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Nov.-Dec. Issue of USBGF's PrimeTime Backgammon Magazine

Posted By: Bill Riles
Date: Monday, 2 December 2013, at 1:46 p.m.

The November-December issue of the USBGF's PrimeTime Backgammon on-line magazine is now available on the USBGF website. This is the second issue developed using new, professional software. The magazine is spectacular in appearance, presentation, and content. The continuing hard work of a number of USBGF members provides us all a most valuable resource.

There’s something for everyone in the latest issue of PrimeTime Backgammon available to USBGF Premium and Youth members at http://usbgf.org/primetime-backgammon-nov-dec-2013/. Mike Mannon has joined the list of exemplar backgammon analysts and authors in writing for the magazine. His column on “Using the Opening Move to Figure Out a Reply” illustrates how much failing to get the opening move affects play. This issue also features an article, “Home Field Advantage: The Comic Book, Episode II,” by USBGF Editor Bob Wachtel featuring Jeremy Bagai’s capture of the 2012 USBGF National Championship over Ed O’Laughlin.

Sabri Buyuksoy who just joined as a regular contributor to PrimeTime Backgammon in the last issue follows up with highlights from the Georgia Open. This feature is tailored to the interests of the growing international membership of the U.S. Backgammon Federation. And from the heartland, Linda Rockwell reports on the 2013 Illinois State Championships, with an all-female staff that knows how to Take Time for Fun at this Halloween-themed tournament.

With this issue, we’ve started a new feature focused on local clubs with an article by Ken Larsen, director of the Durham/Chapel Hill Backgammon Club, founded in 2008. Ken shares his ideas for using point systems to stir the competitive juices of his members and motivate them to learn more about the game.

Phil Simborg, USBGF Education Adviser and lecturer extraordinaire, shares a sample of his USBGF teaching videos. Phil has created over 100 videos thus far, and all can be viewed on the USBGF website.

You might be interested in my Priorities and Plans and a new President’s Membership Challenge. I will give a new USBGF Crisloid backgammon board valued at $300 to the member who signs up the most new members between December 1, 2013 and February 28, 2014. I have set a goal of attracting 100 new members through this initiative, and will upgrade my Founding Sponsorship to the Gold level if we meet the challenge he has set.

There’s much more – profiles of online monthly circuit tournament winners Charles Raichle and Gerard Jendras, as well as a profile of one of the newest backgammon converts, Kevin Helton, who got introduced to the game in its birthplace during his tour of duty in Iraq with the Army Corps of Engineers.

You’ll find that PrimeTime Backgammon has features and news attuned to the interests of our entire membership, offering more and more ways to enhance your playing experience. Also check out the latest live and online Leader Boards. You won’t want to miss out on all the great action. If you’re not yet a member or your membership has lapsed, be sure to join or renew now and get set for what’s to come!