MOCHY! - USBGF - US Backgammon Federation (PDFDrive)

PRIMETIME
BACKGAMMON
OFFICIAL MAGAZINE OF THE USBGF SEPTEMBER - OCTOBER 2013
Monte Carlo
Report from the 38th
World Championship
william riles
Riles appointed as USBGF Playing
President & Executive Director
from behind
MOCHY! Phil Simborg lectures on
lopsided score strategies
3rd
Masayuki “Mochy“ Mochizuki
wins at the 33rd Chicago Open
Slava Pyradkin
Meet 2013 World Champion,
Vyacheslav “Slava” Pyradkin Anniversary
issue
U.s. Backgammon federation visit us at usbgf.org
3rd International
Backgammon Championship
275 players from 26 countries
Match play starts October 1st on Gridgammon
Team USA for the 3rd IBC

Adam Versaw Justin Nunez
Alfred Mamlet Malcolm Davis
Bob Koca Neil Kazaross
Bob Wachtel Petko Kostadinov
Dennis Culpepper Rich Munitz
Dorn Bishop Stepan Nuniyants
Jeb Horton Steve Sax
Joseph Russell Victor Ashkenazi
Organized by the U.S. Backgammon Federation, Japanese

Backgammon League, & French Backgammon Federation
www.bgchampionship.com
4 USBGF PrimeTime Backgammon Magazine
3rd
Anniversary Issue
PrimeTime Backgammon
By Karen Davis, Managing Editor
“
I
t has been a pleasure to serve as Manag- of operation in a lead story. You’ll find that Prime-
ing Editor of PrimeTime Backgammon
Time Backgammon has
since the inaugural issue in September Marty Storer has analyzed Masayuki
2010. Thanks to outstanding authors who (Mochy) Mochizuki matches with Neil features attuned to the
have contributed top-flight articles and Kazaross and Matt-Cohn Geier on his way interests of our entire
columns, a terrific editor and writer Bob to winning the 33rd Chicago Open Cham-
Wachtel, and excellent production editor pionship. It includes insightful commentary
membership, offering
Gus Contos, we have strived to make each from Mochy and Neil on key positions as more and more ways
issue better than the preceding one. But I well. The introductory profile of Mochy
to enhance your play-
think you’ll agree we’ve outdone ourselves captures his meteoric rise to Super Star
with this Third Anniversary Issue! and Super Ambassador status! ing experience.
With the help of Tara Mendicino, USBGF Bob Wachtel captures the glamour and
director of communications, we’ve switched high drama of the 38th World Backgam-
to Adobe Creative Suite to produce the mon Championship in Monte Carlo where
magazine, with lots of beautiful photos and the suave Ukranian (and Monte Carlo
graphic design. Enjoy all the new features! resident), Vyacheslav “Slava” Pryadkin
We welcome your feedback and suggestions generated excitement around the world
on how to make it even better. as avid backgammon players watched his
streamed finals match against 2008 World
USBGF President Emeritus Perry Gartner Backgammon Champion and 2009 runner-
and I hit the high points of the U.S. Back- up, Lars Trabolt (“Trabi”) of Denmark.
gammon Federation over its first three years Martha Ghio captured Slava’s acceptance
USBGF PrimeTime Backgammon Magazine 5
BOB WACHTEL KAREN DAVIS GUS CONTOS

Bob Wachtel is Editor of PrimeTime Karen Davis is chairman of the USBGF Gus Contos holds the position of
Backgammon and an internationally- Board of Directors and Managing Edi- USBGF PrimeTime Backgammon
acclaimed player and author. tor of PrimeTime Backgammon. magazine Production Editor.
of the trophy on video, which we’re pleased lecture, he then went on to demonstrate Also check out the latest live and online
to share with you. the key concepts by coming from behind Leader Boards. Get your name on the mar-
to win a semi-final match with Matt Cohn- quee by playing in the many USBGF online
We’re pleased to welcome Sabri Büyüksoy Geier, after being down 9-2 in a match to tournament offerings, or the upcoming
as a regular contributor to PrimeTime Back- 11. Malcolm Davis, however, handily went American Backgammon Tour live events
gammon, starting with his article in this on to win the event. listed in the magazine.
issue on highlights of the Cannes Summer
Cup. This feature is tailored to the interests There’s much more – profiles of online You’ll find that PrimeTime Backgammon
of the growing international membership tournament winners Adam Versaw, Mario has features attuned to the interests of
of the U.S. Backgammon Federation. Savan, and Eva Zizkova, plus news updates our entire membership, offering more
on the recent 10th Carolina Invitational and more ways to enhance your playing
Phil Simborg, USBGF Education Adviser tournament and announcement of the experience. You won’t want to miss out on
and lecturer extraordinaire, shares his lec- launch of the 3rd International Backgam- all the great action.
ture at the LA Open in June, “Playing from mon Championship.
Behind.” After giving the Sunday morning - KAREN DAVIS
14
3 GREAT YEARS
The accomplishments and goals
achieved by the USBGF as reported
by Perry Gartner and Karen Davis.
STEEN GRONBECH
87
MEET SLAVA PYRADKIN
Watch the video interviiew of 2013 World Champion,
Slava Pyradkin, as he accepts his tropy in Monte Carlo.
REPORT FROM MONTE CARLO

Bob Wachtel writes about the glamour, high stakes,
and fierce competition from the 38th Backgammon
76
World Championship in Monte Carlo.
Questions or comments about PrimeTime

Backgammon? We want to hear from you!
Contact us via e-mail at info@usbgf.org.
In This Issue September

October 2013
FEATURED
14 USBGF THIRD ANNIVERSARY
Perry Gartner and Karen Davis report that in its first
three years USBGF has become a strong organiza-
tion, delivering a rich array of benefits.
BY PERRY GARTNER & KAREN DAVIS
22 MOCHY 33RD CHICAGO OPEN

Marty Storer analyzes key match positions of World
22 Champion Mochy with Neil Kazaross and Matt
Cohn-Geier. Commentary by Mochy and Neil.
BY MARTY STORER
MOCHY AT CHICAGO OPEN

Mochy's run to win the 33rd Chicago Open.
63 PLAYING FROM BEHIND
Two key matches analyzed by Marty Storer. USBGF Educational Adviser Phil Simborg lectures
on lopsided score strategies at the LA Open.
BY PHIL SIMBORG
CANNES SUMMER CUP
72 Sabri Büyüksoy writes from the Cannes Sum-
mer Cup and Nation's Cup Team event.
72 CANNES SUMMER CUP
New USBGF columnist Sabri Büyüksoy shares the
action and fun at the 2nd Cannes Summer Cup.
BY SABRI BÜYÜKSOY
76 REPORT FROM MONTE CARLO

Bob Wachtel hits the highlights of the 38th Back-
gammon World Championship in Monte Carlo.
BY BOB WACHTEL
87 MEET SLAVA PRYADKIN

View the video of Slava Pryadkin accepting the
2013 World Backgammon Championship trophy
and interview with Martha Ghio.
BY MARTHA GHIO
In This Issue
September
October 2013
PLAYER PROFILES
88 ADAM VERSAW
Meet Adam Versaw, winner of the USBGF National
Internet Championship Open Division.
BY KAREN DAVIS
91 EVA ZIZKOVA
Rising Czech Republic star, Eva Zizkova, describes
what captivates her about backgammon.
BY KAREN DAVIS
93 MARIO SAVAN
Meet Mario Savan, winner of the USBGF Online
Circuit Monthly for March.
BY KAREN DAVIS
TOURNAMENT NEWS
96 CAROLINA INVITATIONAL
Stuart Thomson captured the Carolina Invitational
Championship while Frank Raposa won the Queen
105 ONLINE CIRCUIT WINNERS
City Championship Cup.
BY KAREN DAVIS View recent winners of USBGF Online Circuit tour-
naments from January 2013.
BY TARA MENDICINO—OTS COORDINATOR
101 THE 3RD IBC
The 3rd International Backgammon Championship
is off and running, with 275 entrants from 26 coun- USBGF NEWS
tries around the world. 12 BILL RILES TO LEAD THE USBGF
BY TARA MENDICINO William Riles has been appointed the new USBGF
President and Executive Director. Tara Mendicino
102 LIVE TOURNAMENT RESULTS joins the USBGF Board of Directors. Both bring new
See all the results from ABT tournaments in Min- talent and leadership to the USBGF.
nesota, Wisconsin, and North Carolina. BY KAREN DAVIS
In This Issue
ON THE COVER
Thanks to Carol Joy Cole for allowing
us to use this great shot of Mochy and
MCG, taken at the 33rd Chicago Open.
STEPHEN COLLINS!
16-year-old Stephen Collins, the
youngest player in the Novice division
of the 10th Carolina Invitational, won
the Novice Consolation!
20 FOUNDING SPONSORS 108 ONLINE LEADER BOARD

Our new USBGF Founding Sponsors: Bejanishvili See the latest leaders based on USBGF online
(Gold), Éger (Youth), Friesen (Silver), Pruce (Bronze), tournaments cumulative Elo ratings as well as wins,
Simborg (Bronze), and Stutz (Silver). losses, and tournaments won.
BY TARA MENDICINO—OTS COORDINATOR
USBGF LIVE & ONLINE RATINGS

106 LIVE LEADER BOARD
U.S. BACKGAMMON TOUR
Check out the Open, Advanced, and Novice top 110 UPCOMING TOURNAMENTS
ten leaders in USBGF cumulative Elo ratings in live Mark your calendar for upcoming ABT tournaments
events since 2009 and 2013 ABT Points. and USBGF online events.
BY BARRY SILLIMAN—RATINGS EDITOR
editor
PRIMETIME
BACKGAMMON
Bob Wachtel
Founding Editor
Matt Cohn-Geier
Managing Editor
Staff &
Karen Davis
Production Editor
Gus Contos
Volunteers Assistant Editor

Mark Antranikian
Assistant Editor
and Design Analyst
Lisa Rockwell
USBGF Photographer
Steve Sax
Rankings Editor
Barry Silliman
Feature Editor,
Annotated Matches
Marty Storer
Editorial Advisory Board

Karen Davis (Chair), Chuck Bower,
Matt Cohn-Geier, Carol Joy Cole,
Gus Contos, Mike Corbett,
Perry Gartner, Justin Nunez,
Bob Wachtel, Kit Woolsey
information
PrimeTime Backgammon is the
TARA MENDICINO official magazine of the U.S.
& STEPHEN COLLINS Backgammon Federation.
Tara Mendicino and Stephen Collins contact us

having a great time at the 10th Caro- E-Mail info@usbgf.org
lina Invitational in Charlotte. Website usbgf.org
Volume 4, Issue 5
© 2013 U.S. Backgammon
Federation
USBGF Board
of Directors
President Chief Technology Officer;
Executive Director Executive Committee;
William Riles Chair, Ratings and Stats
Committee
Treasurer; Board Chair; Richard Munitz
Co-Chair, Membership and
Marketing Committee Director, Local Club
Karen Davis Initiative
Vice-Chair, Membership and Justin Nunez
Marketing committee Executive Committee;
Lynn Ehrlich Chair, Education
President emeritus Committee
Perry Gartner Joseph Russell
Executive Committee; Special Advisor to Board

Chair, Tournament of Directors
Directors liaison Carol Joy Cole
Patrick Gibson Special Advisor to Board
Co-Chair, Membership and of Directors
Marketing Committee Neil Kazaross
Jeb Horton Education Advisor
Chair, Legislative Phil Simborg
Committee Accounting Manager
Alfred Mamlet Sheryl R. Lennon
Secretary Director of
Steve Mellen Communications;
Vice-Chair, Membership and Webmaster
Marketing Committee Tara Mendicino
Tara Mendicino
usbgf news
Bill Riles to Lead the
U.S. Backgammon Federation
By Karen Davis
“
Foremost, I want to
establish initiatives to
BILL RILES &
TARA MENDICINO
Bill Riles has been appointed the new
USBGF President and Executive Direc-
tor. Tara Mendicino joins the USBGF
significantly increase Board of Directors.
membership in the
USBGF through grass-
T
roots efforts directed
he U.S. Backgammon Federation American Backgammon Tour (ABT), win-
toward the local, casual, (USBGF) announced on October ning the Badger Classic masters jackpot in
recreational, online, and 9 that Perry Gartner is resigning as Wisconsin in 2012, after coming in second
President and Executive Director effective in that event in 2010, and winning the
other players found in
October 16 for compelling business and Michigan Masters in 2009. He is a civil
abundance throughout personal reasons. Upon his recommenda- engineer educated at Rice University and,
tion, the Board of Directors unanimously prior to retiring, worked in the offshore oil
the United States.
approved the appointment of William Riles and gas industry.
as his successor.
In accepting the nomination, Riles expressed
Gartner noted: “Bill Riles brings great judg- his appreciation for the contributions Gart-
ment, business expertise, and backgammon ner has made since he assumed the presi-
tournament director experience to the dency in May 2010, including formation
leadership of the Board.” Riles directed the of its Collegiate Program and working in
inaugural Texas Backgammon Champion- partnership with other international federa-
ships in 2013, one of the most successful tions to expand online and live backgam-
first-time events drawing over 130 entrants mon playing experiences worldwide. “Perry
KAREN DAVIS
from as far as Norway and Japan, includ- Gartner has built a strong organization over
ing 17 Giants of Backgammon and all five the last three years, with an outstanding
top Giants. He is a frequent fixture on the Board of Directors, special advisers, staff,
and volunteers. I look forward to con- Mendicino Joins Board of Directors
tinuing this record of success, enriching Tara Mendicino joined the Board of Direc-
and improving our benefit offerings, and tors in August. Perry Gartner, President
working with others sharing in our vision.” and Executive Director of USBGF, noted:
“Tara Mendicino is an important addition
Riles indicated he has many new ideas to the Board, and serves as USBGF Tourna-
for the USBGF and welcomes suggestions ment Systems Coordinator for the USBGF
and feedback. “Representing the Federa- Online Tournament Circuit and USBGF
tion, with the assistance of the Board of web master. She brings important insight
Directors and of all the members, I am into the interests of a new generation of
confident together we can advance our backgammon players, both in the U.S. and
mission. Foremost, I want to establish around the world.”
initiatives to significantly increase mem-
bership in the USBGF through grass-roots Tara Mendicino will serve as Vice-Chair of
efforts directed toward the local, casual, the Membership and Marketing Committee.
recreational, online, and other players Along with Bill Riles, she is co-organizer
found in abundance throughout the United /co-director for the Texas Backgammon
States. Our visibility and exposure must Championships, held in her hometown
be enhanced to reach out to these players of San Antonio, Texas. She has extensive
and to introduce them to the benefits and online tournament directing experience,
resources provided by the Federation. Only directing or co-directing well known online
through increased membership from a tournaments such as the Nation's Cup with
broader base may we continue to provide Leonardo Jerkovic, the International Back-
and to expand resources for our members. gammon Championship, and the USBGF
I encourage every member of the USBGF Online Circuit. She has developed numer-
to become an integral ‘stakeholder’ in the ous backgammon websites and brochures
Federation and to contribute their skills, including those for the 38th Backgam-
efforts, time, and/or ideas, as they may, to mon World Championship, International
assist in the advancement of our mission. Backgammon Championship, 10th Caro-
I will be accessible to all in the promotion lina Invitational, and Texas Backgammon
of these efforts.” Championships. She also works with the
IPATT Group, Inc. and maintains their
Karen Davis, Chairman of the Board of websites, assists with product marketing
Directors, announced that the Board has and placement, and performs their graphics
conveyed on Gartner the honor of desig- design requirements. Tara has worked in
nation as President Emeritus of the U.S. the residential and commercial real estate
Backgammon Federation. industry in San Antonio, Texas. 
- KAREN DAVIS
“
We are dedicated to
extending our track re-
cord of success, enrich-
ing and improving our
benefit offerings, and
working in partnership
with others sharing our
vision...
3rd anniversary of the

