December 2017 – Voice of Backgammon

December 31, 2017January 25, 2018

It’s Finally Here!

Maybe a thousand players enter major backgammon tournaments around the world. We know who these folks are because they win cash prizes and ABT or other points. And they are promoted by many groups including the Voice of Backgammon.

But the vast majority of backgammon players simply play at home or at local bars. Some clubs offer points but no worldwide system existed. Until now.

Now tournament directors everywhere (including those at the major tournaments) may award GammonPoints to players who place in an event with as few as 8 players.

This is huge for backgammon because it provides a level playing field on which players may compete. In addition, GammonPoints:

Provides a consistent point system throughout the world
Saves directors time and hassle of keeping track of points
Lets players track their progress and see their overall and club rankings
Works with any type of tournament event and size
Provides chat for directors and players making social interaction and finding matches easy
Is free for everyone

Learn more here.

GammonPoints works on any smart phone or computer. No download necessary: https://www.gammonpoints.com. Did I say it was also free?

GammonPoints: The FREE points registry for tournament directors and players. Don’t miss out!

For GammonPoints news and rankings, you may simply register here:

December 23, 2017December 27, 2017

Evening End Game

Tonight we are going to look at a cube from the undefeated finals of the California State Championships. In this, game 2, we see Akiko with a four point board and forward anchor vs Steve’s one point board and ace point anchor. Video below (starts @ 26:35).

What do you think, would you double? If doubled, would you take? Comment below with your thoughts!

is Steve Sax

score: 1
pip: 150

11 point match

pip: 121
score: 0

is Akiko Yazawa

XGID=-bBBB-C—A-dC—bBd-b-a–:0:0:1:00:0:1:0:11:10

on roll, cube action?

eXtreme Gammon Version: 2.10

Answer: Double/Pass

December 23, 2017December 27, 2017

Morning Eye Opener:

Your opponent has played 43 up, do you know when you are supposed to hit twice? Are there any rolls that don’t hit at all? Have you ever seen an opening 43 played this way?

Answer: Check out the dice distribution below.

December 19, 2017

What BG Stats Would You Like to See?

Imagine for a moment that all backgammon directors – at both local and major tournaments – used the same app to award points. Let’s call them GammonPoints.

Players earn GammonPoints based on their finish, the # of players in the event (minimum of 8), and the strength of the field. For example, in a field of 8 beginners, the winner would earn, say, 1.00 GammonPoints and the runner-up 0.50 GammonPoints.

Clearly, players would love to see how they’re doing against other players in the same club – and nationally/internationally.

As a player or director what other stats or reports would you like to see?

What levels, Master, LifeMaster, etc. would you like to see and how many GammonPoints should be required?

Please leave your comments below because this app can help promote the game. And of course it will be free.

For more information on app FAQs and release date you may register at voiceofbackgammon.com.

December 16, 2017December 28, 2017

Why You Should Play Backgammon Saturday January 20, 2018

If you’ve never played backgammon competitively, even if you’ve just learned the game, you’ve got quite a treat coming your way.

Five minutes to learn, and a lifetime to master, backgammon is a great way to keep sharp, make new friends, and have more fun than you ever dreamed.

In what other sport or game can you just show up and get autographs and your picture taken with the best players in the world?

Where else as a beginner can you get free lessons, spend just $30 to enter a real tournament with real prizes, and witness live streaming commentary with the Voice of Backgammon?

It’s all happening at the 2018 NY Metropolitan Open at the Hyatt Regency Jersey City, NJ.

Called “The USA’s Best Tournament” by Victor Ashkenazi, #1 USA Player, beginner registration happens 9 – 10:30 am on Saturday January 20, 2018 with play starting at noon and continuing 11:30 am Sunday if the dice cooperate.

If you’re free Wednesday through Friday, you’ll have the opportunity to watch world class competition – and it’s free to watch.

No beginner pre-tourney registration necessary: Just show up! Or if you’re the planner type, contact tournament director Lynn Ehrlich [408-529-6769 – lynnmargo@aol.com – nybackgammon.com] with any questions and for more details. She’d love to hear from you.

I hope to see you on Saturday!