Magazine USBGF PrimeTime Backgammon Magazine In This Issue 9 In This Issue July August 2014 BOOK REVIEW ON THE COVER 75 IN THE GAME UNTIL THE END, VOLUME II Bob Wachtel, brilliant writer, talented player, and consummate cosmopolitan — cover photo by Steve Sax. Bob Wachtel's new book In the Game Until the End: Volume II gets stellar reviews from John O'Hagan. BY JOHN O'HAGAN PLAYER PROFILES WACHTEL LECTURE Bob Wachtel hit the highlights of his new book before a rapt early-morning audience at the LA Open in June. 82 MICHELLE STEINBERG Meet Michelle Steinberg, USBGF National Internet Championship Intermediate Division winner. BY KAREN DAVIS 86 MAX CROSNER An interview with Max Crosner, just 12 years old and already an ABT tournament veteran! BY KAREN DAVIS TOURNAMENT NEWS 90 2014 LOS ANGELES OPEN Steve Sax covers the highlights of this year's Los Angeles Open, including Ray Fogerlund's outstanding performance against tough competition. BY STEVE SAX 104 LIVE TOURNAMENT RESULTS See all the results from ABT tournaments USBGF NEWS USBGF LIVE & ONLINE RATINGS LOCAL CLUB NEWS 12 WHAT'S ON THE DRAWING BOARD FOR THE USBGF? 108 LIVE LEADERBOARD 98 BELTWAY BACKGAMMON CLUB Check out the Open, Advanced, and Novice top The Beltway Backgammon Club of Washington, USBGF President and Executive Director Bill Riles ten leaders in USBGF cumulative Elo ratings in live D.C. is a force to be reckoned with! Meet some of its announces exciting plans for the USBGF, including events since 2009 and 2014 ABT Points. outstanding players who have dominated the ABT. the new USBGF Annual Awards and Hall of Fame. BY BARRY SILLIMAN BY KAREN DAVIS BY BILL RILES 110 ONLINE LEADERBOARD held in Chicago and Los Angeles. View recent winners of USBGF Online Circuit tournaments. BY TARA MENDICINO Become a Founding Sponsor and show your support for the U.S. Backgammon Federation. See the latest leaders based on cumulative Elo KAREN DAVIS 107 ONLINE CIRCUIT WINNERS 16 FOUNDING SPONSORS ratings from USBGF online tournaments, as well as wins, losses, and tournaments won. BY TARA MENDICINO U.S. BACKGAMMON TOUR 112 UPCOMING TOURNAMENTS Mark your calendar for upcoming ABT tournaments and USBGF online events. USBGF PrimeTime Backgammon Magazine PRIMETIME BACKGAMMON Staff & Volunteers USBGF PrimeTime Backgammon Magazine editor USBGF Board of Directors Bob Wachtel Founding Editor Matt Cohn-Geier Managing Editor Karen Davis President; Executive Director; Treasurer Production Editor Tara Mendicino William Riles Assistant Editor Mark Antranikian Chair, Education Committee Assistant Editor and Design Analyst MARK ANTRANIKIAN Mark Antranikian, Assistant Editor, was a member of the USBGF Team Championships winning team, Scared Hitless. Art Benjamin Lisa Rockwell Governance and Nominating Committee USBGF Photographer Steve Sax Dorn Bishop Rankings Editor Board Chair; Co-Chair, Membership and Marketing Committee Barry Silliman Feature Editor, Annotated Matches Karen Davis Executive Committee; Chair, Tournament Directors liaison; Rules and Ethics Committee Marty Storer Editorial Advisory Board Karen Davis (Chair), Chuck Bower, Matt Cohn-Geier, Carol Joy Cole, Gus Contos, Mike Corbett, Bill Riles, Justin Nunez, Bob Wachtel, Kit Woolsey BOB WACHTEL Bob Wachtel, Editor of PrimeTime Backgammon, is a renowned author ranked #8 on the 2013 Giants of Backgammon. Patrick Gibson Co-Chair, Membership and Marketing Committee; Chair, Rules and Ethics Committee information PrimeTime Backgammon is the official magazine of the U.S. Backgammon Federation. Jeb Horton contact us Neil Kazaross Rules and Ethics Committee E-Mail: [email protected] Website: usbgf.org from the editor Opinions expressed in these pages are those of the individuals and do not necessarily reflect official positions of the U.S. Backgammon Federation. Chair, Legislative Committee; Executive Committee Alfred Mamlet KAREN DAVIS Volume 5, Issue 4 © 2014 U.S. Backgammon Federation BILL RILES; BOB WACHTEL 10 Secretary Steve Mellen Vice-Chair, Membership and Marketing Committee; Governance and Nominating Committee Tara Mendicino Chief Technology Officer; Chair, Ratings and Stats Committee; Governance and Nominating Committee; Rules and Ethics Committee Richard Munitz Director, Local Club Initiative; Rules and Ethics Committee Justin Nunez Executive Committee TARA MENDICINO Special Adviser to Board of Directors Tara Mendicino, Production Editor, is a member of the USBGF Board of Directors and co-director of the Texas State Backgammon Championships. Joseph Russell Carol Joy Cole Education Adviser Phil Simborg Accounting Manager Sheryl R. Lennon Director of Communications; Webmaster Tara Mendicino 11 USBGF PrimeTime Backgammon Magazine usbgf news What's on the Drawing Board for the U.S. Backgammon Federation? By Bill Riles, President and Executive Director 13 our website for new postings. Contact our years three inductees will be elected from work on a comprehensive revision of our Online Tournament System Director, Tara a slate of ten candidates. Inductees will be by-laws and on a comprehensive rule set Mendicino, for any ideas on tournaments announced at the Awards Dinner. which we shall recommend for all American you’d like to see offered. tournament play. We are aiming to complete and implement Another exciting new program is in the the USBGF Master Points system by the Late in the year we will have four more offing. The Federation plans to raise money end of the year. Members will earn master Board of Director seats up for election. from benefactors to be added to ABT tour- points by matches won and tournament Announcements will be forthcoming nament prize pools for USBGF members results in online and live tournaments. regarding nominations and other details. in January 2015 with approximately $1,000 Our Facebook page remains a vital conduit Our list of potential endeavors and initia- added money per tournament (depending of information and entertainment. Phil tives continues to exceed the capacities of upon the number of tournament entrants Simborg continues to add video lessons our volunteers. We have a range of needs and money raised). Details will be worked there to our extensive, accessible online requiring a variety of skills. Let us know out by each tournament director with the collection. These short videos are quite if you are interested in helping at info@ USBGF. We expect the financial incentive popular with and useful to members aspir- usbgf.org. – some on the basis of to substantially boost USBGF membership ing to improve their skills. tournament results, among ABT tournament participants. Look “ only. Our goal is to implement it beginning In 2015, the USBGF will begin to recognize members with a number of annual awards some by member vote – at an Awards Dinner to be held at the Texas Backgammon Championships in San Antonio, January 29-February 1, 2015. Also at this dinner, the recipient of the first annual USBGF Board of Directors’ Lifetime Achievement Award will be announced. for more details in the coming months. A It has been an exciting and positive first Our USBGF BG Shop section on the web- half of 2014. Let’s make the second half of site has been redesigned, making it easier the year and 2015 even better. t mid-year 2014, you’ll find much We continue to expand our very popular In 2015, the USBGF will begin to recognize to order backgammon equipment, books, that is new at the U.S. Backgam- online tournament program. The monthly members with a number of annual awards magazines, merchandise, and gift mem- mon Federation. circuits fill quickly, and our new member- – some on the basis of tournament results, berships for friends. Shipping is available ship blitzes have proven popular. We have some by member vote – at an Awards Din- worldwide. Check it out at usbgf.org/shop/. The new design of our PrimeTime Backgam- recently completed the National Internet ner to be held at the Texas Backgammon mon magazine has been widely praised, Championship Divisional Tournaments: Championships in San Antonio, January The first USBGF publishing venture has and has generated a substantial demand for congratulations to winners Jacob Atie 29-February 1, 2015. Also at this dinner, reached fruition. Copies of the brilliant printed copies. Even though the magazine (Panama) in the Championship division, the recipient of the first annual USBGF new book by Bob Wachtel, Giant #8 and was initially conceived as an online prod- Tom Christner (Colorado) in the Advanced Board of Directors’ Lifetime Achievement USBGF editor, In the Game Until the End, uct, we have adapted. We do now print a division, and Michelle Steinberg (New Jer- Award will be announced. Volume II, Ace Point Endgame Analysis—the limited number of the magazines, which are sey) in the Intermediate division. In addition available by subscription. And the content to this staple, we have launched the USBGF Another development to be initiated in delivery, and can be ordered at the USBGF keeps improving: we’ve expanded the pool Divisional Tournaments. Finally, planning 2015: the USBGF will establish the USBGF BG Shop on our website. Members receive a of expert authors writing for the magazine is underway for a new USBGF Federation American Backgammon Hall of Fame. 10% discount on their purchase (a member (though we are always interested in submit- Cup – a free event with cash prizes intended Members will submit nominations, and must be logged into the website to secure the ted articles and suggestions for articles). to serve existing members and to attract a select committee will choose twenty discount). The retail price is a very modest Let our Managing Editor, Karen Davis, new members – as well as for the fourth nominees to appear on a ballot within our $29.99 plus shipping/handling. hear from you on how we can improve the Internet Backgammon Championship (IBC e-voting system. Members will elect ten magazine and how you might contribute. IV). Watch the Online Tournament list on inductees in this first year. In subsequent Next Generation are in stock for immediate Additionally, the USBGF continues to “Get Into the Game – Become a Member” ADVERTISE IN PRIMETIME Full Page $100 ½ Page $50 Like us on Facebook! facebook.com/usbgf PrimeTime in Print Subscribe for $150 annually, not including shipping. 6 issues for $25 each. E-mail [email protected] for details. 16 Founding Sponsors USBGF PrimeTime Backgammon Magazine Diamond Malcolm Davis Alan and Joan Grunwald Hugh Sconyers Mike Svobodny platinum Karen Davis Morten Holm gold usbgf founding sponsors Outstanding Supporters of our Organization T FOUNDERS' CUBES BY LAWRENCE SONNÉ he U.S. Backgammon Federation’s and organizations who have generously Founding Sponsors initiative has supported our organization by becoming attracted 99 donors who share a Founder. We hope you will join this elite its vision of drawing thousands of people group by going to our website usbgf.org or throughout the country to the exciting, contacting Bill Riles at [email protected] for skill-based game of backgammon through a more information. Founding Sponsors are presented with an exquisite, personalized, engraved doubling cube, specially designed for the USBGF by Lawrence Sonné of Backgammon Elegance. ers, young and young-at-heart alike. The Become a Founding Sponsor and play in on their level of Sponsorship and order of support of our Founding Sponsors during the 2015 USBGF Tournament of Stars to becoming Founding Sponsors. this critical period will be appreciated for be held in connection with the Texas Back- years to come and includes recognition on gammon Championships in San Antonio More information on the benefits of becom- our website in perpetuity and benefits not January 29-February 1, 2015. Founding ing a Founding Sponsor may be found at available to any other class of Membership. Sponsors select Giants of Backgammon and USBGF Founding Sponsor Benefits. rich array of activities appealing to all play- other backgammon legends and experts The Federation salutes the individuals as partners in this doubles event based Anna Covlin Myles Covlin Rod Covlin Patrick and Carla Gibson Harvey Gillis Perry Gartner Larry Taylor Alfred Mamlet Edward B. Bennett Richard Munitz Joseph Russell Jeffrey Acierno Masayuki Mochizuki Falafel Natanzon Jim Pasko David Leibowitz Jason Lee Michael Louis Rosen Jamie Erin Rosen Art Benjamin Lloyd E. Webber (LEW) Saba Bejanishvili silver Lynn Ehrlich Chiva Tafazzoli Alex Gerding Silver cont. Bruce Newberg Larry Liebster Ben Friesen Jim Stutz Gus Contos bronze Pat McCormick Carol Joy Cole Neal and Kathy Weiner Neil Kazaross Kit Woolsey Michael Weinberger Chuck Bower Preston Guidry Jake Jacobs Sean Cearley Kristina Vig Play65 Backgammon Judy Field Rory Pascar Greg Cottle Bill Finneran James G. Allen Sean Williams Pat Geoffroy Mark Gordon Rochelle Hasson Dennis Culpepper Andrew Martinez Drew Giovanis James E. Roland Bill Riles Josh Racko Russell Sands Steve Schreiber Bob Glass bronze cont. John Calcott Jeff Burdsall Justin and Rynell Nunez Steve Sax Dorn Bishop Scott Kelland Arthur Stein Stepan Nuniyants Powhatan French Robert E. Stoller Joe Potts Arkadiy Tsinis Carla Gibson David Kettler Michael Flohr Mario Savan Jeb Horton Cloyd LaPorte Secil Baysal David Rennie Alan Pruce Phil Simborg Ed Sawyer Twain Pigott Jerry Godsey Julius High Michelle Steinberg Tariq Siddiqi Steve Blanchard John Hamlin Anthony Anton youth István Éger Within each level, names are presented in the order of becoming Founding Sponsors. USBGF PrimeTime Backgammon Magazine Giant sorting The Masses Know Best By Jake Jacobs “ The idea came first to Michael Maxakuli, way back in 1981. Thirty-two appears on the doubling cube (it especially did in was as much thought as went into it. It isn’t a bad choice. Some voters have called for a shorter list, but if you choose a much smaller number there will be debate about the names that fail to make the cut. I don’t know; if I tried all that today it might those hooves make it hard to shake the dice performance are probably more important kill me. cup. But there are similarities between rating than, say, whether a horse is gelded. There the ability of a player to win a backgammon is one factor, though, that is the single most Anyway, from that story you’ll glean that I game, and rating the ability of a horse to accurate predictor. Can you guess what that played backgammon in the office. Seeing win a race. What factors do you consider? is? The answer: public opinion. Race tracks the board led one of my drivers to say that Speed, certainly. But did the horse run six use pari-mutuel betting. Suppose we have she learned backgammon from “the best furlongs, or one mile, or even further? Does ten horses, and the pool of wagers is $1000; player in Chicago.” Who was we will ignore the track rake. that? “Ira Sachs,” she said. A If $400 is bet on Horse One, few months later, at a Sunday the horse will pay 3 to 2, and night tournament, a player for each dollar bet the winners was talking up a new venue, will receive $2.50. Maybe Horse Gammons of Chicago, run by Six has $50 bet, which means Howard Markowitz, the “best it is 19 to 1, and each dollar player in Chicago.” Being new bet returns $20. And so on for to the game, I called my brother each horse. No matter which Munchkin, and asked him who horse wins and how much or the best player in Chicago was. how little is bet on the winner, “Greg Defotis,” he assured me. the entire $1000 is returned. The rundown he gave me on We can express that differently. started playing backgammon in June hoped) they would next be free. Drivers the three was this: that Ira If the public bets $400 of the 1979. I was the night manager of a were often lost, asking for directions, or Sachs probably made more $1000 on Horse One, they cab company in the Chicago suburbs asking us to call their passenger to come money than anyone playing have expressed the collective then. I hope you will indulge me in a short outside, or just calling in because they hadn’t in Chicago at the time, because opinion that Horse One has reminiscence. My office was inside a train spoken in a while, and their gums needed he hung out with the wealthy a 40% chance of winning the station, with a Dutch door putting it, and flapping. Our meters were old and broken, fish at Faces disco, and never race. If they bet $50 on Horse me, on display. I had four business phones so we had to give the drivers flat rates, played anyone with a clue; that with six lines, and also three wall-mounted calculating how much a trip would run if Howard Markowitz had more hotline phones. I had two radios, one for the meter worked (I thanked Pythagoras the primary operation which serviced the every night.) A friend dropped by on a Des Plaines area, and one for a smaller typical evening, and later told a group of company working out of Palatine. It was friends that when he arrived “there was a cacophonous. We were just small enough, TV going on the shelf over the radiator; an or just primitive enough, that dispatching open book in the inbox Jake was reading; he the two fleets required the dispatcher to was having a conversation with one of the keep the whole picture in his head: where drivers; and he was playing backgammon.” the cabs were, what they were working on, where they would end up, and when (one They say youth is wasted on the young. I MAXAKULI COLLECTION CHICAGOPOINT.COM Max’s games); that 19 Six they are saying Horse Six THE HEYDAYS should win 5% of the time. master points than anyone in 1981 Black & White Boston Classic tournament held at the Hyatt Regency in Cambridge, Massachusetts 24-26 of April. Al Hodis Chicago, because he played in defeated Doug Mayfield in the final. tournaments every night; but if Those who have studied such things have discovered that, remarkably enough, the public Greg played either he would eat them alive. it do better on turf or on dirt? Who was its is very accurate. This isn’t to say that the (Howard became the most accomplished trainer, and who were its parents? How has public is always right about every horse. of the three, but in 1979 his fame exceeded it performed in other races, and were any of Racing wouldn’t be interesting if that were his facility.) its present competitors running against it? true. But if you look at all of the horses the public expects to see win 40% of the time, Let’s talk for a moment about horse racing. You have likely made a mental note that on average they win 40% of the time. And There are differences from backgammon – these factors are not equal. Speed and past if you look at the horses the public says 20 USBGF PrimeTime Backgammon Magazine USBGF PrimeTime Backgammon Magazine Giant Sorting: The Masses Know Best Giant Sorting: The Masses Know Best have a 5% chance, the 19 to 1 shots, they One thing we will be changing is how Day. We would plan a presentation at one win about one race in twenty. quickly we publish the results next time. or the other, and would get the list ready 2013 Giants of Backgammon for publication in the Flint Area BackgamYou look at the bettors at a typical track, We were caught flatfooted this year. Back unshaven, unwashed, unprepossessing, and in 1993, when Yamin Yamin revived the think: “So this is where they went before idea for the list, Yamin, Howard Ring, John I left Chicago in 2001; Howard left us too there was Walmart.” Yet those unseemly Stryker, and I were all bachelors living in soon and too young in 2005; Yamin and individuals are collectively a keen math- the northern suburbs of Chicago. Carol Joy John are family men, which means they # moNews before the event. 2013 Giants of Backgammon # in Michigan. She is the glue that the premise behind the Giant holds it all together. This year 32. If Munchkin, a very strong the deadline for ballots rolled player in his day, could tell me around, as it does every two who the best players in Chicago years, on January 31st. John 11. Victor Ashkenazi (52) USA 43. Mary Hickey (33) USA were, imagine a group of the had commitments and let the 12. Malcolm Davis (21) USA 44. Nevzat Dogan (N/A) Denmark world’s strong players telling ballots pile up. Suddenly, the 13. Paul Weaver (11) USA 45. Morten Holm Lassen (24) Denmark us who the best among them web began buzzing like a hive of really were. From their collec- caffeinated wasps. Meanwhile, 14. Kit Woolsey (8) USA 46. Jake Jacobs (36) Singapore tive response we would get a there were six thousand names 15. John O'Hagan (13) USA 47. George Kleitsas (95) Greece very accurate notion of how that had not been entered into 16. Ralf Jonas (15) Germany 48. Marc B. Olsen (68) Denmark the best stacked up. a computer, most handwritten 17. Akiko Abe Yazawa (108) Japan 49. Julian Fetterlein (44) England 18. Sander Lylloff (7) Denmark 50. Phil Simborg (62) USA 19. Gus Jacobsen Hansen (17) Denmark 51. Thomas Kristensen (84) Denmark 20. Ray Fogerlund (16) USA 52. Freddie Noer (300) Denmark 21. Ed O'Laughlin (18) USA 53. Richard Munitz (30) USA crucial moments after that, 22. Bill Robertie (28) USA 54. Slava Pryadkin (377) Ukraine John was dealing with a series 23. Tobias Hellwag (19) Germany 55. Alfred Mamlet (51) USA of personal matters that kept 24. Jürgen Orlowski (22) Germany 56. Alan Grunwald (140) USA 25. Mike Senkiewicz (26) USA 57. K. Papachristopoulos (323) Germany 26. Karsten Bredahl (39) Denmark 58. Sabri Büyüksoy (71) Turkey 27. Fernando Braconi (31) Italy 59. Kiyokazu Nishikawa (122) Japan 28. Steen Grønbech (29) Denmark 60. Mario Sequeira (53) Portugal 29. Paul Magriel (34) USA 61. Bernhard Kaiser (187) Germany 30. Nack Ballard (14) USA 62. Kostas Mitrelis (173) Greece 31. Dana Nazarian (74) USA 63. Christos Groutsos (120) Greece 32. Othello Itikawa (42) Japan 64. Alain Babillon (85) France bless her tireless efforts, is still that crucial moment and for Maxakuli, way back in 1981. the next approximately fifty- Thirty-two appears on the dou- seven thousand six hundred bling cube (it especially did in PETER KALBA, CJC, & BILL DAVIS Max’s games); that was as much Carol Joy Cole has been instrumental in the success of the Giants of Backgammon list over the last 20 years. She is shown here in thought as went into it. It isn’t the early years with Peter Kalba (L) and ABT director Bill Davis (R). a bad choice. Some voters have his flying fingers grounded. called for a shorter list, but if you choose a was the odd woman out in the mix, living Eventually those fingers were cleared for much smaller number there will be debate as she did in Michigan. We’d get the ballots takeoff, and resumed flying, but by then about the names that fail to make the cut. to John, and after he did the data entry we’d there was speculation that we had … what? One complaint we never hear is that the meet over at Howard’s or at Yamin’s, look Taken the ballots and absconded to Rio? best player isn’t on the list. Would, say, a them over, discuss John’s tabulations, and Buried them with Jimmy Hoffa? Asked Lois Giant 16 be inclusive enough? Perhaps, play some backgammon. The only deadline Lerner to file them? but by now the Giant 32 is a brand, and we was the date of the tournament where the aren’t about to make the mistake Coke did certificates would be presented. Vegas was All we can do this year is apologize. Rest by changing a winning formula. in April, the Chicago Open was Memorial Continued on page 22 GIANTS OF BACKGAMMON FLINTBG.COM The idea came first to Michael MAXAKULI COLLECTION CHICAGOPOINT.COM by indifferent spellers. And at 33. 34. 35. 36. 37. 38. 39. 40. 41. 