NewsWorld Backgammon Associationhttp://www.world-backgammon-association.com/index.php/news2024-03-19T12:31:25+00:00Joomla! - Open Source Content ManagementFrank Frigo is Backgammon World Champion 20232023-08-01T07:33:00+00:002023-08-01T07:33:00+00:00http://www.world-backgammon-association.com/news/135-frank-frigo-is-backgammon-world-champion-2023CKTinfo@world-backgammon-association.com<div class="feed-description"><p>Frank Frigo (USA) beats Mario Kühl (Germany) in a 21-point final to become Backgammon World Champion for the second time after 1994. Congratulations!</p>
<p>Mario played the lowest error rate in a World Championship final ever but couldn´t beat the very high luck factor favorizing Frank. Mario, who had previously won the highroller remains the highist casher of the tournament. Well deserved and congratulations! </p></div><div class="feed-description"><p>Frank Frigo (USA) beats Mario Kühl (Germany) in a 21-point final to become Backgammon World Champion for the second time after 1994. Congratulations!</p>
<p>Mario played the lowest error rate in a World Championship final ever but couldn´t beat the very high luck factor favorizing Frank. Mario, who had previously won the highroller remains the highist casher of the tournament. Well deserved and congratulations! </p></div>ChivaGammon - a new variation2023-05-04T19:58:37+00:002023-05-04T19:58:37+00:00http://www.world-backgammon-association.com/news/134-chivagammon-a-new-variationCKTinfo@world-backgammon-association.com<div class="feed-description"><p><img src="images/ChivaGammon1.jpg" border="0" alt="ChivaGammon" width="1947" height="1200" /></p>
<p>A new variation of modern backgammon has been invented: <strong>ChivaGammon</strong>.</p>
<p>It can be played with or without clocks with the regular time settings. It´s modern backgammon with cube played as a match to 5 points.</p>
<p>However, the Crawford Rule has been skipped and instead, in order to win the match, a player must reach minimum 5 points, but with minimum 2 points difference. Like in Tennis and other sports, the match continues as long as the 2 points difference have not been reached.</p>
<p>It´s a great game, demanding special skills and calculations. Try it out.</p></div><div class="feed-description"><p><img src="images/ChivaGammon1.jpg" border="0" alt="ChivaGammon" width="1947" height="1200" /></p>
<p>A new variation of modern backgammon has been invented: <strong>ChivaGammon</strong>.</p>
<p>It can be played with or without clocks with the regular time settings. It´s modern backgammon with cube played as a match to 5 points.</p>
<p>However, the Crawford Rule has been skipped and instead, in order to win the match, a player must reach minimum 5 points, but with minimum 2 points difference. Like in Tennis and other sports, the match continues as long as the 2 points difference have not been reached.</p>
<p>It´s a great game, demanding special skills and calculations. Try it out.</p></div>Mallorca Speedgammon Challenge 20232023-01-13T23:07:03+00:002023-01-13T23:07:03+00:00http://www.world-backgammon-association.com/news/133-mallorca-speedgammon-challenge-2023CKTinfo@world-backgammon-association.com<div class="feed-description"><p style="text-align: center;"> <img src="images/PMI106_34.jpg" border="0" alt="Mallorca 2023" width="733" height="550" /></p>
<p>The yearly event for speed lovers is on once again on sunny Majorca.</p>
<p>Save the dates: 03 to 08 of October4 2023</p>
<p>The highlights will be a "Double Doubles" (Doubles Consultation with 2 lives) and the "Bogidar-Superspeed (5 points, 30 secs total bank time + 8 secs delay per move), along with the main event with 3 lives and best of 3 in each round and a super-jackpot.</p>
<p>For more info, visit the <strong><em><a href="https://ckt816.wixsite.com/website" target="_blank">website</a></em> </strong></p>
<p>Hurry to book your room at the ElCid Playa de Palma at the special backgammon rate, as it fills quickly.</p>
<p>Come to Mallorca, play backgammon, enjoy the sun, meet old and new friends and have fun.</p>
<p><img src="images/speed2.png" border="0" alt="Speed" width="318" height="159" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></p>
<p> </p></div><div class="feed-description"><p style="text-align: center;"> <img src="images/PMI106_34.jpg" border="0" alt="Mallorca 2023" width="733" height="550" /></p>