u.s. backgammon federation
By Perry Gartner, President Emeritus
and Karen Davis, Chairman, Board of Directors
S
eptember 2013 is the third anniver- of Directors, usbgf.org/about-us/board- backgammon teacher and lecturer, serves as
sary of the official launch of the U.S. of-directors/. It includes seven live and Education Adviser to the USBGF. The Board
Backgammon Federation (USBGF), a online tournament directors, players of all of Governors, usbgf.org/about-us/board-of-
nonprofit 501c4 membership organization, calibers, two attorneys, two IT profession- governors/, provides valuable advice, as do
usbgf.org/about-us/history/. As President als, one business owner, and two university members of the six standing committees:
and Executive Director of USBGF since professors, one with extensive nonprofit Executive (Perry Gartner, chairman); Edu-
May 2010 and Chairman of the Board of organization leadership experience. We cation (Joe Russell, chairman); Legislative
Directors since September 2010, we would are advised by two of the most prominent (Alfred Mamlet, chairman); Membership
like to summarize for you our accomplish- individuals in American backgammon: and Marketing (Karen Davis, Jeb Horton,
ments to date. Neil Kazaross, the all-time American Back- and Bill Riles, co-chairmen); Ratings and
gammon Tour leader, and Carol Joy Cole, Statistics (Richard Munitz, chairman);
Strong Organization director of the Flint Backgammon Club, Rules and Ethics (Robert Stoller, chairman).
We have built a very strong organization the longest existing local club in the USA. usbgf.org/about-us/usbgf-committees/
with an outstanding 13-member Board Phil Simborg, internationally renowned
In addition we are fortunate to have the Ethics Committee, for example, is chaired by who provided our seed capital. In appre-
services of over 30 volunteers usbgf.org/ a former assistant deputy attorney general ciation of their support, a doubles event
about-us/staff-and-contractors/ and a for the state of Alaska. It has resolved dis- pairing Founding Sponsors with Giants of
small group of dedicated officers, staff, putes brought to it for actions in apparent Backgammon – The Tournament of Stars –
and contractors. They are: Perry Gartner, conflict with the USBGF-endorsed Stan- is held annually. The Tournament of Stars
President and Executive Director; Karen dards of Ethical Conduct usbgf.org/clubs/ will next be held in San Antonio January
Davis, Chairman of the Board of Directors; std-ethical-practice/. The Committee has 30-February 2, 2014 in conjunction with the
Bill Riles, Treasurer; Steve Mellen, Secre- begun an extensive review and modifica- 2014 Texas Backgammon Championship.
tary; Patrick Gibson, Tournament Director tion of current backgammon tournament
Liaison; Richard Munitz, Chief Technology rules and procedures. Membership Benefits
Officer; Tara Mendicino, Webmaster and The USBGF has consistently delivered these
Online Tournament System Coordina- Our budgets are developed with the assis- member benefits:
tor; Bob Wachtel, Editor of PrimeTime tance of volunteers with business, econom-
Backgammon; Phil Simborg, Education ics, accounting, and actuarial expertise, PrimeTime Backgammon
Adviser; Gus Contos; Production Editor of and are approved by the Board of Directors We have published 19 bi-monthly elec-
PrimeTime Backgammon; and Lisa Rockwell, prior to the beginning of the fiscal year. Our tronic issues of PrimeTime Backgammon,
Design Analyst. Without their enormous expenditures are reviewed by the Executive an outstanding backgammon magazine with
talent, selfless service, and many hours of Committee and Board of Directors regularly. articles and columns by leading experts and
dedicated effort, the USBGF would not be The organization has been on budget for authors. Packed with topical backgammon
where it is today. From our ratings team, each year of its operation. news, it is also a fine instructional tool for
led by Patrick Gibson, to the 36 preeminent those members eager to improve their
backgammon experts and authors who The USBGF has assisted with the formation games. The magazine is staffed by Bob
have contributed articles to the PrimeTime of a sister organization, the U.S. Backgam- Wachtel, Editor, Karen Davis, Managing
Backgammon magazine, our volunteers are mon Foundation. This charitable 501c3 Editor, Gus Contos, Production Editor,
essential. usbgf.org/category/magazine/ organization provides the community with and Mark Antranikian, Assistant Editor.
authors/ Many thanks to all of them! numerous educational resources, includ- Matt Cohn-Geier served as Founding
ing a collegiate program and a program Editor. The publication is overseen by the
The USBGF has held itself to high standards (Boards for Kids) which supplies backgam- Editorial Advisory Board, ensuring that
of conduct and performance. The organiza- mon boards to secondary and elementary it meets the highest standards of quality
tion’s bylaws are posted on the website usbgf. schools. USBGF Board members and officers and accuracy usbgf.org/about-us/usbgf-
org/about-us/by-laws/. We use professional serve in comparable positions for the U.S. committees/marketing/internet/. The 19
accountants to oversee our financial state- Backgammon Foundation. issues, beginning with the inaugural issue
ments, which are posted on the website. in September-October 2010, have ranged
usbgf.org/about-us/usbgf-organzation- Today, the U.S. Backgammon Federation in length from 30-70 pages. Print subscrip-
reports/. Our annual membership meetings has 675 members, 12 percent of whom are tions are also available.
are held by conference call, with all members international members -- from over 25
invited. Our committee structure enables countries around the world. Eight-eight USBGF Sponsored Online
us to tap the expertise required for even of our members are Founding Sponsors and Live Tournament Events
the most ambitious project. The Rules and usbgf.org/about-us/founding-sponsors/ The USBGF sponsors many online and live
3rd Anniversary of the USBGF

tournament events. Since October 2012, Past winners: 2011: Neil Kazaross, Carol
the USBGF Online Tournament Circuit, Joy Cole, finalist; 2011: Jeremy Bagai, Ed
developed and overseen by Tara Mendicino, O’Laughlin finalist; 2012: Jeb Horton,
has run monthly Circuit tournaments typi- Richard Munitz finalist. PERRY GARTNER
cally drawing 128 players; a semi-annual USBGF President Emeritus, Perry
Gartner, takes pride in growing our
Director’s Cup; an annual National Internet Ratings and Statistics
membership both nationally and
Championship for Open, Advanced, and The Ratings team has created a database by internationally.
Intermediate qualifiers and playoffs with inputting 91 ABT tournament drawsheets.
336 entrants in the 2012-13 event; an These drawsheets, which date back to 2009,
annual Club Team Championship with record wins/losses/match lengths/ ABT
qualifiers and playoffs; an annual Team master points of all Main events (Cham-
Championship with qualifiers and playoffs; pionship, Advanced, Novice divisions)
an annual Collegiate individual and team including Consolation and Last Chance
Championship; an annual International matches, and Master and Amateur Jackpots,
Collegiate individual event; Collegiate and under the guidance of published procedures
Youth Invitational events; and qualifiers developed by the Ratings and Stats Com-
for events such as the 2nd International mittee. A Leader Board with the top ten
Backgammon Championships. In all about players in the each of the Championship,
100 online events have been offered over Advanced, and Novice divisions is posted
the last year. Winners receive certificates, on the website and updated in each issue
recognition on the USBGF website and of PrimeTime Backgammon. Over 1735
Facebook page and articles profiling their players are included in the database.
backgammon careers in the PrimeTime
Backgammon magazine. In addition an Online Leader Board includes
ratings and statistics for over 375 online
The USBGF also sponsors two annual live players in over 100 online tournaments
events with free first entry for members: the sponsored by USBGF since October 2012.
USBGF National Championships East and The system automatically calculates wins,
West. The East event is held in Charlotte, losses, tournaments won, and cumulative
NC, at the Carolina Invitational tournament Elo ratings after every online match played.
over Labor Day, and the West event is held Leader Boards can be displayed by Elo rat- and is currently being implemented.
in conjunction with the Texas Backgam- ing, number of wins, winning percentages,
mon Championship in San Antonio in late or other characteristics (e.g. player name). Multimedia Educational Materials
January/early February. The winners and Online Leader Boards as the magazine goes Member benefits include a rich array of
finalists receive trophies and cash prizes to print are also included in the publication. multimedia educational materials. They can
from a pool fed by re-entry fees. The East be accessed through the USBGF Facebook
and West championship then play off, A USBGF Master Points System with points page, the USBGF website, at ABT tourna-
with the winner receiving a special Grand for both live and online play has been devel- ments, and in the PrimeTime Backgammon
Championship trophy. oped, approved by the Board of Directors, magazine. These educational materials

from the USBGF awarded to winners, and matches with leading experts who provide
photos of winners posted on the USBGF commentary on their play.
Hall of Fame usbgf.org/hall-of-fame.
The website features up-to-date backgam-
The online match series, developed by Jason mon news, including links to affiliated
Lee, permits members to play against Neil clubs and local tournaments usbgf.org/
Kazaross, ABT All-Time Champion. Mem- clubs/us-affiliate-backgammon-clubs/,
bers vote on cube decisions and checker results from major tournaments usbgf.org/
play, with the majority vote determining category/events/, MeetUp groups usbgf.org/
their action. Marty Storer, USBGF Editor clubs/map-test/, and other resources. The
for Annotated Matches, provides in-depth USBGF is a resource to American Back-
analysis and commentary on members’ gammon Tour (ABT) tournament direc-
moves while Neil comments on his own tors – promoting events on its Facebook
decisions. site, website, and magazine and reporting
results of the events.
The USBGF collaborates with ABT tour-
nament directors to support streaming Discounts for Members
over the Internet of key matches usbgf. The U.S. Backgammon Federation has
org/usbgf-events/stream-archive/, and negotiated discounts with leading suppliers
makes recorded and annotated matches of backgammon software, publications, and
in eXtreme Gammon format available to equipment. These include a 20% discount for
members through the website usbgf.org/ eXtremeGammon software, a 10% discount
category/matches/. at GammonVillage online store, and 15%
discount for Crisloid backgammon equip-
The website is a treasure trove of educational ment. Crisloid generously contributes 5%
materials, with everything from recom- of its member sales revenues to the USBGF.
mended backgammon instructors usbgf.
org/learn-backgammon/finding-a-teacher/ Collegiate and
to recommended books usbgf.org/learn- Educational Activities
backgammon/book-recommendations/, Under the auspices of the U.S. Backgam-
include popular short video lessons or tips videos usbgf.org/learn-backgammon/you- mon Foundation, the USBGF has been
usbgf.org/category/bg-problems/ prepared tube-test/, and quizzes usbgf.org/category/ spearheading the development of backgam-
by USBGF Education Adviser Phil Simborg bg-problems/quizzes/. mon on college campuses, in elementary
and invited experts such as Mary Hickey, and secondary schools, in senior centers,
Stick Rice, and John O’Hagan. Some are Upon joining, the USBGF will provide mathematics meetings, museums, and
available to all on the Facebook site; others novice players (upon request) with mentors, summer parks programs.
KAREN DAVIS
are restricted to members only on the usbgf. to help them improve their game and get
org website. Phil also gives lectures and the most out of their USBGF membership. Scholarship prizes are awarded to college
quizzes at ABT tournaments, with prizes New members are also offered five-point students on winning teams and to top

individuals in the annual USBGF Col- the U.S.—participating on and off-site. The events. It is a co-sponsor, along with the
legiate Championships. Certificates are USBGF also sponsored administration of Japanese Backgammon League and the
given to the top-placing individuals and a Proficiency Exam in Las Vegas. These French Backgammon Federation of the
team members. In 2013 an International Quizzes/Exams permit backgammon play- International Backgammon Championship.
Collegiate Championship was held for ers to test their mastery of key concepts of There are a new high of 275 players from
non-US college students with awards to the game. 26 countries registered for the 3rd IBC.
the winner and finalist. A Japanese-US The U.S. Team has 16 players, all selected
youth exhibition will be held in the Fall of Local Club Affiliates as Giants or top players in live or online
2013 featuring the U.S. winner of the 2013 In addition, USBGF provides informational events. The USBGF owns the rights to the
International Collegiate Championship, and material assistance to new local back- Nation’s Cup event and will be offering this
Ben Friesen, and a top Japanese student. gammon clubs. Currently, 63 local clubs team event in the future as well.
are affiliated with the U.S. Backgammon
The U.S. Backgammon Foundation also Federation usbgf.org/clubs/us-affiliate-back- Looking Forward
donates backgammon boards financed by gammon-clubs/. Listings of venues, times, We appreciate the confidence and tremen-
charitable contributions or in-kind dona- dates of local club tourneys on the usbgf. dous support that we have received from
tion to elementary and secondary school org website are an information resource to the backgammon community over the
backgammon programs. Instruction in backgammon players looking for a place past 3 years. We are dedicated to extend-
backgammon is provided to college clubs, to play, and for players traveling to other ing our track record of success, enriching
with the assistance of volunteer USBGF cities for business and pleasure looking and improving our benefit offerings, and
members, and in senior retirement com- for a game. working in partnership with others shar-
munities or day centers. ing our vision: advancing the awareness,
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The USBGF oversaw development and so much more to enhance the experience
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lenge Quiz in Los Angeles in June 2011 Collaborative Activities
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Denmark, Sweden, Turkey, the U.K., and federations and organizing international
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Andrew Martinez
Within each level, names are presented in the order of becoming Founding Sponsors.
“
But it’s not just his back-
gammon prowess that
has earned him super-
star status. He believes
strongly in giving back
Mochy
to the game that has
treated him so well, and
is recognized for his
Super Star and Superb
self-discipline, fairness,
and politeness. Ambassador
Marty Storer with Commentary by Mochy and Neil
Kazaross, and Introduction by Karen Davis
Introduction by Karen Davis
M
rounds of last year’s 1st World Tournament World Championship in 2009, defeating
asayuki (Mochy) Mochizuki of Champions Invitational in Chicago was Denmark’s Lars Trabolt 25-20 in the finals.
is a world champion who featured in the July-August 2012 issue of He returned to capture the Open Division
excels not only as a player, PrimeTime Backgammon. Championship of the Las Vegas Open in
but as a backgammon ambassador as well. 2012 over a field of 126 player-entries.
He dedicates much of his time and talent to Mochy has skyrocketed to the top ranks of
teaching and getting young people engaged the backgammon community in less than He was the first Japanese player to win
in the game. It is therefore fitting that this a decade. His ascendancy commenced in Monte Carlo and the first Japanese player
Third Anniversary issue of PrimeTime 2003, when he won both the Limited Jackpot to be included in the biennial Giants of
Backgammon features a report on Mochy’s and the 121-entry field Open Division at Backgammon list, moving up the ranks
victory in the 33rd Chicago Open in May, the Las Vegas Open. His progress since has from 28th in 2005 to sixth in 2007, first
with annotated commentary of key posi- been steady: he won the first Bristol Open in 2009, and second in 2011. He was also
tions in his matches with Neil Kazaross and in 2005, the Belgian Open in 2006, Second selected to play on the World team against
Matt Cohn-Geier by USBGF special editor, Consolation in the World Backgammon Denmark each year from 2010 to 2013. He
author, and 2013 New England Backgam- Championships in Monte Carlo in 2006, was honored as the International Player
mon Champion, Marty Storer. Mochy’s and Last Chance in the World Champion- of the Year at the London Open in 2012.
match with Falafel Natanzon in the early ships in 2007. He then went on to win the
But it’s not just his backgammon prowess backgammon league for Japanese kids, and presenting a lecture entitled Bold Play,
that has earned him superstar status. He this year he sponsored several Japanese Safe Play. Expanding upon the foundation
believes strongly in giving back to the students entering the online inaugural provided by Paul Magriel’s famous list of
game that has treated him so well, and is USBGF International Collegiate Champi- questions: Do you have an anchor? Who has
recognized for his self-discipline, fairness, onship. He is arranging a Japan-US Youth the stronger board? Who has more check-
and politeness. He is a proud father of a Exhibition match between a top Japanese ers back? Mochy added a fourth question:
two-year-old son, and has a long stand- youth player and a top U.S. youth player Who is ahead in the race?
ing interest in the young. He organized a (Ben Friesen) at the upcoming Las Vegas
three-day summer backgammon camp for Open tournament in November. Mochy has been tireless in his promotion
Japanese players aged 19-23 in 2010. One of the game. He is a director of the Japanese
of Mochy’s friends offered financial support Mochy is also a sought-after lecturer on Backgammon League, which joined the
for the camp, while another invited the the American Backgammon Tour. His USBGF and other national federations in
campers to stay at his huge summer house in 2011 Chicago Open lecture on backgames creating the International Backgammon
Kawazu. Mochy returns each month to his was featured in the September-October Championship (to be held for the third time
old high school in Nishi-Azabu to instruct a 2011 issue of PrimeTime Backgammon. this Fall). He has helped make the Japanese
group of fifteen boys from 13-17 years old. He teamed up with Phil Simborg at the Open a must-attend event for top players
A few years ago he established an online 2013 Texas Backgammon Championships, from around the world. He teamed up with
MOCHY & FAMILY

Mochy is enormously proud of his son
Yugo and wife Michiko, shown here
with his trophies from the 33rd Chi-
cago Open.
One trophy, World Ambassador of

Backgammon, was awarded by tourna-
ment director Rory Pascar for all Mochy
has done promoting the game around
the world. The other is for winning the
Chicago Open Championship.
Mochy
a number of world-class players to record tournament in May 2011, and was offered in Mochy’s own proficiency was very much
a set of backgammon lessons and lectures, the U.S. at the Las Vegas Open in Novem- on display in winning the 33rd Chicago
available on his website Back-Gammon. ber 2011, and finally at the Nordic Open Open. The nuances of his play in two of his
TV. He offered these lectures to USBGF in April 2012. It will be published wby the key matches are revealed in the insightful
members free of charge as a limited-time U.S. Backgammon Federation, with the analysis by Marty Storer that we now offer
promotion. problem solutions explained by Mochy and along with commentary by Mochy and
renowned author Paul Weaver. A second Neil. Mochy lost to Neil in the first round,
While doing all this, Mochy found the time version of the test has been offered in Japan but came back to win the event with a 10-2
to develop a Backgammon Proficiency and Turkey, and the 3rd Backgammon record, defeating Giants Ed O’Laughlin,
Test, which is now recognized as a world Proficiency Test and first Backgammon Petko Kostadinov, Jake Jacobs, Stepan
standard. The Test was first administered at Proficiency Test for Beginners was offered Nuniyants, and, in the final round, Matt
the Japanese Backgammon League Ouisen at the JBL Ouisen tournament in 2013. Cohn-Geier.
Commentary by Marty Storer
Position 1
13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24
Pip: 152
Neil Kazaross
9-Away
9-Away
Mochy Mochizuki
Pip: 157
12 11 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1
Game 1, Move 3: Black (Mochy) to play a 21