42. Country That wisdom of the group is are busy men; and Carol Joy, Japan Japan Israel USA USA USA Denmark USA USA USA 2013 Runners-Up 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. ematical mind. Masayuki Mochizuki (2) Michihito Kageyama (4) "Falafel" Natanzon (1) Neil Kazaross (3) Matt Cohn-Geier (5) Petko Kostadinov (20) Lars Trabolt (12) Bob Wachtel (9) Steve Sax (10) Stick Rice (6) Country *Numbers in parentheses show Giant ranking in 2011 Stepan Nuniyants (43) Jeremy Bagai (40) Carlo Melzi (46) Raj Jansari (38) Bill Phipps (90) Bob Koca (35) David Wells (27) Carol Joy Cole (37) Kenji Shimodaira (65) Joe Russell (25) USA USA Italy England USA USA USA USA Japan USA 21 22 USBGF PrimeTime Backgammon Magazine USBGF PrimeTime Backgammon Magazine 23 Giant Sorting: The Masses Know Best Giant Sorting: The Masses Know Best Continued from page 20 assured that next time we will be better but human nature being what it is, second This year, for the first time, we received the old days, before online play, before the for the top players; Elo ratings; cumulative prepared, and the list will appear on time. guessing the vote is more fun than voting. over two hundred ballots, tripling the first bots, players were known for their style. error ratings as assessed by a bot; point rat- And now that two decades have passed, year’s total. Of the thirty-two names, four- Today everyone tries to make the play the ings based upon tournament performance In 1993 we received sixty-six ballots. The which foreign players were missing? Only teen are foreign, and eighteen American. bot would make, and so most players have over a season. All of these have good and number one player, Wilcox Snellings, was a few players might have been playing well This year the top three are from outside the same style. They may make fewer errors, bad points. But as the year 2015 nears its a relative newcomer, but most of the next enough to complain about being overlooked. the USA: Masayuki “Mochy” Mochizuki but some find less drama in the games. end, the world will once again turn to the ten names might have appeared on the There was Ralf Jonas, and Jerry Grandell, of Japan; Michihito “Michy” Kageyama, 1981 list. (The only one I am sure wasn’t and Peter Jes Thomsen who had won a world also of Japan; and Matvey “Falafel” Natan- As the online community waited for the wisdom of the crowd is one of the best on that list was #3-ranked Joe zon of Israel. Also in the top new list’s release, various alternate methods methods of all. Sylvester, who shot to fame ten is Denmark’s Lars Trabolt. of ranking players were proposed. None as a twenty-one year old win- There are four more players of the ideas are new. They are old ideas ner of the Plimpton Cup in from Denmark, two more from repackaged: round-robin tournaments 1983.) Notably, on that topic, Japan, three from Germany, Wilcox had never won a tour- and one from Italy. Notable is nament, and the #12 player, the seventeenth-ranked player, the first non-American player Akiko Abe Yazawa of Japan, on the list, was also known who is the first woman to make primarily for his money play. the list. Giant 32, recognizing that the collective Who was that player? For that matter, can you name any of There are other changes from the five – there were only five the early days, less apparent but – foreign players on the list? no less significant. While most of the players on that list had Tino “the Gambler from Down notable tournament records, I’d Under” Lechich was #12, fol- say that eight of the top twelve lowed by world champion Phil Marmorstein of Germany at FALAFEL, YAMIN YAMIN, & MOCHY #13. Canada’s world champion Yamin Yamin made the idea of a Backgammon Giants list a reality, starting in 1993, shown here with #3 Giant Falafel Natanzon Hal Heinrich, was next, and (L) and #1 Giant Mochy Mochizuki (R). Germany’s Thomas Lumper was were there primarily because of their reputations as gamblers. (On the other hand, a couple of others with magnificent tournament records were actually #16. Then we drop all the way to #30, just championship, but was still only twenty. hopeless money players.) Looking over the after Howard Ring and before Erik Seidel, Peter did vault onto the list the next time current list, while I know that many of them to find the name Rolf Schreuder, from the around. Otherwise most of the highest rated have played for high stakes, virtually all Netherlands. The list’s homogeneity kicked American “dinosaurs” on the list are still made the list because of their tournament off what became a perennial complaint: that around (Senk, Nack, Robertie, Kit …). The play, and even among the money players, the list was too biased towards American really great European players, the myriad very few play regularly in high stakes games players. The same ones complaining were Danes, the Levermanns and Schiemanns today. (A few may have never played for often too lazy to vote, despite the arm- and Tardieus, were a few years in the future. more than quarters, and one unlucky fellow twisting Carol Joy and I did every year, might be lifetime minus at money play.) In ABOUT JAKE JACOBS Jake Jacobs is a member of the USBGF Board of Governors and serves on its Education Committee. He is a prolific writer well-known to those in the backgammon community for his wit and insight. He also manages interconnected companies in Singapore and Japan. Mr. Jacobs spends a lot of time in Tokyo but lives in Singapore with his wife Khampha and daughter Sasithon. - JAKE JACOBS USBGF PrimeTime Backgammon Magazine FALAFEL vs. MATT COHN-GEIER 2014 CHICAGO OPEN 25 The international flavor of the tournament a very strong field of 22 players. The first outstanding 2.36 while Matt’s PR was an delighted everyone. Nine countries and stage consisted of pods containing five or incredible 1.29. For reference, I mention By Paul Weaver five continents were represented, with six six players. Each pod played a round robin that there may be only about half a dozen R players from Japan, two each from Israel or a modified round robin of seven-point players on the planet whose average live PR is below 3.0. ory Pascar is to be commended largest in the USA. This year, five of the top and Canada, and one each from Australia, matches. Congratulations to Saba Bejan- for his outstanding and innovative six on the new Giants list (Mochy, Michy, Germany, Greece, Hong Kong, Turkey, and ishvili for winning the event! job in organizing and directing Falafel, Matt and Petko) participated. Local Venezuela. the Chicago Open for the fourth year. Held favorite Neil Kazaross (Giant #4) could not over the Memorial Day weekend, the event attend for medical reasons. We all wish drew 105 participants, including 63 in the him a speedy recovery. championship flight, making it one of the In the match discussed below, from the many positions have been rolled out, see The first event was the World Backgammon round-robin stage of the WBTOC, Falafel Falafel versus MCG match file. Tournament of Champions (WBTOC), (Giant #3) and Matt (Giant #5) both played which started on Thursday, May 22, with exceptionally well. Falafel’s PR was an THEY SQUARE OFF GIANTS CERTIFICATES AWARDED IN CHICAGO Giant #5 Matt Cohn-Geier and Giant #3 Falafel Natanzon square off in the 2014 World Backgammon Tournament of Champions in Chicago. View the format, brackets, and participants. Petko Kostadinov, Victor Ashkenazi, Falafel, John O'Hagan, Matt, Mochy, and Ed O'Laughlin receive their Giants certificates from Yamin Yamin (third from right). KAREN DAVIS World Backgammon Tournament of Champions To download the entire match file, in which 26 USBGF PrimeTime Backgammon Magazine USBGF PrimeTime Backgammon Magazine Falafel vs. Matt Cohn-Geier: 2014 Chicago Open Falafel vs. Matt Cohn-Geier: 2014 Chicago Open Position 1 13 Position 2 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 13 Pip: 145 Matt Cohn-Geier 7-Away 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 Pip: 116 Matt Cohn-Geier 7-Away is MCG 12 11 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 score: 0 pip: 116 7 point match 7 point match 7-Away pip: 159 Falafel score: 0Natanzon Pip: 159 2. Player: Opponent: Rollout 1 Player: Opponent: 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 is Falafel Game 1, Move 8: (Falafel) on Black roll, cube action?on roll. Cube action? eq: +0.376 Conf.: ± 0.013 (+0.363...+0.388) - [100.0%] Duration: 7 minutes 02 seconds Bar/15 8/3*(2) 56.62% (G:19.68% B:0.68%) 43.38% (G:9.67% B:0.46%) 11 10 7-Away pip: 108 Falafel score: 0Natanzon Pip: 108 XGID=--aB-BEB -A--bC---baccba---:0:0:1:00:0:0:0:7:10 Bar/20 13/3* 8/3 56.40% (G:22.65% B:0.58%) 43.60% (G:9.59% B:0.64%) 12 is Falafel Game 1, Move 3: Black to play 55(Falafel) to play 55 Rollout 1 is MCG score: 0 pip: 145 XGID=---a--EBB --AeC---c-e-a--AA:0:0:1:55:0:0:0:7:10 1. 27 eq: +0.342 (-0.034) Conf.: ± 0.013 (+0.328...+0.355) - [0.0%] Duration: 7 minutes 35 seconds 1 1296 Games rolled with Variance Reduction. Moves: 3-ply, cube decisions: XG Roller eXtreme Gammon Version: 2.10, MET: Kazaross XG2 Analyzed in Rollout Player Winning Chances: Opponent Winning Chances: Cubeless Equities Cubeful Equities No double: Double/Take: Double/Pass: No double Double/Take +0.830 (-0.090) +0.920 +1.000 (+0.080) ±0.008 (+0.822..+0.838) ±0.010 (+0.910..+0.930) 73.22% (G:8.09% B:0.23%) 26.78% (G:2.21% B:0.09%) +0.526 Best Cube action: Double / Take The first three 5s are easy: enter and point While Matt is on the bar with a blot in his Incidentally, if Matt fans after either play, on the 3pt, B/20 8/3*(2). With the last 5, board, Falafel can afford to put his checkers Falafel should double and Matt should pass. Falafel chose 20/15, putting a checker on a where they will do the most good. 1296 Games rolled with Variance Reduction. Moves: 3-ply, cube decisions: XG Roller The check mark on the left side of the roll- Double Decision confidence: Take Decision confidence: Duration: 4 minutes 23 seconds point that he is not really hoping to make. A better 5 is 13/8, leaving him with check- Falafel’s play, 20/15, gives Matt 8 undupli- out data indicates the play that was made ers on the 20pt and 8pt, either of which he cated 3s to hit in the outfield, giving him in the match . would be happy to make in this position. a chance to take the initiative. 73.76% (G:7.82% B:0.12%) 26.24% (G:1.99% B:0.05%) +1.087 Rollout details 100.0% 100.0% The contact in Position 2 slightly favors eXtreme Gammon Version: 2.10, MET: Kazaross XG2 doubled and Matt correctly took. Although shall see in Position 3, actually happened Falafel. In other words, if Falafel led by Falafel has only a few rolls that point on in the match. the same count (108-116) in a non-contact Matt immediately, he will eventually close position, he would have less of an advantage out Matt often enough to win 8% gam- If we improve Falafel’s position by unstack- than he has here. In fact, he would not mons. Matt can win by hitting a shot or by ing a checker from his 6pt to his 5pt, he have a double. escaping and winning the race, giving him would lead by 9 pips instead of 8, and would enough equity to take. In fact, it is possible have more attacking potential. Matt would for Matt to win a gammon: which, as we then have to pass. In the actual position, Falafel correctly 28 USBGF PrimeTime Backgammon Magazine USBGF PrimeTime Backgammon Magazine Falafel vs. Matt Cohn-Geier: 2014 Chicago Open Falafel vs. Matt Cohn-Geier: 2014 Chicago Open Position 3 12 Position 4 11 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 12 11 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 is Falafel score: 0 pip: 104 score: 0 pip: 196 7 point match 7 point match pip: 47 score: 0 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 2. Player: Opponent: Rollout 1 Player: Opponent: eq: +1.450 Conf.: ± 0.003 (+1.447...+1.453) - [100.0%] Duration: 16.1 seconds 6/5 6/1 eq: +1.432 (-0.018) 96.01% (G:45.84% B:0.72%) 3.99% (G:0.00% B:0.00%) 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 is MCG Game 2, Move 4: to White play 63 (MCG) to play 63 5/4 5/Off 95.34% (G:48.47% B:0.96%) 4.66% (G:0.00% B:0.00%) 14 7-Away pip: 154 Falafel score: 4Natanzon Pip: 196 XGID=-a-a-BC -B---dC---b-ebB-AB-:0:0:-1:63:0:4:0:7:10 Game 1, Move 18: White to play 51 (MCG) to play 51 Rollout 1 13 is MCG XGID=-BBB -BCB-----------bbcbbcB:1: -1:-1:51:0:0:0:7:10 1. Pip: 154 Matt Cohn-Geier 3-Away is Falafel Pip: 47 Matt Cohn-Geier 7-Away 13 29 1. 2. Conf.: ± 0.002 (+1.430...+1.434) - [0.0%] 7-Away Duration: 12.8 seconds 1 1296 Games rolled with Variance Reduction. Moves: 3-ply, cube decisions: XG Roller Falafel Natanzon Pip: 104 3. Rollout 1 Player: Opponent: Rollout 1 Player: Opponent: Rollout 1 Player: Opponent: 22/13 eq: +0.068 55.02% (G:23.65% B:3.11%) 44.98% (G:10.36% B:0.44%) Conf.: ± 0.016 (+0.052...+0.084) - [100.0%] Duration: 20 minutes 35 seconds 24/15 eq: +0.027 (-0.041) 54.45% (G:22.41% B:3.00%) 45.55% (G:11.56% B:0.50%) Conf.: ± 0.016 (+0.011...+0.043) - [0.0%] Duration: 18 minutes 41 seconds 24/21 22/16 53.70% (G:22.47% B:3.22%) 46.30% (G:11.89% B:0.54%) eq: -0.014 (-0.082) Conf.: ± 0.017 (-0.031...+0.003) - [0.0%] Duration: 21 minutes 16 seconds eXtreme Gammon Version: 2.10, MET: Kazaross XG2 Matt hit a lucky fly shot with 64 from the Matt increases his gammon chances by Let’s consider a variation. Move one of bar to turn the game around and play on 2.7% (from 45.8% to 48.5%) with this Falafel’s checkers on the bar to anywhere for the gammon. With his 51, Matt played aggressive play, while decreasing his win- between his 18pt and 1pt, and the conserva- 5/4 5/0, taking a justifiable risk to win more ning chances by only 0.7% (from 96.0% to tive 6/5 6/1 becomes better than 5/4 5/0. gammons. 1 1296 Games rolled with Variance Reduction. Moves: 3-ply, cube decisions: XG Roller eXtreme Gammon Version: 2.10, MET: Kazaross XG2 After seeing a rough draft of this article With Matt’s 63, the beginner’s 22/13 is the opportunity to attack on the 4pt with 95.3%). This tradeoff makes Matt’s “greedy” which did not include this position, Matt best. A distant second is 24/15. Lost in the many numbers. If Matt hits back, Falafel’s choice worthwhile. insisted that I show his blunder with 63. dust in third place is Matt’s 24/21 22/16. backgame timing improves. If Matt does Even the top five backgammon players Leading by 51 pips after the play, Matt not hit back, Falafel may have a chance to occasionally make very bad plays. should minimize contact with 22/13. His win going forward. actual choice, 24/21 22/16, gives Falafel 30 USBGF PrimeTime Backgammon Magazine USBGF PrimeTime Backgammon Magazine Falafel vs. Matt Cohn-Geier: 2014 Chicago Open Falafel vs. Matt Cohn-Geier: 2014 Chicago Open Position 5 13 Position 6 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 13 Pip: 140 Matt Cohn-Geier 3-Away 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 is MCG score: 4 pip: 107 7 7 point match 11 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 2. 3. 4. 5. Rollout 1 Player: Opponent: Rollout 1 40.39% (G:9.11% B:0.34%) 59.61% (G:18.91% B:0.93%) Player: Opponent: Rollout 1 39.30% (G:10.01% B:0.36%) 60.70% (G:19.86% B:2.18%) Player: Opponent: Rollout 1 Player: Opponent: eq: -0.169 Conf.: ± 0.015 (-0.184...-0.154) - [96.0%] Duration: 9 minutes 23 seconds eq: -0.188 (-0.019) 1. 2. Conf.: ± 0.015 (-0.203...-0.174) - [3.8%] Duration: 11 minutes 00 second 23/18 21/16(2) 8/3 39.64% (G:9.64% B:0.42%) 60.36% (G:19.69% B:1.41%) 9 8 7 eq: -0.200 (-0.031) Conf.: ± 0.015 (-0.216...-0.185) - [0.2%] Duration: 9 minutes 57 seconds 21/16(2) 8/3(2) eq: -0.243 (-0.073) Conf.: ± 0.016 (-0.259...-0.227) - [0.0%] Duration: 11 minutes 08 seconds 18/3 8/3 3. Rollout 1 Player: Opponent: Rollout 1 5 4 3 2 1 Player: Opponent: Rollout 1 Player: Opponent: 21/14 is Falafel Conf.: ± 0.015 (-0.266...-0.235) - [0.0%] Duration: 8 minutes 50 seconds eq: -0.290 38.43% (G:8.03% B:0.21%) 61.57% (G:10.92% B:0.84%) Conf.: ± 0.009 (-0.299...-0.282) - [53.4%] Duration: 8 minutes 01 second 21/15 9/8 38.88% (G:7.65% B:0.21%) 61.12% (G:10.93% B:0.86%) eq: -0.291 (-0.001) Conf.: ± 0.009 (-0.300...-0.282) - [46.6%] Duration: 7 minutes 48 seconds 9/2 eq: -0.309 (-0.019) 37.88% (G:7.49% B:0.19%) 62.12% (G:11.06% B:0.76%) Conf.: ± 0.009 (-0.317...-0.300) - [0.0%] Duration: 7 minutes 38 seconds 1 2592 Games rolled with Variance Reduction. Moves: 3-ply, cube decisions: XG Roller eq: -0.250 (-0.081) 39.00% (G:9.85% B:0.34%) 61.00% (G:17.25% B:1.69%) 6 Game 2, Move 11: Black to play 61 (Falafel) to play 61 23/18 21/16(2) 13/8 Player: Opponent: Rollout 1 11 10 7-Away pip: 137 Falafel score: 0Natanzon Pip: 137 XGID=--BBBBB--A--b----c-gcB-B--:0:0:1:61:0:4:0:7:10 23/18 13/3 8/3 40.72% (G:10.13% B:0.32%) 59.28% (G:17.24% B:1.05%) 12 is Falafel Game 2, Move 6: Black to play 55(Falafel) to play 55 1. 7 point match 7-Away pip: 189 Falafel score: 0Natanzon Pip: 189 XGID=-----BC -Bb--dC---bAebB -B--:0:0:1:55:0:4:0:7:10 Pip: 107 Matt Cohn-Geier 3-Away is MCG score: 4 pip: 140 12 31 eXtreme Gammon Version: 2.10, MET: Kazaross XG2 Trailing by 23 pips after the play, Falafel will force him to break it. will win few games without hitting. In 1 1296 Games rolled with Variance Reduction. Moves: 3-ply, cube decisions: XG Roller eXtreme Gammon Version: 2.10, MET: Kazaross XG2 combos) with 64. If Falafel runs and Matt points on him, Falafel may enter on the 24pt, order to win after hitting, it is imperative It is better for Falafel to run off the 21pt now that he maintain his beautiful, best five- than to face that possibility. Although run- increasing his long-term shot potential. Falafel lost a gammon in the first game and play a 2-4 backgame. He should relinquish making the 3pt. This move makes Matt’s life point board. Although 9/2 (Falafel’s play) ning exposes him to 9 pointing numbers, it The difference between 21/15 9/8 and 21/14 now trails 0-4 in the 7pt match With this either the 21pt or the 23pt. more difficult by giving him 14 shot-leaving preserves that board for this roll, it leaves also gives Matt some bad 6s. In particular, is so tiny that it is not worth discussing. numbers next turn (21 31 42 63 54 64 65). him with several numbers next turn that Matt is forced to leave a double shot (plus Both are better than 9/2 by about 0.02. difficult 55, he made his biggest mistake of the match, playing 18/3 8/3, keeping both The best play, 23/18 13/3 8/3, gives him a If Falafel misses, he is a big favorite to get anchors. Trailing by 29 pips after the play, reasonable holding game, owning the 18pt more shots down the road, when he will he does not have nearly enough timing to and 21pt, while strengthening his board by have a stronger board. 32 USBGF PrimeTime Backgammon Magazine USBGF PrimeTime Backgammon Magazine Falafel vs. Matt Cohn-Geier: 2014 Chicago Open Falafel vs. Matt Cohn-Geier: 2014 Chicago Open Position 7 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 Pip: 96 Matt Cohn-Geier 3-Away is MCG score: 4 pip: 96 7 7 point match 12 11 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 7-Away pip: 131 Falafel score: 0Natanzon Pip: 131 is Falafel XGID=--CBBBB --------a-cAgd--B-A:0:0:1:54:0:4:0:7:10 Game 2, Move 13: Black to play 54 (Falafel) to play 54 1. 2. 3. Rollout 1 Player: Opponent: Rollout 1 Player: Opponent: Rollout 1 Player: Opponent: Bar/21 18/13 27.42% (G:3.11% B:0.07%) 72.58% (G:10.43% B:0.51%) eq: -0.693 Conf.: ± 0.011 (-0.703...-0.682) - [100.0%] Duration: 2 minutes 22 seconds Bar/21 23/18 26.83% (G:2.96% B:0.08%) 73.17% (G:16.98% B:0.55%) eq: -0.727 (-0.035) Conf.: ± 0.011 (-0.738...-0.716) - [0.0%] Duration: 2 minutes 33 seconds Bar/16 eq: -0.747 (-0.054) 26.47% (G:2.46% B:0.06%) 73.53% (G:8.55% B:0.33%) Conf.: ± 0.010 (-0.757...-0.737) - [0.0%] Duration: 2 minutes 32 seconds 1 1296 Games rolled with Variance Reduction. Moves: 3-ply, cube decisions: XG Roller Matt Cohn-Geier, known as "The Genius" on the World Team at the Nordic Open, is the youngest player to receive the Giants 32 certificate. eXtreme Gammon Version: 2.10, MET: Kazaross XG2 If Falafel plays B/21 18/13, Matt has 15 Falafel without an inner-board anchor, this Congratulations to both Matt and Falafel numbers that point on Falafel’s 21pt blot. move loses too many gammons. The third for playing such a great match! Surprisingly, this could turn out to be a best play, B/16 (Falafel’s choice), has the blessing in disguise for Falafel, because it advantage of losing the fewest gammons. Thanks to Matt for his valuable sugges- gives him a 30+% chance to enter on the However, it also reduces contact and there- tions. 24pt, increasing his shot-hitting potential. fore reduces Falafel’s shot-hitting potential Another subtle advantage of B/21 18/13 when he is far behind in the race. is that it gives Falafel a double shot after Matt’s 65. Matt doubled Falafel out a couple of rolls later, taking a 5-0 lead into the final game. B/21 23/18 is the second best play. Leaving Matt won all three games of this short match. MATT COHN-GEIER, "THE GENIUS" - PAUL WEAVER ABOUT PAUL WEAVER Paul Weaver lives in Hoover, Alabama. He began playing backgammon in 1978. He has won tournaments and given lessons on five continents. Paul is one of only seven who have been on all eleven biannual Giants lists since they began in 1993. He is currently ranked #13 but believes he is way overrated. 