<p>The yearly event for speed lovers is on once again on sunny Majorca.</p>
<p>Save the dates: 03 to 08 of October4 2023</p>
<p>The highlights will be a "Double Doubles" (Doubles Consultation with 2 lives) and the "Bogidar-Superspeed (5 points, 30 secs total bank time + 8 secs delay per move), along with the main event with 3 lives and best of 3 in each round and a super-jackpot.</p>
<p>For more info, visit the <strong><em><a href="https://ckt816.wixsite.com/website" target="_blank">website</a></em> </strong></p>
<p>Hurry to book your room at the ElCid Playa de Palma at the special backgammon rate, as it fills quickly.</p>
<p>Come to Mallorca, play backgammon, enjoy the sun, meet old and new friends and have fun.</p>
<p><img src="images/speed2.png" border="0" alt="Speed" width="318" height="159" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></p>
<p> </p></div>New World Record to be set in Istanbul2023-01-13T22:55:00+00:002023-01-13T22:55:00+00:00http://www.world-backgammon-association.com/news/132-new-world-record-to-be-broken-in-istanbulCKTinfo@world-backgammon-association.com<div class="feed-description"><p><img src="images/324074310_1591284338050448_1049128930753754991_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></p>
<p>The Anniversary Tournament of ISTAVDER in Istanbul (Turkey) is a must attend in terms of space, equipment, organisation and format. It has been attracting more and more players in the history of is existence.</p>
<p>In 2023, the tentative it have over 1000 players attending from 26th to 30th of April. The location is a huge convention center, which 2 hotels on each side with direct access. The WOW-Hotels and Convention center will be exclusively for this huge tournament during those days. Regardless of the number of participants, there will be plenty of space and "squeezing" won´t happen.</p>
<p>Selected matches will be recorded and streamed, live commentary by top players will be provided, a huge screen will display the most interesting pairing, beautiful and unique trophies will be handed out to the winners, and a wonderful closing awards ceremony will take place.</p>
<p>The entry fee is inexpensive and is only aimed to cover partly the organization costs. Special rates have been arranged at both WOW-Hotels. Side-events such a Consultation Doubles and SpeedGammon, as well as DMP-Challenges and numerous Jackpots will be available throughout the tournament days. The total prize pool is projected to exceed 75.000 € !!!</p>
<p>This is a tournament to experience by every player and a benchmark for all other events around the world.</p>
<p>All the info and bookings are available on <em><strong><a href="http://www.ftbgsystem.com" target="_blank">www.ftbgsystem.com</a></strong></em> </p>
<p>Mark your calendar and make your reservation NOW!<em><strong><br /></strong></em></p>
<p>WBA has been helpful in the creation of ISTAVDER and is fully supportive of this mega-event and real "backgammon feast"</p></div><div class="feed-description"><p><img src="images/324074310_1591284338050448_1049128930753754991_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></p>
<p>The Anniversary Tournament of ISTAVDER in Istanbul (Turkey) is a must attend in terms of space, equipment, organisation and format. It has been attracting more and more players in the history of is existence.</p>
<p>In 2023, the tentative it have over 1000 players attending from 26th to 30th of April. The location is a huge convention center, which 2 hotels on each side with direct access. The WOW-Hotels and Convention center will be exclusively for this huge tournament during those days. Regardless of the number of participants, there will be plenty of space and "squeezing" won´t happen.</p>
<p>Selected matches will be recorded and streamed, live commentary by top players will be provided, a huge screen will display the most interesting pairing, beautiful and unique trophies will be handed out to the winners, and a wonderful closing awards ceremony will take place.</p>
<p>The entry fee is inexpensive and is only aimed to cover partly the organization costs. Special rates have been arranged at both WOW-Hotels. Side-events such a Consultation Doubles and SpeedGammon, as well as DMP-Challenges and numerous Jackpots will be available throughout the tournament days. The total prize pool is projected to exceed 75.000 € !!!</p>
