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Its time to think about major changes in tournament backgammon

Posted By: Ian Terry
Date: Friday, 17 February 2017, at 7:07 p.m.

In Response To: Its time to think about major changes in tournament backgammon (Phil Simborg)

We don't fully use social media to its potential to promote the game and tournaments.

Firstly, Stick and the rest of the "younger crowd" should be using Twitter actively and promoting the game/tournament play through that. As of now, Mochy, Arkadiy Tsinis, and Akiko seem to be the only ones that use this platform (this is where the potential younger players are). 20-somethings and teens are using Facebook less than ever. Instagram and Snapchat, which are pretty popular with young folks are also not too bad for backgammon (showing daily positions, showing large sums of cash changing hands in a chouette, etc.) Yeah, I get that 140 characters (or less) isn't good for actually discussing positions, but it does emphasize that it's a mind-sport and not just a lucky roll contest. Make it look flashy and cool, and younger people will buy into it.

The WSOB program years ago was extremely entertaining and well put-together. This was 100% a step in the right direction, even if such short matches weren't the most amazing format from a gameplay perspective. I do think that using actual dice is important for the viewing audience. Poker doesn't use "digital cards" -- it was the hole-card cam and the on-screen graphics that really enhanced the viewing experience. The WSOB program did this with dice and even a lot of other bells and whistles (pip count, home country's flag, score, cube possession, etc.) that made it very watchable.

Commentary is far and away the most important part. As a fan of the game, not a whole lot makes me more motivated to continue learning the game than when a Falafel commentary video is posted. Additionally, streaming on Twitch is key. This is best done by utilizing a format in which both the game board is shown, as well as a webcam on the streaming player to show reactions to rolls and decisions, and generate a sense that you're "there" living the game out with the person that you're watching. A lot of poker players are doing this to much success.

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