VoB News – Voice of Backgammon

March 11, 2020

Falafel Will Be Missed

“What a blunder,” he said after one of the finalists in the 2018 World Championships at Monte Carlo made his move.

According to XG, it was the right play. But Falafel might well have been right, such was his grasp of the game and its intricacies.

One by one, backgammon is losing its outsized personalities: Paul Magriel in 2018, now Falafel in 2020.

Many people including myself talk about Mike Natanzon’s humor, warmth, quirks, and backgammon prowess.

What I admired most was his ability to have all that and still lead his life according to his terms, not society’s or anyone else’s. Perhaps that is the greatest living inspiration he leaves.

Click the pic to read Sam Robert’s NY Times obit:

January 6, 2020January 12, 2020

NY Metropolitan Open

See it live!

twitch.tv/voiceofbackgammon

youtube.com/voiceofbackgammon

facebook.com/backgammonvoice

Lynn Ehrlich is at it again! It’s her 13th Annual New York Metropolitan Open – and did you know that Lynn runs the BEST-ATTENDED tournament in the USA?

It’s true – and who wouldn’t want to join the world’s #1 player Mochi and other top players from all over the world to get lessons, workshops, and commentary to improve our game?

Beginner, advanced, or expert, this tournament has something for everyone. I hope you’ll join me in experiencing this well-run, fun tournament January 9-12, 2020 at the Jersey City Hyatt Regency on the Hudson.

For more information and to register, visit http://nybackgammon.com/

July 27, 2019

Monte Carlo = Backgammon

The 44th World Backgammon Championship is shaping up as always to be a major event in world backgammon competition. Immediately following the 9th Monte Carlo Open, the games take place at the luxurious Fairmont Monte Carlo in Monaco starting July 30, 2019.

Akiko Yazawa will be there to defend her 2018 (Akiko is actually a two-time winner) title, joining a robust USA contingent including Victor Ashkenazi, Chris Trencher, Allen Tish, Jason Pack, and Alan Grunwald.

This year’s events feature Speedgammon, the Backgammon Proficiency Test, and of course the Awards Presentation Cocktail Party.

Finals begin Sunday, August 4 at 2:00 pm Monaco time (8 am in NY). Live streaming will take place for the finals and all week at youtube.com/voiceofbackgammon.

September 24, 2018September 24, 2018

Don’t Miss the 2018 Viking Classic Backgammon Tournament!

Don’t miss the 2018 Viking Classic Backgammon Tournament at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Bloomington, Minnesota this weekend, September 27-30. There will be something for everyone at the Viking Classic, with four different ABT levels – Viking Novice, Viking Intermediate, Thor Advanced, and Odin Open. In addition to the main events, plenty of great side events promise to keep you busy all weekend long! Don’t miss your chance to battle for one of the wonderful Viking trophies – click here for more details.

August 28, 2018

Silicon Valley Tournament Starts Friday!

Director Ken Bame runs a tight but fun tournament using the popular Swiss format. Sanctioned both as an ABT and BMAB tournament, the Silicon Valley Backgammon Open registration starts Friday, August 31 at 11 am at the Courtyard by Marriott Silicon Valley.

Outdoor Pool

Ken’s tournament will always be special for me because it was my first official tournament as Voice of Backgammon. Unfortunately this year I am unable to attend but it’s for a very good reason: My cousin Mat Zalk is marrying Jodi Finer in Deer Park, UT the very same weekend.

Ben Friesen will be doing the streaming but I’ll be there in spirit, wishing Ken, his tournament staff, and the players the best of backgammon!

-Larry