33 USBGF PrimeTime Backgammon Magazine 35 Denmark vs. The world: the lineup By Iancho Hristov Five years ago, the president of the Danish magazine editor Bob Wachtel, the “Wolf of cumulative points they won in the four Backgammon Federation, Steen Grǿnbech, Wall Street" Bill Phipps, and David Wells. categories listed above. the World v. Denmark” — to be held on On the Danish side, despite rumors that To get a feeling for the attitudes and expec- Easter weekend in Copenhagen, concur- both Danish superstars Gus Hansen and tations of the teams before the event, I rently with the Nordic Open. The Rest of Sander Lylloff would take part, only Sander interviewed a key figure on each: Mochy the World took up the gauntlet, fielding showed, as well as young gun Marc Olsen, for the World and Kristensen for Denmark. their first team to fight against the terrible Cyprus champion Mik Larsen, Nordic Danes in 2010. The challenge has been Open champ Thomas Myhr, 3-time World renewed and accepted each year since Championship finalist and winner Lars then, with the Danes leading in the series Trabolt, the very strong Thomas Kristensen, 3 to 1. Both sides looked impressive this the Danish Champions League star Freddie year; and the match, which was fought for Noer, and World Champion Nevzat Dogan. Mochy The competition was split into four disci- I bet everybody is familiar with Mochy, so plines with different point weightings for let’s go straight to the hot questions! NYHAVN STREET Danes flock to Nyhavn Street to enjoy food, drink, music, and good fellowship. A short walk from the backgammon tournament, it’s a must-see attraction along with the nearby Strøget walking street, Tivoli Gardens, the Royal Playhouse, Amalienborg Palace, home of Hans Christian Andersen, the Little Mermaid statue, Winston Churchill park, and the Resistance Museum, to name just a few. MSTYSLAV CHERNOV VIA WIKIMEDIA COMMONS proposed a challenge match – “The Rest of Q&A glory, bragging rights, and a little money, was great fun for us spectators. Both teams had strong lineups. The World each. The categories this year were: DMPs team included the two Japanese superstars (1-point matches), speedgammon, singles, Iancho: Can you say a few words about Mochy and Michy, the legend Falafel, the and doubles. One point was given to the each player on the World team? extraterrestrial genius MCG, the two best- team with the better overall XG PR in these performing live players in the USA over preliminaries; from there on the two teams Mochy: Falafel is a very famous player. He the last two years— Petko Kostadinov faced off in an exciting, full-consultation knows the game by intuition, by feeling. He and Victor Ashkenazi — our own USBGF 27-point match, each starting with the does not memorize reference positions. He 36 USBGF PrimeTime Backgammon Magazine USBGF PrimeTime Backgammon Magazine Denmark vs. The World: The Lineup Denmark vs. The World: The Lineup just plays on the Internet and analyzes his Mochy: Oh, David Wells, I don’t know him Mochy: Victor is a semi-professional back- be his first appearance in the World team. matches. He is just Falafel. that well — but he used to be a very strong gammon player, but he has a regular job, I guess he is not that well known, and some money player like Falafel. He played money like Petko and Bill. Victor has hustled people have criticized his selection. As far Michy — He is a professional backgammon games in NYC, Chicago and many other backgammon for around 20 years in NYC. as I know he is a great online player. Can player. He has been doing that for about 20 places in the world from small to very high He is exactly the opposite of me: he does you comment? years. He is my doubles partner and he is stakes. He is also a very strong poker player not want to be famous, he wants to stay on one of the best. He is a very hard worker. so he is very talented. Now he is making the dark side. He wakes up around 8 o clock, does his his living from poker and probably from exercises, and while he is running he is some investments, I don’t know… checking his positions. Iancho: Yes, he has rarely attended tourna- Mochy: I mean in the gym, while he is on Iancho: $25 per point? Mochy: Yes. Mochy: Yes. He was surprised that one of So speedgammon…will be Falafel, MCG, the best players played for only $25 per Petko and Wells. point. Now I think they live together, and quit backgammon for almost 10 years, and Bill plays a lot online with David Wells and Iancho: About the speed I have a ques- just started again two years ago. MCG. They must play about 1000 matches tion…. What qualities should a player per year in GG. have to play speedgammon and how did you select which players to play it? In this He is not very into math, but he is observant Mochy: Actually he does not want to be When he came back after 10 years he went Iancho: Do you already know who will play event you have only two minutes for the and always finds all of the possible moves, known. There was a lot of action in NYC to a tournament, his very first tournament, in every discipline for the World Team? whole match? some that others would miss? in the 90’s. and he was looking for action. He found a Mochy: Yes. Mochy: So basically you are asking what guy sitting at a board and asked him how tions on his Kindle. Then he comes back Mochy: Yes. He is not like Michy or MCG. Iancho: But now he has changed? He wants from his exercises and starts studying. He He is more like Falafel. to go to tourneys, he attends ABT events, he has been doing that for about 10 years. went to Cyprus, he will play in the Denmark Iancho: OK, next is Petko. This will be vs World match…? his first appearance on the World team.… Mochy: Yes, obviously something has is the best player in the world. He studies a lot; he studies the game systematically — Mochy: I first met him around two years not like Falafel. ago, so I don’t know him well, but when- changed. ever I meet/play him, he plays very well Iancho: So next is Bob Wachtel. He is listed Iancho: You mean he studies the game by —2.6, 2.8 — but not only that: he is very as sub. What does this mean? Will he play? dividing positions into categories like prime aggressive with the cube. He doubles very vs prime, openings, and bearoffs – is that early. This does not mean that he doubles Mochy: He is probably the most intelligent what you mean? wrongly; just that whenever the doubling guy in our team, I mean…. window opens he will cube. You know my Mochy: Yes, and he also has built a database style is a little bit different: I tend to double Iancho: I think he has a PhD in psychol- of his own. He checks his mistakes often later. I don’t like to double if my window ogy or so…? and he is very good at math. Falafel always has just opened. If I make a .03 mistake or says his IQ must be very high. so I don’t care: I wait until my opponent Mochy: Yes, and he wrote a book, a book on may drop. Petko doubles and takes very backgammon and another on philosophy. Iancho: Next is David Wells, who is an aggressively, and his attitude is good: he He is very intelligent and very strong in bg. enigma for me. He was one of the best in focuses on the game, he plays to win, and He is a likable person and a good character the world – but then he moved to poker. he is confident. I like him. for our team. Iancho: Next: Victor A. Iancho: The last one is Bill Phipps. It will Why has he played for the World team over the last few years? Iancho: Can you share this with us? I have an interesting story about him. the running machine, he checks his posi- MCG — you know MCG. I would say he $25. This guy was MCG. Mochy: I have not known him for long. He ments, maybe only MC occasionally. Iancho: I also heard that he is very talented. Iancho: Is that even possible? 37 much he wanted to play for. The guy said DENMARK VS. THE WORLD 2014 Giant #1, Mochy, playing for the World team (with Falafel as official team captain) guided the World to victory in 2014 – shown flanked by Matt Cohn-Geier (R) and Falafel (L) with Victor Ashkenazi, Michy, and Bill Phipps. is the most important feature? Iancho: Yes, what is the most important strength one should have to play speedgammon and why did you pick exactly those 4 players? 38 USBGF PrimeTime Backgammon Magazine USBGF PrimeTime Backgammon Magazine 39 Denmark vs. The World: The Lineup Denmark vs. The World: The Lineup Mochy: Ok…well, I’m not good in SG, strong. Then we have speedgammon and Mochy: I don’t know him, but everyone Mochy: Ah, I don’t know why but in Sweden because I usually choose a play by calcu- DMP. Speedgammon is more points for the says he was very good, super talented, so maybe… Jürgen Granstedt could be a good lation — play A has this number of shots overall score so we wanted to put him there maybe I would have to choose him as well. and play B has this number of shots, then where it matters most. And Petko won a I compare, but in SG this is impossible; speedgammon tournament, so we know Iancho: Any other thoughts who will be basically you have to know the play by your he has some experience with it. good addition to the World team? dictionary (laugh). Iancho: Better than Sander? Iancho: Steen? candidate. But he does not play too often Mochy: Maybe Sander, it depends on how Mochy: Well he was swapped out for Mik so anyway he will not be on the team.… much training he has recently. Larsen, as Steen will be busy with organizing the event. Iancho: What about Bernard Kaiser (Ger- Iancho: How do you see the Danish team many) and Tommy Nesback (Norway)? this year? There are some new names like They play very well online. Thomas Myhr. Can you give us some Iancho: A few words about him? Iancho: Next question: If you could bring Mochy: I would add Stick Rice, because he Iancho: So you are saying that players like one person from the past for the World is very good in the openings. The idea is Falafel and Wells who have intuition are team, who will it be? (Like Grandell, Bal- that we need a player who can reinforce and Mochy: I don’t know them but basically suited for speed? Do you also pick players lard, FT….) And why? help us in the final consultation. Everybody all the players should show up. You know, should contribute something and Stick is I play like 12 events per year and if I don’t Mochy: This is the fifth year for the Danish kind of player is relatively easy for me. He very good in first 3-4 moves. see them in any … I mean they should play team and I still think the first one was the just won Cyprus so he should be motivated. regularly, not only online. I don’t care if best, because they had Gus and Sander. This someone play a 3 PR online.… year’s team is their second best. You know Mochy: Thomas Myhr — when I was living Sander is very strong: I don’t know if he is in Denmark, he was in same club I went Iancho: What about Fernando Bracconi? training but even without training I guess to. I lived in Denmark for a few months He was on the team in the past. he is my level, maybe even better. Sander to study backgammon — and back then is not a math whiz but he is a genius. Lars everybody played backgammon for money Trabolt is also on the team. and everybody made a living from it online. if they can count fast as time is limited? You need to count pips and shots fast, etc...? Mochy: Oh I can select any player from history? Mochy: No, no you have to know when to think. Two minutes is very short but this Iancho: But then this is a good question— Iancho: Yes and why…? does not mean you can’t think. You have to Stick is still an active player, he is not from the past. Why is he not on the team? know when to think. You can think like 10 Mochy: Oh I will obviously pick Francois times per match, but sometimes you have Tardieu. He is very good at math, very good Mochy: Why? Because he does not show to go by feel. You need this ability to find in match play, so he would be very useful.… up at tournaments. moves by intuition. My style is different: I have to check every play. me. He never played backgammon for real money or for a living. He plays OK, but this the Nordic Open. What is your reaction to this criticism and Iancho: Finally the question everybody Mochy: I admire him. Not many people Iancho: What about Freddie Noer? do you think you had other options from is curious about: Will people see matches can be a finalist in Monte Carlo three times other countries? such as Falafel vs Gus or Mochy vs Sander? and he even won the Consolation there. World Team? the World team is too USA/Japan oriented. Mochy: Ah no, it is impossible.… Thomas Myhr was one of them. He won Iancho: What about Lars Trabolt? Iancho: So…some people comment that Iancho: Why…? This would be fine entertainment for the Mochy: Oh, everybody says he is the best player now in Denmark. Mochy: Whoever wants to be in the team, spectators. Will Gus even play? He is listed Iancho: What about the Danish captain Mochy: Well, Falafel already tried twice…. just contact me and we will test him, OK…? as a sub. Marc Olsen? He is very young? Iancho: Sander? Iancho: Too bad for the game; Francois Iancho: OK, but for example do you think Mochy: Well if Gus shows up, we will put Mochy: Yes, he is former professional foot- Mochy: Sander for me is… from another Tardieu was my favorite player…. there are any players from Europe who are him vs the strongest opponent, maybe vs Me, ball player, so he is in very good shape. He world. I understand players like Marc and stronger than those players already on the Falafel or MCG. The same with Sander…. is a student of the Copenhagen University, Mik: I know how they study — but Sander which is the best university in Denmark, so is from another universe. I don’t think he in math. Doesn’t that mean that he likes to spend more time thinking and checking each member, please. me and prove his abilities. Iancho: Did you ever invite him onto the that they have this ability, but what about Matt and Petko? We said that Matt is good Mochy: Well Mik is kind of amateur for who wants to play is welcome to contact Iancho: So how did you pick those 4 players? For Falafel and Wells we understand Mochy: Well basically, as I said, everyone thoughts on their team? A few words for every play? Mochy: Well, it is hard to tell… well first off MCG is very strong. We actually decided the order based upon the doubles. We had Mochy: He is a perfectionist, you know.… World team? Outside of Scandinavia and David Wells and Bill Phipps in doubles, just Now he has a baby, and he has a regular after Tardieu’s retirement from backgam- Iancho: Do you think that Gus is the best he can do everything, he is a bright person. studies like I do or others do, but he is because they are very confident together. job in math; he teaches math and he does mon, Europe has not produced any stars, player on the Danish team? He is taking backgammon as a very serious capable of playing incredibly well. So Matt can’t play doubles. We have to put not play so much.… except maybe Ralf Jonas. Does he deserve him in at least two events. We want to put him in singles for sure, because he is very to be in? And why does Europe not produce Iancho: What about Jerry Grandell? strong players anymore? hobby now. He studies a lot so we can’t Mochy: I think so. underestimate him. Iancho: Something about Nevzat Dogan. He is listed as a sub. 40 USBGF PrimeTime Backgammon Magazine USBGF PrimeTime Backgammon Magazine Denmark vs. The World: The Lineup Denmark vs. The World: The Lineup Mochy: No, the subs are Gus Hansen and Iancho: What do you think about Thomas advantage because they live close to one matches and outplaying my opponents, Karsten Bredhal. Karsten won the Nordic Kristensen — he has shown some unbe- another. They can meet whenever they but obviously I want to win the big one. I twice — and whoever wins a tournament lievable live PRs lately. Also, in Cyprus want. We can’t do this so we decided to hope we win. twice has something special. You can win a recently he played 0.28 in 6 games of one have a backgammon boot camp every year tournament with luck once, but not twice, match. Do you think he can be the star of to prepare for the event. especially in Denmark. the tournament? Iancho: Is there a question you wanted to answer that I did not ask you? world title? Mochy: Yes he can be. I don’t know him mentioned, who is the best player? so well, but whenever I discuss a position Mochy: Well Monte Carlo is different… I learned a lot from him. Around the same but this was very important. time there was a tournament in Copenhagen Thomas Kristensen Mochy: Sander. win was a backgammon board made by fessional backgammon and poker player Carlsberg— but all of the cafe players were Iancho: In the end, what do you think the from Denmark. After becoming one of the there. With all the action around, I started final score will be? best backgammon players in the world, he making some money playing backgammon switched to poker. But now he is back. He in high school. Mochy: I will play singles and doubles. Iancho: We heard that you will play doubles his IQ is very high, and I don’t see a rea- with your fellow countryman Michy, which Iancho: Sander, for the reasons we listed son why he could not to be the star of the should be very exciting. Do you think play- Mochy: Final score? (laugh). I don’t know, has played in all of the Denmark vs World above — because he is a natural talent tournament. ing doubles with your countryman is an the PRs will be very low I think. If I can matches. Thomas very kindly took the time advantage, especially when the opponents play 2.2 doubles with Michy, then why is to answer our questions. can’t understand your language? it impossible to average 2.0 in the future? Iancho: We heard that this year you will Mochy: You know, the definition of strong use the overall PR results. How is this going is different if I have to put my money on to be implemented? who will go further in MC or so. Then I will put it on Lars Trabolt. Mochy: Well, we will put all the matches average, and compare the teams. a money game...? Mochy: Oh yes, I don’t want to face Sander tage, but it is the same here: our opponents shows a human can do it, really! This was involved in the game? How did you become I was 21-22, I discovered that I could play are Danish and we don’t understand Danish. very big for me, because before the event good? When did you realize that you were online for money. GamesGrid had just been we had no clue, but now we know we can really good? developed. I was pretty decent by then and Iancho: Is there any special preparation someone to do the pipcount? but you know he has a lot of patience in Mochy: Yes, I have started playing a lot of let him roll. Mainly he is the player and tournaments, and he has more stamina matches on GG: at least one per day, and I’m the navigator: he is playing but if I see than Sander. For example, if Sander starts if I play one hour I study one hour. something I would do differently we will play well. the Consolation and the Last Chance. You Iancho: Will you have a meeting before the same when I play doubles with MCG: know he is going crazy. Trabolt would not the tournament to train live? he will be the player and I will be the navi- I played a lot on that site for money, even Kristensen: I started playing backgammon with that era’s best, like Nack Ballard and Iancho: Let’s say we have to use numbers, in Copenhagen in the late 90’s — 1995- Jerry Grandell. what will be the final score? Make a guess. 1996. In Copenhagen we have a very good Mochy: It is 27 point match, so 27 to 26… backgammon environment. We play in the Iancho: I’m sure everyone is interested in street — on the benches — and basically this, please tell us about them. every stranger could walk up and challenge. Iancho: For the World team? start discussing. I also count the pips. It’s do that. Trabolt will be patient, stay calm versity then, studying Philosophy, but all I wanted to do was play backgammon. When Mochy: Well, when I play with Michy I losing, he will get upset and he gives up Iancho: Can you please give us some background about yourself? How did you get tion for the upcoming matches? in a money game. Trabolt might be easier, Kristensen:I think I was 18. I started uni- We play full consultation below 2.0, so that for the doubles? Do you assign tasks, like Iancho: Do you have some special prepara- Iancho: How old were you? Mochy: Well I think it is an obvious advan- into one account in XG, we will see the Iancho: But if you have to battle them in the beer producer Carlsberg. It was really Thomas Kristensen is a 36-year-old pro- He works hard, he records a lot of matches, and etc…? called the Carlsberg Open, sponsored by big, and with no entry fee. All you could Mochy: Not really. with him, his answer is always very good. articulating his ideas. He was one of the first to make the two point with an opening 64. Iancho: What disciplines will you play? Iancho: So out of those players we have 41 Mochy: Of course. I played a little bit with my ex-girlfriend Kristensen: Yes, especially Jerry Grandell and I thought I was pretty good; and even — he was clearly the best of that time. He though I was a complete beginner I wanted was my mentor, my idol. He quickly got a to challenge the guys playing on the streets, very good reputation in Denmark, because gator. I’m very good at this. This way we Mochy: I want to add that three years ago and of course some of them were better than he was just winning every tournament. play better than in singles. when we won the event I was much more I am. They were professionals. And one of He won everything possible. And I think gratified than I would be just winning a the guys — an American, a really interesting I even discussed this with Falafel — Jerry and in the end he will cash. Sander can’t Mochy: Yes, we will have a backgammon do this, but if he keeps winning, he is very, boot camp. All of our teammates will very strong. If I have to play one match or a arrive before the event, maybe three days Iancho: What are your personal goals for tournament. It was very special and very character — was very methodical. I started was far ahead of the second best player of money game for limited time, Sander will before the event. We will practice matches, the event? important for me. playing in chouettes with him, and he kind that era, who may have been Nack Ballard. be the strongest opponent. doubles, especially the speedgammon and of became my mentor. Actually he was Probably his level back then was around Sander’s mentor as well. He was very good at 3. Back in 1999, he clearly had an edge: he full consultation. The Danish team has the Mochy: My short-term goal is winning my Iancho: More important than winning the 42 USBGF PrimeTime Backgammon Magazine USBGF PrimeTime Backgammon Magazine 43 Denmark vs. The World: The Lineup Denmark vs. The World: The Lineup was the first one to study a lot with the best booming. I decided that it will be hard to game with a program and then study. You lot of fun to discuss with and to play with. in long tournaments. In big tournaments with him in the old days, before I moved program back then — JellyFish. get better at backgammon, so I continued can decide what your weaknesses are and His backgammon knowledge is really, you get on these crazy schedules where the to poker. He is extremely good: he plays mainly with poker. train. Right now the backgammon scene really good: he is great at assessing a posi- last matches of the day start after midnight. fast, and with a very low error rate. He was in Denmark is not so good: we cannot play tion he has not seen before. For example, You have to have a lot of energy, so this is basically always one of the best American Iancho: So now you are playing backgam- online. But the bright side is that there is he won the quiz in Cyprus. He is also why you need to be more practical; but I players. When I started playing again and mon, are you back or are you playing both? plenty of live backgammon action. This is extremely good at putting what he knows would say Mochy is one of the top two in I saw that David Wells was on the World why I have taken it up again. We have great into simple words, explaining and not the world – and maybe the best. team I thought: “OK, this is a really strong Iancho: So you were very brave to play those two for money! Kristensen: After several years of playing some really bad players, I wanted to Kristensen: Now I play both. I enjoy both team tournaments over the winter. Also saying some confusing stuff. He is a really compete with the best, so I started playing games: they are very different and also now there are some good international good backgammon teacher. In practice Kristensen: Michy — I played him in versus the World, I was again impressed matches with them, matches for $100 or similar. In backgammon you are more able tournaments. he is also extremely strong, but I think his Cyprus. He did not play so well, but that by how well he played. He is an extremely something. I had the feeling — and Snowie to train something specific. It is very nice energy level is sometimes not high enough was basically because it was a short match. practical player. He has a very good intui- confirmed it — that I played at around to have a judge (XG) saying you play well Iancho: How do you see the World team for long matches: he will sometimes take a I think he is extremely strong; not as strong tive understanding of backgammon. He their level, maybe a little bit worse. I got or bad. You don’t have this in poker. You this year? Can you say a few words about little nap and then play some moves without as Mochy, but a more practical player. He is very strong psychologically as well. He very comfortable playing them but this are always guessing: Did I play well or...? each of them? There are some new names thinking and make some mistakes, which rarely plays a really weak match. He is prob- is the kind of player who knows: “OK, my was around the time that poker started In backgammon it is easy to analyze your there as Petko Kostadinov and Bill Phipps. I think Mochy will not do — but even so I ably among the top 10 in the world as well. opponent will pass, so I will cube now.” I player.” During the last matches in Denmark think he may be the best player in the world. THOMAS KRISTENSEN Thomas Kristensen (Center) playing captain for the Danes (with Marc Olsen as official team captain). Standing behind him are Lars Trabolt (L), a member of the Danish team who won the World Championship in 2008 and was finalist in 2014, and team member Thomas Myrh (R). Kristensen: I will ... about the players I don’t know his real PR, but it should be Kristensen: MCG — I played Matt a few way better than what he shows, because Kristensen: Mochy — I have not played years ago in the Denmark vs World match. his biggest strength is in exploiting other much with him. I think he studies a lot. I did not know the guy at all, and he seems people’s weakness. I don’t know how much I think Falafel is something like the great He has a lot of good reference positions, like a really nice guy. When we played, I he practices now and if he is really in shape. father of the World team. He is always a and he is a perfectionist in the sense that he got the feeling that I was outplaying him, will keep on studying until he corrects his but it turns out he played better. So it seems Kristensen: Petko Kostadinov — I don’t mistakes. He thinks a lot in positions where, it is very easy to underestimate someone really know Petko. I met him in Cyprus, for example, Falafel will take no time. I think like him. He is extremely humble, not like when we analyzed a little bit of one of Marc his weakness is that he is not so practical. Falafel, who is always bragging about how Olsen’s matches. He is an extremely nice For example — maybe it was two years ago good he is. Matt does not seem very confi- guy and I have a sense that he is a very in the Denmark vs World match — he lost dent when he plays, but he is extremely good strong backgammon player, but I don’t on time. This is huge because you may play and I think a lot of players underestimate know that firsthand. I hear that he is one with best PR in the world but if you lose on him because he does not act like one of the of the very best American players. I hope time, PR can’t measure how good you are. best in the world. I will play Petko in Denmark vs World, it know…. It was DMP against Marc Olsen. Also in would be nice. positions where he can‘t make a big mistake Iancho: In my recent stats MCG is averaging he spends a lot of time instead of saving 2.8 in his last 100 matches, so keep an eye Kristensen: Victor Ashkenazi — this was some energy for later. That is of course on him, you may face him again! another player I did not know but we played because he loves the game and wants to get last year in Denmark vs World and he better and play perfectly, so I understand Kristensen: I really hope so. I will be really became a good friend of mine. I respect it. In my opinion it is good to always try focused now that I know how good he is. both his play and analysis. There was one to find the best move, but one has to be a bit more practical (like Falafel), especially moment in last year’s final consultation Kristensen: David Wells — I played some where the World team made its only blunder. 