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If you respect the game, you must respect the rules

Posted By: Phil Simborg
Date: Sunday, 23 November 2014, at 5:52 p.m.

In Response To: Paul Magriel in Vegas: Sloppy Technique, Illegal Moves (niuniuch)

I cannot tell you how many rules of this game I have disagreed with and haven't liked for over 30 years that I have played tournament backgammon. From Day 1 I tried to convince people to change and improve ambiguous and bad rules that hurt the game and the spirit of the game with no success. However, during that entire time, out of respect for the tournament directors, my fellow players, and the game itself, I did my best to adhere to the rules and I insisted that my opponents did as well.

I believe that is a responsibility we all have when we agree to enter the tournament and walk in the room. It doesn't matter if your name is Joe Blow or Paul Magriel, you must abide by the rules and you must insist your opponents do as well.

Now, on another note, if I were a tournament director (and I have been) and I am aware that there is a player, even a Paul Magriel, that is not properly rolling and moving checkers and applying the clock rules, I would not wait for a player or spectator to complain. I am not saying Howard or anyone didn't do their job, but if they were aware of how Paul moves the checkers and his other actions and didn't do something about it, then yes, I am saying they didn't do their job.

If you are going to run a tournament you have a responsibility to make sure everyone knows the rules and it is your responsibility, to the best of your knowledge and ability, to make sure they are enforced.

If David Presser, or you, don't feel inclined for any reason not to call Paul Magriel on infractions (and I can certainly understand why), then I am sure there was a spectator or two, like Mr. Taper, who saw what was going on. In my opinion, he should have informed a tournament official. (No spectator has the right to say anything to the players, but I believe we should all report infractions of any kind to the TD.) Maybe if that had been done this activity would have been nipped in the bud?

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