Mochy
With this poor roll, Mochy can avoid a Mochy: There are so many cases when stack- he may stall the attack somewhat by hitting
direct shot with 16/13, leaving only six ing on the midpoint is an error (maybe more on his own bar point. Even if he’s pushed
shots (counting double 2) at his blot on than 50% of the time). People usually avoid into a low-anchor game, he may get lucky
the 11 point. But Mochy showed excellent stacking on the 6 point, but are less careful and win from there. Stranger things have
technique by playing 13/11 16/15. The 11 about stacking on the midpoint. happened.
point will often prove useful, and most of
Neil’s 14 hitting numbers aren’t devastating. The third game of the match was wild and
If he hits with a 3 or 21, he’ll have to strip complex.
his midpoint and perhaps forgo the chance
to make his 5, 4, or 3 point. By contrast, Naturally, Mochy turned the cube in Posi-
after 16/13 Neil’s six hitting numbers are tion 2. Joe Sylvester’s useful rule says that
excellent. Moreover, Mochy’s 15-point an edge in two of the Position, Race, and
checker provides some short-term outfield Threats (PRAT) categories suggests a double,
coverage. Many players would select the and Mochy clearly has Position and Threats.
“obvious” 16/13 and be surprised to learn Neil can consider a take: the race is close,
that it’s a whopper. he may hit or anchor on the 18 point, and
Mochy
Position 2
13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24
Pip: 156
Neil Kazaross
8-Away
8-Away
Mochy Mochizuki
Pip: 151
12 11 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1
Game 3, Move 5: Black (Mochy) on roll. Cube action?
Neil did accept the cube, but he should have from the 21 point. But although Neil’s take my chances and felt that I had a borderline
passed. Mochy’s advantage is too great. He was wrong, it was close, and inaugurated drop/take, so I accepted. I’d have passed
has a good chance to win by priming or an exciting struggle. against most weaker players, not wanting
attacking, and if either of those plans suc- to risk losing four points here in a position
ceeds he may win a gammon. Otherwise, Neil: I thought a while about this, and based that will often be easy to play.
he may be able to win by holding or racing on the third checker back I overestimated
Mochy
Reference Position
13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24
Mochy: I have a similar reference posi-
tion (shown at left). This is a border-
line take/pass decision for money.
The game position is better than the reference
position in several ways:
• I have more numbers to hit (24

vs 15).
• He doesn’t have his 4 point.
• I am ahead three more pips.
Both the take point and gammon price for

12 11 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 the 8 away – 8 away score are higher than
normal.
Although I have more men back in the game

position (three versus two), that’s not enough
to overcome the listed benefits.
NEIL KAZAROSS
Neil Kazaross has achieved notoriety
as the number 3 Giant of Backgam-
mon in the world, and is the all-time
number 1 player in the American
Backgammon Tour standings span-
ning a period of sixteen years.
At the Chicago Bar Point Club, he has

earned the title of “Player of the Year”
five times.
STEVE SAX
Mochy
Position 3
12 11 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1
Pip: 145
Neil Kazaross
8-Away
8-Away
Mochy Mochizuki
Pip: 137
13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24
Game 3, Move 9: White (Neil) to play 53
Several moves later, Neil had a decent game. Neil should have stayed put. With the to jump out from behind Mochy’s four-
Threatened with 17 numbers to make a fifth cube in the middle, the hit would be right prime lest he face a strong double later. I
blocking point in front of his anchor, he by about .030 points per game (PPG); but think few players, even experts, would pick
made a break for freedom with 22/14*. That owning the cube, it is wrong by 0.016 PPG. the right move here for the right reasons.
move gains ground in the race, and gives It is the resilience of the 22 point that makes
the best chance to escape both blots for a the difference. If Mochy establishes the 8
clear edge. Though it’s somewhat dangerous or 9 point, Neil retains plenty of play. He
to give up the anchor, the hit gives Mochy has a defensive anchor that protects against
only 10 ways to hit back without leaving a disaster and gives long-term holding-racing
direct return, and even then Neil can often chances. He also has some pressure against
anchor on the 22 point. Mochy’s back checkers. If Mochy had access
to the cube, Neil would be more desperate
Mochy
Neil: I’m absolutely shocked that hitting isn’t that Mochy doesn’t have all that much fire- the center. That’s why 22/14* is better if the
correct here. To me it seems that sitting tight power, and will have a third checker back. cube is centered. I have several market-losing
will too often result in Mochy’s making a fifth In addition, I can be gammoned if I sit back sequences, but I can’t double.
blocking point. I guess that won’t happen on the 22 anchor.
often enough or isn’t threatening enough. I
also didn’t expect that the hit would result in Mochy: Hitting makes for a very volatile
a 12.5% increase in gammons lost; it seems position, but I’m a bit short of a double from
Position 4
13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24
Pip: 115
Neil Kazaross
8-Away
8-Away
Mochy Mochizuki
Pip: 158
12 11 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1
Game 3, Move 15: Black (Mochy) to play 52

Mochy
In this position Neil threatened to cash the This move may be easy for a novice, but it’s Speaking of contesting the outfield, what
game by escaping with a 6. Instead of playing difficult for an expert. The most important about bar/23 20/15? That’s an interesting
passively with bar/20 13/11, Mochy mixed factor is Mochy’s five-prime, a strong asset alternative, keeping the five-prime and try-
things up with bar/23 8/3*. Mochy has an despite Neil’s immediate threat to escape. ing to cover outside territory, hoping for a
anchor versus none, a superior three-point Mochy shouldn’t give that up lightly. Besides, double anchor if Neil hits. Unfortunately,
board, and more checkers back, so a bold his four-blot play does not make him much the outer-board blots give Neil too many
play seems called for. Though Mochy’s of a favorite to advance his five-prime even good rolls, leading to nearly as many lost
move leaves 17 good return shots—16 to after Neil misses. In that variation Neil gammons as Mochy’s hitting play. The safe
hit outside Neil’s board plus double 2 to may well escape. And Mochy’s big play is play is best.
switch from the 4 to the 2 point—Mochy quite risky, resulting in approximately 28%
gains if Neil misses, and may make the 23 gammon losses according to the rollout. Mochy: I totally agree with Marty’s analy-
anchor if Neil hits. A double anchor would sis, but I still don’t get it by heart. I should
provide excellent long-term defense. Mochy is not at all in bad shape after the practice from here.
safe play. Neil’s position usually gets worse
Mochy’s hitting play is thematic but incor- if he doesn’t roll a 6—and note that Mochy Neil: This is a difficult play, but Mochy’s
rect! The beginner’s play of bar/20 13/11 is gets a last-ditch direct or indirect shot on choice is too loose as I have 16 shots and
much better. Why is that? It may be difficult Neil’s 61, 65, and 64. About half of Neil’s there are four blots. It’s often wrong to break
to attack later, so why give Neil the chance rolls degrade his forward position, after a five-prime to hit loose when there are
to roll a winning 6? which Mochy will be ready to attack or to this many return shots. In addition, I can
contest the outfield aggressively. counterattack inside with 61 and 22, which
don’t hit elsewhere.
Position 5
12 11 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1
Pip: 120
Neil Kazaross
8-Away
8-Away
Mochy Mochizuki
Pip: 157
13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24
Game 3, Move 24: White (Neil) to play 65

Mochy
Before the roll, Mochy had the edge because checkers on the bar for a while, he may win behind a five-prime when both need 61 to
of his five-prime and better timing. But even after breaking his board. A sufficient hop over it, but was seduced because Mochy
Neil’s 65, freeing one of his back checkers, threat to escape may allow him to win had so many checkers on the bar. I thought
put the game up for grabs. The 6 hits, but with the cube. Neil doesn’t want any more a long time about this play, and because I
how about the 5? checkers sent back behind Mochy’s prime, greatly overvalued my chances, I felt that I’d
but he may recover even after Mochy hits. have a borderline recube if I played safe. I felt
Neil played safe with 16/11, but the rollout that if I hit and he flunked, I’d have a strong
says 8/3* is best by 0.140 PPG. It’s key to Neil: Ths rest of this game shows what can recube; that alone should have induced me
stop Mochy from making the 22 point. happen when a player overestimates his to hit. Of course, if I hit and he flunks, it is
Accordingly, Neil should play big. If he can winning chances by nearly 20%. I know well a huge error to redouble, but I didn’t realize
keep three, four, or even five of Mochy’s enough how bad it is to have two checkers that at the time.
Position 6
12 11 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1
Pip: 109
Neil Kazaross
8-Away
8-Away
Mochy Mochizuki
Pip: 173
13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24
Game 3, Move 25: White (Neil) on roll. Cube action?

Mochy
Mochy fanned, and Neil had a cube decision. This much can be said for Neil’s redouble. if things go at all well for him. However,
He redoubled to 4! His redouble sheds light Many players would drop, and XG says that fooled by all his checkers on the roof and the
on his last play. If this position is indeed a a 33% chance to pass would justify Neil’s prospect of more, I felt that I was winning this
strong double, or even a pass for Mochy, decision. Backgammon is a difficult game, game over 60% of the time, and I thought
then Neil was probably right to avoid leav- and your opponent can’t make a bad take I had enough market losers to send what I
ing a direct shot last turn. or pass if you don’t double. Much equity felt was a barely correct cube. Of course, I’d
can be yours if you understand how your not have cubed a weaker player and put the
The rollout tells a different story. Owning opponent is likely to handle the cube. match on the line on this game.
the 2-cube, Neil remains a favorite; but However, Mochy took. Neil rolled another
Mochy will have a big edge if he accepts 65 and hit loose on his 3 point, escalating Mochy: I was sure Neil’s recube was bad.
the cube at 4. He will often be able to give the drama.
a strong redouble to 8, which if accepted
would kill gammons and put the match on Neil: My early warning radar failed me here!
the line. If Neil doesn’t roll an ace soon, he I knew that by cubing I was giving Mochy
will be in big trouble. the chance to recube to 8, killing gammons,
Mochy
Position 7
12 11 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1
Pip: 98
Neil Kazaross
8-Away
8-Away
Mochy Mochizuki
Pip: 176
13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24
Every roll a cube decision. Can Mochy redouble for the match to do in any case. Neil can take because Mochy may not be able
with four checkers on the bar? He can and he should! He would to attack him for several rolls after missing, during which time
not redouble if lost gammons counted severely against him, but Neil might be able to escape. But Mochy hung onto the cube.
here a redouble kills gammons, and 8 points would give Mochy
the match with no overage. It’s true he may never move again, Mochy: I must admit that I didn’t know if it was correct to double,
but an immediate 3 would be fantastic, and Neil has a lot of work but even if I knew, redoubling here is a big practical blunder in my
Mochy
opinion. He just doubled me the roll before! suasive, but I don’t know whether Mochy Consider this position, which would occur
He completely misevaluated the position, was right to hold the cube here. In spite of after Mochy hits with a single 3 and Neil
and would be likely to take later when he Neil’s cube error, Mochy does risk losing his replies with 14.
should be passing. market by refusing to double. The position
is volatile, and a hit now may overshoot
This is an interesting point. It sounds per- Neil’s take point by a mile.
Position 7-A
13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24
Pip: 115
Neil Kazaross
8-Away
8-Away
Mochy Mochizuki
Pip: 173
12 11 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1
Game 3, Move 26, variation: Black (Mochy) on roll. Cube action?

Mochy
This position is a huge pass. According to a See my book Backgammon Praxis, Match The following hypothetical position, which
rollout, taking would be a double whopper, 1, Game 6, Lesson 5, for a discussion of the would have occurred after Mochy’s single 3
and a double would be a slight technical difficulties involved in trying to hone in on followed by Neil’s pretty good reply of 34,
error! The rollout says the position is too a “wildcube” opponent’s point of last take. is also interesting.
good to double by .012 PPG.
Position 7-B
13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24
Pip: 113
Neil Kazaross
8-Away
8-Away
Mochy Mochizuki
Pip: 173
12 11 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1
Game 3, Move 26, variation: Black (Mochy) on roll. Cube action?
The rollout says a take would cost Neil .054 PPG. However, it’s possible Neil’s incorrect
reasoning about his redouble could have induced him to take the 8-cube.
Mochy
Position 8
13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24
Pip: 89
Neil Kazaross
8-Away
8-Away
Mochy Mochizuki
Pip: 176
12 11 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1
Neil has closed his board, but advanced nine Mochy: Once again, it is correct to hold the It’s still a tough call whether to redouble. For
pips on his side, while his back checkers cube. Because my opponent, who doubled example, it’s not clear whether Neil would
have remained stationary. Still a redouble such position, his take point is much higher take after rolling 65 (after which taking is
and take, now a bit stronger for Mochy. than XG suggests. There are almost no mar- a whopper), or 64 (resulting in a clear but
Mochy didn’t redouble. ket-losers now. smaller pass), or 33 (leading to a huge pass).
Mochy
Position 9
13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24
Pip: 81
Neil Kazaross
8-Away
8-Away
Mochy Mochizuki
Pip: 176
12 11 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1
Position 9 is a close take-pass decision for perhaps he’ll leave one or more direct shots. Neil’s escape. But the position is nowhere
Neil, a small pass according to the rollout. If Mochy enters without hitting, he’ll usually near too good to double. Again Mochy
Neil’s board is ready to break further, and be able to control the outfield and thwart kept the cube.
Mochy
Position 10
13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24
Pip: 81
Neil Kazaross
8-Away
8-Away
Mochy Mochizuki
Pip: 176
12 11 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1
Mochy finally redoubled in Position 10, and positions can be extremely difficult even utes on this one. Also, after the match, he
Neil correctly passed. But now the position for the world’s strongest players. told me if there hadn’t been a blot on his 5
is far too good to redouble! Mochy will often point he would have taken the cube (it’s a big
be able to cash after missing. The moral Mochy: There was a good chance that Neil pass). That statement justified my strategy
of this game is that prime-versus-prime would have taken this cube. He spent min- of holding cube in past few rolls.
Mochy
We can’t say any of Mochy’s previous cube Neil: It is difficult to say when Mochy would you simply put it out of your mind! What
actions were incorrect just because he did have most increased his match equity by has passed has passed and doesn’t matter.
lose his market; nor can we say they were recubing. It was clear to him that I’d greatly I set my mind and emotions to playing the
all correct, because each one did carry a risk overestimated my chances with two of my remaining 8-point match, behind 4-0, to
of market loss. The preceding sequence of men almost primed, and that aspect of the the best of my ability. I don’t think I played
cube decisions deserves an extremely close position hadn’t changed. Therefore he could badly from there on.
quantitative analysis. That might make bet on a bad take from me in many sequences.
another long article! One thing is clear: Often in backgammon you know that you
In such situations, it’s extremely difficult After this long game in which I’d used about screwed up terribly. Perhaps you didn’t see
to weigh all factors accurately at the table. half my clock time, I took a needed rest a play or miscounted pips or messed up a
Certainly, if Neil had taken the 8-cube room break. It was clear to me that I’d really formula or whatever. Forget it and continue!
in the final position, Mochy would have screwed up. How do you continue a match The time for study and reflection upon what
achieved a coup. after making such horrible blunders? Well, caused your blunders is after the match.
MCG
Matt Cohn-Geier served as Founding
Editor of PrimeTime Backgammon, and
is the youngest Giant on the Giants of
Backgammon list.
He won the 2010 Minnesota Open

