U.S. Backgammon Federation https://usbgf.org Have fun. Play backgammon! Fri, 30 Oct 2026 20:46:40 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=7.1.4 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 Proposed USBGF Bylaws Changes https://usbgf.org/proposed-usbgf-bylaws-changes/ Tue, 27 Oct 2026 16:44:16 +0000 https://usbgf.org/?p=28540 Introduction The Bylaws of the US Backgammon Federation serve as the organization’s governing framework. They establish how the USBGF is structured, how decisions are made,…

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Introduction

The Bylaws of the US Backgammon Federation serve as the organization’s governing framework. They establish how the USBGF is structured, how decisions are made, and how the organization legally conducts its business. The bylaws also require that the Board periodically review them from time to time to ensure they continue to meet the needs of the organization.

While targeted amendments have been made in the past, the Board has undertaken a comprehensive review, and as a result, proposes several substantive changes, along with additional non-substantive edits intended to improve clarity and consistency.

The Board is asking the membership to ratify the proposed Bylaws following a required meeting of the membership at which the proposed changes will be presented and discussed. 

USBGF Bylaws Amendment Meeting

Review and vote on the new bylaws. All USBGF members are welcome. Meeting will begin on Friday, November 27th @ 5 PM ET / 2 PM PT.
Register for Zoom Meeting

Goals

The USBGF is growing, both in membership and in what it can achieve. The organization needs a structure that allows it to evolve from a relatively small, volunteer-led organization into a larger, more capable and more professional organization. The proposed changes are intended to give the USBGF the flexibility, accountability and leadership structure needed to support that growth while maintaining strong oversight by Directors elected by the membership.

There are several key goals behind the proposed changes.

    1. Create a clear separation between governance and day-to-day management. As the USBGF
      grows, it is increasingly important to distinguish between the people responsible for governing
      and overseeing the organization and the people responsible for running it day to day.
      Historically, the President/Executive Director has led the Board’s governance and oversight
      efforts as well as performed much of the USBGF’s day-to-day work, while the Board Chair has
      primarily served as a figurehead for the organization. The proposed structure creates a clearer
      division of responsibilities. The Board Chair would focus on leading an effective Board, ensuring that the Board fulfills its responsibilities, and helping develop and refine the USBGF’s long-term strategic direction. The President would be responsible for the day-to-day management and operations of the USBGF and for implementing the strategy and goals established by the Board.The President would be selected by, report to, and serve at the pleasure of the Board. Because the Board is responsible for overseeing the President, the President should not simultaneously be a voting member of the Board. This creates a straightforward and important line of accountability: the Board oversees the President, and the President is accountable to the Board. The President would still participate fully in Board discussions and meetings unless the Board determines that a particular discussion should be held without the President present. The President simply would not vote on Board matters. This structure allows the President to be a qualified professional, and if appropriate, a compensated position, without creating a conflict in which the President is effectively responsible for overseeing themselves.

    2. Allow the USBGF to recruit people based on skills and expertise. The people who are well known and trusted within the backgammon community, and therefore the most likely to be elected by the membership, may not always be the people best suited or most interested in taking on specialized operational or professional responsibilities. The proposed changes give the Board greater flexibility to bring in individuals with specific skills and expertise when those skills are needed. For example, the Board may benefit from Directors or other leaders with expertisein areas such as finance, technology, marketing, legal matters, fundraising, governance or other areas important to the USBGF. The goal is not to reduce the role or authority of elected Directors, but to give the Board access to the expertise it needs while ensuring that the ultimate decision-making authority remains exclusively with the member-elected Directors who alone should have the power to vote.

    3. Build a stronger pipeline of future leaders. A healthy organization needs to continually develop its next generation of leaders. The proposed structure will allow the Board to identify talented and committed individuals, give them opportunities to participate in the organization’s leadership, and allow them to develop the knowledge and experience needed to assume greater responsibility. Continuity, ongoing development, and the smooth transition of leadership are important in a healthy and effective corporation and the goal is to create a Board that is not only effective today, but also continually developing the people who will lead the USBGF tomorrow.

Proposed Changes to the Bylaws

The Proposed Bylaws

The Current Bylaws (pub. 2021)

The Bylaws with Redline Changes

The post Proposed USBGF Bylaws Changes appeared first on U.S. Backgammon Federation.]]> 2026 Board Nominations https://usbgf.org/2026-board-nominations/ Mon, 26 Oct 2026 21:02:13 +0000 https://usbgf.org/?p=28523 As prescribed by the By-Laws, the Board of Directors of the U.S. Backgammon Federation announces that members may nominate candidates, including themselves, for election to…

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As prescribed by the By-Laws, the Board of Directors of the U.S. Backgammon Federation announces that members may nominate candidates, including themselves, for election to the Board of Directors. Nominees must be members of the USBGF. The Board asks members to please limit their nominees to candidates who have expressed a willingness to serve and to contribute to the Board.

Nominations must be submitted before 12:00 midnight Central Time, November 23rd, 2026.

Four Seats Open for Election

Four Board seats open this year. Four Incumbents plan to stand for re-election to the Board. 

  • Alex Eshagian
  • Ian Terry
  • April Mesich
  • Richard Munitz

Submit Your Nominations

Please direct all nominations to Ben Friesen and Kara Schultz via the nominations form, before the deadline of 12:00 midnight Central Time on November 23rd, 2026.

