U.S. Backgammon Federation https://usbgf.org Have fun. Play backgammon! Thu, 30 Apr 2026 17:44:58 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.8.5 https://usbgf.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/cropped-android-chrome-512x512-1-1-32x32.png U.S. Backgammon Federation https://usbgf.org 32 32 2026 American Backgammon Hall of Fame — Call for Nominations https://usbgf.org/2026-american-backgammon-hall-of-fame-call-for-nominations/ Thu, 30 Apr 2026 16:40:13 +0000 https://usbgf.org/?p=27176 Submit your nomination by September 30th, 2026. The American Backgammon Hall of Fame recognizes individuals who have achieved extraordinary playing results and/or have made extraordinary…

The post 2026 American Backgammon Hall of Fame — Call for Nominations appeared first on U.S. Backgammon Federation.]]> Submit your nomination by September 30th, 2026.

The American Backgammon Hall of Fame recognizes individuals who have achieved extraordinary playing results and/or have made extraordinary contributions to the game of backgammon in the United States. Candidates are not limited to American citizens, provided they meet the eligibility requirements.

The 2026 Hall of Fame dinner will take place at a TBD location.

Use the Hall of Fame nomination form to nominate a candidate for this honor. All USBGF members in good standing are invited to nominate up to three candidates for consideration. The Hall of Fame Committee will vet the qualifications of the nominees. Please, carefully note the qualifications addressed below.

Candidates for the Hall of Fame should be individuals who have the following:

  1. A significant body of work over a very substantial period of time, in or for the game of backgammon in the United States, as players, directors, authors, publishers, promoters, teachers, and/or innovators.
  2. Realized exceptional accomplishments:
    1. Demonstrated remarkable skill through success over the board for decades.
    2. And/or gained achievements and recognition among the U.S. backgammon community for the majority of a long career.

The period of time suggested above by the phrases ”very substantial period of time,” “over the board for decades,” and “for the majority of a long career” should reflect a relevant backgammon career approaching twenty years or more.

Click here to go to the nomination form. You must be logged in to verify your USBGF membership.

Current members of the American Backgammon Hall of Fame:

Richard Munitz (2026); Marty Storer (2025); Lewis Deyong, Lee Genud, Wilcox Snellings (2024); Matvey “Falafel” Natanzon, Masayuki “Mochy” Mochizuki (2023); John O’Hagan, Art Benjamin (2022); Karen Davis (2021); Ed O’Laughlin (2020); Steve Sax (2019); Alexis Obolensky, Joe Sylvester (2018); Ray Fogerlund, Joseph Russell, Mike Svobodny (2017); Patrick Gibson, Tim Holland, Danny Kleinman, Howard Markowitz (2016); Nack Ballard, Carol Joy Cole, Barclay Cooke, Bill Davis, Malcolm Davis, Kent Goulding, Oswald Jacoby, Neil Kazaross, Paul Magriel, Bill Robertie, Mike Senkiewicz, Walter Trice, Kit Woolsey (2015).

Legacy Honorees:

The Legacy Hall of Fame Committee has chosen two honorees to be inducted in future years. John Crawford will be inducted in 2025. Billy Horan will be inducted in 2026.

Submit your nomination by September 30th, 2026.

To nominate a person for consideration on the 2026 Ballots for possible induction into the American Backgammon Hall of Fame, please use the Hall of Fame nomination form. You will need to be logged in to access the form.

You will be asked to complete the form with two main sections: (1) Notable awards and accomplishments such as ABT and international tournament wins, publications, produced events, Giants of Backgammon, etc., and (2) WHY do you think s/he should be considered. Provide at least one paragraph describing the nominee’s significant body of work in or for backgammon in the USA.

Should a member wish to re-nominate someone they have submitted in a prior year, they may do so; however, ALL nominations this year must include a new nomination form.  You must submit a new form.  If a member wishes to amend a prior submission, they may request a copy if one was not retained (request may be made to Joe Russell at ez2bblue@gmail.com); however, again, a new nomination form must be submitted this year for each nominee. Nominations from prior years will not be automatically reconsidered.

The open period for 2025 nominations through September 30th, 2024. The Hall of Fame Committee will review all nominations and submit a recommended Ballot to the USBGF Board of Directors for approval. The approved Ballot will then go to the Hall of Fame electors to determine new inductees.