<p>This is a tournament to experience by every player and a benchmark for all other events around the world.</p>
<p>All the info and bookings are available on <em><strong><a href="http://www.ftbgsystem.com" target="_blank">www.ftbgsystem.com</a></strong></em> </p>
<p>Mark your calendar and make your reservation NOW!<em><strong><br /></strong></em></p>
<p>WBA has been helpful in the creation of ISTAVDER and is fully supportive of this mega-event and real "backgammon feast"</p></div>Michi´s Tribute to Falafel2020-04-02T16:27:25+00:002020-04-02T16:27:25+00:00http://www.world-backgammon-association.com/news/131-michi-s-tribute-to-falafelCKTinfo@world-backgammon-association.com<div class="feed-description"><p>While the passing of Matvey Mike Natanzon aka "Falafel" has got the entire backgammon community mourning, his Japanese friend and backgammon Giant Michihito Michi" Kageyama has written a wonderful tribute to the late hero.</p>
<p>A classy top player honoring another classy top-play!</p>
<p>You can read the tribute <strong><a href="attachments/article/0/I-Mourn-for-Falafel.pdf" target="_blank">here</a>.</strong></p></div><div class="feed-description"><p>While the passing of Matvey Mike Natanzon aka "Falafel" has got the entire backgammon community mourning, his Japanese friend and backgammon Giant Michihito Michi" Kageyama has written a wonderful tribute to the late hero.</p>
<p>A classy top player honoring another classy top-play!</p>
<p>You can read the tribute <strong><a href="attachments/article/0/I-Mourn-for-Falafel.pdf" target="_blank">here</a>.</strong></p></div>Paul Magriel passes away at age 712018-03-09T12:05:15+00:002018-03-09T12:05:15+00:00http://www.world-backgammon-association.com/news/127-paul-magriel-passes-away-at-age-71CKTinfo@world-backgammon-association.com<div class="feed-description"><p>Paul Magriel, aka X-22, passed away in Las Vegas on Monday, March 5th 2018. </p>
<p>X will always be remembered as one of the greatest legends of the game, the godfather of modern backgammon and author of the backgammon bible called "Backgammon". His unforgotten achievements in backgammon and poker are plenty and many.</p>
<p>A great loss for backgammon. Rest In Peace, Paul!</p></div><div class="feed-description"><p>Paul Magriel, aka X-22, passed away in Las Vegas on Monday, March 5th 2018. </p>
<p>X will always be remembered as one of the greatest legends of the game, the godfather of modern backgammon and author of the backgammon bible called "Backgammon". His unforgotten achievements in backgammon and poker are plenty and many.</p>
<p>A great loss for backgammon. Rest In Peace, Paul!</p></div>tsystem operation ends2018-03-09T11:57:25+00:002018-03-09T11:57:25+00:00http://www.world-backgammon-association.com/news/126-tsystem-operation-endsCKTinfo@world-backgammon-association.com<div class="feed-description"><p>The WBA tournament management software, <strong>tsystem</strong>, <strong>has stopped online operation</strong> on March 1st, 2018</p>
<p>In the future, WBA will be using <strong>ftbgsystem</strong> as their tournament management software, which is a further development of tsystem, offering more features and being updated regularly.</p>
<p>The development and frequent updates of ftbgsystem require countless hours of work and manpower. This why the software is no longer free of charge.</p>
<p>For more information and enquiries, please visit <a href="http://www.ftbgsystem.com" target="_blank">www.ftbgsystem.com</a></p>
<p> </p></div><div class="feed-description"><p>The WBA tournament management software, <strong>tsystem</strong>, <strong>has stopped online operation</strong> on March 1st, 2018</p>
<p>In the future, WBA will be using <strong>ftbgsystem</strong> as their tournament management software, which is a further development of tsystem, offering more features and being updated regularly.</p>
<p>The development and frequent updates of ftbgsystem require countless hours of work and manpower. This why the software is no longer free of charge.</p>
<p>For more information and enquiries, please visit <a href="http://www.ftbgsystem.com" target="_blank">www.ftbgsystem.com</a></p>