Board Member Responsibilities

    • Support and advocate for the USBGF mission. 

    • Board members have a fiduciary responsibility to ensure the organization has sufficient resources to sustain the viability of the organization and to support the mission.

    • Ensure that the organization’s resources are used to advance the mission.

    • Recognize conflicts of interest, and ensure that decisions are made in the best interest of the organization.

    • Participate in a collegiate atmosphere with other Board members and staff.

    • Contribute significant time by leading a committee or supporting the work of the USBGF staff.

    • Board members are expected to make personal financial contributions to the USBGF, according to their ability.

After receiving nominations, the USBGF Governance and Nominating Committee will review the slate of candidates, confirm that each will serve if elected, solicit a statement of qualifications and, if approved, recommend candidates to the membership. In their statement of qualifications, Board candidates are expected to explicitly address these questions:

    • Why do you want to join the Board?

    • What do you want to accomplish as a Board member?

    • What skills and expertise will you bring to the Board?

The election will take place from December 1st to December 18th, 2026 by electronic survey. Each USBGF member may cast a ballot for up to four candidates. All candidates, incumbent or otherwise, run ‘at-large’ (not for specific seats) with the four candidates receiving the most votes being elected.  There are certain other qualifications outlined in the By-Laws. 

It is crucial for the continued success of the organization that viable, qualified, willing candidates be nominated by the membership. Fresh ideas, new expertise, and enthusiasm enhance the functioning of the Board. 

Cordially,

Ben Friesen
President and Executive Director

Board Nominations

"*" indicates required fields

Service Expectations

The USBGF seeks directors who bring sound judgment, useful skills, and a commitment to advancing backgammon. The Board meets monthly, generally for 1–2 hours. Directors are expected to attend regularly, review materials in advance, and participate actively in discussions and decisions. In addition to meetings, we seek directors who can generally contribute a few hours each week to committee work, projects, member outreach, fundraising, or other board responsibilities. Contributions may vary over time and should be discussed openly. Directors are expected to exercise independent judgment, disclose conflicts of interest, and act in the USBGF’s interests. Directors support the organization in different ways, including professional expertise, volunteer work, relationships, fundraising, and voluntary financial support. Personal donations are not a condition of candidacy or board service. Candidates whose availability differs from the weekly time expectation are encouraged to explain how they would contribute meaningfully. All directors are expected to fulfill the core responsibilities of board service.
Address
Include relevant experience. Retired candidates may describe previous roles.
Max. file size: 200 MB.

Your involvement in backgammon

We welcome different levels and types of involvement. Competitive achievement is not required to bring a valuable perspective.
Where do you play? Select all that apply.
Do you organize or help run any of the following? Select all that apply.
How else are you involved? Select all that apply.
Include clubs, events, organizations, or businesses and your role in each. If you are new to backgammon, tell us about your interest.

Skills and experience

Choose a level for each area. Experience may come from employment, volunteer work, or previous board service. No candidate is expected to be an expert in every area.
Give specific examples of relevant experience or accomplishments.

Availability and Contribution

Beyond the monthly Board meeting, how much time can you generally commit to board activities? *
Beyond the monthly Board meeting, how much time can you generally commit to board activities? *
Financial support is optional. No donation amount or pledge is requested.
Include scheduling limitations or variations in availability. If your availability differs from the weekly expectation, explain how you would contribute meaningfully.

Business relationships and potential conflicts Break

Backgammon business relationships and outside organizational roles can bring valuable experience. Disclosure helps the USBGF identify and manage potential conflicts of interest.
Do you own, work for, or receive compensation from a business that sells backgammon merchandise or services?*
Do you have financial, contractual, leadership, or other relationships with the USBGF, the US Backgammon Foundation, or organizations that might do business with either?*
Are there other relationships or commitments that could create an actual or perceived conflict of interest?*

Motivation and candidate statement

For internal review
For internal review
For publication to members. Explain what you would bring to the Board. Limit: 250 words. Write this as you would like it to appear in election materials.
Include only information you are comfortable sharing with members. Your uploaded résumé or biography is for internal review unless separately approved for publication.
Publication notice Your name, candidate statement, and optional public biography may be published in election materials for members. Contact details, detailed availability, skills responses, other written answers, attachments, and conflict disclosures are intended for the appropriate internal review process.
Consent 1
Consent 2
Consent 3
Consent 4
Consent 5
Consent 6
The post 2026 Board Nominations appeared first on U.S. Backgammon Federation.]]> Lee Genud: A Trail Blazing World Champion https://usbgf.org/in-memoriam-lee-genud/ Mon, 19 Oct 2026 18:19:38 +0000 https://usbgf.org/?p=28484 Courtesy of Women’s World of Backgammon Lee Genud was a courageous trailbreaker all her life! She was a particular inspiration to women backgammon players –…

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Courtesy of Women’s World of Backgammon

Lee Genud was a courageous trailbreaker all her life! She was a particular inspiration to women backgammon players – for the excellence of her achievements, her fearlessness and willingness to take chances, and her competitive spirit – while charming one and all with her warm smile and gregarious personality. 

She was inducted into the American Backgammon Hall of Fame in 2024, along with Wilcox Snelling and Lewis DeYoung. It was a tribute that culminated an extraordinary backgammon career.

