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New Issue of Prime Time Backgammon

Posted By: Perry
Date: Tuesday, 27 September 2011, at 8:13 p.m.

MOCHY ON THE BACK GAME: SEPTEMBER-0CTOBER ISSUE OF PRIMETIME BACKGAMMON NOW POSTED

World-champion Masayuki “Mochy” Mochizuki shares his insight into playing the challenging backgame in the latest issue of PrimeTime Backgammon posted on usbgf.org. Master the article and it will markedly improve your game.

There’s lots of analysis, news, and just plain fun in this issue. Malcolm Davis finds the window for turning the cube, leading 10-1 in a match to 13 and holding a 2-cube. Danny Kleinman counts the ways to win for different bearoff position cube decisions. And mathemagician Art Benjamin, who can make such calculations in his mind faster than a calculator, starred at Backgammon Night at the Mathematical Association of America MathFest 2011. His Backgammon Quiz for Mathematicians can be found on the usbgf.org website.

There’s something for everyone in this issue of the magazine, regardless of playing level. Barry Silliman, Ratings Editor, has prepared a new Leader Board, with ABT rankings and USBGF Elo ratings for Open, Advanced, and Novice divisions. Two-time U.S. Open champion, Mary Hickey, provides tips for beginners and intermediates on strategy in the early game. Bob Wachtel captures the impact of “bots” on the backgammon culture in his article on the World’s Revenge, reprinted with permission from backgammon.org. Karen Davis captures the excitement of the Florida State Championship directed by Chiva Tafazzoli, where Malcolm Davis swept both the Masters and the Open division, and Alex Gerding picked up three trophies – the Double Match Point, the microblitz, and the doubles event with partner Neil Rosensweig.

Thanks to Phil Simborg, USBGF Education Adviser, the number of college students playing backgammon is on the rise. Phil spotlights Ryan McKinnon from Yale, the winner of the Collegiate Summer Championship. A new USBGF Educational Sponsor program lets you help develop the next generation of players, or help support the development of a backgammon club at your alma mater. Harvey Gillis explains why backgammon helps prepare students of the game for life’s challenges.

If you’re not yet a member of USBGF or your membership has expired, sign up now and join the fun. You’ll enhance your playing experience—and enjoy this 38-page action-packed issue.

Perry Gartner,

President, USBGF