44 USBGF PrimeTime Backgammon Magazine USBGF PrimeTime Backgammon Magazine 45 Denmark vs. The World: The Lineup Denmark vs. The World: The Lineup It was a really hard play and I think if we Kristensen: Hm, I think many of the stron- Kristensen: I know the Danish team much a lot with XG. But he reports that when he Iancho: I think this year will be different, Kristensen: Freddie Noer— he is really faced it we would also get it wrong – but gest players are Japanese or Americans. They better so yes I can do that. Who do we have? has some spare time, he plays some longer especially when Sander is there…? special. Like Mik he has never been a pro- the only one with the right idea was Victor. have the most professional organizations/ Nobody would listen to him: he tried to federations. There used to be a lot of strong My good friend Marc Olsen with whom I argue but they did not listen to him. It was German players but they have disappeared. had a PR bet over the last two team tournaments we played. It turns out that it was a lot of fun for the Danish team. Of course fessional, but he is extremely good with sessions with XG and he averages 2.2. Kristensen: Ah yes, definitely … as long computers. He won the World Champi- Iancho: Whattttt?????????????? Is this even as they don’t agree, but if they do agree onship in hacking, held in Las Vegas. He possible? This is impressive!!! there is a good chance that the play is right. writes his own backgammon programs to we did not know until the end of the match Iancho: So why doesn’t Europe produce extremely close. I play more steadily and that his idea was right, but he thinks very any more strong players? If we exclude the he had more ups and down. He is one of Kristensen:— (Laugh), yes, I’m not sure if Kristensen: Thomas Myhr — he is my unconventionally, outside the box. He is a Scandinavian countries we don’t have any the best Danes, very eager to learn. He it is possible either but he claims it is so. It teammate in the Danish team tourna- Iancho: Wow, really? There was one guy good analyst and also an ex-chess player. I other strong players? wrote a few books, he is very mathematical, is quite impressive. What I will say is that ment and he won the Nordic Open a few with nickname Miracilieux in GG, he played always thinking about what are the odds Gus is like Falafel for the World team. He is years ago. He is a really careful player. He like 10 matches at 2.8 and then disappeared. Was that Freddie Noer? don’t think he is much weaker than Falafel work on his game! and Mochy. He is also extremely cool on the Kristensen: I think this has to do with the and stuff like that, always calculating. He the star of the team which could be a good takes his time, a bit like Mochy – and like table, even cooler than Falafel I think — he fact that a lot of good players switched to is also a good competitor: he is practical thing or a bad thing. Good is, for example, Mochy he can get into time trouble. He is does not show his emotions over the board. poker. There were some really some strong and used to play football at a high level. I last year: he played against Falafel in the extremely strong when he is in practice. Kristensen:It sounds familiar but I don’t ones, like Francois Tardieu, Schiemann think in speed he is one of the best in the final consulting and he took charge when This last year he has not had time to play remember. His problem is that, like Fran- Kristensen: Bob Wachtel — I played him and Levermann. There were also some world. His speedgammon is not much the Danish team was behind a lot. He is a a lot because of his work (he is a teacher), cois Tardieu, he can get into time trouble. three years ago in the DMPs. He is a very other really good Germans, though not so worse than his normal play, which I think master of table talk: he knows when and which makes me question how well he is I probably should not say this because solid player. I think he can get tired in very famous. Also Serge Rived from France. I is quite exceptional. Sometimes he will what to say, he knows how to throw his playing. I’m going to train with him before our opponents will see it [this interview long matches: we played really late that time, guess the backgammon scene is not so good even avoid some mistakes that he would opponent off. Not only is this effective — the match to see how good he is, but right took place before the event but was pub- it was some crazy schedule and it looked now in Europe, but who knows? Maybe it make if he played normally. He is always it is very entertaining for the audience as now I have no idea. A year ago he was lished after it, so it is OK], but he can get like this really affected his game. But when will pick up. improving. He is our captain and he is good well. Gus plays a lot of high stakes around really, really good. He made a living from distracted if a spectator makes a remark. at organizing and training. the world. backgammon for three years — which I This is something he should work on, but I think is quite an achievement, since he should say that his level and understanding he is fresh he is an extremely good player. Iancho: So out of those, who do you think Iancho: Did you know that he owns the would make the best World team? Who Then we have my good friend Sander. He But the negative side is that — I personally trained only by playing XG. Both Sander of the game is outstanding. I think he is one record for the lowest recorded error rate in is the one you don’t want to meet or are may be the biggest talent we have. I think if got a little bit irritated — because last year and Gus played very high stakes in order of the better players on our team — maybe a final of the World Championship? afraid of? he played a lot, he might be number 1. He this attitude led to some small mistakes. He to become so good. the best PR-wise. has not played many live tourneys lately, is just like: “This is my play and I want to Kristensen: Oh, I didn't know that. That is Kristensen: Boom, boom, if I have to name but even when he is rusty he is never as bad play this.” He is so persuasive that people Iancho: I heard Steen is going to be replaced Kristensen: Lars Trabolt-Lars is the most really impressive. He played like 2? one I will say Falafel. as other people. He should still be one of just follow him. by Mik Larsen, as Steen will be busy with experienced Danish player. He is real, real organization? grinder. He plays 10 hours a day online the best players on our team. Iancho: Yes, in a 25-point match. Iancho: Do you speak English during the Iancho: Falafel is the one you fear the most? Iancho: If I had to bet on someone against Kristensen: Bob is an extremely sympathetic Kristensen: Yes I think he is the best, the anybody in the world my pick would be guy and a great player. one I will give the most credit. Sander.… and also a lot live. He made it to the World Kristensen: Mik is as good as you can get Championship final three times. He is very not being a professional player. He is very practical and humble. When he talks about Kristensen: Yes, he does so to make it more practical and he has a lot of confidence now himself, he says: “I never managed to play interesting for the audience. He is kind of as he just won a big tournament in Cyprus. below 4.5 in my career.” But I don’t believe full consultation? Iancho: Some people comment that the Iancho: How do you see the Danish team Kristensen: About Gus: I have not played a native English speaker so he explains his He is consistently good: he played 3.1 in it. It is negative advertising. He is extremely World team is too USA/Japan oriented. this year; can you do the same as for the with him a lot, but he thinks very indepen- ideas better than most of us; but he also the final. He might be slightly weaker than experienced, he never gets nervous, and he What is your opinion of this criticism? World team – say a few words for each of dently and he is very quick. But he does gets his way because he is such a big star the best players on the team. reads his opponents very well. He is very them? not play a lot and I don’t think he studies and people respect what he says. good to have in the team even if his PR is USBGF PrimeTime Backgammon Magazine 46 USBGF PrimeTime Backgammon Magazine 47 Denmark vs. The World: The Lineup Denmark vs. The World: The Lineup not 100% sure and my partner seems to Iancho: How is it possible for a small coun- Kristensen: He is around 40. He has con- hard in backgammon to judge just from a Kristensen: Yes, I completely agree. It is have different idea. He seems more sure try like Denmark to produce so many centrated on poker and I don’t think anyone few matches as in Cyprus: I think we need going to be interesting to see the level in Iancho: I don’t have any personal obser- than I am, so OK, I can see that his play backgammon stars and to beat the stars has been in touch with him lately. But yes, (as you do in your list) to consider a lot Denmark vs World but there will be a lot vation, but some people have told me the may be right. I think what can go wrong of the World team three times? What is it would be a close call between him and of matches — there is a lot of variance. In of variance. You really need a long run to opposite: that he is very arrogant, and it is when you play on a team with someone is the secret? Mogens Knudsen and Lars Bonding and Cyprus I played one match where I did .20 see how good a player is. It is going to be not possible to speak to him? who is like: “I’m the better player and no also a few others who were extremely good something over 6 games – but I think most fun. I really like the innovation that there not the best. He is a very competitive person. matter what you say I will make my play.” Kristensen: The secret is variance, luck. like Jan Bloxman, Morten Nielsen , Karsten of the top players have like a 50/50 chance will be one point given for the team with Kristensen: Well he has never been arrogant Marc and I respect each other and if we The teams were very close: my guess is Nielsen. But I would pick Tobias Kristensen. of playing each game below one — and if the lower PR. It is one more reason to train. to me. He may appear arrogant when he is disagree then we are very good in knowing that neither team ever had more than 55% playing, as he is very much into his own how sure we are. in any year. And though my teammates Iancho: After your amazing performance longer matches. Of course it is a skill thing Iancho: What would you like to achieve in may disagree, I think the World team has in Cyprus where you scored below 0.28 in but it is also a lot of variance. For instance, the game in general? world (very focused). I think whoever told they are lucky they can score well even in you this might be someone who tried to Iancho: In which others events will you always been a small favorite. Regarding a match and overall great PRs, some people if there is a backgame in the match it is very talk with him during a match. Lars does take part? the question of how the Danes produce so said you are the best Dane after Gus and hard to get below 1. many good players: we have a very good Sander and the best active player. How do Kristensen: I think I’m playing the DMP, federation, we talk with each other a lot, you feel about that? Iancho: A popular question: Will we see and I think I’m playing doubles with Marc we even discuss positions on Facebook in the two superstars, Gus Hansen and Sander and the speed for sure. special forums. People don’t keep informa- Kristensen:This is flattering of course. I one with the best stats. Now CMC said Iancho: In the end: what do you think the tion for themselves, and it has been like that think there is always this talk in backgam- you are the best Dane? final score will be? You play to 27 points? Iancho: What do you think your specialty for many years. Most stronger players will mon about who is the best, but it is better is out of those? be very generous and share their ideas with to sit and play and see who will play the Kristensen: Of course I like that, but it is Kristensen: I think it will be close. It will you. And it is a small country and most best. But I think now I’m playing better a bit random. be 27-26 for the Danish team…, decided not answer while playing, you know.… Lylloff, in action? Kristensen: I think Sander will see action for sure. I just spoke with him and he is to try to be the best player in the world at Iancho: Even 10 years ago, when I first Kristensen: That is the DMPs for sure. I of the players live in the same city so it is than Sander and Gus, because backgam- He will definitely play. have played a lot of them for money. easy to meet. mon is very much a game of staying in Iancho: I think the minimum is like 100 practice and I’ve been playing more than matches so we can judge one’s level? Iancho: Do you do any special preparation Iancho: If you could bring one person from Olsen again? You made a great team last for the event? the past for the team, who would it be (PJT, time. will also play a lot of DMPs. year, and we also played together in Cyprus. Kristensen: Oh yes, I would say Tobias Kristensen. I can’t remember a match where we played Iancho: Will the team have a boot camp above 2.5, so we are a really strong team. before the event? Iancho: Why? Kristensen: We meet every year for training Kristensen: Because he was extremely sessions. We discuss a lot, play speedgam- good at winning matches. He is also a mon (as you don’t have a chance to practice professional chess master. He always did that in normal events), and we also practice well in big tournaments like MC. I think the reason is that we are good in different stuff. Iancho: What is the key to doubles? Kristensen: It is important to be able to compromise – I like this move but I’m at DMP like last year! - IANCHO HRISTOV them in the last few years. I think it is very Bonding, Andersen..)? Kristensen: Yes, I practice the openings. I Kristensen: We have played doubles every some point. started recording matches, you were the practicing and looking forward to playing. Iancho: Will you play doubles with Mark Kristensen: Hmm, I think I would like different formats. Iancho: Where is he now and how old is he? ABOUT IANCHO Iancho Hristov, shown with his dog Sunny fresh from a dip in the sea, is a rising Bulgarian backgammon star. He has won 20 or so trophies including the Porto Caras in Greece in 2012 and the doubles event with Petko Kostadinov at the North Cyprus Open in 2014. His analysis of player performance ratings of GridGammon online matches has spurred interest in worldwide player rankings based on quantitative metrics – not just opinion of peers. 48 USBGF PrimeTime Backgammon Magazine USBGF PrimeTime Backgammon Magazine Denmark vs. The world: the Back Story O “ ver the last 30 years, I have such an elite event. In my case, it’s always played backgammon in quite a been a close call. I was a just a sparring few exotic venues, for all sorts partner for the team in its pre-competition of stakes and under a variety of colorful training camp in 2010 — the first year the conditions; but I would have to rank the match took place. In 2011 and again this Barclay Cooke experience of being a member of the World year, I snuck in as an alternate who got to team in its annual match against Denmark play a bit. unforgettably branded it as among the most exciting and enjoyable I have had. I would rate every aspect of the competition as great fun: training for the two unusual A big part of the thrill, of course, is the disciplines it requires, speed gammon and honor of being chosen to participate in 1-point matches (DMPs); team powwows SANDER LYLLOFF Arms sternly crossed, Nordic Open finalist Konrad Fröschl surveys the final game. Danes, from left to right: Freddie Noer, Mik Larsen (with beer), Lars Trabolt, Thomas Kristensen. Sander and his beer. Backgammon, as in 1975, is a cruel – and lonely – game. But it hardly seems as cruel or lonely when you have THE WORLD TEAM eight of the world’s best 6 of the 9 World team members at the awards ceremony: Michy, Mochy, Falafel, Petko, Wachtel, and Victor. players on your side, brainstorming with you – and one another — on every move or cube decision. CUBE LOGIC World team members MCG and Bill Phipps, Dane Freddie Noer, Akiko and other spectators focused intently on Falafel's explanation of his "obvious" cube logic. PETKO KOSTADINOV By Bob Wachtel THE FINAL GAME 49 50 USBGF PrimeTime Backgammon Magazine USBGF PrimeTime Backgammon Magazine Denmark vs. The World 2014: The Back Story to discuss matchups and other strategic aged to beat the Danes. We began the final a very lopsided score. It was, in short, too nuances; and being in action on a big match that year down 26-23 to 35 (3-0 to challenging even for the collective mind stage. But for me, it is the final 9 vs. 9 full- 12). Right from the start we were faced of the assembled geniuses. But since that consulting match that is the ultimate treat. with a number of extremely tough deci- single game was a fascinating one, and sions. Somehow, through a lot of patient since it contained a number of plays that Backgammon, as Barclay Cooke unforget- teamwork, careful calculation, and blind were hotly debated (and bet on), I’d like to tably branded it in 1975, is a cruel — and luck, we muddled through. We won the take you back over the board to witness the lonely — game. But it hardly seems as cruel match, and it turned out that both teams dynamics that led to the choices — some or lonely when you have eight of the world’s had played at phenomenal PRs (in the 1.0 good and some not so good — that we best players on your side, brainstorming range): PRs that no individual would have made. As a bonus, we’ll get to see how the with you — and one another — on every come close to. I was proud of the way we Danish sausage-making machine worked move or cube decision. Then it is more like had worked together and happy to have as well. This has never been possible before, playing in a big, very strong, consulting contributed, in some small way, to such a since no one has ever understood what the chouette — the highly entertaining and terrific result. Imagine my surprise when Danes were saying to one another in previ- social form of the game that has unfortu- I saw a post on the bgonline.org forum a ous matches; but this year, in a fine sporting nately, with the rise in popularity of match few days later in which the most prominent gesture, they agreed to consult in English. play, been almost forgotten. backgammon teacher in the USA com- 51 Denmark vs. The World 2014: The Back Story Position 1 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 Pip: 158 Denmark 17-Away is Denmark 12 11 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 5-Away The World score: 0 pip: Pip:158 158 Game 1, Move 2: Black (World) to play 44 plained that this accomplishment proved The lopsided score to which I alluded Consulting backgammon, whether in chou- that the game had become too simple for above was 12-0 to 17: a consequence of Surely every Giant knows this play — but … they can’t do anything.” He got some 17 point I took him match up on it. Rollout says: the nine ette or team play, is unique in that it requires the top players, and that the rules should be lots of good luck we’d enjoyed in the prior no, none of us had it in his mental data base. votes, but Michy just as immediately voted point is right, but not — as you can see — by its participants not only to find good plays, changed to make it more difficult for them. (individual) stages of the competition. There Hitting the 16-point blot is automatic, but for the 9 point, the play that I liked. After much. Somebody remarked later that this but also to explain to their teammates why “I think it is safe to say that watching [the were nine of us around the board: Mochy, then how do you play the other two fours? almost four minutes of debate — a good position (though not at score, of course) those plays are good. This is, of course, a World vs. Denmark teams] play is not a lot the official playing captain; Falafel, the Falafel immediately said he’d make the 4 argument for memorizing second-move had been 12 rolled out “like 50,000 times,” with score: skill in itself; but it is one that everyone different from watching two bots play.... official team captain; Michy; Matt; David point, backing it up with reasoning like “I openings — Mochy finally chose to make the result posted on the bgonline.org forum who wants his input acknowledged must How frigging boring,” the backgammon Wells; Victor Ashkenazi; Petko; Bill Phipps; would make the 4 ... it’s just my style … we’re the 9. Falafel offered to bet anybody on his XGID=-b---BD -B---cE--ad-e----B-:0:0:1:44:12:0:0:17:10 some time ago. I never verified it though. learn. In a different era, the mixture of professor wrote. and me. The Danes had only eight, and at tokind playof 44obvious supposed to make 4 … it’s debate, persuasion, and banter that char- times less: Thomas Kristensen moving the acterized consulting play was recognized But I don’t expect that this year there will be checkers; Marc Olsen, the official captain; as by far the best way to learn the game. any renewed calls for us to employ randomly Freddie Noer; Thomas Myhr; Lars Trabolt; “It’s totally worth it,” the amateurs in the chosen starting positions, to use best two Michael ”Mik” Larsen; and Sander Lylloff. brilliant chouettes at New York’s legendary out of three dice, to play to lose instead of Gus Hansen, the star of their lineup, never Mayfair Club used to say, “It’s like taking a win, or any other of the exotic variants we showed up! free graduate course from the best players used to call propositions. For this time the in the world.” Well, those lessons weren’t PRs were: World: 4.67, Denmark: 3.98! Not We started debating — and, as it would exactly free; but the principle was correct. exactly bot level … turn out, wasting time — on move 2! We opened with a 3-1, the Danes rolled 5-4 The team-consulting format came under Why? Well, the main reason is that the and brought two down, and we rolled a a queer sort of criticism in 2011, the only final match consisted of just one extremely beautiful double 4. year prior to this one that the World man- difficult prime vs. prime game, played at 1. 