She arrived on the world stage when she won the Backgammon World Championship in 1981 – her final match with the legendary Joe Dwek was immortalized by Bill Robertie in his book: Lee Genud vs Joe Dwek: The 1981 World Championship of Backgammon. She was underestimated by many, including some say, Joe Dwek, which may have contributed to her stunning victory.

But it shouldn’t have been a surprise. She was an established author publishing Lee Genud’s Backgammon Book in 1974 — a best-seller. She also won the Women’s World Championship twice (1978, 1979). She won or came in first or second in 37 major world tournaments from 1979 through 1985. 

During the backgammon heyday in the 1970s, she toured the U.S. promoting backgammon and major sponsors, including television appearances in seven cities. 

She directed backgammon clubs in California and New York and taught over 2,000 students to play the game. She was the founder, co-owner, tournament director, and teaching professional at the Card & Cube in Long Island, New York from 1977-1980. Most recently, she presented seminars and gave lessons at private backgammon clubs in Palm Beach, Florida.

She won the 2023 Palm Beach Women’s Classic and finished second to Backgammon World Champion (2000) Katie Scalamandre in the Inaugural Palm Beach Women’s Classic Tournament (2022) where she was honored at a brunch in a Palm Beach private club and a women’s tournament in the home of Jason Briggs. 

The Genud Cup (2020, 2022, 2024, 2026) event between the U.S. Women’s Backgammon Team and the U.K. Women’s Backgammon Team was named in her honor; she was interviewed following the conclusion of the 2020 match won narrowly by the US team and made remarks on the streaming of the 2026 event won by the UK team.

She paved the way, and women players all over the world are grateful for what she demonstrated and accomplished. She will be long-remembered.

The post Lee Genud: A Trail Blazing World Champion appeared first on U.S. Backgammon Federation.]]> PrimeTime Magazine Fall 2026 https://usbgf.org/primetime-magazine-fall-2026/ Thu, 15 Oct 2026 02:20:39 +0000 https://usbgf.org/?p=28414 This issue is brimming with news you won’t want to miss. American players took two World Champion titles at Monte Carlo: Petko Kostadinov is 2026 Backgammon World Champion, and Martha Ghio triumphed in the Women’s World Championship!

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This issue is brimming with news you won’t want to miss. American players took two World Champion titles at Monte Carlo: Petko Kostadinov is 2026 Backgammon World Champion, and Martha Ghio triumphed in the Women’s World Championship!

Sorry, you must be a premium member and above to read PrimeTime Magazine.
Please login or upgrade your membership.
The post PrimeTime Magazine Fall 2026 appeared first on U.S. Backgammon Federation.]]> Results: 2026 Las Vegas Open Backgammon Tournament https://usbgf.org/results-2026-las-vegas/ Wed, 14 Oct 2026 15:38:24 +0000 https://usbgf.org/?p=28408 ABT: LAS VEGAS OPEN BACKGAMMON TOURNAMENTOctober 7-12, 2026; Las Vegas, Nevada ABT OPEN (66+30 rebuys): 1-Cary Hoarty (CO), 2-Yuki Harada (Japan), 3-Bob Azari (FL), 4/5-Frank…

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ABT: LAS VEGAS OPEN BACKGAMMON TOURNAMENT
October 7-12, 2026; Las Vegas, Nevada

ABT OPEN (66+30 rebuys): 1-Cary Hoarty (CO), 2-Yuki Harada (Japan), 3-Bob Azari (FL), 4/5-Frank Frigo (CA) / Mario Savan (CA); 1C-Ray Fogerlund (NV), 2C-Art Benjamin (CA), 3C/4C-Thomas Keisler (CA) / Gary Koscielny (FL).

ABT INTERMEDIATE (46+18): 1-Stu Steene-Connolly (CA), 2-Mehdi Shafa (WA), 3-Bob Black (UT), 4/5-Jim Lowe (AZ) / Babak Ourian (CA); 1C-Tiffany Van (TX), 2C-Jim Glover (FL), 3C/4C-Abby Biss (New Zealand) / Mike Wohl (FL).

ABT NOVICE (8): 1-Robert Fairchild (TX), 2/3-Melody Jones (CA) / Brandy Shin (CA).

$2500 SUPER JACKPOT (9): 1-Maeis Petrosian (CA), 2-Erik Seidel (NV).

MASTERS JACKPOT (32): 1-Dana Nazarian (CA), 2-Maeis Petrosian (CA), 3/4-Jake Jacobs (AZ) / Bill Phipps (WA).

LIMITED JACKPOT (32): 1-Lynda Clay (CO), 2-Mark Antranikian (CA), 3/4-Aaron Foust (NV) / Josh Racko (CA).

INTERMEDIATE JACKPOT (24): 1-Babak Ourian (CA), 2-Yuki Harada (Japan), 3-Jim Ross (FL).

PLAYERS CUP LAS VEGAS BMAB (32): 1-David Todd (CA), 2/7-Bob Azari (FL) / Gershon Destenfeld (FL) / Yuki Harada (Japan) / Michael Rosenberg (CA) / Melissa Shin (CA) / Tommy Tallarico (CA). PR winners: 1-Kit Woolsey (CA) at 4.97, 2-Mark Ferrin (TX) at 5.03, 3-Geoff Hall (United Kingdom) at 5.06, 4-Michael Rosenberg (CA) at 5.57, 5-Melissa Shin (CA) at 5.60, 6-Josh Racko (CA) at 5.77, 7-Yuki Harada (Japan). Unlucky Dice Award: Lynda Clay (CO) at -15.85. Neutral Dice Prize: Josh Racko (CA). David Todd (CA) wins Iron Star #24.