<p> </p></div>XII. Portuguese Masters & "José Salema Memorial" 20172017-05-29T14:27:19+00:002017-05-29T14:27:19+00:00http://www.world-backgammon-association.com/news/123-xii-portuguese-masters-jose-salema-memorial-2017CKTinfo@world-backgammon-association.com<div class="feed-description"><p>A huge "thank you" to all the participants of the XII. Portuguese Open for making it once again a very special one, among friends and family in a relaxed and cool atmosphere.</p>
<p>This tournament is outstanding in the circuit for being the most relaxed holiday and backgammon tournament with lots of time for sightseeing, relaxing, socializing, dining and drinking and fun, on top of backgammon action and competition.</p>
<p>See you all next year for a very special edition of this tournament for which many have already signed up.</p>
<p>Mark your calendar for the week after Monaco to spend a cool week (or more) in sunny Portugal...</p>
<p>Official Results Portugal 2017:</p>
<ul>
<li>Special Award (best assistant): Niusha Tafazzoli (D)</li>
<li>Special Award (youngest player): Viky Cerna (CZ)</li>
<li>Special Award (unluckiest player): Franck Stepler (F)</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Chouette-King: Thibaud Thompson (CH)</li>
<li>DMP-Challenge (64): Eva Zizkova (CZ)</li>
<li>SpeedGammon-Challenge (64): Michel Serrero (F)</li>
<li>Super-Jackpot (16): Thomas Kristensen (DK)</li>
<li>Doubles Winners (16): Katalin & Zsuzsanna Veszeli (H)</li>
<li>SpeedGammon Jackpot (16): Tatsuya Tanaka (JP)</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>“José Salema Memorial” (32): Anna-Maria Zarb (CH)</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Leisure 2nd: Sonia Pellegrini (I)</li>
<li>Leisure Winner: Luisa Sequeira (P)</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Elite Ultimate Fight Winner: Pavel Zaoral (CZ)</li>
<li>Elite 3rd: Honza Cerny (CZ)</li>
<li>Elite 2nd: Zdenek Zizka (CZ)</li>
<li>Winner Portuguese Open 2017: Thomas Kristensen (DK)</li>
</ul>
<div class="text_exposed_show">
<p>Link to Leisure division: <a href="http://tsystem.world-backgammon-association.com/t/1177" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener" data-ft="{"tn":"-U"}">http://tsystem.world-backgammon-association.com/t/1177</a><br />Link to Elite division: <a href="http://tsystem.world-backgammon-association.com/t/1176" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener" data-ft="{"tn":"-U"}">http://tsystem.world-backgammon-association.com/t/1176</a></p>
<p>Congratulations to all and see you next year for the "special edition".</p>
<p> </p>
</div></div><div class="feed-description"><p>A huge "thank you" to all the participants of the XII. Portuguese Open for making it once again a very special one, among friends and family in a relaxed and cool atmosphere.</p>
<p>This tournament is outstanding in the circuit for being the most relaxed holiday and backgammon tournament with lots of time for sightseeing, relaxing, socializing, dining and drinking and fun, on top of backgammon action and competition.</p>
<p>See you all next year for a very special edition of this tournament for which many have already signed up.</p>
<p>Mark your calendar for the week after Monaco to spend a cool week (or more) in sunny Portugal...</p>
<p>Official Results Portugal 2017:</p>
<ul>
<li>Special Award (best assistant): Niusha Tafazzoli (D)</li>
<li>Special Award (youngest player): Viky Cerna (CZ)</li>
<li>Special Award (unluckiest player): Franck Stepler (F)</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Chouette-King: Thibaud Thompson (CH)</li>
<li>DMP-Challenge (64): Eva Zizkova (CZ)</li>
<li>SpeedGammon-Challenge (64): Michel Serrero (F)</li>
<li>Super-Jackpot (16): Thomas Kristensen (DK)</li>
<li>Doubles Winners (16): Katalin & Zsuzsanna Veszeli (H)</li>
<li>SpeedGammon Jackpot (16): Tatsuya Tanaka (JP)</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>“José Salema Memorial” (32): Anna-Maria Zarb (CH)</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Leisure 2nd: Sonia Pellegrini (I)</li>
<li>Leisure Winner: Luisa Sequeira (P)</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Elite Ultimate Fight Winner: Pavel Zaoral (CZ)</li>
<li>Elite 3rd: Honza Cerny (CZ)</li>
<li>Elite 2nd: Zdenek Zizka (CZ)</li>
<li>Winner Portuguese Open 2017: Thomas Kristensen (DK)</li>
</ul>
<div class="text_exposed_show">