Joe Russell
Chairman, Hall of Fame Committee
U.S. Backgammon Federation

The post 2026 American Backgammon Hall of Fame — Call for Nominations appeared first on U.S. Backgammon Federation.]]> Results: 2026 Cherry Blossom Backgammon Championships https://usbgf.org/results-2026-cherry-blossom/ Tue, 21 Apr 2026 18:50:48 +0000 https://usbgf.org/?p=27104 Cherry Blossom Backgammon ChampionshipHerndon, VAApril 15-19, 2026 Results courtesy of Chicago Point ABT CHAMPIONSHIP (92): 1-Marty Storer (NH), 2-Joe Russell (CA), 3/9-Karen Davis (FL) /…

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Poster with pink cherry blossoms and a Capitol dome, bold title 'Cherry Blossom Backgammon Championship' and dates Mar 15–19, 2026; 'RECAP' at bottom with logos. Cherry blossoms frame the Jefferson Memorial at sunset; indoors, a crowded backgammon tournament is under way with a blue championship banner in the foreground. Two men stand side by side, each holding a blue glass trophy; left is Marty Storer, right is Joseph Russell, at a Division 1 Championship event backdrop and banner text visible below. Side-by-side portraits of Joshua Isaac (left) and Stephen Douglas (right) posing with trophies at an awards event; backdrop and a bottom panel list finalists and division details. Two men stand side by side, each holding a glass trophy; left man wears an olive shirt, right man a dark sweater. A blue banner with event logos is in the background and a text plaque lists participants below. Two men posing with glass trophies at an awards event; left: Joseph Russell, right: Joe Urso, with event backdrop and banners behind them. Maggie Diamantidis (left) and Oksana Korets (right) pose with their backgammon trophies at a promotional backdrop. Split image of two men, Igor Baburov (left) and Alper Uzunoglu (right), each holding owl trophies with a blue jackpot banner below. Three people posing for a photo at a tournament, with Jeanna Kish on the left and Kit Woolsey on the right, standing in front of a banner backdrop with event logos and text. Two men hold glass trophies in a split-screen image; left is Gershon Distelfeld in green, right is Felix Goyhkman in red. Six competitors pose with trophies for the Novice Championship against a sponsor backdrop in a grid collage. Two long tables of players seated and playing games, with a large dark blue banner of winner names at the bottom. Event staff collage: Ben Friesen speaks at a microphone (left); three women Kristina, Remington, and Rosemary at a table (top right); Paul & Andy posing together (bottom right) with a blue thank-you banner below.

Cherry Blossom Backgammon Championship
Herndon, VA
April 15-19, 2026

Results courtesy of Chicago Point

ABT CHAMPIONSHIP (92): 1-Marty Storer (NH), 2-Joe Russell (CA), 3/9-Karen Davis (FL) / Tony Diamantidis (Greece/CA) / Bill Lonergan (NY) / Frank Raposa (VA) / Mark Robinson (PA) / Mike Senkiewicz (NY) / Jon Veltri (FL), 10/14-Al Hodis (NV) / John Klein (MD) / Richard Munitz (NY) / Herb Roman (IL) / Boris Shafransky (MD).

ABT ADVANCED (42): 1-Joshua Isaac, 2-Stephen Douglas (MA), 3/6-Lou Carlascio (NJ) / Bob Hathaway (VA) / Anatoliy Katsnelson (IL) / Rachel Lassoff (NY).

ABT INTERMEDIATE (44): 1-Pete Jarvis (NJ), 2-Tony Materek (NJ), 3-Kinga Kruszewska (FL) 4/7 – Mary Greene (MD) / David Smith (Canada) / Rosemary Steffen (FL) / Earl Swinson (NC).

CHERRY BLOSSOM PLAYERS CUP BMAB (46): 1/2-Selwyn Scarborough (NY) / Neil Webb (Scotland), 3/10-Chuck Bower (ON) / Kent Goulding (MD) / Ryan Jarvis (NM) / John Klein (MD) / Roberto Litzenberger (VA) / Eddie Luiz Sant’Ana (Brazil) / Jack Takala (MI) / John Veltri (FL). PR winners: 1-Tom Keisler (CA) at 3.15, 2-Dana Nazarian (CA) at 3.33, 3-Roberto Litzenberger (VA) at 3.56, 4-Kit Woolsey (CA) at 3.72, 5-John Klein (MD) at 4.35, 6-Joe Russell (CA) at 4.63, 7-Frank Frigo (CA) at 4.79, 8-David Klausa (CO) at 4.90. Unlucky Dice Award: Jeanna Kish (TX) at -13.35.

CHERRY BLOSSOM CLASSIC SUPER JACKPOT (16): 1-Joe Russell (CA), 2-Kit Woolsey (CA).

MARTHA WASHINGTON MASTERS JACKPOT (40): 1-Joe Urso (NY), 2-Mike Senkiewicz (NY), 3/4-Gary Koscielny (FL) / Joe Russell (CA), 5-John Klein (MD).