WOMEN’S WORLD OF BACKGAMMON CUP (13): 1-Kara Schultz (CA), 2-Carol Joy Cole (MI); 1C-Jeanna Kish (TX).

1-POINT QUICKIE – DMP (32): 1-Ted Chee (CA), 2-Tommy Tallarico (CA).

SENIORS (16): 1-Neil Kazaross (IL), 2-Carol Joy Cole (MI).

JUNIORS (16): 1-Hibiki Kawauchi (Japan), 2-Ted Chee (CA).

JUNIOR WINNER vs SENIOR WINNER: 1-Neil Kazaross (IL).

SPEEDGAMMON (32): 1-Ted Chee (CA), 2-Tommy Tallarico (CA).

BLITZ (64): 1-Ted Chee (CA), 2-Teri Harmon (NV).

ZAVORAL BOARD TOURNAMENT (16): 1-Hibiki Kawauchi (Japan), 2-Richard Stubbe (CA).

DOUBLES (24 teams): 1-Josh Racko (CA) & Melody Jones (CA), 2-Jeanna Kish (TX) & Kit Woolsey (CA), 3-Laura Granger (CO) & Cary Hoarty (CO).

AFTER TOURNAMENT (24): 1-Lynda Clay (CO), 2-Hibiki Kawauchi (Japan), 3-Mark Ferrin (TX).

Results are couresy of ChicagoPoint.com

The post Results: 2026 Las Vegas Open Backgammon Tournament appeared first on U.S. Backgammon Federation.]]> 2026 Genud Cup, USA vs. UK https://usbgf.org/2026-genud-cup/ Mon, 28 Sep 2026 22:47:28 +0000 https://usbgf.org/?p=28248 Watch the USA and UK Women's teams battle it out this weekend, starting on Saturday October 3rd, 2026.

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Round 1: Saturday 11 AM EST

Round Score - US 11 - UK 21

Antoinette-Marie Williams vs Anna Parker (2-9)
Irina Litzenberger vs Cecilia Rogers (9-6)
Kara Schultz vs Anna Price (9-2)
Karen Davis vs Merrin Rose (9-5)
Lynda Clay vs Julia Hayward (5-9)
Maggie Sweeney vs Melanie Hughes (8-9)
Mary Morse vs Rachel Rhodes (7-9)
Wendy Kaplan vs Michele de Havilland (3-9)

Round Score - US 17 - UK 15

Antoinette-Marie Williams vs Michele de Havilland (9-5)
Irina Litzenberger vs Anna Parker (8-9)
Kara Schultz vs Cecilia Rogers (9-0)
Karen Davis vs Anna Price (3-9)
Lynda Clay vs Merrin Rose (9-3)
Maggie Sweeney vs Julia Hayward (9-3)
Mary Morse vs Melanie Hughes (1-9)
Wendy Kaplan vs Rachel Rhodes (7-9)

Round Score - US 17 - UK 15

Antoinette-Marie Williams vs Rachel Rhodes (7-9)
Irina Litzenberger vs Michele de Havilland (9-4)
Kara Schultz vs Anna Parker (9-7)
Karen Davis vs Cecilia Rogers (9-5)
Lynda Clay vs Anna Price (8-9)
Maggie Sweeney vs Merrin Rose (2-9)
Mary Morse vs Julia Hayward (9-3)
Wendy Kaplan vs Melanie Hughes (0-9)

Round Score - US 12 - UK 20

Antoinette-Marie Williams vs Melanie Hughes (8-9)
Irina Litzenberger vs Rachel Rhodes (6-9)
Kara Schultz vs Michele de Havilland (9-2)
Karen Davis vs Anna Parker (9-6)
Lynda Clay vs Cecilia Rogers (9-3_
Maggie Sweeney vs Anna Price (9-6)
Mary Morse vs Merrin Rose (6-9)
Wendy Kaplan vs Julia Hayward (8-9)

Round Score - US 19 - UK 13

Antoinette-Marie Williams vs Julia Hayward (9-3)
Irina Litzenberger vs Melanie Hughes (9-3)
Kara Schultz vs Rachel Rhodes (9-8)
Karen Davis vs Michele de Havilland (4-9)
Lynda Clay vs Anna Parker (9-0)
Maggie Sweeney vs Cecilia Rogers (0-9)
Mary Morse vs Anna Price (7-9)
Wendy Kaplan vs Merrin Rose (9-5)

Round Score - US 13 - UK 19

Antoinette-Marie Williams vs Merrin Rose (8-9)
Irina Litzenberger vs Julia Hayward (2-9) 
Kara Schultz vs Melanie Hughes (4-9) 
Karen Davis vs Rachel Rhodes (9-5)
Lynda Clay vs Michele de Havilland (8-9)
Maggie Sweeney vs Anna Parker (9-5)
Mary Morse vs Cecilia Rogers (2-9)
Wendy Kaplan vs Anna Price (9-2)

Round Score - US 18 - UK 14

Antoinette-Marie Williams vs Anna Price (9-7)
Irina Litzenberger vs Merrin Rose (5-9)
Kara Schultz vs Julia Hayward (6-9)
Karen Davis vs Melanie Hughes (9-6)
Lynda Clay vs Rachel Rhodes (6-9)
Maggie Sweeney vs Michele de Havilland (9-4)
Mary Morse vs Anna Parker (6-9)
Wendy Kaplan vs Cecilia Rogers (9-6)

Round Score - US 17 - UK 15

Antoinette-Marie Williams vs Cecilia Rogers (0-9) 
Irina Litzenberger vs Anna Price (9-0)
Kara Schultz vs Merrin Rose (3-9)
Karen Davis vs Julia Hayward (9-3)
Lynda Clay vs Melanie Hughes (9-2)
Maggie Sweeney vs Rachel Rhodes (6-9)
Mary Morse vs Michele de Havilland (9-7)
Wendy Kaplan vs Anna Parker (0-9)

Team United States & Team United Kingdom

What is the Genud Cup? 