2. 3. Rollout 1 is The World play. At least three of us: Phipps, Michy and 24/16* 13/9(2) Player: Opponent: Rollout 1 68.32% (G:26.09% B:3.16%) 31.68% (G:6.78% B:0.24%) Player: Opponent: 67.41% (G:28.57% B:3.86%) 32.59% (G:6.97% B:0.28%) Player: Opponent: Rollout 1 pip: 163 eq: +0.523 Conf.: ± 0.011 (+0.513...+0.534) - [99.5%] Duration: 5 minutes 36 seconds 24/16*(2) 68.37% (G:20.86% B:2.09%) 31.63% (G:6.44% B:0.22%) eq: +0.504 (-0.020) Conf.: ± 0.010 (+0.493...+0.514) - [0.5%] Duration: 5 minutes 39 seconds 24/16* 8/4(2) eq: +0.497 (-0.027) Conf.: ± 0.011 (+0.486...+0.507) - [0.0%] Duration: 5 minutes 00 second 1 2592 Games rolled with Variance Reduction. Dice Seed: 8916552 Moves and cube decisions: 3-ply eXtreme Gammon Version: 2.10, MET: Kazaross XG2 52 USBGF PrimeTime Backgammon Magazine USBGF PrimeTime Backgammon Magazine Denmark vs. The World 2014: The Back Story Denmark vs. The World 2014: The Back Story The Danes answered our joker with an anti-joker — a 5-1 — and our position looked We then came up with another monster roll, a 5-5. The Danes answered with 1-1, mak- wonderful: ing their 23 and 5 points: Position 3 Position 2 13 53 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 Pip: 168 Denmark 17-Away 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 Pip: 164 Denmark 17-Away is Player 2 score: 0 pip: 164 is Denmark 12 11 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 5-Away The World score: 0 pip: Pip:168 148 1 12 11 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 5-Away The World 17 point match Pip: 128 1 Game 1, Move 4: Black (World) on roll. Cube action? Game 1, Move 3: Black (World) on roll. Cube action? pip: 128 This is already a big pass for money — but Falafel: “No.” 17 point match After which, amidst a general chorus of Now there was pretty general unanimity So we did double. The Danes, with their flipsscore: the verdict to no double. I’ll leave it 12 at this match score? Who knows? One thing Wells: “Then it’s a cube.” laughter, Mochy immediately rolled! about the double (it is a 1.4 pass for money). backs to the wall, took. Was our double cor- for others to do the higher-ply rollouts. was certain: nobody had his slide rule out Mochy: “Is this a cube? Really?” calculating take points and gammon prices. Falafel: “Look, if you double, are they The dialog went something like this: gonna take”? It was led by Falafel, XGID=-ab--BD who announced: rect? It depends on your analysis parameters. -BBAAcC “I ---d-bb---a-:0:0:1:00:12:0:0:17:10 And he was right to do so. Doubling at this pip: 148 score is a12 double whopper: score: Mochy: “Sure.” is The World Wachtel: “We shouldXGID=-c---BD double, huh?” Falafel: “Then let’s not double.” -BB--cC--Ad-d----aA:0:0:1:00:12:0:0:17:10 Wells: “Is it too good?” on roll, cube action? Analyzed in XG Roller++ Player Winning Chances: Opponent Winning Chances: Cubeless Equities Cubeful Equities No double: Double/Take: Double/Pass: on now. roll, cube action?XG++ says double/take, but a 3-ply rollout think it’s a lot harder to lose ” Analyzed in XG Roller++ Player Winning Chances: Opponent Winning Chances: Cubeless Equities Cubeful Equities No double 72.23% (G:26.89% B:2.66%) 27.77% (G:5.05% B:0.14%) +0.654 Double/Take 72.31% (G:26.74% B:2.68%) 27.69% (G:5.12% B:0.14%) +1.035 +0.662 +0.464 (-0.198) +1.000 (+0.338) Best Cube action: No double / Take Percentage of wrong pass needed to make the double decision right: 27.0% eXtreme Gammon Version: 2.10, MET: Kazaross XG2 is Player 1 No double: Double/Take: Double/Pass: No double 79.09% (G:20.88% B:1.02%) 20.91% (G:2.63% B:0.07%) +0.748 Double/Take 79.13% (G:21.96% B:1.10%) 20.87% (G:2.49% B:0.05%) +1.293 +0.905 (-0.019) +0.925 +1.000 (+0.075) Best Cube action: Double / Take eXtreme Gammon Version: 2.10, MET: Kazaross XG2 pip: 128 score: 12 54 USBGF PrimeTime Backgammon Magazine USBGF PrimeTime Backgammon Magazine is The World XGID=-ab--BD -BBAAcC ---d-bb---a-:0:0:1:00:12:0:0:17:10 pip: 122 on roll, cube action? Denmark vs. The World 2014: The Back Story Analyzed in Rollout No double Player Winning Chances: Opponent Winning Chances: Cubeless Equities 78.59% (G:22.58% B:1.65%) 21.41% (G:2.83% B:0.09%) +0.756 Cubeful Equities No double: Double/Take: Double/Pass: +0.896 +0.876 (-0.019) +1.000 (+0.104) Denmark vs. The World 2014: Back Story score:The 12 Double/Take 77.89% (G:25.52% B:2.81%) 22.11% (G:2.86% B:0.09%) +1.286 ±0.010 (+0.886..+0.906) ±0.014 (+0.863..+0.890) Best Cube action: No double / Take Phipps. “I’ll take 3 toXGID=--b-BCCBBa 1, Bill.” “All right, I’ll give it,” said Phipps, and we were finally able --cB----abbab-aA:1:-1:1:51:12:0:0:17:10 Rollout details 2592 Games rolled with Variance Reduction. Dice Seed: 8916552 Moves and cube decisions: 3-ply 98.8% 100.0% play 51 to resume. Mochy playedto13/8. 1. XG Roller++ 2. XG Roller++ Bar/24* 13/8 eq: +0.232 Bar/24* 6/1 eq: +0.169 (-0.063) Player: Opponent: 68.87% (G:41.33% B:4.04%) 31.13% (G:4.77% B:0.20%) Player: Opponent: 68.53% (G:38.83% B:3.71%) 31.47% (G:5.91% B:0.30%) In this case Falafel’s play was clearly wrong, The Danes answered with a 3-1: a great accepted, and we relaxed for a few minutes but the theme of whether or not to blot in number, but a confusing one. “Here’s the while the Danish experts tried to decide our board behind the five prime was one 3-1,” said Falafel immediately, “I would whether to hit or to simply enter with the that would arise, most obscurely, several have been punished.” Matt now belatedly ace and cover their four point. more times in this intricate game. offered him 3 to 1 on the 5-1 play. Falafel Position 5 eXtreme Gammon Version: 2.10, MET: Kazaross XG2 We continued to roll perfectly, making rolls, but the Danes showed a little life by A move later we landed in their board and our bar and four points on the next two hitting a fly shot. had a 5 to play. 12 11 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 Position 4 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 12 11 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 Pip: 165 Denmark 17-Away Pip: 141 Denmark 17-Away 13 /C|/Users/user/Desktop/Position.htm[6/21/2014 9:47:21 AM] is The World eXtreme Gammon Version: 2.10, MET: Kazaross XG2 Percentage of wrong pass needed to make the double decision right: 13.6% Double Decision confidence: Take Decision confidence: Duration: 7 minutes 59 seconds 55 5-Away The World Pip: 122 Game 1, Move 7: Black (World) to play 51 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 5-Away The World Pip: 116 Game 1, Move 7: White (Denmark) to play 31 Their discussion was interesting. Marc us with a lot of work to do: we would need making the four point as the direct path to Olsen observed that the hit play would to safety our midpoint blot and to escape that goal. “We just want to get to a cube,” give the Danes a powerful redouble if we our back checker. We could hardly do both he said. “We have a guaranteed cube if we fanned; but then some of his teammates at once (except with a 6-5). file:///C|/Users/user/Desktop/Position.htm[6/21/2014 12:51:18 PM] counted the five blots it would strew around make the point.” Some other Danish team Opinion on the World team was unanimous he moaned,” “I know that my play won’t so brave, who will give me 5 to 1?” After — almost. We all wanted to play 13/8 with be made.” After seeing that everyone was some negotiating, Matt offered him 2 to the board. They began to study the quiet It was Sander who seemed to turn the the double shot at our blot on the mid- the 5, but Falafel liked 6/1. “I’m outvoted,” “against him,” he said: “Well, if you’re all 1. Falafel then appealed directly to Bill covering play, and observed that it still left tide. He was eager to redouble, and saw point would make it too dangerous for us members saw another benefit to covering: pip: 116 score: 12 56 USBGF PrimeTime Backgammon Magazine Denmark vs. The World 2014: The Back Story to make our three point with (say) a 5-2. The problem with the quiet play is that Captain Kristensen preferred the hit, but although it does indeed lead to a lot of he finally bowed to peer pressure. He made redoubles, most of them (as we shall see) the four point, and we were on notice that are not particularly strong. The hit, on the XGID=a-b-BCCBCa--cA----abbab-A-:1:-1:-1:31:12:0:0:17:10 to play 31 the redouble was imminent. 1. 2. Rollout 1 Player: Opponent: Rollout 1 is Denmark 2. Rollout 1 Denmark vs. The World 2014: The Back Story 13/6 Player: Opponent: Rollout 1 eq: -0.303 58.15% (G:28.24% B:7.80%) 41.85% (G:8.06% B:0.32%) Conf.: ± 0.011 (-0.315...-0.292) - [100.0%] Duration: 3 minutes 27 seconds 8/3 5/3 Player: Opponent: XG prefers the hit, but it’s pretty close: eq: -0.356 (-0.052) 59.03% (G:27.21% B:7.39%) 40.97% (G:10.61% B:0.54%) Conf.: ± 0.013 (-0.368...-0.343) - [0.0%] Duration: 2 minutes 50 seconds 1 Conf.: ± 0.021 (+0.082...+0.123) - [97.4%] Duration: 2 minutes 44 seconds Bar/24 7/4 1. pip: 165 to score: double0us in! eq: +0.103 36.69% (G:8.44% B:0.42%) 63.31% (G:40.24% B:13.68%) Player: Opponent: But Sander’s plan was no secret: he wanted 2592 Games rolled with Variance Reduction. Dice Seed: 70961654 Moves and cube decisions: 3-ply eXtreme Gammon Version: 2.10, MET: Kazaross XG2 eq: +0.077 (-0.026) 36.02% (G:7.36% B:0.32%) 63.98% (G:31.17% B:7.82%) Conf.: ± 0.016 (+0.061...+0.093) - [2.6%] Duration: 1 minute 49 seconds 1 1296 Games rolled with Variance Reduction. Dice Seed: 88045796 Moves and cube decisions: 3-ply eXtreme Gammon Version: 2.10, MET: Kazaross XG2 Now the Danes had the position they had roll. There ensued a monumental logical doubling, but Kristensen didn’t see what aimed for on the previous roll, the “guar- wrestling match, which lasted a full ten the rush was. anteed cube” that Sander had predicted minutes, between Sander and Kristensen, when he lobbied for the four point last the Danish captain. Sander was intent on Position 7 12 It was ironic that, after the Danes had discussed at some length how we would play it, 11 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 we now rolled a 5-2! Position 6 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 11 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 5-Away The World Pip: 116 Game 1, Move 8: Black (World) to play 52 This play led to more controversy than I point. It took us four minutes to play 13/6, thought it should have. There were two and in the meanwhile Falafel made a bet team members who wanted to make the 3 or two with the dissenters. /C|/Users/user/Desktop/Position.htm[6/21/2014 1:08:11 PM] Pip: 161 Denmark 17-Away Pip: 161 Denmark 17-Away 13 12 57 XGID=-ab-BCCBCa--cA-----bbbb-A-:1:-1:1:52:12:0:0:17:10 to play 52 other hand, leads to powerful redoubles. Bar/22 13/12* USBGF PrimeTimeisBackgammon Magazine The World 17 point match 13/6 is clearly right: 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 5-Away The World Pip: 109 Game 1, Move 8: White (Denmark) on roll. Cube action? Some of the things that Sander said: “It’s very important to me that you file:///C|/Users/user/Desktop/Position.htm[6/21/2014 1:13:17 PM] double; you risk nothing and you gain down 14-0.” “You have to double now: you don’t want the world.” To all this, Kristensen simply said over and them to pass.” “You just have to double, man.” over that he did not see any market losing “If we lose this game we are going to lose “It’s a triple whopper not to double.” sequences, so what was the point of dou- the match anyway, we will be down 14-0 “What you are trying to do is hold on bling? Sander and Marc Olsen tried to find or 16-0.” to a teensy little straw, so that we can go some such sequences — they suggested 3-3 58 USBGF PrimeTime Backgammon Magazine Denmark vs. The World 2014: The Back Story for the Danes followed by 6-5 for us — but never seen it [done].” teammates voted for the redouble. And for Denmark vs. The World 2014: The Back Story Position 8 pip: 161 Kristensen maintained that even after this awful parlay the World team would not be USBGF PrimeTime Backgammon Magazine 17 point match 13 allscore: of the reasons he had advanced, it was a 0 As coldly logical and Danish as he was, 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 mistake — though not a big one. is Denmark close to passing. “It’sXGID=-ab-BCDBCa--c------bbbb-A-:1:-1:-1:00:12:0:0:17:10 still a money beaver,” Kristensen could not rally much support. on roll, cube action? he said. “You don’t pass money beavers. I’ve Except for one other player (Mik), all of his Analyzed in Rollout Player Winning Chances: Opponent Winning Chances: Cubeless Equities Cubeful Equities No redouble: Redouble/Take: Redouble/Pass: No redouble Redouble/Take +0.295 +0.267 (-0.028) +1.000 (+0.705) ±0.011 (+0.284..+0.306) ±0.012 (+0.255..+0.278) 41.84% (G:7.92% B:0.29%) 58.16% (G:28.35% B:7.65%) -0.257 score: 0 pip: 152 42.08% (G:8.21% B:0.31%) 57.92% (G:29.11% B:11.18%) +0.268 17 point match Best Cube action: No redouble / Take pip: 109 5-Away score: 12 Percentage of wrong pass needed to make the double decision right: 3.7% Rollout details 2592 Games rolled with Variance Reduction. Dice Seed: 38265390 Moves and cube decisions: 3-ply Search interval: Huge Double Decision confidence: Take Decision confidence: Duration: 22 minutes 26 seconds 12 11 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 XGID=-ab-BCDBCa--a--a--abbbb-A-:2:1:1:65:12:0:0:17:10 3 2 1 The World Pip:is109 The World to play 65 Game 1, Move 9: Black (World) to play 65 1. 100.0% 100.0% 2. eXtreme Gammon Version: 2.10, MET: Kazaross XG2 Rollout 1 Player: Opponent: Rollout 1 Player: Opponent: 24/18* 6/1* eq: +0.397 72.09% (G:48.67% B:26.75%) 27.91% (G:4.57% B:0.19%) Conf.: ± 0.009 (+0.388...+0.407) - [100.0%] Duration: 2 minutes 06 seconds 24/18* 18/13 eq: +0.328 (-0.069) 68.77% (G:39.25% B:16.32%) 31.23% (G:4.27% B:0.15%) Conf.: ± 0.008 (+0.320...+0.337) - [0.0%] Duration: 1 minute 58 seconds We took: and as planned, the Danes slotted and he was eventually joined by most of people started fantasizing about us getting their bar point. But we luckily rolled a 6: the team, with Michy a notable exception. gammoned, our opponents, even if they to be precise, a 6-5. “We can double hit,” Indeed, the double hit is logical: it prevents rolled an ace, would still have four checkers said Falafel, “but the 6 is clear” … which the Danes from establishing a pretty well behind a five prime, with none at the edge. got one of the biggest laughs of the night. timed back game and unstacks our heavy It was around now that we started losing our way. We got hit on the ace point and answered Falafel went on to advocate the double hit, six point. Nor is it dangerous. Though some with a 4-2 in Position 9. /C|/Users/user/Desktop/Position.htm[6/21/2014 1:16:45 PM] Pip: 152 Denmark 17-Away is Denmark DOUBLES WINNERS My partner, Christian Sorensen, and I won the doubles! Here we are flanking journalist and USBGF columnist Jason Pack, who (with partner Lars Trabolt) was the victim of our 6-6 in the finals. 1 1296 Games rolled with Variance Reduction. Dice Seed: 88045796 Moves and cube decisions: 3-ply eXtreme Gammon Version: 2.10, MET: Kazaross XG2 THE BRAIN TRUST The World brain trust: Mochy, Michy, Matt, Bill Phipps. THOMAS KRISTENSEN The most Danish of the Danes: their beleaguered, persistenly logical captain, Thomas Kristensen. 59 60 USBGF PrimeTime Backgammon Magazine USBGF PrimeTime Backgammon Magazine Denmark vs. The World 2014: The Back Story Denmark vs. The World 2014: The Back Story Position 9 13 Position 10 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 13 Pip: 170 Denmark 17-Away 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 is Denmark 11 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 score: 0 pip: 170 5-Away The World Pip: 122 17 point match Game 1, Move 10: Black (World) to play 42 Pip: 152 Denmark 17-Away is Denmark score: 0 pip: 170 12 61 12 11 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 5-Away The World Pip: 109 17 point match Game 1, Move 11: Black (World) to play 61 It seemed to me that there was no longer ace in every position, was wishy-washy opponents from establishing a second Or at least I thought it was beautiful. The exasperation, “You have to come out.” But decision, playing 14/7. “When me, Genius any reason to hit a second checker. I felt about this hit. He said he’d follow the crowd, anchor. And maybe, even if we get a third obvious play is to jump out with the six, now people started talking about getting (Matt), and Mochy agree, it’s probably not very sure of myself for some reason, and and we were unanimous. We did not hit; pip: 122 checker score: back, 12 there is still very little risk 23/17, and play 8/7, duplicating deuces. gammoned on a 4-cube — and the allure thescore: worst12play,” Falafel announced. But it chirped up that we had “already adjusted but we were wrong — very wrong. I guess of losing the priming battle? But when Mochy didn’t do so immediately of “playing with less blots” eventually con- was not the best: our timing.” Then IXGID=aab-BCCBCa--a--a--Abbbb said it again. Even it’s just thematic that we continue trying --A:2:1:1:42:12:0:0:17:10 to play 42 on the Falafel, who seemed to like hitting 1. 2. Rollout 1 Player: Opponent: Rollout 1 Player: Opponent: is The World to play 61 “It’s simply prime vs. prime, ” I insisted in to improve our timing and prevent our Bar/23 5/1* 72.34% (G:44.95% B:23.26%) 27.66% (G:5.52% B:0.26%) eq: +0.376 1. Conf.: ± 0.007 (+0.369...+0.383) - [100.0%] Duration: 5 minutes 01 second Bar/23 18/14 70.13% (G:38.59% B:17.13%) 29.87% (G:5.78% B:0.24%) and started looking at 14/7, I got nervous. verted both Matt and Falafel. The team was XGID=aab-BCCBCa--a-Aa---bbbbA --:2:1:1:61:12:0:0:17:10 eq: +0.321 (-0.056) 2. Conf.: ± 0.007 (+0.314...+0.327) - [0.0%] Duration: 4 minutes 30 seconds 1 2592 Games rolled with Variance Reduction. Dice Seed: 8916552 Moves and cube decisions: 3-ply eXtreme Gammon Version: 2.10, MET: Kazaross XG2 We played 18/14 and the Danes fanned. Then we rolled a beautiful 6-1. Rollout 1 Player: Opponent: Rollout 1 Player: Opponent: pip: 116 is The World divided, and Mochy made an executive 23/17 8/7 72.44% (G:41.82% B:18.07%) 27.56% (G:4.42% B:0.18%) eq: +0.399 Conf.: ± 0.007 (+0.393...+0.406) - [100.0%] Duration: 4 minutes 22 seconds 14/7 eq: +0.327 (-0.072) 69.00% (G:40.03% B:16.47%) 31.00% (G:4.46% B:0.18%) Conf.: ± 0.006 (+0.321...+0.334) - [0.0%] Duration: 4 minutes 00 second 1 2592 Games rolled with Variance Reduction. Dice Seed: 8916552 Moves and cube decisions: 3-ply eXtreme Gammon Version: 2.10, MET: Kazaross XG2 62 USBGF PrimeTime Backgammon Magazine USBGF PrimeTime Backgammon Magazine Denmark vs. The World 2014: The Back Story Denmark vs. The World 2014: The Back Story There were several more tough decisions in another 6-5. Out with the five, hit on the theme should apply? No, in this position It was like Groundhog Day. The same posi- later the Danes cracked their board with the moves to follow. The poor Danes fanned ace with the six, right? Almost exactly the XG likes hitting outside. Too deep for the tions kept coming up, and we kept getting a nasty 4-4. Then they escaped a checker, again, and now we conveniently rolled same position as on move 9, so the same World, I’m afraid. them wrong. We got hit and a few moves and we had a 3-1 to play here: Position 11 13 Position 12 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 13 Pip: 170 Denmark 17-Away is Denmark 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 Pip: 143 Denmark 17-Away score: 0 pip: 170 is Denmark 12 11 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 XGID=aab-BCCCCa--a--a---bbbbA --:2:1:1:65:12:0:0:17:10 3 2 1 17 point match score: 0 pip: 143 pip: 109 5-Away score: 12 5-Away 17 point match The World Pip:is109 The World 12 to play 65 Game 1, Move 12: Black (World) to play 65 1. 2. Rollout 1 Player: Opponent: Rollout 1 Player: Opponent: eq: +0.428 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 hitting on the ace? We all agreed, without thematic. We are trying to make our three any real dissension, not to hit. But once XGID=-abaCCBCBa-A-------abbbbaA:2:1:1:31:12:0:0:17:10 to playbuilders 31 point, after all, so why waste by eq: +0.393 (-0.035) Conf.: ± 0.010 (+0.383...+0.403) - [0.0%] Duration: 2 minutes 06 seconds 1. XG Roller++ 2. XG Roller++ 3. XG Roller++ 1 1296 Games rolled with Variance Reduction. Dice Seed: 88045796 Moves and cube decisions: 3-ply THE TROPHY 8 In with the ace, and? 11/8 looked neat and Conf.: ± 0.009 (+0.419...