SUSAN B. ANTHONY AMATEUR JACKPOT (32): 1-Gershon Distenfeld (FL), 2-Felix Goyhkman (NJ), 3/4-Ghazi Al-Kinani (VA) / Gary Zelmanovics (NJ).

DC*METRO OPEN WARM-UP (9): 1-Jason Lee (MD); 1C/2C-Yan Kit Chan (Singapore) / Corey Hull (VA).

DOUBLE SHOT DOUBLES (64 teams): 1-Jeanna Kish (TX) & Kit Woolsey (CA), 2-Lynn Ehrlich (FL) & Phil Simborg (FL), 3/4-Matt Cohn-Geier (NV) & Sarah Upbin (NY) / Dennis Culpepper (VA) & Karen Davis (FL), 5/8-Marianne Bowen (VA) & John Klein (MD) / Ariana Litzenberger (VA) & Roberto Litzenberger (VA) / Ryan Rebelo (Canada) & John Veltri (FL) / Ray Zamani (FL) & Bahman Zandi (MD).

WOMEN’S WORLD OF BACKGAMMON CUP (25): 1-Maggie Diamantidis (CA), 2-Oksana Korets (NY); 1C/2C-Marcy Kossar (MD) / Rachel Lassoff (NY).

NIGHT OWL OPEN JACKPOT (8): 1-Igor Baburov (NY).

NIGHT OWL ADVANCED JACKPOT (16): 1-Alper Uzunoglu (NY), 2-Anatoliy Katsnelson (IL).

NOVICE: ??

JOKER BACKGAMMON BOARD TOURNAMENT (24): 1/3-Todd Obadal (IA) / Selwyn Scarborough (NY) / Kristen Westerman (TN).

$50 JACKPOT #1 (8): 1-Art Benjamin (CA). $50 JACKPOT #2 (8): 1-Boris Dekhtyar (NY).

$50 JACKPOT #3 (8): 1-Andrew Liebenthal (NJ). $50 JACKPOT #4 (8): 1-Art Benjamin (CA).

$50 JACKPOT #5 (8): 1-Todd Obadal (IA). $50 JACKPOT #6 (8): 1-Carol Joy Cole (MI).

SPEEDGAMMON AFTER TOURNAMENT (16): 1-Michael Kay (IL), 2-David Klausa (CO), 3-Matt Reklaitis (MA).

The post Results: 2026 Cherry Blossom Backgammon Championships appeared first on U.S. Backgammon Federation.]]> Results: Ohio State Backgammon Championships https://usbgf.org/results-ohio-state-backgammon-championships-2/ Tue, 31 Mar 2026 17:10:09 +0000 https://usbgf.org/?p=27003 31st OHIO STATE BACKGAMMON CHAMPIONSHIPSCanton, OhioMarch 26-29, 2026 Results courtesy of Chicago Point ABT CHAMPIONSHIP (37): 1-Kit Woolsey (CA), 2-Lynda Clay (CO), 3-John O’Hagan (IN),…

The post Results: Ohio State Backgammon Championships appeared first on U.S. Backgammon Federation.]]> 31st OHIO STATE BACKGAMMON CHAMPIONSHIPS
Canton, Ohio
March 26-29, 2026

Results courtesy of Chicago Point

ABT CHAMPIONSHIP (37): 1-Kit Woolsey (CA), 2-Lynda Clay (CO), 3-John O’Hagan (IN), 4/5-Jim Airgood (MI) / Joe Calvaruso (OH); 1C-Irina Litzenberger (VA), 2C-Ryan Rebelo (Canada).

ABT ADVANCED (34): 1-Ian McGuigan (IN), 2-Peter Swartwout (PA), 3-David Smith (Canada), 4/5-Dan Doherty (CA) / Ken Drees (OH); 1C-David Steinberg (OH), 2C-Patty Knapp (MA).

OHIO PLAYERS CUP BMAB (26): 1-Dmitriy Obukhov (MI), 2/6-Gershon Distenfeld (FL) / Robert Ellis (TN) / Kent Goulding (MD) / Mark Kaye (IL) / Irina Litzenberger (VA). PR winners: 1-Neil Kazaross (IL) at 3.23, 2-Frank Frigo (CA) at 3.45, 3-Dmitriy Obukhov (MI) at 4.36, 4-Roberto Litzenberger (VA) at 5.00, 5-Kit Woolsey (CA) at 5.64, 6-Brian Sposit (OH) at 5.78. Unlucky Dice Award: Brian Sposit (OH) at -14.86.