The Genud Cup is an all-women annual, team-based backgammon competition held online between the United Kingdom Backgammon Federation (UKBGF) and the United States Backgammon Federation (USBGF). It is named in honor of Lee Genud, a legendary backgammon player, 2x world champion, backgammon author, and commentator.

The event features 8 rounds of individual matches, with players from both teams competing for the overall cup. The tournament is generally played over two days and utilizes the Heroes backgammon platform.

Past Winners: 

  • 2020 (Inaugural Genud Cup): USA Won – 129-127

  • 2022: USA Won – 160-106

  • 2024: UK Won – 115-109

  • 2026: UK Won 132 – 124

Date/Time: The event will be starting at 11 AM EST until 4 PM EST on Saturday October 3rd and repeats on Sunday October 4th.

Schedule:

  • Round 1-4 – Saturday 11 AM EST / 8.00 AM PST
  • Round 5-8 – Sunday 11 AM EST / 8.00 AM PST

Scoring:  The scoring mechanism is 3 points for a match win and 1 point for a PR win. For the latter, the matches are analyzed on XG (eXtremeGammon) and in each case the player with the lower PR is awarded the point. The team with the highest collective score at the end of Sunday is the winner.

How to follow the action

Live Scores available here: RESULTS Tab

Watch on YouTube – A selection of matches will be live-streamed, with live commentary, and anyone may watch on YouTube.

Visit the Backgammon Studio Heroes 3 Tournament Room Titled Genud Cup 

The post 2026 Genud Cup, USA vs. UK appeared first on U.S. Backgammon Federation.]]> Results: 2026 Music City Backgammon Tournament https://usbgf.org/results-2026-nashville/ Mon, 28 Sep 2026 14:57:33 +0000 https://usbgf.org/?p=28245 ABT: 1st ANNUAL MUSIC CITY BACKGAMMON OPENSeptember 23-27, 2026; Nashville, Tennessee ABT OPEN (51): 1-Bill Calton (MI), 2-Mike Horri (GA), 3/5-Ed Ahola (MA) / Herb…

The post Results: 2026 Music City Backgammon Tournament appeared first on U.S. Backgammon Federation.]]> ABT: 1st ANNUAL MUSIC CITY BACKGAMMON OPEN

September 23-27, 2026; Nashville, Tennessee

ABT OPEN (51): 1-Bill Calton (MI), 2-Mike Horri (GA), 3/5-Ed Ahola (MA) / Herb Roman (IL) / David Winn (TX), 6/7-Mehmet Agirbas (GA) / Mark Robinson (PA).

ABT INTERMEDIATE (59): 1-Dina Laks (NY), 2-Bob Weigel (TN), 3-Robert Lum (CA), 4/6-David Parks (CA) / Alper Uzunoglu (NY) / Nicholas Vlamis (NY), 7/8-Kirk McCamish (MN) / Dan Whitney (CT).

ABT NOVICE (15): 1-Gamal Eskander (TN), 2/4-Erik Benrud (IN) / Dylan Ross (TN) / Monica Talbot (MI).

PLAYERS CUP NASHVILLE BMAB (30): 1-Tony Wuersch (MA), 2/7-Bill Calton (MI) / Avi Cohen (FL) / Michihito Kageyama (Japan) / Phil Perelman (MA) / Quinn Swanger (NC) / Kit Woolsey (CA).  PR winners: 1-Michihito Kageyama (Japan) at 2.58, 2-Kit Woolsey (CA) at 4.23, 3-Tatsuya Tanaka (Japan) at 4.72, 4-Bill Calton (MI) at 5.35, 5-Martha Ghio (NY) at 5.55, 6-Phil Perelman (MA) at 5.89, 7-David Winn (TX) at 5.92.  Unlucky Dice Award: Todd Obadal (IA) at -20.30. Tony Wuersch (MA) wins Iron Star #23.

MASTERS JACKPOT (24): 1-Michihito Kageyama (Japan), 2-Kit Woolsey (CA).

LIMITED JACKPOT (16): 1-Art Moore (TN), 2-Jim Hickey (GA).

INTERMEDIATE JACKPOT (24): 1-Jerry Ungar (FL), 2-Dan Whitney (CT), 3-Gabriel Abikzer (NV).

BACHELORETTE PARTY WOMEN’S EVENT (32): 1-Lynn Ehrlich (FL), 2-Wendy Kaplan (IL); 1C-Martha Ghio (NY).

DOUBLES (24 teams): 1-Samra Hadden (GA) & Mike Horri (GA), 2-Anne Major (TX) & Todd Obadal (IA), 3-Martha Ghio (NY) & Tony Wuersch (MA).