Backgammon Championships and
finished second in the 2010 French
Backgammon Open Masters, the 2013
Chicago Open, and the 2013 Nevada
State Championships.
STEVE SAX
Mochy
Mochy vs. MCG Match
Position 11
12 11 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1
Pip: 182
MCG
9-Away
7-Away
Mochy Mochizuki
Pip: 154
13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24
Game 2, Move 5: White (MCG) to play 42
MCG hit with bar/23 13/9*, but that’s his 10 point or bar point. The trouble is the advanced anchor while he could. The
antithematic. Mochy has a strong defensive that the hit still leaves MCG behind in the 21 point would pressure Mochy’s outfield
anchor, and MCG’s two buried checkers race, while giving Mochy 10 costly return and protect MCG from being primed.
should dissuade him from priming attempts. shots. Even after being hit, Mochy retains
Of course, MCG wanted to gain ground in a decent long-term chance to make his 4
the race, and prevent Mochy from making or bar point. So MCG should have seized
Mochy
Position 12
13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24
Pip: 176
MCG
9-Away
7-Away
Mochy Mochizuki
Pip: 163
12 11 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1
Mochy doubled. In addition to his 13-pip MCG has plenty of play. No roll but double If MCG made the previous play of 42 hoping
lead in the race, he has a much better struc- 3 or double 4 makes a new blocking point. to draw Mochy’s premature double, then
ture than MCG, whose “2-point monopoly” The rollout says that Mochy’s double is a his maneuver was not a simple error but a
is positionally awkward. Mochy has 10 shots, blunder. good tactic that paid a big dividend.
plus double 3 to make his bar. However,
Mochy
Mochy: MCG’s previous move affected my match. If he made a mistake on purpose, it
decision a lot. Still, I shouldn’t have doubled was a great play.
in such a weak position when I was up in the
Position 13
12 11 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1
Pip: 179
MCG
9-Away
7-Away
Mochy Mochizuki
Pip: 123
13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24
MCG hit on the 9 point and continued to blots and a direct shot, MCG’s prospects
safety on his 6. But the best play is to hit two are not very good after his safe play.
checkers. Although it’s risky to leave two
Mochy
Position 14
13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24
Pip: 122
MCG
9-Away
7-Away
Mochy Mochizuki
Pip: 95
12 11 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1
Mochy must leave a direct shot somewhere. direct shot with seven 6s plus 42. If MCG break either his board or one of his holding
He played 15/9, which at first glance looks misses after 15/11 8/6, Mochy’s only blot points soon, releasing some of the pressure
natural and correct. But it’s better to break number is double 5. on the 11 point.
the 8 point with the deuce, for two reasons.
By far the most important is that 15/11 8/6 What’s the second reason Mochy should
is much safer next turn if MCG misses. After break his 8 point? Simply that the point may
15/9 followed by a miss, Mochy leaves a be hard to clear later. MCG will probably
Mochy
Position 15
12 11 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1
Pip: 133
MCG
7-Away
7-Away
Mochy Mochizuki
Pip: 162
13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24
Game 3, Move 4: White (MCG) on roll. Cube action?
MCG doubled Mochy out. It’s a borderline would be a monstrous blunder. The blot Black’s 6, the position is a double and pass.
decision, but MCG’s choice was a practical on the 10 point is a big liability. This highlights the tactical weakness of two
standout. A fair number of players would checkers on the bar.
be tempted to take the cube: Black’s 5 point Even with the 10-point blot covered with a
is a strong asset, while White’s forward checker from the midpoint, and a builder
position looks a little weak. But accepting shifted to the 5 point from the stack on
Mochy
Position 16
12 11 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1
Pip: 135
MCG
6-Away
7-Away
Mochy Mochizuki
Pip: 145
13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24
Mochy has a blot in his board, so MCG What’s the problem? MCG has 21 safe instead of “paying now” by volunteering
might try to force Mochy’s trailer forward numbers next turn: five doubles, eight other costly shots in hopes of future gains. This
with 8/1*. If Mochy hits, MCG may have rolls to make a new point, and eight more is usually the best course to follow.
a direct return shot. But MCG played 13/6 to stack safely. His weenie play is indeed
in modern style. best. The modern style is to “pay later,”
Mochy
Position 17
12 11 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1
Pip: 128
MCG
6-Away
7-Away
Mochy Mochizuki
Pip: 139
13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24
One move later, Mochy was threatening lot! MCG can no longer afford to stack a improving while MCG’s is deteriorating, so
to establish a four-point board. We might sixth checker on a forward point. He must a safe play now figures to cause big problems
think MCG should continue in pay-later hit loose, not only trying to force Mochy’s later. That wasn’t the case last turn.
style with 13/8. That’s just what he did, blot forward, but also to prevent him from
but this time the safe play is wrong by a covering the 5 point. Mochy’s position is
Mochy
Position 18
13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24
Pip: 114
MCG
6-Away
6 6
7-Away
Mochy Mochizuki
Pip: 136
12 11 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1
The worst came to pass for MCG: Mochy Mochy doubled. MCG’s take is easy because level opponents to pass. The blot, big dis-
made his 5 point and MCG left a direct Mochy may never hit, and if he does MCG advantage in board strength, large stacks,
shot. Since MCG must probably leave will sometimes recover. But the double is and stripped midpoint add up to a scary
another direct shot if Mochy misses now, excellent, and I would expect some Open- situation.
Mochy
Position 19
13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24
Pip: 148
MCG
6-Away
4-Away
Mochy Mochizuki
Pip: 142
12 11 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1
Who says it’s best to pay later? Mochy made improves. Sometimes we’re pathologically wary, but
the excellent pay-now play of 18/13 18/15. Mochy doesn’t have that psychological
Though his lead in the race is nowhere near This kind of move used to be standard, problem. His play is correct, for he can
overwhelming, it’s better than nothing. He but we’ve learned to be wary of volunteer- often recover after being hit.
should make a break before MCG’s board ing direct shots even to aim for big gains.
Mochy
Position 20
12 11 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1
Pip: 117
MCG
6-Away
3-Away
Mochy Mochizuki
Pip: 138
13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24
MCG doubled and Mochy took. The posi- Mochy doesn’t want to give MCG too good a or a won 4-cube would give the match to
tion is a clear take for money, but a close chance to get to 4-away. That’s an important MCG with perfect efficiency. In the game,
pass at the score. Ahead in the match, milestone: from there, a doubled gammon MCG rolled 54 and then romped home.
Mochy
Position 21
13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24
Pip: 93
MCG
3-Away
3-Away
Mochy Mochizuki
Pip: 126
12 11 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1

Mochy
Mochy played 13/4 6/3, which is a surpris- But instead of merely slotting two points, blots, which give MCG many return shots
ing error. His motivation in slotting two he should slot one and make another, either if Mochy hits on the next turn.
points is to strengthen his board as quickly with 13/10 8/5 6/3(2) or 7/4 8/5 6/3(2).
as possible, and such tactics are often good. That’s better than leaving two inner-board
Position 22
12 11 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1
Pip: 93
MCG
3-Away
3-Away
Mochy Mochizuki
Pip: 114
13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24

Mochy
MCG gave a good double, and Mochy took. equity will decrease drastically. (If Mochy I wasn’t sure whether to take or pass, but I
The take is correct even at this score, where had made an inside point the turn before, thought that his long pause meant he wasn’t
both sides must be somewhat conservative the position would still have been a strong sure the position was a double. So I took.
in accepting an initial double. Gammon double for MCG, but the take would have
chances are low, and the 22 anchor does been easier.) It’s also possible that MCG thought the
pretty well against a 6-7-8 structure. But position was a pass, and accordingly may
MCG’s well-placed builders help him a lot; if Mochy: In this position, MCG helped me a have been trying to get Mochy to believe that
he can make the 5 or 4 point, Mochy’s shot lot. He took a long time before he doubled. MCG’s position was less powerful than it is.
Position 23
12 11 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1
Pip: 67
MCG
3-Away
3-Away
Mochy Mochizuki
Pip: 94
13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24
With about 80% game-winning chances before the roll, MCG found the only blot number. He minimized Mochy’s shots with 7/1 6/4,
but he should clear his 7 point and leave two more hitting numbers. After his play he faces significant double jeopardy: 15 blot numbers
Mochy
if Mochy keeps his anchor. MCG probably leave two fewer shots because of the chance board. But it turns out that 7/1 6/4 is a
would have made the right play if Mochy’s Mochy would have to break his anchor or whopper: the double jeopardy is too great
spare checker had been, say, on his 12 point, his board. He may also have noticed that regardless of Mochy’s timing problems.
but it’s likely he thought he could afford to the 7 point causes Mochy’s 44 to break his
Position 24
12 11 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1
Pip: 60
MCG
1-Away Crawford
3-Away
Mochy Mochizuki
Pip: 152
13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24

Mochy
MCG was ready to win the game and match backgammons don’t pay extra, so MCG sooner MCG clears that point, the more
from here. He played 7/4. Though that may must play as safely as he can. The safest play rolls Mochy has to bring in his checkers
look great, it’s incorrect. Gammons and is 6/3, preparing to clear the 6 point. The and allow MCG to bear off unmolested.
Position 25
12 11 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1
Pip: 46
MCG
1-Away Crawford
3-Away
Mochy Mochizuki
Pip: 152
13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24
MCG played 6/4(2), another fine-looking play, but large and medium-size numbers Wouldn’t you know it—MCG bore off six
move. But 6/5(2) 4/2 is safer. Some of work better. checkers but left one last 11-number shot
MCG’s small numbers play worse after that bearing off, which Mochy hit!
Mochy
Position 26
13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24
Pip: 46
MCG
1-Away Crawford
3-Away
Mochy Mochizuki
Pip: 152
12 11 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1
Game 10, Move 32: Black (Mochy) to play 62 (White has 8 checkers on his 1 point)
After priming MCG’s blot, Mochy played When rolling a prime forward against a when MCG fans. Moreover, 9/1* may give
8/2 9/7 with this 62. It seems fine to move single opposing checker, it’s often best to Mochy time to maneuver if MCG hits back.
the prime forward and bring another builder make sure double 5 and double 4 play well,
into position to attack on the ace point. But or at least safely. After Mochy’s 9/7 8/2,
it’s better either to hit loose on the 1, or to neither of those doubles plays well. But both
play 8/2 and stack another checker on the 6. play safely after 8/2 8/6, and also after 9/1*
Mochy
Position 27
13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24
Pip: 33
MCG
1-Away Crawford
3-Away
Mochy Mochizuki
Pip: 38
12 11 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1
Game 10, Move 38: Black (Mochy) to play 32 (White has 8 checkers on his 1 point)
Mochy played for safety with 6/3 6/4 in joker double 6 and forgoes an extra checker game was for the match.
Position 27, but 3/off 3/1 is better. Mochy’s off. Nevertheless, Mochy won the game and
move leads to fewer hits, but it gives MCG a then MCG used his free drop. The final
Mochy
Position 28
13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24
Pip: 135
MCG
1-Away
1-Away
Mochy Mochizuki
Pip: 183
12 11 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1
Mochy hit with bar/20 21/17*, but that play gained may prevent MCG from consolidat- inner board. He should not abandon his
is overly committal. He should maintain ing in his outfield, and Mochy may be able defensive formation too quickly. An impor-
the beautiful 21-20 defensive formation, to improve his board quickly. tant consideration is that hitting on the 17
whose value is enhanced by MCG’s four point doesn’t come close to evening the race.
deeply placed checkers. With the 4 Mochy By breaking the 21 point to hit, Mochy
should attack on his 4 point. The tempo increases the value of MCG’s three-point
Mochy
After 10,368 rollout trials at a score of clear third. But here at DMP, gammons Mochy: 8/4* looks too loose to me. However,
9-away to 9-away, bar/20 8/4* and bar/20 don’t count double and Mochy must hit I should have played bar/20 13/9 at least.
13/9 are too close to call, with bar/20 21/17* loose inside.
Position 29
13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24
Pip: 117
MCG
1-Away Crawford
1-Away
Mochy Mochizuki
Pip: 120
12 11 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1

Mochy
Mochy played 8/4 8/5 in Position 29, filling to tempt MCG to break the 16 point. The Mochy: Exactly! My move was a big error.
two high gaps in his board and preparing best play is simply to make the 4 point in However, MCG didn’t volunteer the shot
to make both slotted points at once. But the style of ancient humans. There will be next turn. That saved me.
MCG is running out of time to keep his ample time later to make more points and
holding points, so Mochy doesn’t want fill interior gaps.
Position 30
12 11 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1
Pip: 117
MCG
1-Away Crawford
1-Away
Mochy Mochizuki
Pip: 113
13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24

Mochy
MCG played safe in Position 30 with 15/9 After staying put, he will probably have Next turn, Mochy rolled 54 and remained
8/3, a big mistake. His timing to keep both to break when Mochy’s board is stronger. with two blots in his board. MCG cleared
holding points is bad, and he’ll lead in the Both 16/5 (slotting the open 5 point and his 15 point and left a direct shot, and
race by five pips after the roll. MCG should filling a gap) and 16/11 15/9 (slotting the Mochy hit and covered. MCG fanned on
have broken the 16 point to take advantage 11 point) are about equally good. the three-point board. In the resulting
of the blots in Mochy’s undeveloped board. position, Mochy was almost home.
Position 31
13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24
Pip: 110
MCG
1-Away Crawford
1-Away
Mochy Mochizuki
Pip: 100
12 11 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1
Mochy made a huge error by establishing leaves only one blot and six shots (55 51 after MCG misses, but Mochy’s move is a
his 2 point. That tempting move leaves 21 11). The extra home-board point can’t large mistake even at a score of 9-away to
three blots and 10 shots for MCG (53 55 begin to compensate for that difference. 9-away, where gammons count.
56 13 16 11), while the correct 15/10 12/8 Either play leaves Mochy a big favorite
Mochy
Mochy: I agree with the analysis. My error I would have made the 2 point if I’d had Mochy was able to clear his blots safely.
was due to time trouble. I had only 19 seconds more time. MCG rolled double 4 to make the race
left and couldn’t compare the two moves. close, and Mochy had an interesting tech-
That was my fault, but there is no way that But MCG replied with 54: bar/16, and nical decision.
Position 32
13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24
Pip: 81
MCG
1-Away
1-Away
Mochy Mochizuki
Pip: 77
12 11 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1

Mochy
Mochy did well to play 8/4 7/2 rather than
7/3 7/2. The latter move gives a greater
chance to fill the gap on the 5 point, but
Mochy’s play reinforces his 4 point. Extra
protection against a gap on the 3 point can
help: Later on, missing 4s (played 6/2, rein-
forcing the 2 point for little benefit) figure
to play worse than missing 5s (played 6/1,
reinforcing the now-empty ace point). But
the choice is very close, and the correct play
is not obvious at all.
Mochy won the game and match, a fine tri-

umph against a worthy opponent. Based on
XGR++ evaluations, plus rollouts of many
plays, both Mochy’s PR and MCG’s were
excellent: 2.47 and 2.23, respectively. 
- MARTY STORER
MARTY STORER
MARTY STORER
Marty Storer is the USBGF Feature What's Your Game Plan: Strategy in the
Editor for Annotated Matches and Middle Game.
the 2013 New England Backgammon
Champion. Marty lives in southern New Hampshire
with his wife, three children, four pet
His two-volume Backgammon Praxis mammals, and several pet bots.
was released in 2005 to rave reviews.
With the intrepid co-author, two-time
U.S. Open Champion Mary Hickey,
he has contributed to another book
playing from behind PHIL SIMBORG
Phil Simborg was honored at the 2013
Strategy at Lopsided Scores: London Open for being the No. 1 con-
tributor to the game world-wide.
A Phil Simborg Lecture

By Phil Simborg
T
his article is a synopsis of Phil’s tournament, Phil found himself losing to
lecture at the Los Angeles Open Matt Cohen-Geier 9-2 in a match to 11. Phil
in June 2013. On Sunday morn- won the match. (Phil lost the next match
ing Phil gave a well-attended lecture on to Malcolm Davis to get knocked out.)
KAREN DAVIS
the strategy and tactics of playing when

you are far behind in a match. Later that
day, in one of the semi-final rounds of the
Playing From Behind

About 15 years ago I had a houseguest: Joe suggestions about how to play to win against Sly shared with me two generalizations
Sylvester, also known as “Sly.” Sly is one humans (as opposed to playing against the about how people usually play when at
of the most talented, insightful people that computer or playing strictly to achieve the lopsided scores:
has ever played the game, and I found his lowest PR rating) incredibly helpful.
And to those two axioms, I added a third of my own, and a conclusion:

Playing From Behind

In order to play well when the score is lop- can you do this if you don’t know your in match play. And for every score where
sided, the first step is to simply know your opponent’s take point and gammon price? the numbers vary, there is a logical “story”
opponent’s take points and gammon price. about why the numbers are different that
Your goal is to “pressure” your opponent To help myself and my students learn these makes it easier to remember the correct
by doubling at the right time: not too late, numbers, I created take-point charts for all numbers. Below is a sample of one of my
when it is an easy drop and you’ve lost kinds of scores, and I made sure it was easy many charts. The red text designates more
your market, and not too early, when it is to see when the numbers varied greatly lopsided scores where the numbers are
an easy take and there is little chance for from the “normal” take points of around 22 quite different from the standard numbers.
your opponent to make a mistake. How percent and gammon price of around .55
One of the most commonly misplayed I simply guessed; and like most everyone roughly 50 distinct lesson plans that cover
doubling situations is the one that occurs else, I was often far off the mark. every aspect of the game.
when you are behind and your opponent
is 2away from winning the match. For My problem was solved by John O’Hagan. Back to 2away: John provided his concept --
example, let’s say you are losing 7 to 3 in One of the smartest things I did when I went which we have since proven to be extremely
a match to 9. The leader is 2away and the into the “teaching business” was to bring accurate by literally thousands of rollouts
trailer is 6 away. Most people trailing this on 4 partners to help me organize mate- and examples -- that if you are trailing at
far in a match double far too soon, but it is rial for my lesson plans. John, (along with 2away, you should give the cube when you
just as bad to double far too late. For years Perry Gartner, Stick, and David Rockwell) are within 8 percent of your opponent’s
we simply did not have the excellent software has helped me gather the best information gammon-adjusted take point. When there
(eXtremeGammon in particular) to tell us from all of the books and articles ever writ- is contact, you also need to have at least 4
when to give the cube in different situations ten. These partners have added their own market-losing rolls (which is almost always
at these scores. Like most everyone else, insights and ideas and organized them into the case when you are within 8 percent.)
Playing From Behind

So how does this work in practice? As you percent take point to give you a gammon- Also, if I do happen to lose my market by a
can see from the 2away Chart below, if you adjusted take point of 32. Therefore you little, I might still get a take from a human.
are trailing 2away 6away, the leader’s take should double if you think his winning All of the computer’s decisions are based on
point is 22 percent and his gammon price chances are 40 percent or less (if you have the concept that your opponent will never
is .5. So if you are in a pure race and you 4 market losers). make a mistake, and in “real life” we should
believe he has 30 percent (22+8) or less be making some adjustments for potential
winning chances, that is the time to double. I made a slight adjustment to John’s formula human error (unless we are playing John
If there is contact, you estimate wins and based on Sly’s advice. I use 7 percent (even O’Hagan or Matt Cohen-Geier or other
gammons to get to a gammon-adjusted though the computer generally confirms players who appear to be more machine
take point. For example, if you believe the that 8 percent is right). The reason I use 7 than human).
leader will get gammoned 20 percent of the is because against humans I am more likely
time, at .5 that adds 10 percent to his 22 to get a wrong drop if I wait a little longer.
Playing From Behind