+0.437) - [100.0%] Duration: 2 minutes 03 seconds 23/18 7/1* 71.87% (G:48.13% B:25.58%) 28.13% (G:4.46% B:0.21%) 9 Game 1, Move 21: Black (World) to play 21 23/12* 71.34% (G:48.67% B:25.10%) 28.66% (G:2.43% B:0.11%) 11 10 eXtreme Gammon Version: 2.10, MET: Kazaross XG2 Only five of us posing now: Falafel has gone off and left Mochy holding the trophy. That's Steen Gronbech, the Nordic organizer, with the mic. pip: 112 score: 12 a blunder. is The World again not hitting is a big mistake, almost Bar/24* 4/1* eq: +0.589 Bar/24* 11/8 eq: +0.518 (-0.071) Bar/24* 7/4 eq: +0.496 (-0.093) Player: Opponent: 79.51% (G:48.11% B:5.78%) 20.49% (G:2.38% B:0.11%) Player: Opponent: 76.11% (G:42.80% B:4.92%) 23.89% (G:2.32% B:0.08%) Player: Opponent: 75.66% (G:43.12% B:5.04%) 24.34% (G:2.88% B:0.13%) eXtreme Gammon Version: 2.10, MET: Kazaross XG2 AREF ALIPOUR The World Pip: 112 63 score: 0 pip: 160 64 USBGF PrimeTime Backgammon Magazine USBGF PrimeTime Backgammon Magazine Denmark vs. The World 2014: The Back Story 65 Denmark vs. The World 2014: The Back Story 17 point match A few more jokers for us and anti-jokers had only to bear off against their very well Danes slotted their six point. But we hit For a few minutes there was no more betting. Bill Phipps was ready. “Down,” he said. “5000.” “You like the play?” said Sander, a bit sur- for the Danes, and we were coasting home. timed deuce point game. But the drama them, and were coasting again, when we We escaped from the Danish home board “Oh wow, I can’t believe you’re betting it,” prised. We put five of their checkers on the bar, and wasn’t over. We left a shot and got hit. The rolled this 5-1: again, for the last time. Just as the match said Falafel to Phipps. Then he said it again. was ending (we won a gammon) and the Position 13 13 14 teams were shaking hands, Sander said to 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 Mochy, Michy and David Wells now offered the World team: “I want more action on to bet Sander. “Go ahead,” said Falafel to XGID=aEbB-aa----Aa---a---bbbb--:2:1:1:51:12:0:0:17:10 Pip: 160 Denmark 17-Away that play you made.” 1. 2. 3. to play 51 Rollout 1 Sander got the message. He took the bets is The World and gave Falafel some of his action. Sander, “Bet more.” 11/6* 6/5* Player: Opponent: Rollout 1 82.10% (G:70.89% B:51.75%) 17.90% (G:0.00% B:0.00%) Player: Opponent: 79.21% (G:65.76% B:47.36%) 20.79% (G:0.00% B:0.00%) Player: Opponent: Rollout 1 pip: 22 “How you12gonna lose?” asked Falafel, and score: eq: +0.720 Conf.: ± 0.004 (+0.716...+0.724) - [100.0%] Duration: 34.5 seconds 11/5* eq: +0.677 (-0.043) 80.10% (G:68.11% B:42.12%) 19.90% (G:0.00% B:0.00%) Conf.: ± 0.004 (+0.673...+0.680) - [0.0%] Duration: 36.6 seconds 11/6* 1/Off eq: +0.657 (-0.063) Conf.: ± 0.004 (+0.653...+0.661) - [0.0%] Duration: 41.7 seconds 1 12 11 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 1296 Games rolled with Variance Reduction. Dice Seed: 8916552 Moves and cube decisions: 3-ply 5-Away The World Pip: 22 eXtreme Gammon Version: 2.10, MET: Kazaross XG2 Game 1, Move 37: Black (World) to play 51 That was a nice maneuver by Falafel. XG The bets on this play totaled more than likes Sander’s play by quite a bit. 7000 euros. In collecting that sum Sander won almost as much as the whole World So difficult and complicated had this single hit (6-5, 6-4, 5-4, 6-3, 5-3, 4-3, 3-3). “Who wants to bet?” he asked. “Falafel,” game been that we were running short of That’s 13 versus 8. you didn’t put that extra guy on the 1. 11/6* 6/5* (the double hit) leaves only 11 shots. 5. but the single hit has some hidden “Why you so sure?” said Falafel. repeaters: if the Danes roll any 5 (mak- “Well, I just want to bet,” said Sander. ing the 20 point) we will leave shots on “How many beers you had?” asked 4-1 and 1-1 in addition to the basic 8. Falafel. 2. 11/6* 1/off (the single hit) leaves two After about only a minute of deliberation, we At that point Matt took the Sander chal- extra shots (2-2 and 4-4) for a total chose the single hit. But the Danes rolled a lenge. He bet 500 euros with Sander on of 13. 6-6 and hit us, and the endless game started the single hit. THE MATCH 4. the single hit leaves less repeaters (6-5, 6-4, 5-4, 4-4, 2-2) — than the double away for a few minutes, apparently watching “You’re probably right,” Falafel said to the game on a closed-circuit TV, appeared himself and to Sander. “It’s just the two at the board with a beer in his hand. He numbers.” looked happily inebriated. AREF ALIPOUR over again. Just then Sander, who had been 3. the single hit bears off an extra checker - BOB WACHTEL roof?” time. There are several factors to weigh in judging what to do here: team did on the match! file:///C|/Users/user/Desktop/Position.htm[6/21/2014 2:30:06 PM] A panoramic view of the final consulting match. Only three Danes visible: Kristensen, Sander, and Marc Olsen. But almost all of the World got in the picture. Going clockwise: Me, Petko, Falafel, David Wells, Victor, Mochy, Michy, and the top of Matt's head. Only Phipps is missing. USBGF PrimeTime Backgammon Magazine 2 6th Nordic Open Backgammon at its Peak B y Sabri Büyüksoy SUNNY COPENHAGEN It was very surprising to find a sunny Copenhagen. Last year the lake in front of the hotel was frozen. There were even some people walking on the ice. W 67 ith a turnout of 371 players the World Team was not representative, in four divisions, the 26th including (as it did) only players from the Nordic Open, directed by USA and Japan. I suggested that we can have Steen Grønbech, confirmed its place at a similar event in Turkey and players from the backgammon summit. This was my the different countries can play against the third consecutive visit to the Nordic, and Turkish team. I believe that as backgammon I have observed with satisfaction the tour- players and federations we need to develop nament’s organizational and executional a more global vision. improvement year by year. During these years, having had a chance to meet Danish I had a satisfying personal experience in players and those from nearby countries, I the Team Event. Our team, Angara, made it felt luckier than most. to the final. We did very well, I thought, in supporting one another: balancing anxiety Marc Olsen (Denmark) won the tournament and enthusiasm is a very important factor and said it felt like winning Wimbledon. in any performance activity. I would like The new English translation of his book to thank my teammates Kağan Karakaya Backgammon: From Basics to Badass was and Yaşar Gözel for giving me a chance to on sale at the venue. I like the book: it is share this experience with them. suitable for beginners and intermediates, offering a competent treatment of the I would like to thank Ulrich Tamm and fundamentals — supported, of course, by Zafer Taş for providing some photos from the modern analysis program XG. the tournament. The match between Team Denmark and the World Team was one of the highlights of the tournament. With Falafel as captain, the World dominated Denmark (led by Marc Olsen), winning the match by a score of 22-10. Unfortunately, because it was held concurrently with the Nordic itself, it was hard for some of us to both participate “ We are dancing before the final to modern in the main tournament and watch the traditional Turkish folk show. Maybe next year the schedule can music and having fun be relaxed a bit. Another disappointment was that Gus Hansen, who was listed on regardless of what the the Team Denmark roster, did not show up! result might be. And there were other gripes: some players from legitimate backgammon countries like Turkey and Greece complained that 68 USBGF PrimeTime Backgammon Magazine USBGF PrimeTime Backgammon Magazine 26th Nordic Open: Backgammon at its Peak 26th Nordic Open: Backgammon at its Peak CROWDED SQUARE CIRCA 1620 KAĞAN KARAKAYA A crowded square in Copenhagen. Last chance for shopping before the Easter holiday. A backgammon board from 1620. This photo was taken by my friend Ulrich Tamm who is after backgammon even in a museum. Kağan Karakaya (Turkey) played the final of the Super Jackpot. Possibly surprising five years ago, but Turkish players are performing better lately. DANISH COURTYARD I like courtyards. This one kind of called me inside. THE FINAL At left my dear friend Konrad Fröschl (Austria/Sweden) and at right Marc Olsen (Denmark) before their final match in the Open. Marc has recently retired as a professional soccer player. TIVOLI LUNAPARK A magnificent statue at the Tivoli Lunapark. 69 USBGF PrimeTime Backgammon Magazine 71 26th Nordic Open: Backgammon at its Peak THE FINAL MATCH World Team (Captain Matvey "Falafel" Natanzon (Israel), Victor Ashkenazi (USA), Matt Cohn-Geier (USA), Michihito Kageyama (Japan), Petko Kostadinov (USA), Masayuki Mochizuki (Japan), Bill Phipps (USA), Bob Wachtel (USA), David Wells (USA)) against Denmark Team (Captain Marc B. Olsen, Nevzat Dogan, Thomas Kristensen, Michael "Mik" Larsen, Sander Lylloff, Thomas Myhr, Freddie Noer, Lars Trabolt) in the final match of the competition. This is the team match where all players are involved. It was an hour-long single game ending with a doubled 4-cube. FORGOT THE CLOCK Good old friends Zafer Taş (Turkey) on left and Peter Benett (England) on right. Two years ago in Copenhagen, Peter got the Fair Play award because of his perfect behavior in our match. He reminded me to press the clock — which I had completely forgotten — and then lost the match. HAVING FUN Our team Angara (Kağan Karakaya, Yaşar Gözel, Sabri Büyüksoy of Turkey) in the final of the Team Event playing against Svans (Robin Neumann, Lars Nielsen, Saban Simsek of Denmark). We are dancing before the final to modern traditional Turkish folk music and having fun regardless of what the result might be. TROPHY PRESENTATION The World Team receives their trophy presented by Nordic Open director Steen Grønbech. DOUBLES MATCH Joanna Kerynia and Mick Dyett from Australia playing a doubles match. I got to know them well during this tournament. 72 USBGF PrimeTime Backgammon Magazine USBGF PrimeTime Backgammon Magazine 26th Nordic Open: Backgammon at its Peak 73 26th Nordic Open: Backgammon at its Peak SPEEDGAMMON (256): 1-Timo Väätäinen (Finland), 2-Tore Fredriksen (Norway), 3/4-Tage Mellgren (Denmark) / Paulus van Rooijen (Holland), 5/8-Taus Bøytler (Denmark) / Sabri Büyüksoy (Turkey) / Claus Elken (Denmark) / Michael K. Larsen (Denmark). CONSULTATION DOUBLES (55 teams): 1-Bob Wachtel (USA) & Christian Sorensen (Denmark), 2-Jason Pack (USA) & Lars Trabolt (Denmark), 3/4-Raj Jansari (England) & Simon Barget (England) / Niels Skov Larsen (Denmark) & Kenny Nissen (Denmark). CONSULTATION MIXED DOUBLES (46 teams): 1-Matt Reklaitis (USA) & Ditte Schnack Martinsen (Denmark), 2-Emma Axling (Sweden) & Robin Neumann (Denmark), 3/4-Pia Sevelin (Sweden) & Thomas Delbåge (Sweden) / Julie Thabault (France) & Michael "Mik" Larsen (Denmark). SUPER JACKPOT (32): 1-Jason Pack (USA), 2-Kagan Karakaya (Turkey), 3/4-Costin Constantinescu (Romania) / Lito Frondoso SUGAR GIRLS Angara playing against Sugar Girls (from front to back Marie Gustafsson, Patricia Pia Sevelin, and Linda Sjörin of Sweden). We offered them some wine and got an easy win. - SABRI BÜYÜKSOY (Philippines). CHAMPIONS QUALIFIER (22): 1-Michihito Kageyama (Japan), 2-Victor Ashkenazi (USA). LADIES TOURNAMENT (53): 1-Pernille Rosendal (Denmark), 2-Elle Wagstrom (Sweden), 3/4-Ulla Hansen (Denmark) / Pia Svendsen (Denmark). TEAM EVENT (24 teams): 1-Svans: Robin Neumann / Lars Nielsen / Saban Simsek (Denmark), 2-Angara: Sabri Büyüksoy / Yasar Gözel / Kagan Karakaya (Turkey). RESULTS: 26th NORDIC BACKGAMMON OPEN TOURNAMENT TMP QUALIFIER (15): 1-Mogens Jørgen Dreier (Denmark), 2-Pernille Rosendal (Denmark). April 16-21, 2014; Copenhagen, Denmark ALL TMP QUALIFIER (7): 1-Kenny Nissen (Denmark). CHAMPIONSHIP (99): 1-Marc Brockmann Olsen (Denmark), 2-Konrad Fröschl (Sweden), 3/4-Jon Kristian Røyset (Norway) / Norbert Wiebusch (Germany), 5/8-Nevzat Dogan (Denmark) / Eric McAlpine (England) / Sven-Olav Nørén (Sweden) / Stepan Nuniyants BEGINNERS (86): 1-John Blem (Denmark), 2-Flemming Larsen (Denmark), 3/4-Gorm Øster (Denmark) / Lars Ravn (Denmark); (USA); 1LC-Jens Chr. Pedersen (Denmark), 2LC-Robin Neumann (Denmark). 1C-Ulrik Pagh (Denmark), 2C-Jette Lavenborg Breitenstein (Denmark). ADVANCED (91): 1-Walter Meuwis (Belgium), 2-Aref Alipour (Iran/England), 3/4-Fredrik Carlsson (Sweden) / Michael Urban (Ger- JUNIOR TOURNAMENT (4): 1-Oscar Hartmann (Denmark), 2-Mathias Juul Stage (Denmark). many), 5/8-Rasoul Ghasemi (Sweden) / Kevin Jones (Wales) / Jonas Moehrdel (Denmark) / Patrick Toxværd (Denmark); 1LC-Jerker Sandberg (Sweden), 2LC-Morten Marx (Denmark). WARM-UP (90): 1-Gary Fries (USA), 2-Mick Dyett (Australia), 3/4-Ulla Hansen (Denmark) / Stepan Nuniyants (USA). INTERMEDIATE (99): 1-Jens Quirin Hansen (Denmark), 2-Jens H. Christensen (Denmark), 3/4-Lennart Kurland (Denmark) / Anni WORLD TEAM VS. DENMARK: The World Team won 27-10. Bech Nielsen (Denmark), 5/8-Morten S. Andersen (Denmark) / Wolfgang Henze (Germany) / Bo Knudsen (Denmark) / Terje Pedersen (Denmark); 1LC-Richard Biddle (England), 2LC-Christian Andresen (Germany). 1-World Team: Captain Matvey "Falafel" Natanzon (Israel), Victor Ashkenazi (USA), Matt Cohn-Geier (USA), Michihito Kageyama (Japan), Petko Kostadinov (USA), Masayuki Mochizuki (Japan), Bill Phipps (USA), Bob Wachtel (USA), David Wells (USA). OPEN (86): 1-Gary Fries (USA), 2-Franck Stepler (France), 3/4-Steen Haff (Denmark) / Sven-Olav Norén (Sweden), 5/8- Ed O'Laughlin (USA) / Poul Lindberg Sørensen (Denmark) / Axel Stemark (Denmark) / Akiko Yazawa (Japan). 2-Denmark Team: Captain Marc B. Olsen, Nevzat Dogan, Thomas Kristensen, Michael "Mik" Larsen, Sander Lylloff, Thomas Myhr, Freddie Noer, Lars Trabolt. USBGF PrimeTime Backgammon Magazine 75 bOOK rEVIEW In the Game Until the End, Volume II Ace-Point Endgame Analysis – the Next Generation by Robert Wachtel Review By John O'Hagan B ob Wachtel’s second book on well- inner board that there was no way to run timed ace-point games is a great off the gammon without hitting a shot. The work. It belongs in every aspiring question that Bob answered was whether player’s library. Ace point games are pretty or not the defender should run or stay in common so it’s important to know how to these positions. Bob analyzed six such run or play them correctly. This is the only book on stay positions using hand calculations, hand this subject, and it covers the positions in rollouts, and hand-to-hand combat results great detail. You’ll be learning from one of from New York’s Mayfair Club (remember the world’s best players — Bob is currently that this was in the pre-bot era). The good rated #8 on the Giants of Backgammon list. news is that he was correct in all six even though XG2 rollouts have shown that the Volume 1 was printed in 1993. It analyzed equity difference between the two plays was several positions where the defender had different from Bob’s estimates in Volume 1. one or two checkers on the 24-point while the other side had just three or four check- Volume II starts out by comparing Bob’s ers remaining and they were either all equity estimates in Volume 1 with XG2 on their two-point or on their two- and rollout results. The following are two posi- three-points. The defender’s other thirteen tions along with the Volume 1 estimates checkers were far enough away from the and the XG2 rollout results. who was so proficient at it that he was able to beat his “propsucker” opponents from both encountered got even shakier. A pair of sub-variations arose in my analysis of Position 5, sides of the position. I concluded, on the basis of Tino’s results, his advice, 24 v 22and , 32. several Black rolls a 2-1 (5f), and has to decide whether to try to drive White off of the hundred of my own rollouts, that the Tino Road Position had a small24 positive equity. point with 3/2,I 3/1* (5f* in Volume 1) or simply play 3/off (5f** in Volume 1). used the figure of +.1 in my calculations. USBGF PrimeTime Backgammon Magazine 77 call 5f For ease of reference, and so we don’t have to juggle too many asterisks, I will Once again, no doubt through its accurate checker play and cube decisions, XG3Position” (beta “The Ring (diagram 16) (in memory of the late Howard Ring, who motivated version) is able to squeeze much more value from the position than evenme Tino, with allthis of sort of play problem as I was doing the research for Volume 1). Now to address his experience, could. Its figure: +.585. let’s call 5f*, which hits White on the 24 point, “Ring Attack” (diagram 17) and 5f**, which simply bears off a checker, “Ring Off ” (diagram 18). Tino Road Position: Volume 1: +.1 XG3: +.585 5f = Ring position Black to play 2-1 I n T he G ame U nTIl T he e nd, V ol. II. I n T he G ame U nTIl T he e nd, V ol. II. Luckily the effect of this discrepancy upon the value of the original stay-or-run USBGF PrimeTime Backgammon Magazine 76 is again position minimal. In Volume 1 I calculated that White, if he decides not to run off the backgammon with a six in Position 4, 24 v 24 (diagram 15) errs by .13 (equity: Taking−4.13). into account other instances of the Tino Road Position that occur in the XG2 rollouts, taking better stock of the Tino Road position, reduce this mistake by .02, subvariations, White’s negative equity in Position 5 is reduced from Volume 1’s −3.87 to down to .11 (equity: −4.11). XG2’s −3.84. The new value makes the decision to stay back on the 24 point just that much more clear. Position 4, stay: Volume 1: −4.13 XG2: −4.11 Position 5, stay: Volume 1: −3.87 XG2: −3.84 run: −4.0 Book Review - In the Game Until the End: Volume II Volume 1 Position 4, XG2 rollout, White’s equity = ? 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 The Tino Road Position, XG3 rollout, White’s equity = ? Volume 1, Position 5, XG2 rollout 24 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 13 24 11 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 The Ring Position 24 11 10 9 1 Rollout1 24/18 Player: Opponent: Opponent: 7 Run 6 5 4 3 2 Eq: −4.000 ±0.000 0.00% G: 0.00% B: 0.00% 100.00% G: 100.00% B: 0.00% 2 Rollout2 18/12 Player: 8 Eq: −4.106 (−0.106) ±0.004 4.50% G: 0.00% B: 0.00% 95.50% G: 90.52% B: 25.92% 2592 Games rolled with Variance Reduction. Dice Seed: 16799256 Moves and cube decisions: 3-ply 2 2592 Games rolled with Variance Reduction. Moves and cube decisions: XG Roller+ Search interval: Huge eXtreme Gammon Version: 2.10 1 1 12 11 10 1 Rollout1 18/11 Player: Opponent: 9 8 Stay 6 5 4 3 2 12 1 Player: Opponent: 6.50% G: 0.00% B: 0.00% 93.50% G: 83.71% B: 24.05% Player: 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 11 diagram 16 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 12 11 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 Eq: +0.585 ±0.020 54.25% G: 0.00% B: 0.00% 45.75% G: 4.94% B: 1.52% 1 5184 Games rolled with Variance Reduction. Dice Seed: 78623594 Moves and cube decisions: XG Roller+ Search interval: Huge eXtreme Gammon Version: 3 (beta) Eq: −4.000 (−0.162) ±0.000 0.00% G: 0.00% 11 10 1 Rollout1 Bar/24* 16/14 Eq: −3.838 ±0.010 2 Rollout2 24/18, 17/16 Opponent: 7 14 diagram 14 diagram 22 12 13 12 11 diagram 15 12 Book Review - In the Game Until the End: Volume II B: 0.00% 100.00% G: 100.00% B: 0.00% 1 2592 Games rolled with Variance Reduction. Dice Seed: 31 Moves and cube decisions: XG Roller+ Search interval: Huge 2 2592 Games rolled with Variance Reduction. Dice Seed: 16799256 Moves and cube decisions: 3-ply eXtreme Gammon Version: 2.10 11 19 Here we see a large .485 difference between tion. Should Black attack 3/1* 3/2 or take The other side can have four checkers on 1993 and the XG3 rollout. a checker off with 3/2/off? 10,000 XG3 one point and two on the other, or maybe rollouts weren’t statistically significant but three on each. In all three cases, are you slightly favored the attacking play. supposed to run 24/18 if you roll a six? Another group of positions analyzed in both books are the “Ring Positions.” These Volume II has the answer and also what Bob’s initial equity estimates were real close of the more difficult rollouts later in the after Australian expert Tino Lechich who are named after the late Howard Ring who Bob also looks at “triplets” where you have to do if the opponent has seven checkers to XG for these two positions. book. One of the positions where there played this a lot and would prop either side suggested that Bob include them in his two checkers on the 24-point vs. a total of six on his 2- and 3-points. was a significant difference between the of this position. first book. Here’s the original Ring Posi- checkers on the other side’s 2 and 3-points. Volume II mainly uses XG2 rollouts but 1993 and 2014 books was in the “Tino also uses the beta version of XG3 for some Road Position.” This position was named 13 78 Book Review Until the End: I T G U- InT the e , Game V I T Volume G U T II e n he ame nTIl he nd ol. II. n Super Coup Major, White to play 5-1 Split and stay: 24/23, 18/13: −3.565 Run: 24/18: −3.576 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 ame nTIl he nd , White to play 3-1 after Black split, Black on 23 point, XG2 rollout with candidates chosen Super Coup Minor 5-1, XG2 rollout 24 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 13 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 Split and Stay (inconclusive) 1 Rollout1 24/23 18/13 Player: Opponent: Opponent: Eq: −3.565 ±0.014 1 12 Eq: −3.576 (−0.012) ±0.013 9.05% G: 0.00% Player: Opponent: B: 0.00% 2592 Games rolled with Variance Reduction. Moves and cube decisions: XG Roller+ Search interval: Huge eXtreme Gammon Version: 2.10 9 8 7 6 Split and Stay 5 4 3 2 1 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 Eq: −2.919 (−0.044) ±0.014 Player: 15.23% G: 0.00% Opponent: 84.77% G: 64.20% B: 18.80% B: 0.00% 2592 Games rolled with Variance Reduction. Moves and cube decisions: XG Roller+ Search interval: Huge eXtreme Gammon Version: 2.10 1 You’ll also learn how to play with two they are not as decisive as I would have liked, theseand results dochoose have a bright opponent has 6, Though 7, or 8 checkers there, are number that forces a shot, has to checkers on the 24-point vs. three or four you supposedstrong, to runindeed, or stay if White you roll between attacking taking a checker off. hold that (asawe shall see), when facingor tall 3-point stacks, should on the three-point. Is it better to play 24/18 six? Buy the book and you’ll find out. side. They reveal how very strong the ace split to the 23 point is in these positions; so the 24 point and wait for an ace! or the minor split 24/23 if you roll a 51? XG rollouts show that the correct play mainly depends on whether that side has You’ll also learn a lot more about various What if your anchor is opposed by the Ring positions. The side bearing off has opponent’s big stack on the 3-point? If the from 5 to 10 checkers remaining, rolls a an even or odd number of checkers left. diagram 8 96 Eq: −2.875 ±0.013 18.97% G: 0.00% B: 0.00% 81.03% G: 51.81% B: 38.07% 2 Rollout1 24/18 90.95% G: 80.83% B: 20.86% 1 11 10 1 Rollout1 24/23 18/13 12.36% G: 0.00% B: 0.00% 87.64% G: 72.06% B: 37.04% 2 Rollout1 24/18 Player: 2 15 12 diagram 15 11 10 14 12 11 12 79 Book Review - In the Game Until the End: Volume II V ol. II. Super Coup Minor, White to play 5-1 Split and stay: 24/23, 18/13: −2.875 Run: 24/18: −2.919 Super Coup Major 5-1, XG2 rollout 13 he iagram 14 6 It is when he rolls a 3-1 with Black on the 23 point that White finally gets paid to let the USBGF PrimeTime Backgammon Magazine dogs out. Now the gonzo play—5/2*, 4/3—is far better than its competitors. Second best, but clearly inferior, is 15/14, 5/2* (again, neither of these moves appears on XG2’s 1-ply list). Why does board demolition work so much better here than with the 3-2 above? The answer, I suspect, is that once you have gone to the dark side by breaking your 5 point, there is no turning back. Your prime is history, so you may as well wreck it entirely to get the full benefit of blotting in your home board. USBGF PrimeTime Backgammon Magazine 37 12 11 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 There are also some interesting post-hit board? If you don’t hit, the opponent safeties This is just a taste of what Volume II has variations rolled out in the book. The side both blots with an ace which really hurts to offer. Virtually everyone — from inter- that was hit has entered in your board and your winning chances. On the other hand, mediate to expert — will learn from this has two other blots on its 2- and 1-points. tearing up your prime gives the opponent very well-written book! How aggressive should you be in breaking better gammon and backgammon chances. your board to hit the blot in your inner Above is an example. - JOHN O'HAGAN 80 USBGF PrimeTime Backgammon Magazine Video Lesson 2-2 Second Roll Study Exclusive USBGF Teaching Video U 81 SBGF resident Teaching Pro, by going to usbgf.org/category/bg-prob- at elementary, high schools, and colleges Phil Simborg, has been creat- lems/video/. Most of Phil’s videos are from throughout the country, and he donates free ing videos covering just about 10 to 25 minutes long, but here is a short, lessons and seminars to students on behalf every aspect of the game you can imagine. 