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The end of an era: last ever Scope Tournament

Posted By: stw672
Date: Sunday, 6 January 2019, at 12:33 p.m.

The End of an Era - The last ever chance to play in the Scope Charity Backgammon Tournament: March 17th 2019 – RAC Club, Pall Mall, London

20 years is a long time. In 1999 the Euro became a currency. Poland joined NATO. Bill Gates became the wealthiest person in the world. Vladimir Putin became the acting President of Russia. And the first ever Scope Backgammon Charity Tournament was held.

The tournament was founded by Lady Trudi Seely and Suzy (Countess of) Denbigh in memory of Suzy’s late father-in-law Rollo, the 11th Earl of Denbigh who was a backgammon enthusiast. Over the years it has been associated with several different charities including Macmillan Cancer Relief and, for the last decade, the disability charity Scope.

Over 20 years the tournament has consistently been a highlight on the backgammon calendar. It always attracts crowds of over 100 players. The venues have been superb with the first tournament held at Simpsons in the Strand and the last decade or so of tournaments taking place at the exclusive RAC Club on Pall Mall.

The format has remained remarkably consistent. The day starts with a champagne reception, raffle, spot prizes and other entertainment including, in recent years, close up magic. The champagne reception is followed by a magnificent Brunch with more entertainment, competitions and general good cheer. (And extra champagne for those who are indulging and extra tea and coffee for those who are a little more scholarly in their approach to the imminent backgammon).

Following Brunch there is a Charity Auction that includes items that cannot be bought anywhere else. Lots have included holidays, paintings, and even one year the opportunity to be treated as a VVIP for the weekend as part of the training of a close protection team!

This is all, of course, a prelude to the backgammon. There are two flights – a Championship and a Masters. The Championship has players ranging from beginners to experienced players. The Masters has some great players and a few hopefuls.

And all of this is coming to an end this year.

Scope 2019 - the 20th Annual Tournament, will be the last ever event of its kind.

This is literally your last ever chance to play in this tournament.

I personally could not recommend the event highly enough. It is a great day, great people, great backgammon, great food and a great cause. Treat yourself, you won’t regret it.

You can find out more here:

https://www.scope.org.uk/charity-events/special-events/backgammon-bridge-tournament

Tickets can be purchased here:

https://www.scope.org.uk/charity-events/special/backgammon-bridge/register

The tournament is for a wonderful cause. Scope is a disability equality charity - a strong community, of disabled people and non-disabled people, with a shared vision of equality. They provide practical advice and emotional support whenever people need it most through their helpline, online community, range of employment services, and community engagement programmes.

This really is the end of an era. Could you be the last Scope Backgammon Masters champion or the last Scope Backgammon Championship champion and join past winners including Chris Bray, Peter Bennet and Eric McAlpine? We hope to see you there.