In one of my first lessons with Perry several years ago, he stressed some key points about the cube that I have
never forgotten and constantly remind my students:
Did you notice Perry’s last point about but that occurs mostly at a few specified who tends to be overly careful when he is
giving the cube where you are not likely to scores at the end of the match (1away/2away leading in the match, or one who is overly
be redoubled for a long time? What does Crawford, or 2away/4away, particularly aggressive when he is behind, there may well
this mean? Well, when your opponent is when the cube is turned, and a few other be some advantage to adjusting your game.
2away, that “long time” is never. And if scores depending on the cube). At GG
your opponent is 3 or 4 away and you and GS a gammon has huge value for one Sly even goes so far as to say that he leans
are trailing by quite a bit, the long time player and no value for the other. But at greatly towards playing GG whenever he
is no longer never, but you are not likely most lopsided scores this is not exactly is significantly behind in the match and
to see a recube until the game is virtually true. For example, at 2away/6away when towards GS when ahead; and while there
over -- unless, of course, your opponent the cube is turned, the trailer’s gammon is no sure way to prove that deviating
is making a huge blunder and handing value is .5—technically not at all Gammon- from bot-recommended play is correct,
you a wonderful gift. So Perry’s advice is Go. So the question is, should we play our Sly’s tournament results (even in the few
excellent for lopsided scores. checkers any differently at those scores? times he has played in recent years) are
pretty amazing.
Thus far we have been talking about cube For the most part, as the bots (computer
action, but what about checker play? Most programs) will tell you, you should not play
of us understand that when we are at Gam- very differently than you would at “Normal
mon-Go or Gammon-Save we may even Match Scores” (NMS). However, going back
play some of our opening moves differently, to Sly’s points, if you are playing a human
Playing From Behind
Since it is hard to argue with success and choose volatile game plans such as hitting Stick, preaches another idea very strongly,
with one of the top players of all time, I try and priming as opposed to racing when and I always keep “Stick’s Law” in mind no
to stay aware of these rules. While I don’t I have a close decision between the two. matter what the score:
play purely Gammon-Go when behind,
I do tend to play more aggressively and But another one of my mentor/partners,
Playing From Behind

In the LA Lecture, I then added a few insights of my own, and then some specific examples.
I then showed several checker plays and they are an integral part of our teaching used daily in our private lessons. 
cube decisions to illustrate the above points. programs and many of these examples were
I will not present these examples here as provided by Stick, John, and Perry and are - PHIL SIMBORG
PHIL SIMBORG &

ROCHELLE HASSON
Phil Simborg is a full-time backgam-
mon teacher with students, like Ro-
chelle, from all over the world taught
via the internet.
He is the USBGF Teaching Pro and

Manager of the USBGF Facebook
page, as well as being a highly-ranked
KAREN DAVIS
tournament player and the leading

lecturer on the US Tour.
Like us on Facebook!
facebook.com/usbgf
cannes 2013
N
ations Backgammon Cup
& Cannes Summer Cup
B
y Sabri Büyüksoy
I
had never been to Cannes, a city famous a big backgammon tournament to succeed,
for its film festival and red carpet a good number of local players have to be
stories. Having read Paulo Coelho’s available. This is a recipe that works well
LA CROISETTE novel Winner Stands Alone, I was expecting in strong backgammon-playing countries
The famous Promenade de la Croi- a cold atmosphere even in the hottest days like Turkey, Iran and Greece, where the
sette in Cannes, which runs along the of summer. But I was pleasantly surprised. local population participates.
shore of the Mediterreanean. The city is very lively and the people I met
were very warm. Unfortunately I arrived in Cannes after the
start of the tournament and was too tired to
I was immediately impressed by the tourna- watch the final match of the Nations Cup,
ment’s organization. The director, Franck where Denmark beat Armenia. This event
Stepler, and his lovely staff --Scarlet Serrero was a delightful part of the Cannes experi-
and Julie Thabauld –were energetic, hard- ence when Eric Guedj ran his tournament
working and enthusiastic. This combination several years ago and it is nice to see it
of attitude and application makes, in my revived. It includes teams of 2 to 4 players
experience, all the difference between a where one doubles and two singles matches
mediocre event and an outstanding one. are played. This year I couldn’t arrange a
The venue, the JW Marriot Hotel, was Turkish national team. Next year’s winter
also excellent; and since the tournament event in Cannes will include a Team Cup
was held the week before Monte Carlo, event with the same format as Nations
it made a great warm up for the World Cup. The Team Cup will not require the
Championship. Indeed, I was so warmed
up after Cannes that I felt no need to play
“
in the official Monte Carlo warm-up event,
the Monte Carlo Open.
The only thing that concerned me about

the tournament was the cost of the hotel. In Beat the Boss, the
But with a little internet study I found tournament direc-
something more affordable. Since it is a
tor Franck (the Boss)
small city, it was not possible to stay very
far away from the tournament venue. entered himself sixteen
times in the first round
The Summer Cup kicked off with a cocktail
party. The 32-player field was very strong, of a 32-player DMP
perhaps even stronger than this year’s last bracket. He finally won
bracket of 32 at the Monte Carlo World
Championship. I was slightly disappointed
the event.
that more local players did not attend. For
Cannes 2013
TATSUYA & MOCHY

Cannes Summer Cup Masters winner
Tatsuya Tanaka and finalist Masayuki
Mochizuki are both from Japan.
TEAM DENMARK WINS

Winner of the Nations Cup is Denmark:
Lars Bønding, Nevzat Dogan, Claus Bek
Nielsen, & Kasper Nielsen.
members of a team to all belong to the in the final. In the Doubles final, Ricardo
same country. I think this is a good move Malas (Lebanon/Spain) and Sabri Büyüksoy
in this era of globalization. (Turkey) played against Scarlett and Michel
Serrero of France. The father and daughter
The format of the Summer Cup was a won an easy match to win the title. Kazuko
modern double elimination system with Numazawa (Japan) won the ladies title. As
a fighters’ bracket. A new draw was made Turkey’s slowest player I won the Speed
with first six players from the winners’ Gammon against France’s slowest player,
bracket and the first two from fighters’. I was Tristan Rémille. In the DMP final Scarlett
sleepy, tired and unlucky to draw Mochy Serrero (France) was unbeatable.
in the first round. After a bad performance The 2013 Cannes Nations Backgammon
in a 13-point match I lost and qualified for The prize-giving ceremony and after party Cup and Summer Cup exceeded my expec-
the fighters’ bracket. I won against Yaroslav were excellent, with lots of champagne and tations. I am thinking of taking my family
Gusev in the first round but lost the next food. And there were some funny side along for the Winter Cup. I would also
day to Vincenzo Riceputi. The main flight events to keep us entertained, like Beat the like to organize a strong Turkish team to
was dominated by the Japanese players Boss and the After Tournament Doubles. compete in the team event . 
Tanaka and Mochy. Tanaka beat Mochy In Beat the Boss, the tournament director
SABRI BÜYÜKSOY
in the final and won the event. Franck (the Boss) entered himself sixteen - SABRI BÜYÜKSOY
times in the first round of a 32-player DMP
In the Super Jackpot event, Alain Babillon bracket. He finally won the event.
(France) defeated Hamza Nar (Turkey)
Cannes 2013
SUPER JACKPOT FINAL CLAUDE LAMBERT

Super Jackpot finalists, Hamza Nar Winner of the Intermediate Tourna-
of Turkey & Alain Babillon of France. ment, Claude Lambert of France.
THE DOUBLES
Doubles final played between Michel &
Scarlett Serrero and Dos Amigos, Sabri
Büyüksoy & Ricardo Malas.
M
onte carlo 2013
R eport from the 38th
B ackgammon World Championship
B
y Bob Wachtel
A
merican tourists journey to rivals intently observing every nuance of in a spectacular car crash on the twisty
Europe by the millions each year his behavior, a gentleman’s indifference to mountain road, La Turbie, above Monte
to take in the culture: everything huge swings of fortune at a game of chance Carlo, the system players at the tables hardly
on the Continent, it seems, is more sophis- bore witness to the quality of his breeding. looked up from their obsessive note taking,
ticated and history-laden than the ordinary tallying it up as just another high-stakes
stuff back home. And we backgammon The grandest of all these casino resorts, bet gone wrong.
travelers are no exception. Monte Carlo, was developed in the 1860's
in an attempt to rescue the tiny, largely inac- In retrospect, this gambling mecca was a
Our national gaming experience, from its cessible principality of Monaco, located on milieu ideally suited to the incubation of the
early days on the Mississippi riverboats to the easternmost tip of the French Riviera, jet-set extravaganza that was 1970's back-
the San Francisco gold rush saloons to the from bankruptcy. The prince, Charles III, gammon; but it took the latter’s high-society
enormous, artificial theme strips of Las granted a license for the construction of the godfather, Prince Alexis Obolensky, a while
Vegas and Atlantic City, has always been obligatory wellness spa (this one featuring to realize it. Obolensky started running his
rough, brassy and fiercely democratic. But revitalizing dips in the Mediterranean) and “international backgammon tournaments”
the Old World is different. There gambling a casino to accompany it. in the 1960's in the Bahamas and Las Vegas,
was largely a privilege reserved for the rich but he only found his way to Monte Carlo
and aristocratic; and casinos (the term After fighting its way unsteadily up the
derives from the Italian word, casa, for a learning curve, the casino at last became
“
private house or villa, and bears connota- profitable — so profitable, in fact, that in
tions of exclusivity and class) were elegant 1869 the principality stopped taxing its
and palatial, constructed mainly in the citizens! More casinos, opera houses and
fashionable spa towns like Baden-Baden, sumptuous cafes sprang up; huge yachts and
where the upper crust came to cure its ills ocean liners prowled the bay; and in time Here your typical at-
by “taking the waters.” Nor was entrance Monaco became the world’s most densely
tendee has the mindset
to such establishments automatic: proper populated and richest (per capita) country,
credentials and dress were required, and with official unemployment and poverty of a Vegas tourist: he is
until a few years ago, everyone, from princes figures of 0%. Tennis stars and Formula ready to gamble in ways
and dukes to James Bond himself, paid a 1 racers, keen to shelter their earnings,
he would never consider
cover charge for the right to lose his money applied by the scores for citizenship. Amidst
at baccarat or roulette. Here too gambling the proliferation of wealth and glamor, the at home.
frequently assumed a peculiar social role, as celebrated Grace Kelly — Prince Rainier
an expression of conspicuous consumption romance seemed almost like another day
and class membership. With his peers and at the office: and in 1982, when Grace died
SLAVA PYRADKIN PETKO KOSTADINOV

The winner of the 38th Back- The amazing Petko Kostadinov
gammon World Championship, accepts his semi-finalist's trophy in
Vyacheslav "Slava" Pryadkin. Monte Carlo.
MARTHA GHIO FAIRMONT MONTE CARLO

STEEN GRONBECH
The venue for the 38th World Champi-

onship offers its participants a playing
experience like no other.
Monte Carlo
in 1973, when he established a tourna- people hustle one another, both sensually consecutive titles going to a player from
ment, the European Open, there. Finally, in and financially, from dawn to dusk. one of those countries!
1979, the British organizer Lewis Deyong
moved his own “World Championship” Indeed, most of the beautiful people had Perhaps it is a sign of the economic times,
from its former home on Paradise Island, money, and were not afraid to gamble. A but nowadays very few of our best players
Bahamas, to Monte Carlo and merged it honey-pot like this, guarded by only a few bother to compete internationally. Of course
with Obolensky’s tournament. The result haughty European professionals, could there are lots of convenient opportunities to
was magical. The “World Championship” hardly fail to attract foreign soldiers of for- entertain oneself in the USA, but getting off
label stuck, and Monte Carlo became the tune; and it was not long before swarms of the farm occasionally to chase the euro is
iconic, premier stop on the international American experts began descending upon it. good for the circulation. And Monte Carlo,
backgammon circuit. even if (as some grumble) it does not quite
have the "je ne sais quoi" of 20 years ago, is
still something very special.
Let me give you five reasons why:

(1) It is hard to beat the atmosphere of the
French Riviera — and Monaco in particular
— in the summer: the weather is spectacular
and the people-watching outrageous. This
is a place where everybody wants to go
anyway on their holiday; so when you have
the perfect excuse (a high-stakes backgam-
mon tournament), why not take advantage?
(2) The clientele that attends this tourna-

ment is unique. Monte Carlo was always
the playground (or hunting ground) for a
dizzying variety of characters: the world’s
The venue that Deyong chose — the newly And they did very well indeed. From 1979 top experts, ultra-rich, fearless gamblers,
built (1975) Loew’s Hotel (now the Fairmont to 2007, Americans were crowned “world real and phony European royalty, every sort
Monte Carlo) — was not quite as uppity champion” 8 times (Bill Robertie won the of smooth-talking hustler, con artist and
as the Monte Carlo classics, the Hermitage tournament twice, in 1983 and 1987). They cheat, and hundreds of mediocre players
and the Hotel d’Paris, but that was all in its finished second 8 times and were semifinal- transfixed by the champagne dream of win-
favor. A 4-star, sprawling, 600-room beach ists 10 times. But alas, in the last five years ning the tournament and being crowned
front behemoth, it looked on its landward our pillaging and looting has slacked off World Champion.
side over on the sharpest hairpin turn of the miserably (we’ve had just one semifinal-
Monte Carlo Grand Prix. And the view was ist: Paul Weaver in 2011). Meanwhile the Nowadays, at every other tournament in the
even better from pool on the hotel’s roof, tournament has been utterly dominated world, you will see almost exclusively the
where you could also watch the beautiful by Danes and Japanese, with the last five first type: the best of the best, the grinders
Monte Carlo
ALAN GRUNWALD KAZUKO & AKIKO MARTHA GHIO

Alan Grunwald, winner of both the Kazuko Numazawa (L), Monte Carlo Crowd favorite, the fabulous Martha
World Championship 1st Consolation Open Intermediate winner & Akiko Ghio, finished 2nd to Laura Monaco in
and Monte Carlo Open Consolation. Yazawa (R), winner of the Super Jackot. the Ladies World Championship.
MOTONORI JOHN ROCKWELL THE CROWD

Motonori Kunishima of Japan had an John Rockwell enjoys himself in the A shot of the crowd at the Awards
excellent run winning the Open Divi- playing room at the 38th Backgammon Presentation Cocktail Party as they
sion of the Monte Carlo Open. World Championship. congratulate this year's winners.
who have studied the game incessantly and But Monte Carlo has somehow dodged (3) Monte Carlo is played at an extremely
wrung from it the knowledge required to evolution’s bullets. The exotic riffraff of relaxed pace. Unlike most tournaments,
keep their PR's almost invisible. The other yesteryear reappears at tournament time which need to sort out winners over a single
species have virtually gone extinct: the law every summer; and most of them play at the weekend, this one is a full week long. You
of the jungle, the survival of the fittest, has same level that they did two decades ago. play one, or at most two matches a day, and
exterminated almost every last one of them. It’s a pleasure to get in the mix with them. the rounds don’t start until 2 or 3 in the
Monte Carlo
afternoon. It’s a joy to sleep in, recover from and 2000 Euros per point. The combatants by Eric Guedj, the French organizer), these
your hangover, review the previous day’s in these duels can be amazingly casual: I three tournaments afford the backgammon
action, have a leisurely lunch and a swim, watched one matchup at the high end of tourist two solid weeks of play in some
and still not have to hurry to make it to your this range during which one player was of the most pleasant conditions available
match. The matches, in addition, are long: looking down at his phone so intently while anywhere: this year from July 29 when the
17 points in the first round of the main up texting that his opponent was able to get Nation’s Cup began, through August 11,
to 25 points in the final. I understand that away with several illegal moves! when Monte Carlo ended.
this is not to everyone’s taste, but if you are
a bit more skilled than your opponent, you (5) After a few years of separation, the Now let’s have a look at this year’s results:
should appreciate it: you have a chance to Cannes tournament and Monte Carlo are The Monte Carlo Open, the new warm-up
recover from an early accident or two. The again scheduled in continuous sequence. In event, filled up very nicely: 54 players in the
tournament structure, moreover, is classi-
cal and civilized: a progressive consolation
flight, a progressive second consolation,
and a last chance.
(4) Monte Carlo is host to another delight-

ful anachronism: money action! A long,
long time ago, in another galaxy, the side
games at tournaments were so juicy that
most good players were happy to lose in an
early round, the better not to be shut out
of a lucrative chouette or lose their favorite
customer to a competitor. Not a trace of
that kind of money action still exists at
any tournament in the world, especially
for interesting stakes — except for Monte
Carlo. Here your typical attendee has the
mindset of a Vegas tourist: he is ready to
gamble in ways he would never consider
SUNDAY MONTALBANO
at home. At this tournament, and this one Sunday Montalbano of Italy, winner of the World Championship Novice Division,
flashing a victory sign with her lucky dice.
alone, you can walk up to a stranger and
ask if he’d like to play a few money games —
and expect not to be automatically rejected. addition, Monte Carlo has now converted main draw, plus 10 rebuys, to round out a
Even if you come out a loser, the nostalgia its “after tournament” to a warm-up event, field of 64. It was won by Japan’s Motonori
value of this experience is huge; and if you the Monte Carlo Open. Since Cannes is only Kunishima. Alvaro Savio of Brazil was sec-
don’t get any action yourself, you can stroll a few miles (or kilometers) from Monaco, ond, and our own Alan Grunwald won the
around the tournament room and watch and since it once again includes the Nation’s consolation. The intermediate division was
heads-up sessions for stakes of between 200 Cup (a national team event, first promoted won by another Japanese player: the elegant
Monte Carlo
and convivial Kazuko Numazawa, fresh off come into a life-changing sum of money Petko Kostadinov. Mr. Vincent was there,
her victory in the ladies’ event in Cannes. by winning a very high-stakes weight bet. of course, as were the 2008 champion and
Second was Denmark’s Jens Lauridsen. Down from his formerly imposing sumo- 2009 runner-up, Lars Trabolt (“Trabi”) of
like 310 pounds, he was now a wispy 185. Denmark, and Falafel’s right-hand man,
The main flight drew 141 entrants — about He announced, as the tournament began, the Israeli Eli Roymi. No one paid much
the average in recent years — but the action that this would be his last. With the money attention to another quarterfinalist, the
as the tournament began was anything he had earned, he planned to move back suave Ukranian (and Monte Carlo resident),
but average: the three betting favorites — to Israel, retire from backgammon, and get Vyacheslav “Slava” Pryadkin — for Slava is a
Mochizuki Masayuki (Mochy), Michihito married. He may, that is, have lacked some high-stakes money player, a fearless gambler
Kageyama (Michi) and Matvey Natan- motivation in our match. type — but one not terribly interested in
zon (Falafel) — were all eliminated in the the nuances of match play. Those of us who
know him were aware that he was capable
of beating anyone 1 at any time, but that he
almost never plays in tournaments.
Grunwald, Vincent and Roymi were elimi-