SPEEDGAMMON (16): 1-Avi Cohen (FL), 2-Michael Tobin (TN).

JUNIORS (16): 1-Bill Calton (MI), 2-Mehmet Agirbas (GA).

SENIORS (24): 1-Jim Hickey (GA), 2-Kurt Peterson (MN), 3-Mike Horri (GA).

QUICKIE – DMP (32): 1-Jeremy Conant (OR), 2-Dmitriy Obukhov (MI).

ZAVORAL BOARD TOURNAMENT (16): 1-Joe Nolan (TN), 2-Gabriel Abikzer (NV).

AFTER TOURNAMENT (8): 1-Bill Lonergan (NY).

Results courtesy of ChicagoPoint.com

The post Results: 2026 Music City Backgammon Tournament appeared first on U.S. Backgammon Federation.]]> Results: 2026 Gammon Geaux New Orleans Backgammon Championships https://usbgf.org/results-2026-new-orleans/ Mon, 14 Sep 2026 16:00:42 +0000 https://usbgf.org/?p=28136 ABT: 2nd GAMMON GEAUX NEW ORLEANS BACKGAMMON CHAMPIONSHIPS September 9-13, 2026; New Orleans, Louisiana ABT CHAMPIONSHIP (55+21 rebuys): 1-Carter Mattig (IL), 2-Bill Phipps (NV); 1C-Cary Hoarty (CO), 2C-Doug Mayfield…

The post Results: 2026 Gammon Geaux New Orleans Backgammon Championships appeared first on U.S. Backgammon Federation.]]> ABT: 2nd GAMMON GEAUX NEW ORLEANS BACKGAMMON CHAMPIONSHIPS

September 9-13, 2026; New Orleans, Louisiana

ABT CHAMPIONSHIP (55+21 rebuys): 1-Carter Mattig (IL), 2-Bill Phipps (NV); 1C-Cary Hoarty (CO), 2C-Doug Mayfield (TX), 3C/4C-Steve Sax (CA) / Max Stockslager (NC); 1LC-Ray Fogerlund (NV), 2LC-Petko Kostadinov.

ABT INTERMEDIATE (45+15 rebuys): 1-Daniel Boylen (LA), 2-Rob Reynolds (GA); 1C-Patrick Horton (CA), 2C-Olivia Upbin (NY), 3C/4C-Robert Henry (TX) / Carter McLean (NY); 1LC-Martha Ghio (NY), 2LC-Don Teuton (GA).

$1500 SUPER JACKPOT (16): 1-Wilcox Snellings (Costa Rica), 2-Matt Cohn-Geier (NV), 3/4-Paul Moulton (United Kingdom) / Ethan Wen (NY).

MARDI GRAS MASTERS JACKPOT (40): 1-Richard Lloyd (TN), 2-Albert Steg (MA), 3/4-Doug Mayfield (TX) / Ryan Rebelo (Canada), 5-Todd Obadal (IA).

LAFITTE LIMITED JACKPOT (32): 1-Aaron Foust (NV), 2-James DeRosier (LA), 3/4-Ma Lang (NY) / Daniel Rockoff (NJ).

PLAYERS CUP GAMMON GEAUX BMAB (30): 1-Ken Bame (CA), 2/6-Ray Fogerlund (NV) / Ben Friesen (MI) / Kent Goulding (MD) / Paul McCloskey (Australia) / Paula Pipes (TX).  PR winners: 1-Michihito Kageyama (Japan) at 3.47, 2-Albert Steg (MA) at 3.81, 3-Kent Goulding (MD) at 3.90, 4-Abe Mosseri (NY) at 4.25, 5-Ben Friesen (MI) at 4.76, 6-Ken Bame (CA) at 5.18, 7-Dmitriy Obukhov (MI) at 5.21, 8-Ray Fogerlund (NV) at 5.33.  Unlucky Dice Award: Ma Lang (NY) at -14.12.  Ken Bame (CA) wins Iron Star #22.

WOMEN’S OPEN JACKPOT (16): 1-Hannah DeRosier (LA), 2-Ma Lang (NY).

SPEEDGAMMON (8): 1-Paul McCloskey (Australia).

SENIORS (32): 1-Michihito Kageyama (Japan), 2-Scotty Kelland (CT), 3/4-Teri Harmon (NV) / Dennis Rutkowski (FL).

DMP (16): 1-Carter McLean (NY).

MIXED BLITZ # 1 (8): 1-Teri Harmon (NV).

MIXED BLITZ # 2 (8): 1-Todd Obadal (IA).

Results courtesy of ChicagoPoint.com

The post Results: 2026 Gammon Geaux New Orleans Backgammon Championships appeared first on U.S. Backgammon Federation.]]> Results: 2026 Viking Classic Backgammon Championships https://usbgf.org/results-2026-viking-classic/ Sun, 13 Sep 2026 19:07:28 +0000 https://usbgf.org/?p=28127 ABT: 10th VIKING BACKGAMMON CLASSIC  September 2-7, 2026; Bloomington, Minnesota ABT ODIN OPEN (49): 1-Kit Woolsey (CA), 2-Ray Fogerlund (NV), 3-Steve Waller (MN), 4/5-Karam Ashoo (CA) / Dan Minardi…

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ABT: 10th VIKING BACKGAMMON CLASSIC 

September 2-7, 2026; Bloomington, Minnesota

ABT ODIN OPEN (49): 1-Kit Woolsey (CA), 2-Ray Fogerlund (NV), 3-Steve Waller (MN), 4/5-Karam Ashoo (CA) / Dan Minardi (CO), 6/7-Kurt Peterson (MN) / Eric Sosna (NY).