MASTERS JACKPOT (16): 1-Michael Vena (NY), 2-Boris Shafransky (MD).

LIMITED JACKPOT (12): 1-Brian Vance (MI), 2-Ray Cifani (OH), 3-Julius High (FL).

NOVICE (6): 1-Chris Winters (PA), 2-Austin Hamilton (SC).

DOUBLES: 1-Vlad Eydelman (WI) & Carl James (TX), 2-Tigran Avanesian (OH) & Boris Shafransky (MD).

SENIORS (8): 1-Bonnie Rogoff (OH).

JUNIORS (8): 1-Bill Lonergan (NY).

BLITZ (16): 1-Julius High (FL), 2-Mark Milkie (IN).

WARM-UP (26): 1-Joe Miller (OH), 2-Bill Lonergan (NY), 3-Brian Sposit (OH).

AFTER-TOURNEY TOURNAMENT (8): 1-Ed Corey (CT).

The post Results: Ohio State Backgammon Championships appeared first on U.S. Backgammon Federation.]]> Results: Atlanta Backgammon Classic https://usbgf.org/results-atlanta-backgammon-classic/ Tue, 03 Mar 2026 20:27:55 +0000 https://usbgf.org/?p=26486 February 26-March 1, 2026; Atlanta, Georgia Results courtesy ChicagoPoint ABT CHAMPIONSHIP (56): 1-Rory Pascar (IL), 2-Kit Woolsey (CA); 1C-Petko Kostadinov (SC), 2C-Saba Bejanishvili (GA); 1LC-Kent…

The post Results: Atlanta Backgammon Classic appeared first on U.S. Backgammon Federation.]]>
February 26-March 1, 2026; Atlanta, Georgia

Results courtesy ChicagoPoint

ABT CHAMPIONSHIP (56): 1-Rory Pascar (IL), 2-Kit Woolsey (CA); 1C-Petko Kostadinov (SC), 2C-Saba Bejanishvili (GA); 1LC-Kent Goulding (MD), 2LC-Sean Garber (IN).

ABT ADVANCED (51): 1-Laura Granger (MI), 2-Ann Major (TX); 1C-Homer Hector (GA), 2C-Jeremy Moulton (GA); 1LC-Scott Redfern (GA), 2LC-Karen Janowsky (NY), 3LC/4LC-Rob Reynolds (GA) / Maggie Sweeney (MI).

NOVICE (8): 1-Debbie Quinn (IN).

PLAYERS CUP ATLANTA BMAB (24): 1-Marlon Aronstam (FL), 2/4-Bob Azari (FL) / Karen Davis (FL) / Todd Obadal (IA). PR winners: 1-Marty Storer (NH) at 2.54, 2-Kit Woolsey (CA) at 4.19, 3-Kent Goulding (MD) at 4.55, 4-Irina Litzenberger (VA) at 5.56. Unlucky Dice winner: Julius High (FL) at -9.81.

SUPER JACKPOT (8): 1-Michael Comisac (SC), 2-Michihito Kageyama (Japan).

TAYLOR/WILENSKY MASTERS (24): 1-Dennis Culpepper (VA), 2-Saba Bejanishvili (GA), 3-Jim Hickey (NC).

ATLANTA CUP LIMITED JACKPOT (24): 1-Julius High (FL), 2-Mehmet Agirbas (GA).

SORG MEMORIAL INTERMEDIATE JACKPOT (16): 1-Casey Willett (TN), 2-Roland Leutert (FL).

SPEEDGAMMON (16): 1-Rob Reynolds (GA), 2-Tyler Buchman (NC).

DOUBLES (27 teams): 1-Michael Comisac (SC) & Gary Payne (MI), 2-P.J. Macali (OH) & Boris Shafransky (MD), 3/4-Molly & Pete Anderson (NM) / Jeb & Paul Horton (NC).

JUNIORS (24): 1-Rob Reynolds (GA), 2-Gary Koscielny (FL), 3-Amy Latek (WI).

SENIORS (24): 1-Rollow Mickle (TN), 2-Jerry Ungar (FL), 3-Jeanna Kish (TX).

DMP (16): 1-Mehmet Agirbas (GA), 2-Amy Latek (WI).

BOARD TOURNAMENT (8): 1-Michael Comisac (SC).

$50 JACKPOT (8): 1-Samra Hadden (GA).

WARM-UP TOURNAMENT (8): 1-Kevin Jones (FL), 2-Phillip Rahm (MN); 1C-Garrett Brown (GA).