5 minute sample of the kind of wonderful of the USBGF. Phil encourages members He does anywhere from 1 to 3 a week, and insights you can gain from these videos. to become sponsors of clubs and mentors is often joined by guest lecturers to offer of children locally and he will help you their insights into these checker and cube Phil is a full-time professional backgammon get started, provide backgammon boards decisions. teacher and lecturer, and has given private on consignment, and help with teaching lessons to over 300 students all over the materials. For more information contact Phil has created over world via the Internet. In addition, Phil Phil at [email protected]. 100 videos thus far, is an adviser to our Education Commit- and all can be viewed tee and has started backgammon clubs - PHIL SIMBORG KAREN DAVIS By Phil Simborg, USBGF Teaching Pro USBGF PrimeTime Backgammon Magazine To be able to view this video, you must have Adobe Acrobat or Adobe Reader installed and set as the default PDF viewer in your browser. Internet Explorer does this by default, however, Chrome and Firefox users should see Adobe Acrobat Help for complete Adobe Acrobat and Adobe Reader plug-in configuration instructions. PHIL SIMBORG Phil Simborg was honored at the 2013 London Open for being the No. 1 contributor to the game worldwide. He is the USBGF Teaching Pro and Manager of the USBGF Facebook page, as well as being a highly-ranked tournament player and the leading lecturer on the U.S. Tour. 82 USBGF PrimeTime Backgammon Magazine USBGF PrimeTime Backgammon Magazine Michelle steinberg Winner of the 2013-2014 National Internet Championship Intermediate Division MICHELLE IN LA Michelle cheers on doubles team of Cheryl Andersen and David Rennie, playing Carter Mattig and his daughter Lindsay. By Karen Davis T he USBGF National Internet Championship is the U.S. Backgammon Federation’s most pres- tigious online tournament. This year it attracted a total of 280 entrants in three divisions (Championship, Advanced, and Intermediate). Division level was determined by a player’s USBGF online Elo rating at the start of the tournament — with those whose Elo ratings were 1500 or less automatically assigned to the Intermedi- U.S. Youth Exhibition match in Las Vegas ate division, 1501-1649 to the Advanced in 2013) were losing semi-finalists. division, and those 1650 and above to the Championship division. While Michelle has played casually online for almost 10 years, she only began live A Panamanian player, Jacob Atie, cap- tournament play in 2012. She met LA player tured the Championship division title. David Rennie online, and he opened up Tom Christner (Colorado) prevailed in the a new world to her, helping her see that Advanced. These winners will be profiled in backgammon is a game of strategy. David upcoming issues, but we are here to profile encouraged her to compete. She dipped her the winner of the 48-entry Intermediate toe in the water by visiting (but not playing Division, Michelle Steinberg. in) the NY Metropolitan Open in her home state of New Jersey in January 2012. Justin Each of the early rounds was played in a Nunez and Falafel, then rated number 1 best-two-of-three 7-point match format. Giant, urged her to try some of the West The ante was raised in the semis, which was Coast tournaments. She took the plunge best-two-of-three 9-pointers. Michelle ran and entered the April 2012 Nevada State this gauntlet with aplomb, and then defeated tournament. Director Howard Markowitz Jay Robinson (Illinois) in the final, which checked out her play on GridGammon and was a true test of skill: best-two-of-three placed her in the Intermediate division. CONTRIBUTES BY TRANSCRIBING LIVE MATCHES She’s now played in 16 ABT tournaments Michelle, shown with Falafel, has earned the appreciation of top players by transcribing streamed matches in XG. 11-pointers. John Rickel (Arizona) and Japan’s Yuki Hiroki (winner of the Japan- 83 84 USBGF PrimeTime Backgammon Magazine USBGF PrimeTime Backgammon Magazine Michelle Steinberg 85 Michelle Steinberg over the last three years — including the NY fornia State second doubles event with Phil Game Plan? Backgammon Strategy in the her more important matches in XG, but isn’t online circuit — monthly tournaments, Metro, Nevada and Las Vegas, Los Angeles Simborg and the $20 After-Tournament at Middle Game. systematic about it. She admits that does National Internet Championships; and and California State, Vietor Cup, Michigan the 2012 37th Michigan Summer Cham- help her understand where her weaknesses loves the PrimeTime Backgammon magazine Summer Championships, Texas Champion- pionships. She’d rather record matches in But she says that what has really bumped are and to eliminate her mistakes. She vows and video lessons. She participates in the ships in San Antonio, the Chicago Open, the main event and learn from watching. up her game is volunteering to transcribe to be more diligent. Online Match Series, enjoying both Neil the DC Capital Classic, and Connecticut. She doesn’t have a local club near where videotaped matches. Entering these matches Being able to drive to a tournament is a she lives in New Jersey so she treasures (especially of the top experts) in eXtreme Michelle studied history, liberal arts, and and Marty Storer’s commentary on USBGF major attraction, but what really attracts her watching live play. Gammon (XG) helps her to get inside their elementary education at Brooklyn College, member moves. minds and anticipate their moves. She is and received a Masters of Environmental are warm and friendly tournament directors like Patrick Gibson and Carol Joy Cole Michelle has worked on her game, tak- very organized, using two monitors so she and their wonderful staffs. Hailing from ing lessons from Phil Simborg, whom can watch the video on one screen and tran- Brooklyn, she never ceases to be surprised she describes as a great teacher. Phil, she scribe on the other. She has even helped to MICHELLE & COOLREY Ray Fogerlund is a fun doubles partner, giving tips to partners such as Michelle who are on the early learning curve. Kazaross’s explanations of his reasoning “ She is the most frequent cheerleader on the USBGF Facebook site, always congratulating winners and cheering friends on whose matches are being streamed. She’s glad to have found such a fun and educational community. Sciences for elementary school teachers. Even when she can’t go to a tournament, She met her current husband through Michelle always checks the results on the an AOL trivia chat group in 1995. It was usbgf.org website, looks for the drawsheets love at first date. He immediately took to when they are posted, and sees how her her then 7-year-old daughter: they joined friends are doing. She is the most frequent forces to tease Michelle. When Michelle cheerleader on the USBGF Facebook site, called her husband to report that she wasn’t always congratulating winners and cheer- being taken seriously by her opponent at a ing friends on whose matches are being Michigan tournament, he nicknamed her streamed. She’s glad to have found such a “cotton candy” — even though she maintains fun and educational community. that she can be ferocious. She loves being with her artist/musician daughter who is a She thinks having USBGF establish rules lot of fun — like her mother! Her interests for the game is a very important role. Back- are varied: she takes wildlife photography gammon tournaments need to be organized from her deck, hikes through the woods, properly to thrive. and loves gourmet food. But her real passion is craft beer. She manages to work visits to Her suggestions for the U.S. Backgammon microbreweries into her travel itinerar- Federation are to do more for intermediate by how quickly she has been embraced by says, is always willing to help, is available organize a team of volunteer transcribers, the backgammon community — which by e-mail anytime, and makes his lessons who make sure that all of the matches posted ies, often sharing favorite breweries with players and support streaming matches responds to her cheery, upbeat persona in enjoyable rather than daunting. However, on YouTube get love. And when matches backgammon friends. She loves to travel at tournaments so that even those who kind. She loves the nomadic backgammon she has taken a break from lessons, find- are streamed at tournaments, that is good and is looking forward to a cruise with her can’t attend tournaments can learn. She lifestyle and looks forward to connecting ing that she doesn’t have time to do the news for Michelle. She knows that when husband, stopping in France, Barcelona, has offered to volunteer her talent to the with friends when she travels. homework. Instead she’s gone back to the those streams are posted online, there will Italy, Malta, Greece, and Istanbul. organization — including writing articles for basics, re-reading a number of classic books, be a treasure trove of videos to be mined. She also likes tournaments that innovate and including Paul Magriel’s Backgammon, It’s even more fun to do the transcriptions Michelle is a big supporter of the U.S. Back- players. So keep a lookout for Michelle in offer new types of playing opportunities. Walter Trice’s Backgammon Boot Camp, when there’s a live commentator with wit gammon Federation. She thinks everybody future issues! She likes the Swiss format of the Chicago Bill Robertie’s 501 Essential Backgammon and expertise, such as Carter Mattig at the should join. Why wouldn’t they? On the sec- Open because it provides lots of play. She’s Problems, Tami Jones and Kit Woolsey’s Nordic Open. ond anniversary of her joining, she became not a big fan of side events, although she’s Understanding Backgammon, and Mary done well in some, winning the 2012 Cali- Hickey and Marty Storer’s What’s Your PrimeTime Backgammon profiling women a Bronze Founding Sponsor, wanting to do She also plays on GridGammon and enters more for the organization. She enjoys the - KAREN DAVIS USBGF PrimeTime Backgammon Magazine Max Crosner 87 2012 NEVADA STATE Max proudly displays his trophy from the Beginners Division at the 2012 Nevada State tournament. Young Player on the Tour 2012 LA OPEN by Karen Davis Stephen Collins and Max played each other non-stop at 2012 LA Open. LOVES TOURNAMENTS Max Crosner, son of Todd Crosner from Phoenix, is one of the youngest players on the backgammon tour, and a delightful addition to any tournament he attends. thrill out of playing Ted Chee, director of Michy spent time getting/giving tips across gammon veteran. He has been playing the San Francisco-area’s Backgammon By the board with Max and Stephen. in tournaments for four years, and has the Bay Club, and Joe Roth, then-captain entered 9 ABT events in Los Angeles or Las of the UCLA collegiate backgammon team. Max has had some success on the Tour. Vegas since his December 2010 debut, the And defeating major Open players such He won the Beginner’s division at the 2012 California State Championships. There, as Jeff Burdsall and Nick Maffeo has been Nevada State Backgammon Championships, memorably, he was paired with one of the fun as well. going 4-0 in round robin play with the other participants; Erwin Hom, the second place oldest players on the Tour, Norm Wiggins. Backgammon is truly a game for the young Since he’s often the only person under 20 at winner, was at least double his age. He and and young at heart! a tournament, it’s exciting when he finds a his dad, Todd Crosner, also finished second fellow youth player. For example, he played in the Doubles event at the 2011 LA Open. Max thinks of tournaments as a chance to non-stop against Stephen Collins at the June see friends, play, and have fun. Asked for 2012 LA Open tournament. The LA Open Max takes the game seriously. He’s read highlights, he stated that Ray Fogerlund was drew lots of Giants of Backgammon in 2012 Walter Trice’s Backgammon Boot Camp, “especially fun to be around.” He also got a — and top-rated Giants Falafel, Mochy, and as well as Mike Corbett’s Backgammon KAREN DAVIS J ust 12 years old, Max Crosner is a back- NORM WIGGINS VS. MAX Norm Wiggins, one of the oldest players on the circuit but young at heart, plays Max. 88 USBGF PrimeTime Backgammon Magazine USBGF PrimeTime Backgammon Magazine 89 Max Crosner Max Crosner Problems, which he finds “creative.” He his GridGammon matches in eXtreme company, MathRise Learning Centers, and all mental. Max plays tackle football, and preferences of those opponents who prefer learns by watching top players play, and Gammon afterwards to study his errors. Max is one of its star pupils. He mastered is looking forward to participating in the quiet. Max, in other words, is great to be his dad gives him pointers in their every- He’s entered USBGF online tournaments, skip counting at the age of 7 (captured on Pop Warner league soon. He loves getting around. We hope that more backgammon other-day game. He plays in the monthly and won 3 out of 8 matches played. a YouTube video), and was multiplying together with his friends to play on Xbox players will introduce their children and and dividing numbers before kindergarten or computer games. grandchildren to the game, and we encour- Arizona Backgammon Club tournaments. But his main practice comes from playing His life isn’t consumed by backgammon. utilizing some of the MathRise techniques. 2-3 matches a day on the “Grid,” entering His dad owns a mathematics teaching He’s gotten straight A's in school, but it’s not age them to bring them along to get a taste A personable young man with an infectious of the camaraderie of tournament play. smile and polite demeanor, Max has made many new adult friends playing backgam- TIPS FROM FALAFEL - KAREN DAVIS mon. He likes talking to his opponents over the board, but always respects the Giants Falafel (R), Mochy, and Michy spent time with Max and Stephen at the 2012 LA Open, encouraging them to take up the game in earnest. MAX VS. JOE ROTH Max enjoyed playing Joe Roth, captain of the winning UCLA 2011 USBGF Collegiate Championship, at the LA Open in 2012. NEW BOARD Max at age 9 proudly carried his new board to his first tournament, the 2010 California State Championship. PROUD USBGF YOUTH MEMBER Max is a USBGF Youth member, and enjoys learning by reading backgammon books and articles. USBGF PrimeTime Backgammon Magazine 90 USBGF PrimeTime Backgammon Magazine his career as an animator for some time, has 91 John Rockwell and Tiran Dangor. to the game. But in L.A. he welcomed himself back big In the finals of the winners’ bracket Ray After losing to Ray, Dorn came through the time with his 3rd place finish in the Open played Dorn Bishop, the newest member second chance with a win over 4th/5th-place as well as a Super-32 Masters victory. Odis of the USBGF Board of Directors. Con- finisher Jonah Seewald. Jonah has had a bested the great Texan Malcolm Davis in gratulations, Dorn, for your backgammon great year, not only finishing 2nd to Mochy the final. Semi-finalists in that event were accomplishments and your time donated Continued on page 94 been missing from the tournament scene. DORN VS. ODIS Dorn Bishop (L), shown playing Odis Chenault, was a finalist in the Open Division of the LA Open, fighting back through the Second Chance before losing to Ray Fogerlund in the final. SUPER 32 WINNER Odis Chenault captured the Super 32 Jackpot trophy. Coolrey Todd Crosner, the 2011 California State The King of the West By Steve Sax and in the third the veteran LA expert Gus Contos. In the fourth round, Ray faced his only to a wide view of the United States and you Eastern foe, Virginia’s own Frank Raposa. — Ray Fogerlund — has won three will see that Ray won the U.S. Open (in Las Due to his wins this year at the Ohio State major tournaments all in the western Vegas, Nevada). Then, less than two months in March and the Chicago Open in May, later, zoom all the way in to a city view of Frank currently leads Ray in the ABT point Los Angeles. On June 22nd, Ray captured race by a slim 2.33 points, even after Ray’s Using your Google Earth app, zoom in from the Los Angeles Open there. This last one latest win. the Earth view to California — where, on was no small achievement, as it required December 8th, 2013, Ray won the State him to defeat some of the other top players In the fifth round, Ray defeated the Bay Championship. on the West coast (and one Eastern dude). Area’s Odis Chenault — a three-time Gam- United States. mon Associates big tournament winner in Fast forward to April 27th and zoom out In the first round Ray vanquished Arizona’s the 90’s alone. Odis, who has been pursuing SAUL MEIR WINS KAREN DAVIS n the last seven months, “Coolrey” PATRICK GIBSON I champion. In the 2nd round he beat me, Saul Meir won the Open Consolation; director Patrick Gibson and wife Carla, shown in background, pulled off yet another great tournament with 110 entrants. 92 USBGF PrimeTime Backgammon Magazine USBGF PrimeTime Backgammon Magazine Coolrey: The King of the West 93 Coolrey: The King of the West 07 03 01 01 David Rennie won the Paul Dingwell Amateur Jackpot. 02 Bob Glass, winner of the 2006 LA Open and 1989 California tournament. 02 03 Harvey Gillis, winner of the 2011 LA Open. 04 Caitlin Cole, Carla Gibson, and Tiffany Lantello ensured smooth tournament operation. 05 Larry Liebster active on the tournament scene. 04 05 06 Ted Chee (L) won the Blitz and 06 2-Point Quickies, shown with Rory Pascar, director of the Chicago Open, and Bob Wachtel, USBGF Editor. 07 David Cohen, winner of Advanced Consolation. 08 Carter Mattig and his daughter 08 Lindsay won the Doubles event. HAVING FUN IN LA DEEP IN THOUGHT Max Crosner, Michelle Steinberg, and Justin Nunez having fun. ADVANCED WINNER Farid Khalili, shown with son Jonathan, won the Advanced Division. Alain Azoulay plays Eliot Bean. In addition to main-flight winners, those with two losses could still capture prizes in the consolation bracket. Saul Meir defeated ANTRANIKIAN VS. DAVIS Chicago’s Carter Mattig in the finals. Justin Mark Antranikian plays Malcolm Davis. Nunez and Cheryl Andersen had to settle for semi-final berths. In the quarterfinals on the other side of Other action: David Rennie won a 2nd the bracket, Odis Chenault defeated Mark Paul Dingwell Memorial crown, beating Antranikian, the 2012 Vegas jackpot winner, Israel’s Adam Prager. Joe Nolan (Tennessee) before losing to Dorn in the semifinals. and California player Sean Taghani were stopped in the semi-finals. This meant that Ray and Dorn would face off for one more match to determine the Along with the 58 entries in the Los Angeles Open champion. And (no surprise, given Open, the Advanced division fielded 41 the theme of this article) Ray prevailed — players. When the dust had settled, Farid capturing his third major title in the West Khalili emerged victorious from his final in little more than half a year. tussle with John Isaac. Georgia’s David MAMLET VS. GILLIS Alfred Mamlet plays Harvey Gillis. Will Ray continue his West-side domina- was the losing finalist. Bill Darrow and Glen in the 2014 Texas State Championship, but tion? Only the coming months will tell. All deGuzman were semifinalists. also winning the USBGF West National eyes will be on the Vietor Cup (September), Championship at that tournament. the Las Vegas Open (November), and the California State (December). Eleven players entered the Limited DiviContinued on page 96 GUS CONTOS Continued from page 91 KAREN DAVIS Cohen won the consolation. Patrick Keene LESSON WITH STEVE SAX Steve Sax gave a well-received lesson to a dozen beginner players. October 10 - 12, 2014 The Grand Hotel 4400 N. Brandywine Drive Peoria, Illinois (309) 686-8000 • • • • • • AMENDA VS. ROCKWELL Doug Amenda plays John Rockwell. Continued from page 94 In generations to come, the blitz and mini- sion. They were treated to a free lecture match events will just be referred to as “The from Giant #9 Steve Sax before competi- Chee” as Ted once again excelled in short Kudos to Patrick and his staff: Carla Gibson, tion began. Since all eleven of the players matches with wins in both events. His Cecilia Pedroza, Caitlin Cole, and Tiffany attended the lecture I could safely guarantee mini-match victory was over John Isaac, Lantello. They had their hands full keeping my advice would produce a winner. And and his blitz victory over David Taniguchi. the draw sheets updated and the bowls full Prairie Classic Land of Lincoln Masters Lincoln-Douglas Doubles Zombie Zeroes “Lost Chance” Free Roll Special Giants of Backgammon Reserved Seating Frighteningly Fun Lecture by F. Raykenstein www.peoriabg.com of candy and pretzels stocked. Stephen Furry was 2nd. Larry Andersen The Seniors’ event (32) had two separate won the consolation flight. brackets. In an all-Arizona final Doug Finally, thanks to auctioneer Phil Simborg, Amenda defeated Giora Ben-Horin. I who also gave a lecture on Sunday morn- In side events, Carter Mattig was all smiles find this ironic because I didn’t think there ing on the secrets of the backgammon as he got to share a doubles victory with were any retired people in Arizona…well Giants. Having been eliminated from all his daughter Lindsay. David Rennie and live and learn. The satellite Seniors’ event, events, I chose to sleep in, but I wish I had Cheryl Andersen were second in the eight- with 16 competitors, saw Colorado’s Lynn attended because now I’ll never know how team field. Lusk defeat Marv Porten. I got here. The micro-doubles (4 teams) was won by Sam Ahmed won the eight-player jackpot - STEVE SAX Alain Azouley and Fara Yousefi. and Sean Taghani won the L.A. Open board GUS CONTOS somehow it did. That was Cem Yorulmaz. event over three other competitors. Featuring For more information contact Linda Rockwell 847-845-3579 or [email protected] USBGF PrimeTime Backgammon Magazine Local club Profile: washington, d.c. The Powerful Beltway Backgammon Club By Karen Davis, Managing Editor W 99 major force sustaining backgammon activity (with any fifth Sunday devoted to chouettes) Since then it has moved again a couple of in the D.C. area over the last 30 years. It was in Bethesda, MD, at the Pooks Hill apart- times, until settling at its current address founded in 1984 by Barry Steinberg, who ment complex, where Barry’s father lived. A in a friendly Middle Eastern restaurant, was succeeded by David Montgomery when pay telephone in the game room provided Neighbor’s, in Vienna, VA. But that is all Barry moved to Florida. David remained in the club’s official number. Despite the primi- good: recently some restaurant patrons and charge until spring 2000, when he himself tive communications technology, it hosted staff have checked out the scene and joined left for California, passing the torch to Barry major Saturday tournaments about four in tournaments or casual play. Silliman, the current director. Barry was a times a year, drawing players such as Dennis relative newcomer, but David knew he had Culpepper and Greg Lilley from Richmond, The breadth and depth of the D.C. met- the people skills for the job. Bill Pow helped VA, and — from Pittsburgh — the Zaltash ropolitan backgammon community is a keep the club running smoothly for a few brothers and Steve Hast. But after almost reflection of the vitality of its local clubs. months in the transition phase. 