ABT THOR ADVANCED/INTERMEDIATE (38): 1-Dan Friedman-Shedlov (MN), 2-Jerome Kressin (MN), 3/4-Gary Fletcher (MN) / Ryan Jarvis (NM), 5/6-Tom Jayne (VA) / Kirk McCamish (MN).

ABT VIKING BEGINNER (14): 1-Jennifer Zorek-Pressman (CT); 1C-Cindy Shelley (IA); 1LC-Dominic Moss (MN).

PLAYERS CUP MINNESOTA BMAB (30): 1/2-Marianne Bowen (VA) / Jeff Spencer (MN), 3/9-Gabriel Abikzer (NV) / Gershon Distenfeld (FL) / Mark Ferrin (TX) / Ryan Jarvis (NM) / Neil Kazaross (IL) / Matthew Lundeen (MN) / Gregg Trunnell (MN).  PR winners: 1-Kit Woolsey (CA) at 4.27, 2-Neil Kazaross (IL) at 4.39, 3-Corey Smith (MN) at 4.60, 4-Bob Kamp (IL) at 5.38, 5-Mark Ferrin (TX) at 5.79, 6-Ben Friesen (MI) at 5.87, 7-Phil Perelmuter (MA) at 5.98.  Unlucky Dice Award: Kevin Ahtou (MN) at -19.38.

LONGSHIP JACKPOT (8): 1-Jack Edelson (MN), 2-Todd Obadal (IA).

GRAND CRYSTAL BEAVER XXVII (16): 1-Mark Ferrin (TX), 2-Kit Woolsey (CA).

BERSERKER LIMITED (16): 1-Mark Danbury-Wyld (WA), 2-Efim Liberman (IL).

RAINBOW DOUBLES (26 teams): 1-Jack Edelson (MN) & Christina Elias (MN), 2-Jim Glover (FL) & Gary Koscielny (FL), 3/4-Andrew Lundeen (MN) & Matthew Lundeen (MN) / Corey Smith (MN) & Jean Surko (MN).

EARLY RAVEN – OPEN (19): 1-Rick Davis (MN), 2-Todd Obadal (IA).

EARLY RAVEN – ADVANCED (17): 1-Dan Friedman-Shedlov (MN), 2-Brad Burtnett (IA).

FRIDAY FRIGGA (16): 1-David Kettler (TX), 2-Ryan Jarvis (NM).

SHIELDMAIDEN CHALLENGE (8): 1-Carol Joy Cole (MI).

CASH MONEY POKERGAMMON (10): 1/2-Gabriel Abikzer (NV) / Joe Briggs (MN).

The post Results: 2026 Viking Classic Backgammon Championships appeared first on U.S. Backgammon Federation.]]> Issue 1: Why Every Game Needs a Plan https://usbgf.org/a-backgammon-journey-issue-1/ Sat, 12 Sep 2026 02:22:23 +0000 https://usbgf.org/?p=28111 Roll, look, move, and forty moves later the game is lost. The four game plans, the three questions that choose between them, and five positions to practice on.

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A publication of the US Backgammon Foundation
A BACKGAMMON JOURNEY
When Knowing Enough to Have Fun is the Destination
Issue 1 · Game Planning
Executive Editor Michael R. Cashman, Northstar Backgammon
About a seven-minute read
The Lesson

Why Every Game Needs a Plan

Strategy first, tactics second. Pick the plan, then pick the play.

New to the game? Any word with a dotted underline opens a short definition when you tap it.

Roll, look, move. Roll, look, move.

You have played this player. You may have been this player. Every roll gets a glance at the board, the dice point somewhere reasonable, and a checker goes there. Nothing is wrong with any single move. Forty moves later the game is lost, and nobody can say where. The dice get blamed. The dice always get blamed.

Across the table sat someone who seemed to know where the game was going. That player did not roll better. That player had a plan.

Myth Busted

“Backgammon is a dice game.” The dice decide what you may do this turn. They never decide what you are trying to do. Two players can roll the same numbers all night and finish with very different results, because one of them gave every roll a job.

A game plan answers one question: how am I going to win this game? Ask it before you roll and your moves start cooperating. Each one adds to the last instead of chasing whatever the dice suggest. Weak rolls become easier to play, because the plan tells you which small gain matters most. Strong rolls become harder to waste.

The plan is not a promise. The dice will fight it, and the position will shift beneath it. The plan is a compass. A compass does not keep you from getting lost. It tells you which way to walk when you are.

The Four Plans

Most positions call for one of four families of plan. Learn to see which family a position belongs to and the right move usually becomes much easier to find.

PlanHow you win
RacingBring your checkers home and off faster than White. Avoid contact, avoid blots, and let the lead carry you.
PrimingBuild a wall of blocking points that traps White’s back checkers. Every move serves the wall.
AttackingHit White’s blots and close your home board while White sits on the bar. Keep hitting, keep making points.
Anchor gameHold a point in White’s home board and wait for a shot. Keep your structure and let White come to you.

Three of the four plans need contact and one avoids it, which is why the race sits at the center of every planning decision. Contact is the friend of the player who is behind and the enemy of the player who is ahead.

