Chris and Aref BMAB London champions

Chris Rogers and Aref Alipour are the respective champions of the inaugural BMAB London.

At the Clissold Arms – the adopted home of London backgammon – the first 32-player BMAB took place over a January weekend.

The one-man production team of Mark Adkins and his array of equipment presented themselves in all their glory, waiting to reveal the best and worst in all our respective backgammon games.

Mark and his tireless efforts offer so much to UK backgammon, and I cannot impress upon all levels of players the value in the event, having matches recorded, and the worthy time spent watching the video and transcribing – it can only improve your play.

An array of talent from Grand Master to Intermediate levels engaged in a five round, 11-point Swiss format tournament over two days, separated only by the generous buffet provided by our hosts.

The event found the England captain Chris Rogers playing local lad Roni Sofroniou in the undefeated final. Chris prevailed and became our inaugural London BMAB Champion. For Roni a worthy four wins alongside Anna Price, Andy Darby, Peter Bennet and David Potter – for once finding himself on the playing side of the table.

The PR Award went to Aref Alipour with a superb PR of 3.15 average, with the ever-improving Pete Hesket a notable runner-up.

Currently we are proposing to have another London BMAB on the first weekend of May – split between Masters and Intermediates and if you wish to register early as only 32 places will be available, please register at backgammonlondon.com or email me directly backgammonlondon@gmail.com