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2015 Texas Backgammon Championships -- San Antonio -- Reflections

Posted By: Phil Simborg
Date: Monday, 9 February 2015, at 10:13 a.m.

In Response To: 2015 Texas Backgammon Championships -- San Antonio -- Reflections (Bill Riles)

Sure, it's easy for me to say I had fun, because I took second in the Open and Doubles, so obviously I had a great time. But I must tell you that what I will remember most was every minute of the Hall of Fame dinner. Listening to both the presenters and the recipients gave me chills, at times brought tears to my eyes, and I was not alone.

I have already posted my thoughts about scheduling, but that's a problem at every tournament where players can enter many events that run simultaneously and inevitably some players stay alive in several events....it's a delicate balance and I know we will all work with Bill to see this improved in the future.

I don't know where else in the U.S. besides this tournament you get to see so many Giants competing in so many ways, and that alone is worth the price of admission. For me, the fun is not just watching them play, or getting to play against them, but to rub shoulders and sit down and discuss plays and theory and hear about what they think about the games, and other topics, between game. The fun of being in a chouette or side game with Petko and Victor and MCG, and hearing Neil's take on a complex cube--priceless.

Then to watch the Super Bowl with all these great friends and legends, in addition to many fun and interesting and great players from other countries that I read about but hardly ever get to see, then walk the amazing river walk, and eat at a variety of great restaurants...and eat outside in January! Priceless!

Mochy's proficiency test and lecture, and my own lecture where everyone gets to see and hear what 4 of the best players in the world think about tough positions, and then have people like Kit Woolsey and Dennis Culpepper in the audience add their thoughts--I wish I had that on tape!

I would pay just to come and be a spectator at this event if for some reason I couldn't play.

Don't get me wrong...this is not the only tournament where I walk away exhausted and in awe of the company I am with and the amazing experience...I feel a lot of the same way, and get other delights from every tournament. But there are many things at this tournament that are so special and unique and exceptional that it has to be high on my, and everyone's list in the future.

Thanks Bill, and Tara, and the all the other people who worked so hard to make this happen. And I was proud to contribute to the effort myself.

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