The post Results: Atlanta Backgammon Classic appeared first on U.S. Backgammon Federation.]]> PrimeTime Magazine Winter 2026 https://usbgf.org/primetime-magazine-winter-2026/ Mon, 16 Feb 2026 22:41:31 +0000 https://usbgf.org/?p=26269 This issue we feature Rich Munitz.

The post PrimeTime Magazine Winter 2026 appeared first on U.S. Backgammon Federation.]]>

This issue we feature Rich Munitz.

Sorry, you must be a premium member and above to read PrimeTime Magazine.
Please login or upgrade your membership.
The post PrimeTime Magazine Winter 2026 appeared first on U.S. Backgammon Federation.]]> Results: Texas Backgammon Champtionships https://usbgf.org/results-texas-backgammon-champtionships/ Wed, 11 Feb 2026 17:15:45 +0000 https://usbgf.org/?p=26175 February 3-8, 2026; San Antonio, Texas Results Courtesy Chicago Point ABT GEOFFREY PARKER CHAMPIONSHIP (110+48 rebuys): 1-Benjamin Hugon (TX), 2-Saba Bejanishvili (GA), 3/4-Art Benjamin (CA)…

The post Results: Texas Backgammon Champtionships appeared first on U.S. Backgammon Federation.]]>
February 3-8, 2026; San Antonio, Texas

Results Courtesy Chicago Point

ABT GEOFFREY PARKER CHAMPIONSHIP (110+48 rebuys): 1-Benjamin Hugon (TX), 2-Saba Bejanishvili (GA), 3/4-Art Benjamin (CA) / Jörgen Granstedt (Sweden); 1C-Frank Frigo (CA), 2C-David Kettler (TX), 3C/4C-Roberto Litzenberger (VA) / David Todd (MO); 1LC-Irina Litzenberger (VA), 2LC-Petko Kostadinov (SC), 3LC/4LC-Victor Ashkenazi (NJ) / Matt Reklaitis (MA).

ABT INTERMEDIATE DIVISION (57+15 rebuys): 1-Jim DeRosier (LA), 2-James Osburn (TX); 1C-Greg Miller (AK), 2C-Mona Mazza (CA), 3C/4C-John Hay (DC) / David Simpson (CA); 1LC-Mak Danburg-Wyld (WA), 2LC-Jeanna Kish (TX).

$1500 SUPER JACKPOT (32): 1-Joe Urso (NY), 2-Ed Ahola (MA), 3/4-Saba Bejanishvili (GA) / Gerry Tansey (MO).

MALCOLM DAVIS LONGHORN MASTERS JACKPOT (64): 1-Greg Aponte (TX), 2-David Kettler (TX), 3/4-Ben Friesen (MI) / Frank Talbot (MI), 5/8-Boris Dekhtyar (NY) / Doug Mayfield (TX) / Julian Minwalla (United Kingdom) / Ian Terry (TX).

ALAMO CLASSIC LIMITED JACKPOT (48): 1-Dan Minardi (CO), 2-Lynn Lusk (CO), 3-Tiffany Van (TX), 4/6-Aaron Foust (NV) / Chris Markey (TX) / Gary Oleson (TX).

TEXAS CLASSIC ADVANCED JACKPOT (13): 1-John Hay (DC), 2-Wayland Augur (CA).

UBC REGIONAL CONTENDER (12): 1-Michihito Kageyama (Japan), 2-Frank Frigo (CA).

PLAYERS CUP SAN ANTONIO BMAB (40): 1/3-Selwyn Scarborough (NY) / Frank Talbot (MI) / Tommy Tallarico (CA), 4/10-Gregory Aponte (TX) / Chuck Bower (IN) / Lynda Clay (CO) / Sean Garber (IN) / Neil Kazaross (IL) / Michael Vosgueritchian (CA) / Kit Woolsey (CA). PR winners: 1-Neil Kazaross (IL) at 3.54, 2-Frank Talbot (MI) at 4.25, 3-Thomas Keisler (CA) at 4.76, 4-Michael Vosgueritchian (CA) at 4.94, 5-Kevin Finch (PA) at 5.52, 6/7-Sean Garber (IN) at 5.60 / Kit Woolsey (CA) at 5.60, 8-Ken Bame (CA) at 5.67, 9-Gregory Aponte (TX) at 5.75, 10-Robert Virnig (CA) at 5.80. Unlucky Dice Award: Bob Kamp (IL) at -14.73.

WOMEN’S OPEN JACKPOT (32): 1-Carmen Tomlinson (TX), 2-Karen Davis (FL), 3/4-Carol Joy Cole (MI) / Candace Mayeron (CA).