<p>Link to Leisure division: <a href="http://tsystem.world-backgammon-association.com/t/1177" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener" data-ft="{"tn":"-U"}">http://tsystem.world-backgammon-association.com/t/1177</a><br />Link to Elite division: <a href="http://tsystem.world-backgammon-association.com/t/1176" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener" data-ft="{"tn":"-U"}">http://tsystem.world-backgammon-association.com/t/1176</a></p>
<p>Congratulations to all and see you next year for the "special edition".</p>
<p> </p>
</div></div>World Backgammon Day - 21st March 20232017-05-29T11:02:00+00:002017-05-29T11:02:00+00:00http://www.world-backgammon-association.com/news/40-world-backgammon-day-21st-march-2014MKinfo@world-backgammon-association.com<div class="feed-description"><p><strong>21st March is "World Backgammon Day" !!!</strong></p>
<p>For many years, we have been encouraging the backgammon community to celebrate the World Backgammon Day by gathering, playing, organizing tournaments and enjoying the game, especially on March 21st.</p>
<p>After the covid-19 pandemic in 2020, 2021 and partly in 2022, the impossibility to run live events due to it, we encourage everyone to catch up in 2023 and to celebrate the oldest game on the planet with friends and family.</p>
<p>Have fun & play backgammon! </p>
<p> </p></div><div class="feed-description"><p><strong>21st March is "World Backgammon Day" !!!</strong></p>
<p>For many years, we have been encouraging the backgammon community to celebrate the World Backgammon Day by gathering, playing, organizing tournaments and enjoying the game, especially on March 21st.</p>
<p>After the covid-19 pandemic in 2020, 2021 and partly in 2022, the impossibility to run live events due to it, we encourage everyone to catch up in 2023 and to celebrate the oldest game on the planet with friends and family.</p>
<p>Have fun & play backgammon! </p>
<p> </p></div>WBA is now BMAB Partner2016-04-16T15:30:06+00:002016-04-16T15:30:06+00:00http://www.world-backgammon-association.com/news/96-wba-is-now-bmab-partnerCKTinfo@world-backgammon-association.com<div class="feed-description"><p>WBA Events in 2016 are in accordance with BMAB Partnership Program.</p>
<p>Recording is allowed. Matches of the players wanting to be rated and ranked for BMAB will be accepted as such in accordance with the BMAB rules.</p>
<p>The tournaments in Munich, Köln, Portugal, Frankfurt and Prague will be BMAB labelled.</p></div><div class="feed-description"><p>WBA Events in 2016 are in accordance with BMAB Partnership Program.</p>
<p>Recording is allowed. Matches of the players wanting to be rated and ranked for BMAB will be accepted as such in accordance with the BMAB rules.</p>
<p>The tournaments in Munich, Köln, Portugal, Frankfurt and Prague will be BMAB labelled.</p></div>The Chaos of the Dice - Falafel2014-07-27T08:13:15+00:002014-07-27T08:13:15+00:00http://www.world-backgammon-association.com/news/81-the-chaos-of-the-dice-falafelCKTinfo@world-backgammon-association.com<div class="feed-description"><p><span style="font-size: medium;">In order to meet Falafel, the highest ranked backgammon player in the world, I took a Greyhound bus to Atlantic City, and then hopped a jitney to the Borgata Hotel. Falafel’s real name is Matvey Natanzon, but no one calls him that, not even his mother, who calls him Mike, the name that he adopted when they emigrated from Israel to Buffalo—one leg in a long journey that began in Soviet Russia. Now even Falafel calls himself Falafel...</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: medium;">Read the rest of the article, published in New York Times <a href="http://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2013/05/13/the-chaos-of-the-dice" target="_blank">here</a>.</span></p></div><div class="feed-description"><p><span style="font-size: medium;">In order to meet Falafel, the highest ranked backgammon player in the world, I took a Greyhound bus to Atlantic City, and then hopped a jitney to the Borgata Hotel. Falafel’s real name is Matvey Natanzon, but no one calls him that, not even his mother, who calls him Mike, the name that he adopted when they emigrated from Israel to Buffalo—one leg in a long journey that began in Soviet Russia. Now even Falafel calls himself Falafel...