In one of Chris Bray’s fine books I seem to remember him channelling the military strategist Sun Tzu to add weight to his narrative that backgammon was a battle, a representation of war even. With this in mind I conjured up images of Cheryl Oliver, Tariq Siddiqi, and Mike Ireland, all bedecked in martial garb, approaching on the horizon, on horseback no less, coming to lay waste to all who stood in their way on that brisk November morning… in the Ealing Bowls Club. [Read more…]
Archives for November 2019
Obituary: Andy Bell
The Backgammon World lost one of its movers and shakers yesterday: Andy Bell, founder of The World Series of Backgammon, passed away at the shockingly early age of 52.
The Phoenix Rises
Twenty-five years ago I submitted an article entitled “Backgammon: Quo Vadis?” to all the national newspapers to see if there was any interest in publishing it. I heard nothing whatsoever and so reverted to writing short articles for the members of the Double Fives Club, run by George and Diana Sulimirski, where I played most of my backgammon.
Three months later an editor at The Independent found my article at the bottom of his in-tray and called me. [Read more…]
On Tie-Breaks and Playoffs
With two-stage tournaments commonplace, one thing tournament directors have to live with – and most players dread – is the Play Off, and its sibling the Tie Break.
The Bristol Open 2019 results – and the Tour enters the final straight
Many congratulations to all the winners in Bristol!
Masters (58):
- Winner: Stuart Mann
- Finalist: Almir Vazjovic
- 3rd: Tim Cross
- 4th: Mike Levi
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