NOVICE CHAMPIONSHIP (22): 1-Stewart Browning (TX), 2-Wesley Phillip (TX); 1C-Kristina Grim (Germany).

SAN ANTONIO CINCO DOUBLES (48 teams): 1-Leslie Lockett (IL) & Kit Woolsey (CA), 2-Vlad Eydelman (WI) & Manuel Perito (Costa Rica), 3-Art Benjamin (CA) & Matthew Upbin (NY), 4/6-Geoff Hall (United Kingdom) & Chris Rogers (United Kingdom) / Richard Munitz (NY) & Olivia Upbin (NY) / Kara Schulz (CA) & Jonah Seewald (CO).

ACE POINT DMP TOURNAMENT (64): 1-Rudy Langenbach (TX), 2-Todd Obadal (IA).

SENIORS (64): 1-Al Hodis (NV), 2-Jeanette Powers (TX), 3/4-Geoff Hall (United Kingdom) / Tom Keisler (CA).

SENIORS OVERFLOW (32): 1-Tommy Tallarico (CA), 2-Bob Zimmerman (ME), 3/4-Josh Findley (TX) / Mike Snow (TX).

SPEEDGAMMON (48): 1-Robert Virnig (CA), 2-Lynda Clay (CO), 3-David Todd (MO).

FIESTA MIXED BLITZ (64): 1-Mike Snow (TX), 2-Al Hodis (NV).

$100 JACKPOT (8): 1/2 split-Ray Fogerlund (NV) / Sarah Upbin (NY).

$50 JACKPOT (8): 1-Jennifer Kim (CA), 2-Doug Mayfield (TX).
$50 JACKPOT (8): 1-Todd Obadal (IA), 2-Sarah Upbin (NY).

The post Results: Texas Backgammon Champtionships appeared first on U.S. Backgammon Federation.]]> USBGF Expert Sessions – Decision Science & Your Path to Backgammon Excellence https://usbgf.org/backgammon-decision-science-webinar/ Thu, 29 Jan 2026 07:33:28 +0000 https://usbgf.org/?p=25985 An Exclusive Webinar with 2-Time World Champion Frank Frigo

The post USBGF Expert Sessions – Decision Science & Your Path to Backgammon Excellence appeared first on U.S. Backgammon Federation.]]>

Is your game plateauing?

You’ve read the books, you know the opening moves, and you play regularly—but the gap between you and the world’s elite still feels like a canyon.

In backgammon, the difference between a “good player” and a “World Champion” isn’t luck; it’s Decision Science. It’s the ability to filter through the noise of the dice and apply a systematic, analytical framework to every checker play and cube decision.

Join 2-time World Champion Frank Frigo for a deep dive into the mechanics of winning. Frank won’t just show you “the right move”—he will teach you the science of how to find it.

What You’ll Discover:

  • The Framework of Decision Science: Learn how to apply probabilistic thinking and risk management to the board, turning “gut feelings” into calculated wins.

  • The Anatomy of an Error: Frank breaks down how top-tier players identify their own cognitive biases and systematic weaknesses.

  • Building Your PR Development Plan: Stop practicing aimlessly. Learn how to create a structured, data-driven roadmap to lower your PR (Performance Rating) and track your growth.

  • Elite Study Habits: A behind-the-curtain look at how a World Champion uses modern technology and theory to stay at the top of the world elite.

Meet Your Instructor: Frank Frigo

"Frank is one of the most brilliant analytical minds in the history of the game. His approach to backgammon as a science has redefined how the modern elite prepare for competition."

Frank Frigo is a 2-time World Backgammon Champion and a pioneer in applying advanced analytics to the game. Known for his precision and deep understanding of match equity, Frank has spent decades deconstructing backgammon into a masterable discipline.

Event Details:

  • Date: Tuesday, March 10th, 2026 [Watch the Replay video above[]

  • Time: 5 PM PST / 8 PM EST

  • Location: Live via Zoom (Link provided upon registration)

  • Cost: Free for USBGF Members

The post USBGF Expert Sessions – Decision Science & Your Path to Backgammon Excellence appeared first on U.S. Backgammon Federation.]]> 2026 USBGF Online Championship https://usbgf.org/2026-usbgf-online-championship/ Wed, 28 Jan 2026 06:00:40 +0000 https://usbgf.org/?p=25934 The USBGF is thrilled to announce our 2nd Annual USBGF Online Championship, a freeroll that had a total of 390 players last year! Players will…

The post 2026 USBGF Online Championship appeared first on U.S. Backgammon Federation.]]> The USBGF is thrilled to announce our 2nd Annual USBGF Online Championship, a freeroll that had a total of 390 players last year! Players will battle it out in a 5-Loss Swiss Format tournament, playing others with the same record until there’s only one remaining! This online tournament is the premier annual event designed to bring together USBGF members from around the world.