nated in the quarters, leaving four semifinal-
ists: Trabi, Petko, Slava, and an unknown
Finn, Ensio Einola Tero. The handicapping
favorites now were Petko and Trabi, but they
were paired against one another, and only
one could win. Their match was dramatic:
Petko jumped out to a big lead, but Trabi,
imperturbable as usual, fought back. Petko
got in time pressure and lost his way in a
few complicated games towards the end of
the 23-point match. Trabi finally prevailed,
as did Slava against his Finnish opponent.
THE NEW FALAFEL & BOB WACHTEL 1. Including Snowie! For some years, in the
The recently slimmed-down Falafel paired with Bob Wachtel in round 1 of the pre-eXtreme era, Slava played a proposition
World Championship Championship Division. against various teams of the world’s top players:
they played money game sessions in which Slava
was spotted 1.5 points every ten games, but the
first round! I must personally take credit for I made it to the round of 16, where I lost to teams could consult with Snowie on every play
knocking Falafel out — I was paired with the long-haired Frenchman, Alexis Vincent; and cube decision. Often, trying to incorporate
him and managed to win our 17-point match and with the tournament up for grabs, there their own understanding of Slava’s psychology
into mix, the human experts would override the
— but it was a shadow of his former self — were some new faces in the quarterfinals.
bot’s advice. After hundreds of hours of play,
literally — against whom I was playing. Just The USA was still represented by two of Slava came out substantially ahead, and his
before the tournament began, Falafel had its premier players, Alan Grunwald and opponents abandoned the proposition.
Monte Carlo
The final, like all Monte Carlo finals in could have redoubled Slava to 8. Both of he labored under a technical inferiority. But
recent memory, was accompanied by a high- these redoubles would have been horrible Falafel, who has played Slava for count-
energy, real-time commentary, courtesy of in a money game or at the beginning of a less hours, knows that he is one of those
Falafel. Struggling with my last chance oppo- long match, for Trabi was only about a 52% gamblers who prefers offense to defense:
nents, I was unable to pay much attention; favorite in the first position, and 57% in he likes to give doubles but does not like
but it sounded from the hubbub as if the the second — but they were correct at the to take them. He, and with him many of
match contained plenty of fireworks. This, match score. Falafel, playing to the audi- Slava’s other gambling buddies, thought that
I guessed, was probably because Slava, as ence, acted incredulous, even outraged, that Slava might have passed the second of these
usual, had been throwing the cube around. Trabi, one of the world’s best players, had redoubles. But he never had to make that
It turned out that I was right; but most of missed these cubes. But Trabi’s decisions decision, and that was all she wrote. Slava
the commotion had arisen from Trabi’s were very understandable, for he had next gathered 12 points and won the match by
reluctance to reciprocate. There were two to no experience with his opponent. Slava backgammoning Trabi in that very game!
situations on consecutive moves in the last probably struck him as just another loose
game, where Trabi, down in the match, player, trying to action up a match in which
Position 1
13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24
Pip: 104
Slava Pyradkin
11-Away
16-Away
Lars Trabolt
Pip: 135
12 11 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1
Black (Trabolt) on roll. Cube action?

Monte Carlo
Position 2
13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24
Pip: 104
Slava Pyradkin
11-Away
16-Away
Lars Trabolt
Pip: 128
12 11 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1
Black (Trabolt) on roll. Cube action?

Monte Carlo
Other results: Alan Grunwald consolidated This year, for the first time, the females did the sunshine of his home in Tennerife for
his title of “consolation king” by winning not get a free ride. 16 of them laid out 100 the sunshine of Monaco, coming in second.
that flight in this tournament as well as the Euros each to compete for the ladies’ world
Monte Carlo Open; Brazil’s Ian Macfarlane championship. The winner, in an impres- Everybody loves speedgammon, for it gives
was runner-up. Geert van der Stricht of sive repeat of her last year’s performance, us an excuse to dodge work and just (at
Belgium prevailed in the second consola- was Italy’s Laura Monaco. Perennial crowd last!) do what feels good over the board.
tion, and Ary Nogueira (Brazil) won the favorite, actress and budding backgam- 128 hopefuls participated in this year’s
last chance. mon journalist Martha Ghio (USA) was event, with the top honors going to the
runner-up. Norwegian expert Hans Liby. I’ve always
In the intermediate division, Dario Bertola thought of Hans as a slow player, for he
of Italy topped the 43-player field. Ukraine’s If you asked me who was favored to win the generally consumes almost all of his time
Oleksii Naplokov was second. Jean-Chris- super jackpot (1,000 Euros, 32 entries) at this in his clocked matches; but this result sug-
tophe Moroni of Switzerland won the or any other tournament, my answer would gests that he is neither fast nor slow, but
first consolation, and Vazgen Matevosyan be “Akiko, of course.” That is Japan’s Akiko simply a very efficient user of his time!
(Armenia) the second consolation. Italy’s Yazawa, whose record in these high-stakes, Second place went to Fernando Neumark
Daniel Tudose prevailed in the last chance. sudden-death events has to rank among (Argentina). The organizer of the Cannes
the most remarkable in all of sport. She tournament, Franck Stepler, who is always
The novice division (21 entries) was won continued her streak in Monte Carlo, beat- in the money in speed events, shared third
by Italy’s Sunday Montalbano. Mircea ing Germany’s Najib Sallamzy in the final. and fourth places with the winner of the
Marcu (Romania) was runner-up. Donna 2013 edition of that tournament, Japan’s
Sherred (Canada/England) won the first 64 players admitted that they were over Tatsuya Tanaka.
consolation, Metschin Ayrat (Russia) the fifty and thereby qualified for the Seniors’
second, and Finland’s Rauno Tiainen took tournament. Masahiko Nasu (Japan) was The consulting doubles drew 64 teams, and
last-chance honors. the winner, with Ricardo Malas, who traded was won by the Japanese experts Michi and
Monte Carlo
Tanaka. The Greek team of Haris Christidis The Israeli team of David Ben-Zion, Shimon to play safe and consolidate my position:
and Konstantino Mitrelis was runner up. Kagan and Yosi Tissona outlasted 32 rivals 21/16, 10/9. But then I decided to try to
Third and fourth places were shared by the to win the complementary Fortis Team be more logical. Since I was down in the
fun-loving San Diegans, Mark Andrus and Championship, with each team member match, I reasoned, shouldn’t be trying to
Justin Bor, and the team of Tobias Hellwag receiving a Fortis watch as their prize. sharpen the position? So I sat on my hands
(Germany) and the famous American and started considering making my own
gambler Mike Svobodny’s 13-year-old son, After all that history and news, let me share 5 point, 10/5, 6/5. And the more I looked
also named Mike Svobodny! one backgammon position with you. This at it, the more I liked it. It is aggressive, it
one came up late in my 21-point match unstacks beautifully, and it puts a serious
The World Federation Cup, an event much against Alexis Vincent. I lost an 8 cube cramp on Vincent’s two 23-point check-
like the International Backgammon Cham- early on, but had fought back gallantly ers. Time was short, and I had to act. I
pionship, drew 32 players. Alain Babillion, to 15-18: so now it was 6-away, 3-away. made my decision: the five point it was.
representing the French Backgammon The cube was in the center, and I had just I was rather proud that I had not moved
Federation, edged out Kimon Papachris- barely managed to survive an early attack impulsively, and had made a courageous
topoulos, playing for Greece. when I rolled 5-1. My instinct was simply play under pressure.
Position 3
13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24
Pip: 115
Alexis Vincent
3-Away
6-Away
Bob Wachtel
Pip: 148
12 11 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1
Black (Wachtel) to play 51

Monte Carlo
But then things went horribly wrong. Vin- But even with the cube turned, making the got it wrong. But at least it illustrates a little-
cent rolled a 4-2. He hit me twice: 13/9* 6/4*. five point would be a mistake. The play is appreciated way in which good or bad luck
I danced. He gammoned me and won the just too big. can be manifested in competition: in any
match easily. That drastic result got me to particular match or tournament, you can
wondering about my play. And sure enough, Perhaps there is no moral to this story, apart count yourself fortunate if not too many
when I asked XG, it told me that making from the fact that tournament backgam- positions that you misunderstand arise at
the 5 point was a double whopper! Part of mon is a very complex and demanding crucial moments. 
the explanation, I suppose, is that, with sport; and indeed more than half of the
the cube in the center, a gammon gets my players to whom I showed this position, - BOB WACHTEL
opponent rather efficiently to Crawford. including several of the world’s very best,
Video Interview
Meet slava pyradkin
Winner of the 38th World
Championship
Watch this exclusive footage of Vyacheslav "Slava"

Pryadkin, our 2013 Backgammon World Champion! Video
shot and recorded live in Monte Carlo by Martha Ghio.
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
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adam versaw
Profile of Adam Versaw:
“
What brings out his
consistently high
The Next Generation
By Karen Davis
performance is, in the

words of Paul Magriel,
“an insane desire to
win.” Adam hates los-
ing. His focus and
concentration give him
a competitive edge...
A
t the age of 31, Adam Versaw has Adam is emblematic of the new generation A year later he decided he was ready for the
already made his mark in the of backgammon players. He learned back- big time: he played in the Open Division,
backgammon world, winning gammon from his Dad, Bill Versaw, when finishing second after losing a close match
the 2012-2013 USBGF National Internet he was 14 or 15. With tutoring from Abbas in the finals of the Indiana Open division
Championship (NIC) Open Division, the Zaltash, a renowned Pittsburgh player, he against Giant Ray Fogerlund and winning
most prestigious, largest, and most difficult improved quickly. In 1998, at just 17, he a match with All-time ABT Champion
event on the U.S. Backgammon Federation won the Michigan Summer Championships Neil Kazaross along the way. Although he
Online Circuit! The NIC had 336 entries Novice Division over a field of 21 players. focused on family and work for the next
in all three divisions: including 184 in the In 2000 he was runner-up in the Advanced decade, the encouragement he got from
Open; 88 in the Advanced; and 64 in the Division Consolation at Michigan, and in Neil’s positive comments on his play in
Intermediate. Adam is currently the top- 2001 he placed second in the Advanced Divi- Indianapolis inspired him to return to
ranked player on the USBGF Online Leader sion at both the Indianapolis and Pittsburgh competition online.
KAREN DAVIS
Board with an Elo rating of 1951, and 12-3 ABT tournaments. He won the Amateur
win-loss record. Jackpot in Indianapolis in 2002 (where his Unlike a lot of young players, Adam attri-
Dad placed third!). butes his success more to an intense com-
petitive spirit than a grasp of the finer GridGammon player PR's on the bgonline
mathematical aspects of the game. His forum, Adam decided to play online only
background, in a pursuit dominated by when he is prepared for serious competi-
scientific types, is a rarity: he studied lib- tion -- not when he is tired and shuffling
eral arts in college, majoring in political checkers around. Adam pretty consistently
science and French. But Adam says that he plays at a PR of around 4.2 or 4.3.
understands probability fairly well and can
handle mental math acceptably. Adam plays his best game when against a
human opponent, not a bot. He finds he
He admits that his training methods leave can’t play well against a bot for long: he
something to be desired: he spends about gets frustrated and starts going into mas-
90 percent of his time playing and only sive backgames. He enjoys playing most in
10 percent studying or reviewing his play. live tournaments, but the logistics, time,
What brings out his consistently high per- and cost of traveling to ABT tour events
formance is, in the words of Paul Magriel, are formidable obstacles; and now that the
“an insane desire to win.” Adam hates Pittsburgh club is inactive and Indianapolis
losing. His focus and concentration give and Pittsburgh are no longer hosting ABT
him a competitive edge – and even super- tournaments, it’s even harder to play live. So
intelligent players don’t always have levels Adam finds most of his competition online.
of success comparable to his.
Adam works hard at his job in the con-
Adam treasures his memories of playing struction business and also makes family
against top players. He was in the box in a priority. But he is teaching the game to
a chouette in Indianapolis in 2002 when his 7-year old son Isaac. Two-year old Iris
Magriel joined the chouette. There was a is just at the cup-shaking stage, but game
lot of good-humored trash-talk, teasing night, when his dad Bill visits, is a fun time
about putting the young “whipper-snapper” – even though Bill and Adam sometimes
in his place. Adam was nervous and a bit disagree on their advice to Isaac. Adam
intimidated when Magriel moved up into the plans to get another copy of Magriel’s great
captain’s seat and deliberately complicated book for Isaac so he can learn from the
the game. But Adam prevailed: and though master. While his Dad and Adam don’t
the stakes were low, it was a rewarding and always agree on backgammon plays, they
memorable experience. still make a great doubles team. In 2011
they teamed up to come in second in the
In the last few years Adam has analyzed doubles in Pittsburgh.
all of his GridGammon matches on eXtre-
meGammon (XG), saving profiles of his Adam appreciates all the work the U.S.
cube and checker play performance. When Backgammon Federation does to bring
Iancho Hristov started posting records of younger players into the game: Getting
Adam Versaw
backgammon sets in the hands of students
and cultivating their interest, he says, is the
only way to make the game thrive.
Adam would like GridGammon to add

some features. It’s a cool site, he says, but
it would be nice to have the option of
shutting off outside chat. He also often
watches portions of his friends’ matches
when he has some free time -- and in those
situations he would like to be able to save
the whole match even if he wasn’t present
throughout. 
- KAREN DAVIS
THE VERSAW FAMILY

Iris, Adam, and Isaac Versaw photographed by Adam's wife, Michelle Versaw.
eva zizkova
Winner of the 2013 USBGF
“
I like participating in
the USBGF Circuit. On
Circuit Monthly for June
Interview by Karen Davis
the one hand, it presents

an opportunity to play
with excellent players;
and because it is not
a money game, I do
believe there are not the
same attempts to cheat
as on other servers. EVA AT WSOB
Eva Zizkova seen here at the
2009 World Series of Back-
gammon at the Corinthia
Hotel in Prague.
Q&A
Q: When and why did you start play-
ing, so this was exactly the game for him.
By accident I found out there was a small
tournament in Prague which my son could
A: Backgammon is almost unknown in
the Czech Republic. That’s why I play more
often online. Sometimes I play chouette
ing backgammon? attend. There I met Iwo Kovář, the doyen of with friends, but I prefer tournaments. In
Czech backgammon, who had lived in the the Czech Republic, we have a few local
A: I was told about backgammon in 2003 States for many years. He told me about a tournaments and also the Czechoslovak
by my husband. Up to that moment, it was group of enthusiasts who regularly played backgammon league. Its first year just fin-
a totally unknown game to me. In fact, I in a chouette. I started playing with them ished this June. I finished in second place,
didn’t like it much in the beginning. Some (without my son, of course :-)) and then I right after the best Czech player Honza
time after that, I discovered the GNUBG started to understand how wonderful, excit- Cerny. For the last 4 years I have gone to
program; and once I managed to move the ing and complex a game backgammon is. one international tournament per year.
checkers, I thought I had learned the game. This year I took part in the Nordic Open
We played backgammon with our son, who Q: Do you play in live tournaments tournament. I was excited by the number
was then 5 years old, only at home. My as well as online? of players and by its perfect organization.
son always loved numbers and calculat-
Eva Zizkova
Q: What have been your most memo- game analysis in ExtremeGammon and A: I am not sure if it’s possible for online
rable experiences playing live, online? the chance to see my errors. Nevertheless, tournaments, but I like the format of dual-
I prefer live games because they are more duel, of which I heard for the first time this
A: An unforgettable experience which exciting. I can’t really say why :-) year. On one side of the tournament bracket
influenced my future orientation in back- is the classical system of wins and losses;
gammon was the WSOB in 2009 at the Q: How did you find your experience the other side of the bracket measures the
Corinthia Hotel in Prague. This was the participating in the USBGF Online quality of the player’s performance. Each
first time I could see the world’s top players Circuit? game is analyzed in ExtremeGammon, and
in action. I took part in the tournament, the better performer moves ahead without
though only in the Intermediate division A: I like participating in the USBGF Circuit. having to win.
and without any theoretical study. Since On the one hand, it presents an opportunity
I can’t attend international tournaments to play with excellent players; and because it Thank you and all your USBGF team for
very often, every tournament I take part is not a money game, I do believe there are your great work for backgammon! 
in is an experience for me. not the same attempts to cheat as on other
servers. I think of my participation in the - KAREN DAVIS
Q: Which do you prefer and why? USBGF tournaments as a good preparation
for live tournaments and I try to play as
A: I prefer matches, or tournaments rather responsibly as possible.
than money games. I like both live and
online playing. Online games can be played Q: What suggestions would you have
whenever I have time and I can stay with for USBGF to enhance playing oppor-
my family. The advantage is also the post- tunities for members?
93
Mario Savan
Winner of the 2013 USBGF
Circuit Monthly for March
A
By Karen Davis savvy
player
M
ario Savan, winner of the
USBGF March 2013 Cir-
cuit, loves backgammon. It
shows! Mario has a Win-Loss record of
43-16 – more winning matches on the U.S.
Backgammon Federation Online Leader
Board than any of the more than 350 play-
ers registered in the Online Circuit. At 59
matches played as of the first of August, his
nearest competitor for total matches played
is far behind at 42. And at 73 percent wins,
he ranks in the top 20 on the Online Leader
Board on that measure of performance. His
USBGF online Elo rating of 1822 puts him
in the top fifth of the field.
When he can take time away from his

busy real estate/mortgage loan business,
Mario plays in live American Backgam-
mon Tour (ABT) tournaments as well. In
THE AFTER TOURNAMENT