</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: medium;">Read the rest of the article, published in New York Times <a href="http://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2013/05/13/the-chaos-of-the-dice" target="_blank">here</a>.</span></p></div>New Pipcounting Method Released2014-06-18T06:08:19+00:002014-06-18T06:08:19+00:00http://www.world-backgammon-association.com/news/80-new-pipcounting-method-releasedCKTinfo@world-backgammon-association.com<div class="feed-description"><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Axel Reichert, a software programmer and analytic backgammon player from Munich, has analyzed several pip-counting methods and developed a few of them for a more simple but efficient use during matches.</span></p>
</div><div class="feed-description"><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Axel Reichert, a software programmer and analytic backgammon player from Munich, has analyzed several pip-counting methods and developed a few of them for a more simple but efficient use during matches.</span></p>
</div>T System on German Server2014-06-07T10:47:58+00:002014-06-07T10:47:58+00:00http://www.world-backgammon-association.com/news/79-ft-system-on-german-serverCKTinfo@world-backgammon-association.com<div class="feed-description"><p><span style="font-size: medium;">The T system, which is used by many clubs and Directors in the world is now available not only through the Turkish server, but also through a German server, accessible at: <a href="http://tsystem.world-backgammon-association.com/" target="_blank">http://tsystem.world-backgammon-association.com</a>. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: medium;">Tournament Directors who have access with their login and password can choose either server to run their events.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: medium;">Both servers contain the same software and setting options and offer the same features to all.</span></p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p></div><div class="feed-description"><p><span style="font-size: medium;">The T system, which is used by many clubs and Directors in the world is now available not only through the Turkish server, but also through a German server, accessible at: <a href="http://tsystem.world-backgammon-association.com/" target="_blank">http://tsystem.world-backgammon-association.com</a>. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: medium;">Tournament Directors who have access with their login and password can choose either server to run their events.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: medium;">Both servers contain the same software and setting options and offer the same features to all.</span></p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p></div>SassanGammon2014-04-17T08:02:34+00:002014-04-17T08:02:34+00:00http://www.world-backgammon-association.com/news/78-sassangammonCKTinfo@world-backgammon-association.com<div class="feed-description"><p><span>So everyone knows backgammon, played with 2 dice. But who knows and enjoys SassanGammon, the variation played with 3 dice? </span></p>
<p><span>One die is rolled by each player for the toss. The winner of the toss plays the opening roll. From there onwards, a </span><span class="text_exposed_show">player rolls with 3 dice and his opponent takes away 1 die, leaving him the 2 others to play.</span></p>
<p><span class="text_exposed_show"> Exception: When a player has a checker or more on the bar, he rolls with 2 dice and plays them. </span></p>
<p><span class="text_exposed_show">Try it, you´ll love it !</span></p></div><div class="feed-description"><p><span>So everyone knows backgammon, played with 2 dice. But who knows and enjoys SassanGammon, the variation played with 3 dice? </span></p>
<p><span>One die is rolled by each player for the toss. The winner of the toss plays the opening roll. From there onwards, a </span><span class="text_exposed_show">player rolls with 3 dice and his opponent takes away 1 die, leaving him the 2 others to play.</span></p>
<p><span class="text_exposed_show"> Exception: When a player has a checker or more on the bar, he rolls with 2 dice and plays them. </span></p>
<p><span class="text_exposed_show">Try it, you´ll love it !</span></p></div>