  • Registration Deadline: February 23rd, 2026 by end of day.
  • First Draw: February 24th, 2026 @ 12 PM EST
  • Format: 5-Loss Swiss – ensuring play continues over a substantial part of the year. Players will be notified of their matches by email and must schedule play with their opponent at their mutual convenience. There will be a 12-day deadline to complete each round and report the result.
  • Entry Fee: FREE for all USBGF members (a true freeroll!)
  • Prize Pool: $1,000 prize pool awarded to the top 5 finalists
  • Prize Payout: Prizes are awarded as credit to your USBGF account and may be applied at any time towards entry into ABT events, USBGF online events, USBGF membership, or other USBGF purchases
  • Consult the tournament’s About tab for full details.

We encourage all backgammon players, from world-class to passionate amateurs, to join us in this exciting online backgammon competition. This championship offers a unique opportunity to test your skills, connect with fellow players, and be part of a great event in the backgammon community.

New to USBGF online tournaments? Learn how to get started here.

We look forward to your participation and wish you the best of luck in the tournament!

VISIT TOURNAMENT REGISTRATION
The post 2026 USBGF Online Championship appeared first on U.S. Backgammon Federation.]]> Results: New York Metropolitan Backgammon Open https://usbgf.org/results-new-york-metropolitan-backgammon-open/ Thu, 22 Jan 2026 16:35:36 +0000 https://usbgf.org/?p=25882 January 15-19, 2026 Jersey City, New Jersey Results courtesy of Chicago Point ABT CHAMPIONSHIP (178+74 rebuys): 1-Vlad Eydelman (WI), 2-Dirk Schiemann (Germany), 3/4-Doron Claxton (South…

The post Results: New York Metropolitan Backgammon Open appeared first on U.S. Backgammon Federation.]]> January 15-19, 2026

Jersey City, New Jersey

Results courtesy of Chicago Point

ABT CHAMPIONSHIP (178+74 rebuys): 1-Vlad Eydelman (WI), 2-Dirk Schiemann (Germany), 3/4-Doron Claxton (South Africa) / Josh Findley (TX), 5/8-Steve Sax (CA) / Julian Schulman (NY) / Blake Sorem (WA) / Marty Storer (NH); 1C-Chris Trencher (NY), 2C-Richard Munitz (NY), 3C/4C-Gary Koscielny (FL) / Petko Kostadinov (SC), 5C/8C-Jeff Acierno (NJ) / Martin Barkwill (England) / Brandon Macklin (MD) / Charles Raichle (CO); 1LC-Jonah Seewald (CO), 2LC-Dennis Culpepper (VA), 3LC/4LC-Mariano De Osma (Peru) / Grant Schneider (VA).

ABT INTERMEDIATE (156+68 rebuys): 1-Eric Sosna (NY), 2-Daniel Bluestone (VA), 3/4-Gene Eydelman (IL) / David Tuminaro (DE), 5/8-Daniel Adler (NY) / Monty Haskins (NY) / Babak Hosseini (Canada) / Douglas Ljungkvist (NY); 1C-Argyris “Eddie” Argitakos (NY), 2C-Ryan Jarvis (NM), 3C/4C-Robert Lum (CA) / Atti Riazi (NY); 1LC-Tom Kennedy (VA), 2LC-Scott Salisbury (CT), 3LC/4LC-Elliot Howard (NY) / Nicholas Vlamis (NY).

ADVANCED BEGINNER (71): 1-Joseph Barello (NY), 2-Alanna Curet (NY), 3/4-James Iademarco (NC) / Leda Rosenthal (NY); 1C-Grace Zweig (CT), 2C-Neal Bergman (NY), 3C/4C-Christopher Kashuba (MD) / Taylor Wald (NY); 1LC-Ender Ozturk (NJ), 2LC-Karen Janowsky (NY).

BEGINNER (37): 1-Otto Hibbett (NY), 2-Zachary Landzberg (NJ); 1C-Jonathan Corbblah (NY), 2C-Dennis Berk (NY); 1LC-Jennifer Evans (Canada).

SUPER JACKPOT (32): 1-Mario Kühl (Germany), 2-Gary Bauer (NJ), 3/4-Doron Claxton (South Africa) / John Veltri (NY).

LIBERTY CUP MASTERS (64): 1-Alexander Handin (CA), 2-David Habib (Canada), 3/4-Johannes Levermann (Germany) / Melissa Shin (CA).