Choosing a Plan

Most positions point clearly toward one plan. When the choice is not obvious, three questions almost always settle it.

  1. What is the race? Count the pips, or simply judge which side has more work left. A clear lead says race. A clear deficit says you need contact, which means an anchor or a prime.
  2. What does my structure favor? Blocking points already made favor the prime. A strong home board plus White blots in range favors the attack. Back checkers still deep favor the anchor.
  3. What is White doing? Your plan often answers White’s plan. Prime the racer. Anchor against the primer. Make your anchor before the attacker’s board grows.

Plans change as positions change. A hit, a big double, or a broken point can end one plan and start another. Check the plan whenever the game shifts, and never ride a dead plan out of loyalty.

Pick the plan before you pick the play. The dice do not choose the plan. The position does.
Position of the Issue
How Should Blue Play 6-4?
Backgammon board. Blue to play 6-4. Blue pip count 159, White pip count 126.
Blue rolls 6-4. Blue’s checkers travel from the top right around to the bottom right, and White’s travel the other way.

Work the position before you open the answer. Run the three questions, and notice three things along the way.

  • The race. The pip counts sit beside the bar. Blue has 159 and White has 126, so Blue is 33 pips behind.
  • The structure. Blue holds the 5, 6 and 8 points. White’s only back checker sits on Blue’s 1 point, as deep as a checker can be.
  • The back checkers. Blue has two, split on the 24 and 22 points, and White has already made four points in front of them.

Name the plan first. Then find the move that serves it.

Show the answerHide the answer
Answer: 24/18 22/18
Backgammon board showing Blue’s play 24/18 22/18 with arrows.
Blue plays 24/18 22/18, making an anchor on White’s bar point.

Reasoning

Blue’s plan is an anchor game. Blue trails by 33 pips, so a race is a losing race, and White’s lone back checker on Blue’s 1 point is too deep for this roll to attack. The play 24/18 22/18 makes an anchor on White’s bar point. White cannot attack it, Blue’s two back checkers stay together, and every White checker still outside must travel past it on the way home, so Blue can expect chances to hit. Meanwhile White’s back checker still has to get past Blue’s 5, 6 and 8 points, so White has problems of White’s own. Running with 24/14 leaves two blots, and the one left behind on the 22 point sits one to six pips in front of four White points. The plan says hold, and the move follows.

Play It Out

Set this position up on a real board and play it to the end three times, with Blue holding the new anchor. Notice how often White’s outside checkers have to pass that anchor, and what happens to the game the moment one of them gets hit. Then switch seats and feel the same position from White’s chair.

Lightning Round

Name the Plan

You just watched the three questions choose a plan. Now four quick ones on your own, Blue on roll, no dice yet. Look at each board, say the plan in one word, then tap to check. Forty seconds, four reps.

Position 1
Backgammon board. Blue pip count 79, White pip count 106.
Show the planHide the plan
RacingBlue leads by 27 pips, 79 to 106, with two checkers left to bring home and nothing worth hitting. Blue runs for home and keeps those two checkers safe.
Position 2
Backgammon board. Blue pip count 117, White pip count 91.
Show the planHide the plan
PrimingBlue trails by 26 pips, but White’s last checker is trapped on Blue’s 1 point behind five blocking points, the 4 point through the 8 point. Blue keeps the wall standing and lets White suffer behind it.
Position 3
Backgammon board. Blue pip count 167, White pip count 161.
Show the planHide the plan
AttackingWhite has two blots in Blue’s home board and no anchor, and Blue has builders waiting on the 6, 8 and 13 points. Blue hits, makes points, and keeps White on the bar.
Position 4
Backgammon board. Blue pip count 164, White pip count 74.
Show the planHide the plan
Anchor gameBlue trails by 90 pips, so the race is long gone. Blue holds an anchor on White’s 4 point, and White still has to clear four checkers from the two points beside it without leaving a shot. Blue keeps the anchor, keeps the home board tidy, and waits.

Notice how little counting any of this took. The race, the structure, and White’s situation are visible at a glance once you know to look.

One Habit

Name the Plan First

It takes five seconds. Before you move, say the plan to yourself in one word: race, prime, attack, anchor. Then ask whether the move you like serves it.

Many errors over the board are not calculation errors. They are autopilot errors, a natural-looking move played at once in a position that wanted something else. The obvious play is often right. The positions where it is wrong are the positions that decide games. Five seconds a turn sounds like nothing. Across a full game, those seconds catch the one or two decisions that matter.

Word of the Issue
Pip

One pip is one point of distance. A checker on your 13 point needs 13 pips to reach the bear-off tray, and your pip count adds up those distances for all fifteen checkers. Lower is better. It is the quickest answer to the first planning question: who is ahead in the race?

Tell Us Where and When

Every player has a first game. Where were you, who taught you, and what hooked you? Tell us in a paragraph or two, and tell us why you still play. Beginning with Issue 2, one reader’s story runs in every issue. Send yours to editor address to come.

Have a position that puzzled you? Send it along, with the roll if you remember it, and it may become a Position of the Issue. By sending a story or a position you give us permission to edit it and to publish it with your first name and town.

Coming Next

Issue 2: The Position Chooses the Plan. The three questions, one at a time, with a position that answers each of them.

© 2026 US Backgammon Foundation
Published by the US Backgammon Foundation. Produced by Northstar Backgammon.
Executive Editor Michael R. Cashman
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