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BGonline.org Forums
Yes re cups with baffle boxes..YES and YES again
Posted By: Joe Russell In Response To: Yes re cups with baffle boxes..YES and YES again (neilkaz)
Date: Tuesday, 8 September 2009, at 12:37 p.m.
While I currently see very little need of protection against cheating in the U.S., it could just be a transitory period and I admit I am quite naive about catching cheaters for the most part. I think the international directors should organize to insure backgammon has a clean image within and without. I will offer my support to any rule changes that further these goals.
I will not threaten to boycott any event but I will go out of my way to attend tournaments that make baffle boxes and cups optional at the request of either player. I would definitely attend a fair number of tournaments in Europe if this were instituted. I am not saying that I think there is a huge problem there, since I haven't played there in many years and I am sure that the vast majority of European players are of high moral caliber-I have many friends among the backgammon players in Europe that I consider to be among the most ethical people I know. If there is a problem it is more of a fear of physical or legal retribution tournament directors have, everywhere. It is a real dilemma. You can not bar someone just because they have been suspected of cheating. You must prove it, but it is hard to do so. Therefore, the easiest solution is to institute a rule that makes all feel comfortable, except the cheaters. It is hard for a director to say to someone; 'your opponent suspects you of cheating', but is easy to say; 'your opponent prefers a baffle box and cups be used and according to the rules he has that right and you must use them'.
I don't think this would lead to most matches being played with that equipment, since many would prefer to not use them, at least until they were used to them, but it probably should be instituted for semifinals and finals at all events. It is faster and also makes for better viewing if broadcast.
If every director had access to a couple of baffle boxes it would probably suffice. Anyone wanting to use one for every match could bring their own. If you didn't bring your own and other players had already reserved the tournament director's, you would be out of luck.
Seems like a simple solution that would help the image of backgammon tournaments worldwide.
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