LIMITED JACKPOT (64): 1-Dan Whitney (CT), 2-Howard Markowitz (OR), 3/4-Alex Brill (NY) / Josh Findley (TX).

LADY LIBERTY CUP – CHAMPIONSHIP (16): 1-Karen Davis (FL), 2-Maggie Diamantidis (Greece/CA).

LADY LIBERTY CUP – INTERMEDIATE (32): 1-Liz Granstedt (Sweden), 2-Dina Laksiouer (NY), 3/4-Karen Janowsky (NY) / Anastacia Shimek (PA).

2-POINT MINI MATCH (16): 1-Al Hodis (NV), 2-Vlad Eydelman (WI).

CANCELGAMMON (64): 1-Gregory Swinehart (CT), 2-John Klein (MD), 3/4-Michael Levi (England) / Paul Linderman (NC).

SENIORS TOURNAMENT (64): 1-Molly Anderson (NM), 2-David Shadi (NJ), 3/4-Art Benjamin (CA) / Selwyn Scarborough (NY).

SENIORS OVERFLOW (24): 1/3-Carol Joy Cole (MI) / John O’Hagan (IN) / Marty Storer (NH).

YOUNG & RESTLESS (64): 1-Herman Arzuman (NY), 2-Jamie Weinstein (CT), 3/4-Manny Olszynko (Canada) / Sean Payne (Barbados).

YOUNG & RESTLESS OVERFLOW (24): 1/3-Lina Laksiouer (Canada) / Jason Lee (MD) / Carter McLean (NY).

P-40 BOARD TOURNAMENT (32): 1-Michael Paleos (NY), 2-Eli Rosenblith (NY).

NEW YORK DOUBLES TOURNAMENT (64 teams): 1-Alfred Kohan (NY) & Self, 2-Doron Claxton (South Africa) & Sarah Upbin (NY), 3/4-Brian Cohen (NY) & Debra Solomon (NY) / Fred Levin (FL) & FrankTalbot (MI).

NEW YORK DOUBLES TOURNAMENT II (24 teams): 1-David Shadi (NJ) & Ray Zamani (FL), 2-Karen Davis (FL) & Tony Wuersch (MA), 3-Anca Morar (RI) & Joseph Syta (NY).

HIGH ROLLER DOUBLES (11 teams): 1-Alberto Showaki (FL) & Ethan Wen (NY), 2-Blake Fleetwood (NY) & Mario Kühl (Germany).

NEW YORK PLAYERS CUP BMAB (48): 1-David Wu (NY), 2/9-Karen Davis (FL) / Kent Goulding (MD) / Garry Kallos (Canada) / Hooman Masoumi Rad (Canada) / Dan Minardi (CO) / Michael Rosen (NY) / David Stein (IL) / Tony Wuersch (MA). PR winners: 1-Kit Woolsey (CA) at 3.24, 2-David Wu (NY) at 3.42, 3-Catalin Bucur (England) at 4.41, 4-David Stein (IL) at 4.56, 5-Kent Goulding (MD) at 4.62, 6-John O’Hagan (IN) at 4.79, 7-Alan Steffen (FL) at 4.87, 8-Marty Storer (NH) at 5.38, 9-Karen Davis (FL) at 5.82. Unlucky Dice Award: John O’Hagan (IN) at -25.34.

The post Results: New York Metropolitan Backgammon Open appeared first on U.S. Backgammon Federation.]]> 2026 Hall of Fame Awards https://usbgf.org/2026-usbgf-hall-of-fame-dinner/ Mon, 12 Jan 2026 18:40:21 +0000 https://usbgf.org/?p=25820 USBGF Awards Dinner & Hall of Fame Buckhorn Museum, 318 E Houston St, San Antonio, TX 78205 5pm – 7:30pm Feb. 7 We will be…

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USBGF Awards Dinner & Hall of Fame

Buckhorn Museum, 318 E Houston St, San Antonio, TX 78205

5pm – 7:30pm Feb. 7

We will be hosting the 2026 USBGF Awards Dinner and Hall of Fame Induction at the famous Buckhorn Museum. Richard Munitz will be inducted into the USBGF Hall of Fame alongside Bill Riles and Tara Mendicino receiving Lifetime Achievement awards. Renowned San Antonio caterer Don Strange has crafted the menu. Dinner tickets include entry to both the Buckhorn and Texas Ranger museums. Located 2 blocks from the Gunter ballroom at 318 E. Houston St. Photography and videography of the event by Jason and Breiley Dordel.

Register your spot by selecting the dinner on your Texas Backgammon Championship registration. 

 

Reserve Your Seat

 

 

 

 

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