AFTER-TOURNAMENT
ALI AVCIOUGLU
A priceless shot of Mario Savan after

the After-Tournament Tournament in
San Francisco in 2012.
Mario Savan
his first ABT event in 2000, the Las Vegas Mario has done well in jackpots — side the real estate crash.
Open, he topped 74 entrants to win the events often ignored by other tournament
Consolation of the Beginner’s Division. He attendees. He attributes his success to his He’s been no stranger to adversity. His par-
scored a major victory just two years later, ability to keep his energy high long after ents moved from Buenos Aires, Argentina,
winning a Blitz with a field of 320 entries, others have become discouraged by their when he was 12. He had been popular at
including re-entries, at the 2002 Nevada losses. He won the $100 Jackpot at the school in Argentina: he was a star soccer
State Championship. And he went on to win 2013 Texas Backgammon Championship, player, carried the school flag at ceremonies,
the Advanced division of the 10th Interna- defeating Christian Stoddard in the finals and had lots of friends. When he arrived in
tional Cup Backgammon Tournament in in the waning hours of a long event-filled the Central Valley of California, he didn’t
Las Vegas in May of 2004 in a field of 248 four-day tournament. He came in tied for know English. He was picked on at school
entries (including re-entries), defeating third in the LA Open Advanced Division and didn’t excel at American sports. But he
San Francisco’s Backgammon by the Bay
director Ted Chee in the finals. He followed
that up two years later, taking first in the
Advanced division at the LA Open in June
2006. Heady stuff for a relative newcomer
to competitive play!
But the California real estate market tanked

just as Mario was hitting his stride. He
focused all of his energies on surviving in
a very difficult market environment: doing
what he needed to do to keep his business
afloat – working long hours, closing his
office, moving his business into his home,
and going the extra mile for his clients —
earning their loyalty and appreciation.
He surfaced again on the backgammon

scene in 2010, coming in 2nd in a $50
MARIO & CAROL JOY COLE
Jackpot at the California State tournament Mario Savan, winner of the 2013 Frank Talbot Newcomers event, with Michigan
Summer Championships director Carol Joy Cole.
in Los Angeles. He won the Limited Jackpot
at the 4th U.S. Backgammon Open in San Consolation. He won the Frank Talbot held it together, mastered English, finished
Francisco in January 2012, and captured Newcomers Free Roll event at the 2013 high school, studied accounting, and got a
second place in the Advanced Division. Michigan Summer Backgammon Cham- job in banking. Rather than having a chip
He went on to win a $100 Jackpot at the pionships, and finished tied for fourth in on his shoulder, his only regret is that he
KAREN DAVIS
2nd Golden Gate Open in San Francisco the After Tournament. Mario credits his hasn’t had the opportunity to serve his
in August 2012. long string of backgammon victories to newfound country in some capacity. And
the discipline he developed in surviving he’s come to love American sports: he is
Mario Savan
a big San Diego Chargers fan and avidly him to autograph his copy of the book! daughter Madeline, age 17, has trouble
follows professional baseball, basketball, He’s also studied other Robertie books as counting pips, but still managed to beat him
and hockey. well as Jeremy Bagai’s Classic Backgammon in a five point match at the South Orange
Revisited and Walter Trice’s Backgammon County Backgammon Championship. He
Mario’s determination, discipline, and dedi- Boot Camp. He admires winning players like got his brother Gabe and nephew Chris to
cation were also instrumental in improv- Ray Fogerlund, and is curious to learn why join him in a USBGF team event.
ing his game. After his initial 2000 win in many of the old concepts are wrong and
Vegas, he started studying in earnest with why play is different today. He’s benefitted Mario prefers to play live, but notes that
Bill Robertie’s 501 Essential Backgammon from lessons from Phil Simborg, but still online competition has some virtues: it
Problems, getting 3 out of 4 problems wrong doesn’t consider himself a world-class expert avoids the expense of traveling to major
in his first pass through. He went back over at either checker play or cube decisions. tournaments and the Advanced division
sandbaggers: players who’ve entered at that
level forever and often walk away with the
prize money.
Mario has a keen observation to make on

the effect of the poker craze on the back-
gammon world: it drew away most of the
money-hungry types (some of whom were
bad sports), leaving the way open for new-
comers like him who truly love the game.
It’s great to have Mario as a USBGF Bronze
Founding Sponsor, and a great supporter
of the game. 
- KAREN DAVIS
CHRISTIAN STODDARD & MARIO

Mario Savan defeated Christian Stoddard in finals of $100 Jackpot at 2013 Texas
Backgammon Championships.
the problems several times, until he got But he knows his priorities, and play has
75-80 percent right. His game improved to take a back seat to work and family. He
dramatically, and he thanked Robertie and his wife Pia are putting two daughters
in person when he met him in Monte through college: one studying to become a
LYNN ERLICH
Carlo. As a sequel to that tale, he defeated paralegal and the other interested in real
Robertie in the quarterfinals of the 2002 estate. But the family still plays backgammon
Blitz in Las Vegas, and promptly asked after the day’s work is done. His younger
nothing could be finer

The 10th Carolina Invitational
By Karen Davis
T
he return of the Carolina Invi- in the earlier rounds and Stuart Thomson Texas to win the Cardinal Classic Amateur
tational to the American Back- in the finals), appealed to top-drawer play- Jackpot. Virginia/DC-area player Ghazi
gammon Tour over Labor Day ers wanting quicker play. It consisted of Al-Kinani captured second place.
weekend was a rousing success. John F. 13-point matches with a 10-second delay
Kennedy once said “Washington is a city of and 13 minutes total reserve. Players could Matches were streamed over the Internet
Southern efficiency and Northern charm.” either enter the round of 8 directly or play for players who couldn’t make the event but
The tournament got high marks for the a qualifying round for half the entry fee. were eager to follow the action. In all 39
cordiality of Jeb Horton and his family/ matches were streamed over the five-day
staff and the efficiency of the Swiss format The Queen City Cup Masters Jackpot (11- tournament garnering almost 3,000 views.
Main event. point matches, single elimination, opening Archived videos may be found at youtube.
qualifying round for half price) drew a com/user/USBGFbroadcast.
It was a wonderful opportunity for the field of 16. Frank Raposa won the event,
participants to play non-stop backgam- slaying Giants Ed O’Laughlin, and Petko
mon against a competitive field, with lots Kostadinov in the early rounds, and besting
of innovations to suit every taste. A Faster Rod Covlin in the finals. NOVICE WINNERS
Masters, won by Petko Kostadinov (he Carl Yerger (R), an assistant math pro-
defeated Neil Kazaross and Richard Munitz David Kettler made the trip from Austin, fessor, won first place in the Novice di-
vision with Almon Hall placing second.
“
It's great to know that
you are guaranteed X
number of matches; that
you can lose your first
and even second match
and still be in the hunt...
The Swiss format of the main event drew enjoyment of playing each match.” among the streaming-viewer audience built.
lots of praise: starting times were posted so At double match point Stuart rolled two
those finishing their matches early could In the Championship Division, David double sixes to win the race and take the
take a break and enjoy the fine Carolina Presser, largely unknown on the national Championship victory. Presser summed up
weather. As Phil Simborg said, “It's great backgammon scene but well respected in his second-place finish on bgonline forum:
to know that you are guaranteed X number Chicago (where he recently completed “Personally, it was a good weekend and I
of matches; that you can lose your first and graduate school at Northwestern Univer- am happy with and proud of my results.
even second match and still be in the hunt; sity), created a buzz by winning his first Yes, the ending was painful but this is the
that your match times are firmly scheduled eight rounds. At the end of the second day game. If you can't deal with it, don't take
so that you never have to wait around for he had a match win-loss record of 5-0. In the journey.” To which Joe Russell replied,
your next match, not knowing when it will Round 6 it came down to double match “Well said! You have earned my respect as
start, and you can take a break and relax or point against Giant Paul Weaver. With only a player and a good sport!” Others shar-
socialize or grab a snack or a nap or what- 2 seconds left on his clock, David cocked ing the 2nd through 6th place tie with 8-2
ever if you finish early; that you are using his dice with several rolls to go, but (in the records were Frank Raposa, John Klein,
clocks which greatly improves not only the words of Phil Simborg) “kept his cool and Alfred Mamlet, and Petko Kostadinov – a
scheduling of matches, but the quality and won.” He went on to defeat co-tournament formidable group of competitors.
organizer David Rogers, Petko Kostadinov,
and Alfred Mamlet, before finally suffer- The Advanced and Novice divisions were
ing his first loss in the hands of respected open to players for a modest registration fee
FASTER MASTERS DC player John Klein. With an 8-1 record and optional side pool – making it affordable
Petko Kostadinov gets off to a great going into the final Round 10 against Stuart for those on limited budgets but wanting
start in Charlotte by winning the in- Thomson, the excitement in the room and Continued on page 100
novative Faster Masters event.
Nothing Could Be Finer
THE SOUTHERN SWISS

David Presser (L) rocketed to an 8-1
record before succumbing to Stuart
Thomson (R) in the Swiss format finals.
CAROL JOY COLE WINS!

CJC won the After Tourney-Tourney,
shown with tournament co-direc-
tor, the fabulous Robin Horton.
MUNITZ VS. HORTON

Richard Munitz and Jeb Horton
faced off in the finals of the USBGF
National Championship East.
presser vs. thomson

Championship Division of
the 10th Carolina Invitational
SKUNK OFF!
Serious Skunk Dice action tak-
ing place at Charlotte. Everyone
wanted this rodent!

Continued from page 97
to test their backgammon skills against (16 teams) was dominated by Virginia/DC/ players (including Bob Koca, Ray Fogerlund
other intermediate and beginner players. Maryland players, with first place going to and Phil Simborg) played the variation on
The Advanced Division was captured by Dennis Culpepper/ Ed O’Laughlin. John the side in between matches.
David Davis (North Carolina) with 2nd Klein and LEW Webber finished second.
through 5th going to Marcy Kossar (MD), The Quicker Quickies drew lots of repeat
Pete Roubicek (GA), Kathy Weiner, and Phil Simborg won the $50 Early Bird Jack- entrants – with Michael Edge winning the
Marvin Widenhouse (NC). pot (8 entries). Debra Campbell won the $20 event (64 entries), and Tara Mendicino
$20 Early Bird Jackpot (4 entries). Among defeating Stephen Collins in the finals of
In the Novice division, Carl Yerger, an those with the greatest staying power was the $10 Quicker Quickies (16).
assistant math professor at Davidson Col- Carol Joy Cole. She won the After Tourney-
lege, took first place, with Almon Hall, son Tourney, overcoming Phil Simborg in the Phil Simborg, USBGF Education Adviser
of veteran North Carolina player Bruce finals. and teacher par excellence, gave two well
Hall, placing second. Stephen Collins, the attended lectures. The first, aimed at begin-
youngest player in the field at age 16, won Carter Mattig couldn’t have been more ners, nonetheless drew a lot of experienced
the consolation. thrilled to win the Skunk Dice for Charity players. The second, “Are You Smarter
event, which raised $855 for the American than a Simborg” was designed for Open
The USBGF National Championship East Diabetes Association in memory of Peter and Advanced players. It was presented
attracted 80 entrants in 10 qualifying brack- Kalba and in support of all backgammon along with two USBGF quizzes (one for
ets of 8, yielding 10 players for the final players suffering from diabetes. Tournament each division). Richard Munitz and Larry
playoffs. The first entry was free, with co-directors Jeb Horton and David Rogers Taylor won the Open Division (prizes:
re-entries generating an attractive prize matched the contributions of the precision dice and dice cups). Joel Planer
pool (along with an optional side pool). participants. The Skunk won the Advanced quiz (prize: a one-year
Tournament director Jeb Horton won the Dice event was so well USBGF membership).
event (directed by USBGF online circuit received that several
tournament director Tara Mendicino), with The tournament venue (the Crowne Plaza
Richard Munitz finishing second Executive Park Hotel) was praised for the
in the National Championship quality of its rooms and accessibility to
East. Since Richard also won the the airport (only a short free shuttle bus
National Championship West at ride away). Groups of players were found
the Texas Backgammon Cham- enjoying southern food in the hotel dining
pionship in San Antonio earlier in room, Japanese food and sushi at a nearby
the year, a rematch between Jeb and Richard restaurant, and a Carolina BBQ just down
settled the USBGF Grand Championship the block. Many thanks to Jeb, Robin, Scott,
-- with Jeb winning the beautiful USBGF and Paul Horton and Tara Mendicino for a
Grand Championship trophy. great tournament that is sure to draw lots
of repeat customers next year! 
There were tournaments for those who
came early and those who stayed late, and - KAREN DAVIS
lots of enjoyable side events. The Doubles
3rd international
backgammon championship
Match play is now in progress!
By Tara Mendicino
T
he 3rd International Backgam- ners. Medals will be awarded to the winning All rounds of the preliminary brackets will
mon Championship (IBC) – the Country Prize team members determined be a best 2-of-3 series for 11 points. The
online Olympics of Backgammon by the most match wins. semi-final of the Playoff will be best 2-of-3
where the best of the best compete for for 13 points, and the Championship Final
prizes and medals – is now underway. It The 3rd IBC has a completely new and will be best 2-of-3 for 15 points. Each round
is co-sponsored by the U.S. Backgammon different format from the two previous will last 14 days. Drawsheets and upcoming
Federation, the Japanese Backgammon tournaments. Our new format has FREE matches may be followed on the tournament
League, and the French Backgammon entry, a very low registration fee of 21 Euros website at bgchampionship.com.
Federation and underwritten by three to cover expenses. It allows up to 16 players
special sponsors. per country, and has a guaranteed prize All matches will be recorded, submitted
pool! The IBC is a non-profit enterprise. Left when a match win is reported, and subject
It is the largest and most competitive IBC over funds will be used in next year’s event. to computer and human analysis for pos-
to date, with 275 players from 26 countries sibility of irregularities. Proctors will be
registered bgchampionship.com/trny/ The 3rd IBC tournament is directed by required during the semi-finals, and final
leaderboard/?res=0. Backgammon federa- Tara Mendicino tara@usbgf.org, assisted of the Playoff, or may be played in person.
tions in each country have selected up to 16 by Leonardo Jerkovic. The performance level in proctored matches
of the best players in their country. Where will be compared to the performance level
no Federation or Organization exists in All match play will take place online, in non-proctored matches and with the
a country, individual players designated although sponsors reserve the right to player’s performance in other tournaments.
a captain approved by the Organizing require selected matches to be played live.
Committee to be the organizer from their Play will start with sixteen 32-player prelimi- Updates on tournament progression will
country. nary brackets. The winners of each bracket be available on the tournament website
will be automatically registered into a final and on the U.S. Backgammon Federation
The prize pool is a minimum of 4,700 Euros 16-player Playoff bracket. Players from the Facebook page facebook.com/USBGF. 
graciously underwritten by 3 very special same Federation will be evenly distributed
people. They have made a commitment throughout the preliminary brackets. All - TARA MENDICINO
in their desire to see backgammon grow. players will have equal chance for byes.
Trophies will be awarded to individual win-
live abt tournament results

From July 19 - September 2nd
Complete tournament results may be found at chicagopoint.com
July 2013
ABT - 18th MINNESOTA OPEN BACKGAMMON CHAMPIONSHIPS
July 19-21, 2013; Bloomington, Minnesota
OPEN (21): 1-Jim Pokela (MN), 2-David Rockwell (IL); 1C-Ed O'Laughlin (VA), 2C-Yury Millman (MN);
1LC-Bruce Russell (WI).
INTERMEDIATE (17): 1-James Worley (MO), 2-Steve Binenstock (MN); 1C-Hugh Morris (MN), 2C-Larry
Arnold (MN); 1LC-Kyle Wagner (MN).
MASTERS (8): 1-Steve Brown (MN), 2-David Rockwell (IL).
DOUBLES (8 teams): 1-Keene Marin (WI) & Vadim Nuniyants (WI), 2-Bill Davis (IL) & David Presser (IL).
BLITZ (32): 1-Chris Scott (IL), 2-Kevin Ahtou (MN).
August 2013
ABT - 11th ANNUAL WISCONSIN STATE BACKGAMMON CHAMPIONSHIPS
August 9-11, 2013; Madison, Wisconsin
CHAMPIONSHIP (34): 1-John O'Hagan (IN), 2-Steve Brown (MN), 3/4-Rod Covlin (NY) / Sean Garber (IN);
1C-Ray Fogerlund (NV), 2C-Jerry Slomkoski (CA); 1LC-Neil Kazaross (IL).
ADVANCED (27): 1-Stan Livingston (WI), 2-Jack Edelman (WI); 1C-Scott Johnston (IN), 2C-Paul Baraz (IL);
1LC-Matt Johnson (WI).
NOVICE (3): 1-Mary Massey (WI).