10 years without an apartment-resident Attendance at the Beltway Backgammon host, someone noticed that the game room Club semi-monthly tournaments has ashington, D.C. is home Grant Schneider, Barry Silliman), which to many powerful political garnered second place in the inaugural leaders and many powerful event in 2011; (2) the Beltway Bandits (Bob Like its leadership, the club’s quarters have was occupied by squatters! This revelation climbed in recent years, regularly hitting backgammon players. The D.C. Metropoli- Koca, Alfred Mamlet, and Frank Raposa); changed a few times. It originally met on the led the club to find new digs in fall 2007 20 players. Over the last 14 years that Sil- tan area has spawned more than its share (3) the Parkway Patriots (Bill Finneran, Gary second and fourth Sundays of the month at O’Malley’s Pub in suburban Virginia. Continued on page 101 of Giants — including the 1980s quartet of Fries, Ed O’Laughlin, and LEW Webber); Kent Goulding, Ed O’Laughlin, Paul Weaver, (4) FrankLee Unflappable (Frank Raposa, and Kit Woolsey. Today D.C. players such Jason Lee, and Bob Koca); and (5) the as Bob Koca, Alfred Mamlet, Ed O, Frank Capital Classics (Dennis Culpepper, Karen Raposa, and Barry Silliman routinely col- Davis, and Ed O’Laughlin). In 2012, D.C. lect ABT trophies in the Open division. teams claimed first and second place in The Beltway Backgammon Club — the the Championship, with They Might Not local club home of a cadre of strong play- be Giants edging out the Beltway Bandits . ers — qualified as a USBGF Prime Club in And D.C. winning ways continued in 2013 2012, one of the first four clubs to achieve with FrankLee Unflappable taking first place, that recognition based on its number of with They Might Not be Giants making it USBGF members. to the semi-finals and the Capital Classics team also giving it a go. D.C. has such a deep bench that 16 different players (including Ed O'Laughlin, Frank The Beltway Backgammon Club has been a Raposa, Bob Koca, Karen Davis, and others) have won the last 16 tournaments -- Player dominated the USBGF Club Team Championship since it started three years ago, fielding five strong teams since it started: (1) They Might Not be Giants (John Klein, O'LAUGHLIN DANCERS Ed O’Laughlin focuses on his backgammon lessons while Middle Eastern folk dancers attract others at the Smithsonian Nowruz celebration. KAREN DAVIS year! In addition, the Beltway Club has SONGQUAN DENG of the Year will be very competitive this 100 USBGF PrimeTime Backgammon Magazine USBGF PrimeTime Backgammon Magazine 101 The Powerful Beltway Backgammon Club The Powerful Beltway Backgammon Club LESSONS FROM A GIANT BARRY ON THE BAR MIGHT NOT BE GIANTS Students line up for lessons from Giants like Ed O’Laughlin and other Beltway Club players at the annual Nowruz celebration. Barry Silliman, director of the Beltway Backgammon Club, is known for being personable, fair, and firm. They Might Not Be Giants team of Grant Schneider, Barry Silliman, and John Klein won the 2012 USBGF National Club Team Championship. Continued from page 99 day job in the IT industry, he finds time to liman has kept statistics, over 300 players do the programming on the USBGF tourna- have played in Beltway tournaments and ment database, which includes over 1900 over 150 remain active. players competing in over 100 tournaments from 2009 to present. He also serves as the FRANKLEE UNFLAPPABLE The FrankLee Unflappable team of Frank Raposa, Jason Lee, and Bob Koca won the 2013 USBGF Club Team Championship. Barry Silliman enters club tournament USBGF Rankings Editor, compiling the results in the backgames.org system, and leaderboard based on ABT and USBGF awards points according to the original live tournament events. That leaderboard ABT formula, with each player earning in is published in PrimeTime Backgammon proportion to his or her share of the prize and posted on the usbgf.org website. He has pool multiplied by the number of entrants. also done the programming on the USBGF Barry offers a 100% payout, selflessly and database and helped Ken Larsen develop sometimes thanklessly promoting the game. the Larsen-Silliman ranking system, based Frank Raposa was Player of the Year in on points per event entered. KAREN DAVIS 2013 and 2012; Bob Koca in 2011; Barry HOLIDAY PARTY Giant of Backgammon Ed O’Laughlin and Jason Lee wear matching red and green outfits to the 2013 Beltway Backgammon Holiday Party. Silliman five times between 2002 and 2010; He’d like to see the USBGF develop a system Joe Freedman in 2009; Ed O’Laughlin in of integrating local club tournament points Arlington — which also typically draw 15-20 2008; Ed Maslansky four times between with its live tournament rating system, players. Ken Indart has recently started 1993 and 2006; David Montgomery twice thereby recognizing players with higher holding tournaments in Silver Spring, MD in the late 1990s; Mel Leifer three times in combined point totals. He feels it would on Tuesdays, alternating weeks with the the mid-1990s; and Ali Rebatchi, Harry help induce players to participate in more Beltway Club. The Board Room recently Zilli, Paul Weaver, and Barry Steinberg in local events, as well as to join the USBGF opened near Dupont Circle in D.C. with the early 1990s. Nearly all of the champions and enter ABT events. nightly play. All the clubs are listed on the still in the area continue to play. USBGF Affiliated Clubs list. They support There’s action aplenty in the area nowadays. one another and promote each other’s Silliman combines directing with his love of Frank Raposa organizes weekly tourna- events. programming. In addition to his full-time ments on Mondays at the Green Turtle in 102 USBGF PrimeTime Backgammon Magazine USBGF PrimeTime Backgammon Magazine 103 The Powerful Beltway Backgammon Club The Powerful Beltway Backgammon Club BIRTHDAY PARTY flap. Lili Iravani brings cake to celebrate Birthdays are celebrated at the Beltway Backgammon Club, including a Middle Eastern feast for Ed O’Laughlin’s 75th birthday and a birthday cake for Majid Jahanbani. birthdays and brownies to celebrate her wins, like that of the Novice event at the 1st Capital Classic. But the competitive juices still flow and regional rivalry is alive and well. In October the Beltway Backgammon Club will host a Virginia vs. Maryland-D.C. Team Challenge — a round-robin event with a traveling trophy going to the winning team. ALFRED MAMLET & BILL RILES Alfred Mamlet (L), a member of the USBGF Board of Directors, routinely brings home ABT trophies like this Longhorn Classic Masters Jackpot trophy from the 2014 Texas Backgammon Championships presented by Bill Riles. DOUBLES WINNERS Chen-Fu Yu (L) and Frank Raposa (R) teamed up to win the Doubles event at the inaugural Capital Classic Championships in November 2013. If you’re visiting D.C., be sure and check out the scene at one of the local venues. - KAREN DAVIS D.C. Area Backgammon Clubs NORTHERN VIRGINIA BACKGAMMON CLUB Ed O’Laughlin has been a mainstay, help- annual Nowruz (Middle Eastern New Year’s) player requests it (the “clocks preferred” Director: Frank Raposa Location: Arlington, Virginia ing clubs find venues, and most recently celebration at the Smithsonian’s Freer Gal- rule). Friction among players is almost Phone: N/A E-Mail: [email protected] partnering with Barry Silliman to offer lery. Organized by Bill Finneran and Majid non-existent — though the same cannot Details: Play takes place every Monday at the Green Turtle at 900 North Glebe Road. Venue phone number is (703) 741-0901. ABT events near Dulles airport in Hern- Jahanbani, 8 to10 Beltway Backgammon be said for the nation’s power brokers. Tournament registration opens at 6:45 PM with the random draw starting at 7:00 PM sharp. don, VA — starting with the 1st Beltway Club volunteers help USBGF Chairman Backgammon Championships in February Karen Davis staff the event, playing and Perhaps it helps that the club has attracted BELTWAY BACKGAMMON CLUB 2013, the Capital Classic Backgammon teaching backgammon to kids from 5 to a number of women. Karen Davis and Rose Director: Barry Silliman Location: Vienna, Virginia Championships in November 2013, and 85. The Nowruz event at the Freer draws Marie Holsing hosted a Beltway Backgam- Phone: (240) 674-7222 E-Mail: [email protected] looking forward to the 2nd Capital Classic almost 10,000 people a year, many of whom mon holiday party in mid-December with Details: Tournaments held every 2nd and 4th Sunday. Registration runs from noon to 12:15 PM with the tournament beginning Championships, to be held from September stop by the backgammon tables at the a doubles event, white elephant gifts, free at 12:30 PM. The venue is Neighbor's Restaurant at 262-D Cedar Lane. 19-21 at the Marriott Suites Washington Independence Avenue entrance on their Middle Eastern buffet at Neighbor's, and Dulles in Herndon. This year the event way to enjoy the festivities. special treats by Marcy Kossar. Area women D.C. METRO BACKGAMMON CLUB players are hosting a bridal shower for Eva Director: Ken Indart Location: Silver Spring, Maryland E-Mail: [email protected] will use the Larsen-Silliman player rating Website: N/A Website: beltwaybg.org system as one criteria to solve the often Silliman says he “doesn’t do anything spe- Mitter, who will marry Bob Koca in July Phone: (504) 366-7498 contentious issue of determining player cial” to attract new members, but he is the (he plans to say “I take” when asked if he Details: Held on Tuesdays after the 1st and 3rd Sunday to not conflict with the Beltway BG Club. Registration opens at 6:30 PM and division. perfect tournament director — personable, takes this woman to be his lawful wedded the tournament starts at 7:00 PM. Venue is Ruby Tuesday at 11160 Viers Mill Road in the Wheaton Mall (301) 962-4270. firm, and fair. The club follows the “legal wife). Eva is the only person known to moves” rule, and clocks are used when a make the Unflappable Bob Koca (aka UBK) D.C. players happily participate in the Website: D.C. Metro BG Club 104 USBGF PrimeTime Backgammon Magazine live abt tournament results From May 22 - June 22 Complete tournament results may be found at chicagopoint.com USBGF PrimeTime Backgammon Magazine 105 TAKI-BOARD TOURNAMENT (16): 1-Malcolm Robertson (Hong Kong), 2-Phil Simborg (IL). 869 BOARD TOURNAMENT #1 (4): 1-Jim Pappas (NV). 869 BOARD TOURNAMENT #2 (4): 1-Kazuhiko Yotsushika (Japan). THE BLITZ (32): 1-Ronald Loero (Venezuela), 2-Howard Markowitz (NV). May 2014 $200 JACKPOT #2 (8): 1/2-Stuart Dunkin (FL) / Michihito Kageyama (Japan). ABT - 34th CHICAGO OPEN & 2ND WORLD BACKGAMMON TOURNAMENT OF CHAMPIONS May 22-26, 2014; Rosemont, Illinois MOCHY'S 4th PROFICIENCY TEST (28): 1-Matvey "Falafel" Natanzon (Israel), 2-David Presser (IL), 3-John O'Hagan (IN). $100 JACKPOT #2 (8): 1-Tak Morioka (IL), 2-Bill Davis (IL). AFTER TOURNEY TOURNEY (32): 1-Fred Chamanara (IL), 2-Howard Markowitz (NV). 2nd WORLD BACKGAMMON TOURNAMENT OF CHAMPIONS (22): 1-Saba Bejanishvili (GA), 2-Gerry Tansey (MO), 3/4-Victor Ashkenazi (NJ) / Mary Hickey (OH). OPEN (63): 1-Frank Raposa (VA), 2/8-Steve Blanchard (IL) / Jack Edelson (WI) / Ben Friesen (MI) / Petko Kostadinov (SC) / Roberto Litzenberger (VA) / Ed O'Laughlin (VA) / Malcolm Robertson (Hong Kong). INTERMEDIATE (37): 1-Christopher Shanava (IL), 2-David Hanold (IL), 3/4-Leslie Lockett (NM) / Simon Woodhead (Australia), 5-Chris Scott (IL); 1C-Oleg Raygorodsky (IL), 2C-Don Marek (IL); 1LC-Serge Bondar (IL). NOVICE (5): 1-Kathy Quentan (TX), 2-Jami Tipton (AZ); 1C-Antoinette Marter (IL). FASTER MASTERS (16): 1-Kazuhiko Yotsushika (Japan), 2-Fred Chamanara (IL). June 2014 ABT - LOS ANGELES BACKGAMMON OPEN June 20-22, 2014; Los Angeles, California OPEN (58): 1-Ray Fogerlund (NV), 2-Dorn Bishop (CA), 3-Odis Chenault (CA), 4/5-Mark Antranikian (CA) / Jonah Seewald (CO); 1C-Saul Meir (CA), 2C-Carter Mattig (IL), 3C/4C-Cheryl Andersen (CA) / Justin Nunez (CA). ADVANCED (41): 1-Farid Khalili (CA), 2-John Isaac (CA); 1C-David Cohen (GA), 2C-Patrick Keene (CA), 3C/4C-Bill Darrow (CA) / Glen DeGuzman (MN). MARKOWITZ MASTERS (24): 1-Tom Zarrinnam (CA), 2-Kenji Shimodaira (Japan), 3-David Todd (MO). LIMITED (11): 1-Cem Yorulmaz (CA), 2-Stephen Furry (CA); 1C-Larry Andersen (CA). LIMITED JACKPOT (24): 1-Boris Dekhtyar (NY), 2-Ronald Loero (Venezuela), 3-Frank Dama (FL). SUPER 32 (30): 1-Odis Chenault (CA), 2-Malcolm Davis (TX), 3/4-Tiran Dangor (CA) / John Rockwell (CA). DOUBLES (24 teams): 1-David & Linda Rockwell (IL), 2-Al Moskos (FL) & Takis Sakkalis (Greece), 3-Rachel Bishop (WI) & Carter Mattig (IL). PAUL DINGWELL AMATEUR JACKPOT (32): 1-David Rennie (CA), 2-Adam Prager (Israel), 3/4-Joe Nolan (TN) / Sean Taghani (CA). UNLUCKY DICE LAST CHANCE (11): 1-Karen Davis (DC). BLITZ (64): 1-Ted Chee (CA), 2-David Taniguchi (CA). SENIORS (48): 1-Kazuko Numazawa (Japan), 2-Lucky Nelson (IL), 3-Chris Knapp (Canada). 106 USBGF PrimeTime Backgammon Magazine USBGF PrimeTime Backgammon Magazine u sbgf online circuit winners Live ABT Tournament Results SENIORS #1 (32): 1-Doug Amenda (AZ), 2-Giora Ben-Horin (AZ). SENIORS #2 (16): 1-Lynn Lusk (CO), 2-Marv Porten (CA). Updated: 07/05/2014 B y Tara Mendicino Recent Online Circuit Tournament Winners 2-POINT QUICKIES (32): 1-Ted Chee (CA), 2-John Isaac (CA). L.A. OPEN LOGO BOARD EVENT (4): 1-Sean Taghani (CA). DOUBLES #1 (8 teams): 1-Carter Mattig (IL) & Lindsay Mattig (CA), 2-Cheryl Andersen (CA) & David Rennie (CA). DOUBLES #2 (4 teams): 1-Alain Azoulay (CA) & Fara Yousefi (CA). $50 JACKPOT (8): 1-Sam Ahmed (CA). Start Date Status Tournament Winner Jun 06, 2014 May 29, 2014 May 22, 2014 May 22, 2014 May 06, 2014 Mar 17, 2014 Mar 03, 2014 Feb 04, 2014 Jan 01, 2014 Dec 01, 2013 Nov 01, 2013 Oct 29, 2013 Completed Completed Completed Completed Completed Completed Completed Completed Completed Completed Completed Completed Membership Blitz #2 Membership Blitz #1 NIC Intermediate Division NIC Advanced Division NIC Championship Division 2012-2013 Tournament of Champions Circuit Monthly for March Circuit Monthly for February Circuit Monthly for January Circuit Monthly for December Circuit Monthly for November 3rd Club Team Championship Playoff Alan Pruce Julius High Michelle Steinberg Tom Christner Jacob Atie Benjamin Friesen David Presser David Presser Eva Zizkova Ted Chee Maya Peycheva Franklee Unflappable Sep 30, 2013 Sep 27, 2013 Sep 04, 2013 Aug 31, 2013 Aug 21, 2013 Aug 14, 2013 Aug 02, 2013 Aug 01, 2013 Jul 24, 2013 Jul 01, 2013 Jun 24, 2013 Completed Completed Completed Completed Completed Completed Completed Completed Completed Completed Completed Circuit Monthly for October Club Team Championship Qualifier 6 Circuit Monthly for September Club Team Championship Qualifier 5 Club Team Championship Qualifier 4 Club Team Championship Qualifier 3 Club Team Championship Qualifier 2 Circuit Monthly for August Club Team Championship Qualifier 1 Circuit Monthly for July Online Team Championship Playoff Harvey Gillis Jersey Boys Bruce Newberg They Might Not Be Giants Crash and Burn Ready For Prime Time Franklee Unflappable Gerard Jendras JustBg Alfred Mamlet Scared Hitless 2014 USBGF Online Circuit Tournament of Champions BOARDS FOR SALE LA OPEN LIMITED DIVISION Alan Martin and his wife Cookie had a steady stream of customers at their table selling backgammon boards. Larry Andersen won the Los Angeles Open Limited Division Consolation. 107 All 2014 Online Circuit tournament winners will be invited to participate in the 2014 USBGF Online Circuit Tournament of Champions. This exclusive event will start in midFebruary 2015. Don't miss it! USBGF PrimeTime Backgammon Magazine 108 USBGF PrimeTime Backgammon Magazine u sbgf live leaderboard Open / Championship Top-Ranked Players In USBGF-Rated Events # 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. Name Sasha Bennett Masayuki Mochizuki Frank Raposa Fernando Neumark Stuart Thomson Jonah Seewald Dorn Bishop Rachel Rhodes Victor Ashkenazi Bill Phipps Novice / Beginners Top-Ranked Players In American Backgammon Tour Events Rating # 1729.02 1714.16 1704.94 1702.76 1697.69 1696.36 1682.53 1669.69 1665.25 1664.91 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. Name Frank Raposa Ray Fogerlund Masayuki Mochizuki Dorn Bishop Malcolm Robertson Matt Reklaitis Rory Pascar Antoinette-Marie Williams Jonah Seewald Julius High Top-Ranked Players In USBGF Rated Events 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. Name Chen-Fu Yu Artie Sutton Bob Howayeck David Rennie John Manning Michael Edge Mick Zakrajsek Gus Contos Josh Racko John Rockwell # 1766.09 1710.30 1693.83 1692.76 1684.75 1680.55 1673.90 1671.21 1668.43 1661.81 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. Top-Ranked Players In American Backgammon Tour Events # Name Rating # 37.33 35.00 24.04 17.50 15.78 15.11 14.40 14.08 13.50 12.00 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. Joan Grunwald Rochelle Hasson Max Gruby Dominic Johnson Timothy Turner Mike Clapsadle Josh Avery Victor De Oliveira Lili Iravani Kathy Quentan 1676.89 1641.87 1633.14 1631.63 1630.00 1619.97 1619.46 1617.80 1613.15 1610.81 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. Name Sharon Torres Josh Avery Kathy Quentan Cem Yorulmaz Chuck Young Robert Domaine Paul Turdik Randy Vacek Larry Andersen Stephen Furry Qualifications for inclusion in USBGF-Rated Events Top-Ranked Players In American Backgammon Tour Events Rating Top-Ranked Players In USBGF-Rated Events Points Intermediate / Advanced # u sbgf live leaderboard Updated: 07/06/2014 B y Barry Silliman - Rankings Editor Name Christopher Shanava Tim Lawless Mick Zakrajsek Farid Khalili Alex Owen Samuel Wang Ghazi Al-Kinani Lucky Nelson Rob Ring Abby Biss Points 9.92 8.50 8.32 8.20 8.00 7.70 6.67 4.25 4.25 4.21 109 The numbers following the player names show their Elo ratings, cumulative since 2009. Open and Advanced player listings are restricted to USBGF members. To be listed, a player must have played in the listed division of a live USBGF-rated tournament in the past thirteen months. Qualifications for inclusion in American Backgammon Tour Events ABT Points are awarded only in the main events of ABT tournaments; no points are awarded in any side events. The numbers following the player names show the total ABT Points earned in 2014 competing in the specified division. Points 2.70 2.33 1.80 1.38 1.35 1.35 1.25 1.17 0.69 0.69 USBGF PrimeTime Backgammon Magazine 110 u sbgf online leaderboard Updated: 07/05/2014 B y Tara Mendicino Online Circuit Top 10 # Name 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. Adam Versaw Jim Stutz Petko Kostadinov Dorn Bishop Chris Yep Bill Phipps 7. 8. 9. 10. Neil Kazaross Arthur Sutton Jeffrey Acierno Tilman Söhnchen GG ID Rating Win - Loss adamV NaturalDog bulgari dorn cyep bjp 1944.47 1943.92 1942.31 1926.19 1921.61 1919.49 15 - 5 15 - 3 14 - 3 9-3 7-2 5-0 neilkaz im4tunet Execshark yearbook2000 1908.92 1908.35 1906.10 1905.58 7-2 5-1 20 - 9 25 - 11 Win % Trnys Won High Rating 75% 83% 82% 75% 78% 100% 3 1 1 2 1 1 1965.32 1958.73 1953.24 1939.38 1932.88 1919.49 78% 83% 69% 69% 0 1 2 3 1927.99 1912.69 1928.72 1938.85 Up-to-date ratings may be found at: usbgf.org/trny/leaderboard/ Qualifications for inclusion in USBGF Online Circuit Events The numbers following the player names show their Elo ratings, cumulative since September 2012 in the USBGF Online Tournament Circuit. To be listed, a player must be a current or past member of the USBGF. Upcoming Online Circuit Tournaments Circuit Monthly for September Start Date: September 1, 2014 Registration Link: usbgf.org/trny/registration/?trny=155 Masters and Advanced Divisional Tournaments Masters Divisional III Registration Link: usbgf.org/trny/registration/?trny=156 Advanced Divisional II Registration Link: usbgf.org/trny/registration/?trny=157 The Madison Backgammon Club Presents the 12th Annual Wisconsin State Backgammon Championships August 1 - 3, 2014 Radisson Hotel Madison 517 Grand Canyon Drive Madison, Wisconsin (608) 833-0100 Featuring • 90% Return in all divisions • Single elimination, progressive consolation, fresh draw last chance • Handcrafted Customized Backgammon boards as optional prizes to whoever progresses the furthest in both Open & Advanced divisions! • Speedgammon side event • Blitzes, Quickies, Jackpots • All at the friendliest tournament on the ABT • Recently refurbished hotel, same great rates as last year! • Ray Fogerlund lecture: When the Bots get it wrong! For more information go to www.madisonbg.com or contact Keene Marin 608-467-0013 [email protected] 112 USBGF PrimeTime Backgammon Magazine USBGF PrimeTime Backgammon Magazine upcoming tournaments Upcoming ABT Tournaments and USBGF Sponsored Live & Online Events Be sure to mark your calendar and attend these exciting ABT tournaments & USBGF events. For complete tournament listings, see chicagopoint.com. JUL ABT: 19th MINNESOTA OPEN Dates: July 18 - 20, 2014 Place: Comfort Inn, Bloomington, MN Details: Website Phone: 612/718-2613 ABT: WISCONSIN CHAMPIONSHIPS AUG AUG Dates: August 28 - Sept 1, 2014 Place: Charlotte, NC Details: Website Phone: 704/651-2949 ABT: SEATTLE CLASSIC SEP Dates: September 5 - 7, 2014 Place: World Sports Grille, Seattle, WA Details: Website Phone: 253/230-6561 ABT: 2nd CAPITAL CLASSIC SEP Dates: September 19 - 21, 2014 Place: Dulles Marriott, Herndon, VA Details: Website Phone: 540/222-6431 Dates: August 1 - 3, 2014 Place: Radission, Madison, WI Details: Website Phone: 608/467-0013 39th WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP & 4th MONTE CARLO OPEN ABT: CAROLINA INVITATIONAL AUG Dates: August 3 - 10, 2014 Place: Fairmont Monte Carlo, Monaco Details: Website Phone: 212/222-7177 ABT: 2014 ILLINOIS STATE Dates: October 10 - 12, 2014 Place: Grand Hotel, Peoria, IL Details: Brochure Phone: 847/845-3579 OCT 113 114 USBGF PrimeTime Backgammon Magazine Upcoming Tournaments ABT: 2014 FLORIDA STATE OCT Dates: October 23 - 26, 2014 Place: Rodeway Inn, Ft. Lauderdale, FL Details: Email Phone: 941/355-6354 ABT: 2nd CONNECTICUT STATE OCT Dates: Oct 31 - Nov 2, 2014 Place: Sheraton Airport, Hartford, CT Details: Website Phone: 203/521-7866 ABT: LAS VEGAS OPEN NOV Dates: November 19 - 23, 2014 Place: Flamingo Hotel, Las Vegas, NV Details: Email Phone: 702/218-8238 ABT: CALIFORNIA STATE CHAMPIONSHIP Dates: December 5 - 7, 2014 Place: Hilton LAX, Los Angeles, CA Details: Email Phone: 818/901-0464 DEC 2nd Capital Classic Backgammon Championships September 19-21, 2014 Marriott Suites Washington Dulles 13101 Worldgate Drive Herndon, VA 20170 • • • • • • Double Elimination with Progressive Consolation Format $500 Free Roll USBGF Blitzes Clocks required – Jackpot, Open, & Doubles All events are Legal Moves Complimentary airport shuttle Contact Ed O'Laughlin at [email protected] Tournament Brochure available at beltwaybg.org/capitalclassic BECOME A MEMBER JOIN US USBGF.ORG We encourage you to be part of our community and help us promote the game we love to all players worldwide. 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