Live ABT Tournament Results

BADGER CLASSIC (9): 1-Steve Brown (MN), 2-Rod Covlin (NY).
AMATEUR JACKPOT (16): 1/2-Paul Baraz (IL) / Sal Chehayeb (MI).
EARLY BIRD JACKPOT #1 (16): 1-Lucky Nelson (IL), 2-Jack Edelman (WI).
EARLY BIRD JACKPOT #2 (16): 1-Jesse Eaton (MN), 2-David Rockwell (IL).
DOUBLES (16): 1-Chuck Bower (IN) & Charlie Haley (IN), 2-Carter Mattig (IL) & Phil Simborg (IL).
CANCELGAMMON (16): 1-Kurt Peterson (MN), 2-Rod Covlin (NY).
BLITZ (40): 1-Rod Covlin (NY), 2-Linda Rockwell (IL).
1-POINT QUICKIES (32): 1-Paul Baraz (IL), 2-Ray Fogerlund (NV).
$50 JACKPOT #1 (8): 1-Carol Joy Cole (MI), 2-Rory Pascar (IL).
$50 JACKPOT #2 (8): 1/2-Mike Minkovski (IL) / Jim Slomkoski (MI).
USBGF/SIMBORG QUIZ: Open winner - Harold Rex (MI); Advanced winner - George Steele (TX).
AFTER TOURNAMENT (8): 1/2-Ray Fogerlund (NV) / Keene Marin (WI).
ABT - 10th CAROLINA INVITATIONAL BACKGAMMON CHAMPIONSHIPS

August 29-September 2, 2013; Charlotte, North Carolina
CHAMPIONSHIP (38): 1-Stuart Thomson (GA), 2/6-David Presser (IL) / Frank Raposa (VA) / John Klein
(MD) / Alfred Mamlet (MD) / Petko Kostadinov (SC), 7-David Rogers (NC).
ADVANCED (26): 1-David Davis (NC), 2/5-Marcy Kossar (MD) / Pete Roubicek (GA) / Kathy Weiner (FL) /
Marvin Widenhouse (NC), 6/8-Debra Campbell (NC) / Ben Elliott (NC) / Patty Geoffroy (MA).
NOVICE (7): 1-Carl Yerger (NC), 2-Almon Hall (NC); 1C-Stephen Collins (OH).
FASTER MASTERS (10): 1-Petko Kostadinov (SC), 2-Stuart Thomson (GA).
$50 EARLYBIRD JACKPOT (8): 1-Phil Simborg (IL).

$20 EARLYBIRD JACKPOT (4): 1-Debra Campbell (NC).
Live ABT Tournament Results

QUEEN CITY CUP MASTERS JACKPOT (16): 1-Frank Raposa (VA), 2-Rod Covlin (NY).
CARDINAL CLASSIC AMATEUR JACKPOT (7) 1-David Kettler (TX), 2-Ghazi Al-Kinani (VA).
DOUBLES (16 teams): 1-Dennis Culpepper (VA) & Ed O'Laughlin (VA), 2-John Klein (MD) & LEW Webber
(MD).
$20 QUICKER QUICKIES (64): 1-Michael Edge (SC), 2-Rod Covlin (NY).
$10 QUICKER QUICKIES (16): 1-Tara Mendicino (TX), 2-Stephen Collins (OH).
USBGF/SIMBORG QUIZ: Open winners - Richard Munitz (NY) / Larry Taylor (GA); Advanced winner - Joel
Planer (NC).
USBGF NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP EAST (80): 1-Jeb Horton (NC), 2-Richard Munitz (NY).
USBGF 2013 NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP GRAND FINALE: 1-East Champion Jeb Horton (NC), 2-West
Champion Richard Munitz (NY).
AFTER TOURNEY-TOURNEY (8): 1-Carol Joy Cole (MI), 2-Phil Simborg (IL).
SKUNK DICE FOR CHARITY: 1-Carter Mattig (IL). $855 was raised for the American Diabetes Association in
memory of Peter Kalba, and in support of all our backgammon players who have diabetes.
USBGF NATIONAL
CHAMPIONSHIP TROPHIES
The USBGF Grand Champion of the
2013 National Championship, Jeb
Horton, won this gorgeous trophy
pictured at center.
Rich Munitz, winner of USBGF

National Championship West, was
awarded one of the beautiful lapis
blue trophies for his achievement.
KAREN DAVIS
u sbgf online circuit winners

B
y Tara Mendicino Updated: 10/07/2013
Recent Online Circuit Tournament Winners

Start Date Status Tournament Winner
Aug 31, 2013 Completed Club Team Championship Qualifier 5 They Might Not Be Giants
Aug 21, 2013 Completed Club Team Championship Qualifier 4 Crash and Burn
Aug 14, 2013 Completed Club Team Championship Qualifier 3 Ready For Prime Time
Aug 02, 2013 Completed Club Team Championship Qualifier 2 Franklee Unflappable
Aug 01, 2013 Completed Circuit Monthly for August Gerard Jendras
Jul 24, 2013 Completed Club Team Championship Qualifier 1 JustBg
Jul 01, 2013 Completed Circuit Monthly for July Alfred Mamlet
Jun 24, 2013 Completed Online Team Championship Playoff Scared Hitless
Jun 01, 2013 Completed Circuit Monthly for June Eva Zizkova
May 22, 2013 Completed Online Team Championship Qualifier 4 Arthur Sutton
May 10, 2013 Completed Online Team Championship Qualifier 3 Scared Hitless
May 01, 2013 Completed Online Team Championship Qualifier 2 The Executioners
May 01, 2013 Completed Circuit Monthly for May Benjamin Friesen
Apr 19, 2013 Completed Online Team Championship Qualifier 1 PRO Elite
Apr 01, 2013 Completed Circuit Monthly for April Charles Raichle
Apr 01, 2013 Completed International Collegiate Championship Agamir Gevorkyan
Apr 01, 2013 Completed US Collegiate Championship Benjamin Friesen
Mar 01, 2013 Completed Circuit Monthly for March Mario Savan
Feb 01, 2013 Completed Circuit Monthly for February Bruce Farquhar
Jan 06, 2013 Completed Director’s Cup I Jim Stutz
2013 USBGF Online Circuit

Tournament of Champions
All 2013 Online Circuit tournament winners will be invited to participate in the 2013
USBGF Online Circuit Tournament of Champions. This exclusive event will start in mid
January 2014. Don't miss it!
u sbgf live leaderboard

B
y Barry Silliman - Rankings Editor Updated: 9/24/2013
Open / Championship
Top-Ranked Players Top-Ranked Players In
In USBGF Rated Events American Backgammon Tour Events
# Name Rating # Name Points

1. Arkadiy Tsinis 1716.34 1. Ed O'Laughlin 39.57
2. Matt Cohn-Geier 1703.45 2. Neil Kazaross 38.39
3. Masayuki Mochizuki 1691.94 3. Malcolm Davis 30.81
4. Neil Kazaross 1688.43 4. Rod Covlin 27.50
5. Stuart Thomson 1687.74 5. Frank Raposa 27.34
6. Grant Schneider 1682.26 6. Matt Cohn-Geier 20.33
7. Joe Russell 1673.10 7. Masayuki Mochizuki 17.57
8. Falafel Natanzon 1668.27 8. Bill Robertie 17.48
9. Frank Raposa 1667.27 9. Bob Koca 17.37
10. Petko Kostadinov 1665.44 10. Paul Weaver 15.14
Intermediate / Advanced

1. Chen-Fu Yu 1776.55 1. John Manning 11.50
2. Arthur Sutton 1719.15 2. Alex Owen 9.45
3. Michael Edge 1688.43 3. Larry Liebster 9.40
4. John Manning 1684.75 4. Chen Fu Yu 8.73
5. Richard Weaver 1683.58 5. Richard Weaver 8.38
6. Charles Raichle 1678.50 6. Paul Baraz 7.75
7. Josh Racko 1676.25 7. Jim Kennis 7.70
8. Marv Porten 1675.47 8. Rob Ring 7.43
9. Dan Smith 1664.93 9. Ken Meng 7.40
10. Scott Johnson 1650.56 10. Lorenzo Morales 6.00
u sbgf live leaderboard

Novice / Beginners

1. Kathy Weiner 1688.76 1. Nick Dawe 2.67
2. Dominic Johnson 1631.63 2. Julia Sommer 1.86
3. Nick Dawe 1621.33 3. Dominic Johnson 1.44
4. Mike Clapsadle 1619.97 4. Vlad Eydelman 1.38
5. Vlad Eydelman 1619.07 5. Colin Popescu 1.33
6. Jenna Longman 1613.90 6. Matt Rogers 1.33
7. Fouad Maroun 1608.56 7. Frank Taylor 1.17
8. Bill Harpell 1602.18 8. Andrew Seputis 1.00
9. Calin Popescu 1600.85 9. Charlene Britton 1.00
10. Kenneth Andonisio 1600.47 10. Sheldon Richter 1.00
Qualifications for inclusion in USBGF Rated Events

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

The numbers following the player names show the total ABT Points earned in 2013 competing in the specified
division.
u sbgf online leaderboard

B
y Tara Mendicino Updated: 9/24/2013
Online Circuit Top 10

# Name GG ID Rating Win - Loss Win % Trnys Won High Rating
1. Adam Versaw adamV 1951.34 12 - 3 80% 2 1951.34

2. Jim Stutz NaturalDog 1946.95 14 - 2 88% 1 1958.73
3. Petko Kostadinov bulgari 1942.31 14 - 3 82% 1 1953.24
4. Alfred Mamlet amamlet 1941.14 30 - 2 71% 4 1951.02
5. Chris Yep cyep 1929.34 5-0 100% 1 1929.34
6. Bill Phipps bjp 1919.49 5-0 100% 1 1919.49
7. Dorn Bishop dorn 1916.88 5-2 71% 1 1933.13
8. Neil Kazaross neilkaz 1915.89 6-1 86% 0 1927.99
9. Jeffrey Acierno Execshark 1904.56 1-0 100% 0 1904.56
10. Arthur Sutton im4tunet 1903.13 1-0 100% 0 1903.13
Up-to-date ratings may be found at: usbgf.org/trny/leaderboard/?res=0
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 November
Start Date: November 1, 2013
Registration Link: usbgf.org/trny/registration/?trny=96
Capital Classic
Backgammon Championships
November 8- 10, 2013
Marriott Suites Washington Dulles
13101 Worldgate Drive
Herndon, VA 20170
• Double Elimination with Progressive Consolation Format

• $500 Free Roll
• USBGF Blitzes
• 90% or 95% return in most events
• Clocks requested – Jackpot, Open &Doubles
• All events are Legal Moves
• Complimentary airport shuttle
Contact Ed O'Laughlin at edolaug@aol.com

Tournament Brochure available at beltwaybg.org/capitalclassic
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.
ABT: FLORIDA STATE OCT

CHAMPIONSHIP
Dates: Oct. 18 - 20, 2013

Place: Fort Lauderdale, FL
Details: Website & Brochure
Phone: 754/423-9653
ABT: CONNECTICUT STATE OCT

CHAMPIONSHIPS
Dates: Oct. 24 - 27, 2013

Place: Ramada, Hartford , CT
Phone: 203/521-7866
ABT: CAPITAL CLASSIC NOV

Dates: Nov. 8 - 10, 2013
Place: Dulles Marriott, Herndon, VA
Phone: 540/222-6431
ABT: LAS VEGAS OPEN NOV

Dates: Nov. 20 - 24, 2013
Place: Flamingo Hotel , Las Vegas, NV
Details: Website & Entry Form
Phone: 702/218-8238
ABT: CALIFORNIA STATE DEC

CHAMPIONSHIPS
Dates: Dec. 6 - 8, 2013

Place: Hilton LAX, Los Angeles, CA
Phone: 818/901-0464
ABT: SUNSHINE STATE CLASSIC DEC

Dates: Dec. 13 - 15, 2013
Place: Ramada, Tampa, FL
Phone: 727/786-9133
ABT: 7th NEW YORK JAN

METROPOLITAN OPEN
Dates: Jan. 9 - 12, 2013

Place: Hyatt Regency, Jersey City, NJ
Phone: 408/529-6769
Upcoming Tournaments
ABT: TEXAS BACKGAMMON JAN

CHAMPIONSHIPS
Dates: Jan. 30 - Feb. 2, 2014

Place: Menger Hotel , San Antonio, TX
Phone: 281/703-9304
ABT: CSI/ABT AWARDS MAR

Dates: Mar. 14 - 16, 2014
Place: Oakbrook Terrace, IL
Details: Website
Phone: 773/583-6464
ABT: 20th OHIO STATE MAR

Dates: Mar. 28 - 30, 2014
Place: Airport Marriott, Cleveland, OH
Details: Email
Phone: 330/268-4610
ABT: ATLANTA SPRING CLASSIC APR

Dates: Apr. 4 - 6, 2014
Place: Sheraton, Atlanta Airport
Details: Email
Phone: 770/633-0001
California State
Championship
DECEMBER 6 - 8, 2013
Hilton LAX
5711 West Century Boulevard
Los Angeles, CA 90045
• Double Elimination Format
• Super 32 and Paul Dingwell Amateur
• Open and Super 32 will be clocked
• Side Events galore: Seniors, Doubles, Blitzes, Quickies, Jackpots
• Tournament is video friendly
• Hospitality-mornings and snacks
• Free 5 minute Airport Shuttle
Contact Patrick Gibson at pgibsonmfic@gmail.com

Tournament Brochure available at gammonassociates.com
LIVE
STREAM
ARCHIVE
Watch championship
backgammon & learn from the
Giants! View over 200 videotaped
matches of the world's leading
backgammon players filmed at
American Backgammon Tour
events over the last year.
youtube.com/user/USBGFbroadcast

MOCHY! - USBGF - US Backgammon Federation (PDFDrive)

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PRIMETIME

Team USA for the 3rd IBC

Organized by the U.S. Backgammon Federation, Japanese

BOB WACHTEL KAREN DAVIS GUS CONTOS

REPORT FROM MONTE CARLO

Questions or comments about PrimeTime

In This Issue September

22 MOCHY 33RD CHICAGO OPEN

MOCHY AT CHICAGO OPEN

76 REPORT FROM MONTE CARLO

87 MEET SLAVA PRYADKIN

20 FOUNDING SPONSORS 108 ONLINE LEADER BOARD

USBGF LIVE & ONLINE RATINGS

Volunteers Assistant Editor

Editorial Advisory Board

Tara Mendicino and Stephen Collins contact us

Executive Committee; Special Advisor to Board

3rd anniversary of the

3rd Anniversary of the USBGF

3rd Anniversary of the USBGF

3rd Anniversary of the USBGF

We encourage you to be part of our community and help Want to learn

usbgf founding sponsors

The Federation salutes the individuals

Diamond silver bronze cont.

MOCHY & FAMILY

One trophy, World Ambassador of

Commentary by Marty Storer

Game 1, Move 3: Black (Mochy) to play a 21

Game 3, Move 5: Black (Mochy) on roll. Cube action?

• I have more numbers to hit (24

• He doesn’t have his 4 point.

• I am ahead three more pips.

Both the take point and gammon price for

Although I have more men back in the game

At the Chicago Bar Point Club, he has

Game 3, Move 9: White (Neil) to play 53

Game 3, Move 15: Black (Mochy) to play 52

Game 3, Move 24: White (Neil) to play 65

Game 3, Move 25: White (Neil) on roll. Cube action?

Game 3, Move 26: Black (Mochy) on roll. Cube action?

Game 3, Move 26, variation: Black (Mochy) on roll. Cube action?

Game 3, Move 26, variation: Black (Mochy) on roll. Cube action?

Game 3, Move 27: Black (Mochy) on roll. Cube action?

Game 3, Move 28: Black (Mochy) on roll. Cube action?

Game 3, Move 29: Black (Mochy) on roll. Cube action?

He won the 2010 Minnesota Open

Game 2, Move 5: White (MCG) to play 42

Game 2, Move 5: Black (Mochy) on roll. Cube action?

Game 2, Move 8: White (MCG) to play 43

Game 2, Move 15: Black (Mochy) to play 42

Game 3, Move 4: White (MCG) on roll. Cube action?

Game 4, Move 5: White (MCG) to play 43

Game 4, Move 6: White (MCG) to play 41

Game 4, Move 7: Black (Mochy) on roll. Cube action?

Game 6, Move 4: Black (Mochy) to play 53

Game 7, Move 4: White (MCG) on roll. Cube action?

Game 9, Move 6: Black (Mochy) to play 33

Game 9, Move 6: White (MCG) on roll. Cube action?

Game 9, Move 11: White (MCG) to play 62

Game 10, Move 23: White (MCG) to play 21

Game 10, Move 25: White (MCG) to play 11

Game 12, Move 4: Black (Mochy) to play 54

Let me give you five reasons why: