Elizabeth Liberty

USBGF Intermediate Divisional LXXII

January 21, 2020 by Elizabeth Liberty Leave a Comment

Congratulations to Elizabeth Liberty, winner of the Intermediate Divisional LXXII. Elizabeth defeated Calin Popescu in the 13-point final. Harvey Jordan and Anna Popp finished 3/4 in the 11-point semi-final. The Intermediate Divisional requires players to have a Circuit Elo rating of 1500.00 and lower at the time of registration.

See the current online tournament ratings at Online Circuit Leaderboard. For more information or to register for other tourneys go to the USBGF Online Circuit Tournament Calendar.

Filed Under: News

13th NEW YORK METROPOLITAN BACKGAMMON OPEN

January 13, 2020 by Elizabeth Liberty Leave a Comment

13th NEW YORK METROPOLITAN BACKGAMMON OPENT, January 9-12, 2020; Jersey City, New Jersey – Results from chicagopoint.com

CHAMPIONSHIP (100+40 rebuys): 1-Saba Bejanishvili (GA), 2-Ron Rubin (CA), 3/4-Matt Reklaitis (MA) / Arkadiy Tsinis (FL); 1C-Peter Naguib (Germany), 2C-Alan Grunwald (NJ), 3C/4C-John Klein (MD) / Ed O’Laughlin (VA); 1LC-Roberto Litzenberger (VA), 2LC-Gary Bauer (NJ).
INTERMEDIATE (77+31 rebuys): 1-Robert Loveless (Canada), 2-Sharooz Moreh (NY), 3/4-P.J. Macali (OH) / Tara Mendicino (TX); 1C-Daniel Adler (NY), 2C-Murat Kemahlioglu (NY), 3C/4C-Scott Douglas (Canada) / Tom Rebelo (Douglas); 1LC-Rick Wolf (FL), 2LC-Aurélien Cardoso (France).
ADVANCED BEGINNER (51): 1-Kai Demler (NY), 2-Lisa Pelaez (NY); 1C-Ralph D’Onofrio (NY), 2C-Jonathan Berkowitz (NY); 1LC-Andrew Swanson (NJ), 2LC-Nick Paleos (NY).
BEGINNER (26): 1-Jordan McCollom (CT), 2-José Ward (NJ); 1C-Jamie Rosen (NJ), 2C-Makoto Nozaki (NY); 1LC-Jayne Herrick (NY), 2LC-Sheryl Glenn.
SUPER JACKPOT (24): 1-Arkadiy Tsinis (FL), 2-Blake Fleetwood (NY), 3-Atakhan Ismailov (NY).
LIBERTY CUP MASTERS (32): 1-Ioannis Rizos (NY), 2-Michael Neagu (Canada), 3/4-Kent Goulding (MD) / Ed O’Laughlin (VA).
LIMITED JACKPOT (48): 1-Rory Pascar (IL), 2/3-Igor Baburov (NY) / Joe Freedman (NM), 4/6-Felix Goykhman (NJ) / Irina Litzenberger (VA) / Howard Markowitz (NV).
USBGF NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP (2): 1-Eli Karp [West Champion] (LA), 2-Jack Edelson [East Champion] (MN).
USBGF 2-POINT MINI-MATCH: Final Four split: Gary Kallos (Canada) / Ed O’Laughlin (VA) / Phil Simborg (FL) / Nick Paleos (NY) or Andrew Swanson (NJ).
NEW YORK DOUBLES (32 teams): 1-Ghazi Al-Kinani (VA) & John Klein (MD), 2-David Brown (England) & Trudi Seely (England).
NEW YORK DOUBLES OVERFLOW (16 teams): 1-George Garami (FL) & Rick Wolf (FL), 2-Kent Goulding (MD) & Mike Senkiewicz (NY).
YOUNG & RESTLESS (48): Semifinals: Robert Caldwell (Canada) vs. Gary Koscielny (FL), Jay Karns (NY) vs. Howard Linnemann (NY), 3/6-Kristi Christman (WA) / Cary Hoarty (OH) / Jay Karns (NY) or Howard Linnemann (NY).
SENIORS TOURNAMENT (64): Semifinals: Robert Loveless (Canada) vs. P.J. Macali (OH), 2-Paul Polatov (NY), 3/4-Farhad Forudi (OH) / Robert Loveless (Canada) or P.J. Macali (OH).
SUPER SENIORS TOURNAMENT I (8): 1-Phil Simborg (FL).
SUPER SENIORS TOURNAMENT II (4): 1/2-Carol Joy Cole (MI) / Howard Markowitz (NV).
FTH BOARD TOURNAMENT (16): 1-David Shadi (NJ), 2-Jordan Cohn.
$200 JACKPOT (8): 1-Jim Stutz (CT).
$100 JACKPOT (8): 1-Herb Roman (IL).
$100 JACKPOT (8): 1/2-Steve Nelson (Hong Kong) / Philippe Salnave (FL).
$50 JACKPOT (8): 1-Alexandra Knupfer (Switzerland).
$50 JACKPOT (8): 1-Mark Megalli (NY).
$50 JACKPOT (8): 1-David Tuminaro (NY).
$50 JACKPOT (8): 1-Julian Minwalla (England).
$50 JACKPOT (8): 1/2-Cornel Paltinisanu (Switzerland).
$50 JACKPOT (8): 1/2-Roberto Litzenberger (VA) / Rodney Workman (IL).

Filed Under: Results

USBGF Intermediate Divisional LXXI

January 5, 2020 by Elizabeth Liberty Leave a Comment

Congratulations to Karl Sours, winner of the Intermediate Divisional LXII. Karl defeated Ali Shamsian in the 13-point final. Calin Popescu and Russell Kennedy finished 3/4 in the 11-point semi-final. The Intermediate Divisional requires players to have a Circuit Elo rating of 1500.00 and lower at the time of registration.

See the current online tournament ratings at Online Circuit Leaderboard. For more information or to register for other tourneys go to the USBGF Online Circuit Tournament Calendar.

Filed Under: News

USBGF November Womens Monthly

December 25, 2019 by Elizabeth Liberty Leave a Comment

Congratulations to Cynthia Belonogoff, winner of the 2019 November Womens Monthly tournament. Cynthia defeated Eva Zizkova in the 17- point final match. Finishing 3/4 in the semi-final were Leyla Zaloutskaya and Bonnie Rogoff.

All registered female members of the USBGF are eligible to enter this tournament. Entrants are accepted on a first-come, first-serve basis.

Filed Under: News

USBGF Advanced Divisional LXXVII

December 21, 2019 by Elizabeth Liberty Leave a Comment

Congratulations to Kara Schultz, winner of the Advanced Divisional LXXVII. Kara defeated Cynthia Belonogoff in the 17-point final. David Parks and Genna Cowan finished 3/4 in the 15-point semi-final.

The Advanced Divisional requires players have a Circuit Elo rating between 1500.01 – 1649.99 at the time of registration. See current online standings: Leader Board.

Filed Under: News

USBGF Intermediate Divisional LXX

December 12, 2019 by Elizabeth Liberty Leave a Comment

Congratulations to Curt Wilhelmsen, winner of the Intermediate Divisional LXX. Curt defeated Kris Waters in the 13-point final. Chris Cavanagh and Justin Barleben finished 3/4 in the 11-point semi-final. The Intermediate Divisional requires players to have a Circuit Elo rating of 1500.00 and lower at the time of registration.
See the current online tournament ratings at Online Circuit Leaderboard. For more information or to register for other tourneys go to the USBGF Online Circuit Tournament Calendar.

Filed Under: News

CALIFORNIA STATE OPEN BACKGAMMON CHAMPIONSHIP

December 10, 2019 by Elizabeth Liberty 1 Comment

CALIFORNIA STATE OPEN BACKGAMMON CHAMPIONSHIP, December 5-8, 2019; Los Angeles, California – Results from chicagopoint.com

OPEN (72+36 rebuys): 1-Ergin Bayrak (CA), 2-Ray Fogerlund (NV), 3-Efim Liberman (IL), 4/5-Roberto Litzenberger (VA) / Ian Macfarlane (Brazil); 1C-Paul Mangone (CA), 2C-Dennis McFarlin (NV), 3C/4C-Cary Hoarty (OH) / Guido Weidner (Germany).
ADVANCED (49+25 rebuys): 1-Eitan Peleg (CA), 2-Tara Mendicino (TX), 3-Abby Biss (New Zealand), 4/5-Bud Lavassani (CA) / Jacques Stambouli (CA); 1C-Daniel Bluestone (VA), 2C-Theodore Hwa (CA).
INTERMEDIATE / ADVANCED NOVICE (25):1-Farid Faryab (CA), 2-Ali Shamsian (AZ); 1C-David Vakil (CA), 2C-Lili Iravani (DC).
MASTERS JACKPOT (29): 1-Joe Russell (CA), 2-Dmitriy Obukhov (MI), 3/4-Jonah Seewald (CO) / Pavel Zaoral (Czech Republic).
PAUL DINGWELL AMATEUR JACKPOT (40): 1-Patrick Keene (CA), 2-Elli Nache (CA), 3/4-Jack Cohen (NV) / Mario Savan (CA).
DOUBLES I (8 teams): 1-Ray Fogerlund (NV) & Jim Wark (CA), 2-Alfred Mamlet (MD) & Dana Nazarian (CA).
DOUBLES II (8 teams): 1-April Kennedy (MN) & Michael Mesich (MN), 2-Roberto Gaui (Brazil) & Ian Macfarlane (Brazil).
DOUBLES III (8 teams): 1-Max Crosner (AZ) & Todd Crosner (AZ), 2-Josh Racko (CA) & Michael Showkati (CA).
SENIORS I (32): 1-Abby Biss (New Zealand), 2-John Rockwell (CA), 3/4-Dennis McFarlin (NV) / Ray Zamani (MD).
SENIORS II (32): 1-David Taniguchi (CA), 2-Efim Liberman (IL), 3/4-Blake Fleetwood (NY) / Dennis McFarlin (NV).
BLITZ (80): 1-Patrick Keene (CA), 2-Jazz Mishima (Japan).
JUNIORS (32): 1-Patrick Keene (CA), 2-Tom Cerny (CO), 3/4-Ted Chee (CA) / Brian Draper (CA).
DMP (64): 1-Ted Chee (CA), 2-Ed O’Laughlin (VA).
ARDA SPEEDGAMMON CHALLENGE (24): 1-Victor Ashkenazi (NJ), 2-Bob Wachtel (CA).
WONDER WOMEN’S JACKPOT (8): 1-Lynda Clay (CO), 2-Irina Litzenberger (VA).

Filed Under: Results

USBGF October Womens Monthly

November 29, 2019 by Elizabeth Liberty Leave a Comment

Congratulations to Karen Davis, winner of the October Womens Monthly. Karen defeated Eva Zizkova in the 17 point final. Irina Litzenberger and Cynthia Belonogoff finished 3/4 in the 15 point semi-final round.

The Womens Monthly tournament is open to all USBGF ladies. Entrants are accepted on a first-come, first-serve basis. See the latest online standings at Leader Board.

Filed Under: News

USBGF Womens Monthly for September

November 29, 2019 by Elizabeth Liberty Leave a Comment

Congratulations to Eva Zizkova, winner of the September Womens Monthly. Eva defeated Cynthia Belonogoff in the 17 point final. Lynda Clay and Emily Denton finished 3/4 in the 15 point semi-final round.

The Womens Monthly tournament is open to all USBGF ladies. Entrants are accepted on a first-come, first-serve basis. See the latest online standings at Leader Board.

Filed Under: News

LAS VEGAS BACKGAMMON OPEN

November 25, 2019 by Elizabeth Liberty Leave a Comment

LAS VEGAS BACKGAMMON OPEN, November 20-24, 2019; Las Vegas, Nevada –
Results from chicagopoint.com

CHAMPIONSHIP (72 +30 rebuys): 1-Joe Feldman (MI), 2-Cary Hoarty (OH), 3/4-Mark Antranikian (CA) / Jonah Seewald (CO); 1C-Takayuki Hino (Japan), 2C-John O’Hagan (IN), 3C/4C-Gary Bauer (NJ) / Guido Weidner (Germany); 1LC-Scott Ward (TX), 2LC-Dennis McFarlin (NV).
INTERMEDIATE (81 + 29 rebuys): 1-Aaron Foust (NV), 2-Ted Baehman (NV), 3/4-Kristi Christman (WA) / Lynn Ehrlich (NY); 1C-Brad Rosenberg (AZ), 2C-Keiken Cho (Japan), 3C/4C-Larry Arnold (MN) / Kara Schultz (CA); 1LC-Keith Ambrose (AZ), 2LC-Mona Mazza (CA).
BEGINNER (6): 1-Gisell Lopez de Lara (Mexico), 2-Jim Neighbor (NV).
SUPER JACKPOT (32): 1-Kit Woolsey (CA), 2-Gary Bauer (NJ), 3/4-Dana Nazarian (CA) / John Shakory (TX).
LIMITED JACKPOT (32): 1-Mehrdad Haman (TX), 2-David Taniguchi (CA), 3/4-Steven Blake (AZ) / Gus Contos (CA).
SENIORS (128): 1-Geoff Hall (England), 2-Dan Minardi (CO).
DOUBLES (29 teams): 1-Cary Hoarty (OH) & Laura Hoarty (FL), 2-George Garami (FL) & Rick Wolf (FL), 3/4-Jim Fleming (NV) & LEW Webber (MD), Drew Giovanis (NV) & Jeff Whitelaw (NV).
BLITZ (120): 1-Ed O’Laughlin (VA), 2-Mark Danburg-Wyld (WA).
MINI-MATCH (128): 1-Farhad Forudi (OH), 2-David Klausa (CO).
BEGINNERS FRIDAY JACKPOT (3): 1-Jim Neighbor (NV).
$100 SATURDAY JACKPOT (32): 1-Patrick Keene (CA), 2-Peter Raugust (Germany).
AFTER TOURNAMENT TOURNAMENT (31): 1-Gerry Tansey (MO), 2-Takayuki Hino (Japan).

Filed Under: Results

USBGF Intermediate Divisional LXIX

November 18, 2019 by Elizabeth Liberty Leave a Comment

Congratulations to Karl Sours, winner of the Intermediate Divisional LXIX. Karl defeated Richard Casten in the 13-point final. Ira Gardner and Ed Corey finished 3/4 in the 11-point semi-final. The Intermediate Divisional requires players to have a Circuit Elo rating of 1500.00 and lower at the time of registration.

See the current online tournament ratings at Online Circuit Leaderboard. For more information or to register for other tourneys go to the USBGF Online Circuit Tournament Calendar.

Filed Under: News

USBGF Advanced Divisional LXXVI

November 17, 2019 by Elizabeth Liberty Leave a Comment

Congratulations to Martin Stemberka, winner of the Advanced Divisional LXXVI. Martin defeated Mehdi Showkati in the 17-point final. Dennis Lutz and Ben Yam finished 3/4 in the 15-point semi-final.

The Advanced Divisional requires players have a Circuit Elo rating between 1500.01 – 1649.99 at the time of registration. See current online standings: Leader Board.

Filed Under: News

USBGF Board of Directors Election — Now Open for Voting

November 16, 2019 by Elizabeth Liberty Leave a Comment

The USBGF Board of Directors election is now underway. All members are eligible to vote. Members may vote anytime starting now up until 11:59 p.m. EST, Monday, December 2, 2019. Each member may submit only one ballot. A member must be logged into the USBGF website to be able to vote.

The link to the voting page is Board of Directors Ballot.

Five candidates, including four incumbents, are vying for five seats up for election. The five candidates are Karen Davis (incumbent), Ben Friesen, Neil Kazaross (incumbent), Richard Munitz (incumbent), and John Pirner (incumbent). The Board of Directors wishes to thank Dennis Culpepper, who has decided not to stand for re-election, for his service on the Board for the last three years, especially for his role as liaison to the USBGF Tournament Directors Advisory Committee. In addition to the candidates listed above, the Board received nominations of four other highly qualified candidates, who were all approached, but chose not to run for the Board at this time.

The left side of the voting page contains a ballot with the five candidate names in random order. The right side of the voting page contains an alphabetical accordion listing of the candidates. By clicking on a candidate name on the accordion file, a member may see a photograph of the candidate and an informational/biographical statement submitted by the candidate.

There are five seats up for election. A member may vote for a minimum of one to a maximum of five candidates. A candidate may not receive more than one vote from a member. A member should select every candidate for whom they are voting before hitting the submit button.

The five candidates receiving the most votes will be elected, provided they are named on at least 50% of the ballots. If one or more of the top five vote recipients are not named on at least 50% of the ballots, a vacancy on the Board will remain until the next election.

The Board of Directors is excited by the opportunity provided members to participate in the Board selection process. This voting process embodies our desire for an open, transparent, democratic, and participatory membership organization. We hope all members take the time to exercise their voting rights and carefully consider each candidate.

Should you have any difficulties in voting or have any questions regarding the voting process, please submit an email to nominations@usbgf.org.

Results will be announced on Tuesday, December 3, 2019.

Thank you.

Filed Under: News

USBGF Intermediate Divisional LXVIII

November 12, 2019 by Elizabeth Liberty Leave a Comment

Congratulations to Ira Gardner, winner of the Intermediate Divisional LXVIII. Ira defeated Luiz Rocha in the 13-point final. Konstantin Keresteliev and Richard Casten finished 3/4 in the 11-point semi-final. The Intermediate Divisional requires players to have a Circuit Elo rating of 1500.00 and lower at the time of registration. See current online tournament ratings at Online Circuit Leaderboard. For more information or to register for other tourneys go to the USBGF Online Circuit Tournament Calendar at http://usbgf.org/trny/.

Filed Under: News

USBGF Advanced Divisional LXXV

November 7, 2019 by Elizabeth Liberty Leave a Comment

Congratulations to Kara Schultz, winner of the Advanced Divisional LXXV. Kara defeated Jasper Watertor in the 17-point final. Patricia Johnson and Frank Costello finished 3/4 in the 15-point semi-final.

The Advanced Divisional requires players have a Circuit Elo rating between 1500.01 – 1649.99 at the time of registration. See current online standings: Leader Board.

Filed Under: News

CONNECTICUT STATE BACKGAMMON CHAMPIONSHIPS / NEW ENGLAND NATIONALS

October 29, 2019 by Elizabeth Liberty Leave a Comment

CONNECTICUT STATE BACKGAMMON CHAMPIONSHIPS / NEW ENGLAND NATIONALS, October 24-27, 2019; Springfield, Massachusetts –
Results from chicagopoint.com

HOPE ‘N OPEN (36): 1-Ed O’Laughlin (VA), 2-Robert Caldwell (Canada), 3/4-Ben Friesen (MI) / Gary Koscielny (FL); 1C-Leyla Zaloutskaya (NY), 2C-Frank Raposa (VA); 1LC-Emil Mortuk (MI).
ENTRANCED ADVANCED (30): 1-Daniel Bluestone (VA), 2-Daniel Adler (NY); 1C-Dan Minardi (CO), 2C-Omar Shah (Canada); 1LC-Bill Porter (CT), 2LC-Gary Zelmanovics (NJ).
NOVEL NOVICE (7): 1-Scout Jones (CT), 2-Anna Popp (CT), 3-Jordan McCollom (CT).
MASTERS (16): 1-Alan Grunwald (NJ), 2-Frank DiMaggio (NY).
OPEN JACKPOT (8): 1-Gary Koscielny (FL), 2-Leon Marini (NJ).
ADVANCED JACKPOT (8): 1-Ryan Rebelo (Canada), 2-Robert Loveless (Canada).
ELDERS JACKPOT (16): 1-Felix Goykhman (NJ), 2-Allen Tish (CA).
GRINCH SPEEDGAMMON (12): 1/3-split: Cary Hoarty (OH) / Dan Minardi (CO / Gary Zelmanovics (NJ).
DOUBLES (24 teams): 1-Boris Dekhtyar (NY) & Felix Goykhman (NJ), 2-Daniel Bluestone (VA) & Bahman Zandi (MD), 3-Jay Karns (NY) & Donny Lomuto (NY).
BLITZ #1 (8): 1-Marty Storer (NH), 2-Jerry Shea (NY).
BLITZ #2 (8): 1-Gary Koscielny (NY), 2-Al Theriault (CT).
BLITZ #3 (8): 1-Dan Adler (NY), 2-Louis Bedell (PA).
PRE-TOURNEY (16): 1-Jay Karns (NY), 2-Steve Douglas (MA).
WARM-UP (8): 1-Andrew Liebenthal (NJ), 2-Felix Goykhman (NJ).

Filed Under: Results

SUNNY FLORIDA BACKGAMMON CHAMPIONSHIP

October 15, 2019 by Elizabeth Liberty 2 Comments

SUNNY FLORIDA BACKGAMMON CHAMPIONSHIP, October 10-13, 2019; Fort Lauderdale, Florida –
Results from chicagopoint.com

CHAMPIONSHIP (51): 1-Ed O’Laughlin (VA), 2-Cary Hoarty (OH), 3-Philippe Salnave (FL), 4/5-Roberto Litzenberger (VA) / Stacy Turner (FL); 1C-Leyla Zaloutskaya (NY), 2C-Ray Zamani (MD), 3C/4C-Cameron Govonlu (MA) / Kit Woolsey (CA).
ADVANCED (48): 1-Clement McNally (FL), 2-Kevin Jones (FL), 3/4-Daniel Bluestone (VA) / Alec Izzo (FL); 1C-April Kennedy (MN), 2C-Eugen Möbius (FL), 3C/4C-Marcy Kossar (MD) / Rick Wolf (FL).
NEWCOMER (12): 1-Katherine Hortenstine (FL), 2-Jamie Cruz (FL); 1C-John Savio (NY), 2C-Monica Talbot (MI).
MIAMI MASTERS JACKPOT (24): 1-Chris Trencher (NY), 2-Cameron Govonlu (MA), 3-Victor Ashkenazi (NJ).
ORLANDO OPEN JACKPOT (20): 1-Stacy Turner (FL), 2-Carol Joy Cole (MI).
LAUDERDALE LIMITED JACKPOT (16): 1-Jim Glover (FL), 2-Eric Stevens (FL).
PALM BEACH PRO-AM DOUBLES (32 teams): 1-Loy Anderson (FL) & Eugen Möbius (FL), 2-Perry Gartner (FL) & Clement McNally (FL), 3/4-Jason Briggs (FL) & Tom Kelly (FL) / Susan Randall (FL) & Stacy Turner (FL).
OLDER AND WISER (32): 1-Kevin Jones (FL), 2-Ray Zamani (MD).
YOUNG AND RESTLESS (16): 1-Art Benjamin (CA), 2-Chris Link (FL).
FTH BOARD TOURNAMENT (16): 1-Robert Christensen (FL), 2-Peter Albury (Bahamas).
GAMMONGUYS BOARD EVENT (8): 1-Allen Tish (CA), 2-Art Benjamin (CA).
USBGF JACKPOT (32): 1-Blake Fleetwood (NY), 2-Pavel Zaoral (Czech Republic).
BMAB-USA #12 (20): 1-Gary Koscielny (FL), 2/4-Carlos Azcarate (FL) / Marcy Kossar (MD) / Philippe Salnave (FL). PR results pending: 1/2-Kit Woolsey (CA) / Michihito Kageyama (Japan), 3-Jim Stutz (CT).
$100 Knockout (8): 1-Gary Koscielny (FL).$50 WARM-UP (22): 1-Dmitriy Vernitskiy (FL), 2-Kit Woolsey (CA), 3/4-Marcy Kossar (MD) / Roland Leutert (FL).
$20 WARM-UP (8): 1-Jerry Shea (NY), 2-Irina Litzenberger (VA).

Filed Under: Results

USBGF Advanced Divisional LXXIV

October 13, 2019 by Elizabeth Liberty 2 Comments

Congratulations to Mehdi Showkati, winner of the Advanced Divisional LXXIV. Mehdi defeated Tom Courts in the 17-point final. Mary Morse and Cynthis Belonogoff finished 3/4 in the 15-point semi-final.

The Advanced Divisional requires players have a Circuit Elo rating between 1500.01 – 1649.99 at the time of registration. See current online standings: Leader Board.

Filed Under: News

American Backgammon Hall of Fame (HOF)

October 2, 2019 by Elizabeth Liberty Leave a Comment

American Backgammon Hall of Fame (HOF)
Call for Nominations

The American Backgammon Hall of Fame recognizes those individuals who have achieved extraordinary playing results and/or have made extraordinary contributions to the game of backgammon in the United States. Candidates are not limited to those who are American citizens, provided that they have met eligibility requirements.

Use the Hall of Fame Nominations Form to nominate a candidate for this significant honor. All USBGF members with active memberships are invited to nominate candidates for consideration by the USBGF Hall of Fame Committee. You must be logged into the USBGF website to access the form. The Committee will very thoroughly vet the qualifications of all nominees. Please carefully note the qualifications addressed below.

Candidates to the HOF should be individuals who have:

1. A significant body of work over a very substantial period of time, in or for the game of backgammon in the United States, as players, directors, authors, publishers, promoters, teachers, and/or innovators;
2. Realized exceptional accomplishments;

a.Demonstrated remarkable skills through success over the board for decades. And/or…

b.Gained achievements and recognition among the U.S. backgammon community for the majority of a long career.

The period of time suggested above by the phrases ‘very substantial period of time’, ‘over the board for decades’, and ‘for the majority of a long career’ should reflect a relevant backgammon career approaching twenty years or more.

Current members of the American Backgammon Hall of Fame (listed alphabetically):
Nack Ballard, Carol Joy Cole, Barclay Cooke, Bill Davis, Malcolm Davis, Ray Fogerlund, Patrick Gibson, Kent Goulding, Tim Holland, Oswald Jacoby, Neil Kazaross, Danny Kleinman, Paul Magriel, Howard Markowitz, Alexis Obolensky, Bill Robertie, Joe Russell, Steve Sax, Mike Senkiewicz, Mike Svobodny, Joe Sylvester, Walter Trice, and Kit Woolsey.

To nominate a person for consideration to the 2020 Ballot for possible induction into the American Backgammon Hall of Fame, please see the Hall of Fame Nominations Form. You will need to be logged in to access the form.

You will be asked to complete the form with two main sections: (1) Notable awards and accomplishments (wins, publications, produced [events], Giants, ABT…) and (2) WHY do you think s/he should be considered (a paragraph describing the nominee’s significant body of work in or for backgammon in the USA).

Should a member wish to re-nominate someone they have submitted in a prior year, they may do so; however, ALL nominations this year must include a new Nominations Form. If a member wishes to amend a prior submission, they may request a copy if one was not retained (request may be made to info@usbgf.org; however, again, a new Hall of Fame Nominations Form must be submitted this year for each nominee. Nominations from prior years will not automatically be reconsidered.

The open period for 2020 nominations is October 1 through October 31. This opportunity allows USBGF members to submit their candidates for consideration for possible inclusion on the Ballot. The Hall of Fame Committee will review all nominations and submit a recommended Ballot to the USBGF Board of Directors for approval. The Ballot will then go to the HOF electors to vote to determine any new inductees.

Joe Russell
Chairman, Hall of Fame Committee
U.S. Backgammon Federation

Filed Under: News

2019 DENVER OPEN: WILD WEST SHOOTOUT

September 23, 2019 by Elizabeth Liberty 2 Comments

2019 DENVER OPEN: WILD WEST SHOOTOUT, September 19-22, 2019; Denver, Colorado
Results from chicagopoint.com

OPEN GUNSLINGER (45): 1-Carol Joy Cole (MI), 2-Neil Kazaross (IL); 1C-Bill Riles (TX), 2C-Jim Stutz (CT); 1LC-Sean Garber (IN), 2LC-Ray Fogerlund (NV), 3LC/4LC-Norm Friedman (CA) / Eric Hiner (MN).
ADVANCED WARRIOR (37): 1-Bill Lonergan (NY), 2-Marcy Kossar (MD); 1C-Marston Hefner (CA), 2C-Patty Knapp (MA); 1LC-Ron Bruns (CA), 2LC-Jim Wark (CA).
NOVICE GREENHORN (15): 1-Will Harris (NM), 2-William Reeves (CO); 1C-Chris Savan (CO), 2C-Jessica Minardi (CO); 1LC-Jesus Ibarra (IL).
EARLY SHOOTOUT (28): David Klausa (CO), 2-Patrick Gibson (CA), 3/4-Vera Holley (CA) / Neil Kazaross (IL).
IRON HORSE JACKPOT (12): 1/2-Roberto Litzenberger (VA) / Jonah Seewald (CO), 3/4-Ray Fogerlund (NV) / Ed O’Laughlin (VA).
GUNSLINGER JACKPOT (32): 1-David Todd (MO), 2-Jonah Seewald (CO), 3/4-David Klausa (CO) / Jim Stutz (CT).
WARRIOR JACKPOT (28): 1-Ed Gazvoda (CO), 2-Kevin McDonough (AZ), 3/4-Marston Hefner (CA) / Jim Wark (CA).
DOUBLES SHOOTOUT (26 teams): 1-Ray Fogerlund (NV) & Sue Will (IL), 2-Frank Farjood (CA) & Allen Tish (CA), 3/4-April Kennedy (MN) & Michael Mesich (MN) / John O’Hagan (IN) & Ed O’Laughlin (VA).
SENIOR GUNSLINGERS (64): 1-Jim Wark (CA), 2-Ed Gazvoda (CO), 3/4-Thomas Dapp (MO) / Greg Kurrell (CO).
WOLF BLITZ (64): 1-Marc Emrich (CO), 2-Al Hodis (NV).
GOLD RUSH SPEEDGAMMON (32): 1-Patrick Keene (CA), 2-Sam Ahmed (CA).
1-POINT DUEL #1 (32): 1-Jack Edelson (MN), 2-April Kennedy (MN).
1-POINT DUEL #2 (32): 1-Marc Emrich (CO), 2-Julius High (KS).
LAST STAND AFTER TOURNAMENT (12): 1/2-split: Marcy Kossar (MD) / Roberto Litzenberger (VA).

Filed Under: Results

Nomination of Candidates for 2019 USBGF Board of Directors Election

September 21, 2019 by Elizabeth Liberty Leave a Comment

As prescribed by the By-Laws, the Board of Directors of the U.S. Backgammon Federation announces that members may nominate candidates, including themselves, for election to the Board of Directors. Nominees must be members of the USBGF. The Board asks members to please limit their nominees to candidates who have expressed a willingness to serve and to contribute to the Board. Nominations must be submitted to Nominations@usbgf.org before 12:00 midnight EDT, October 31, 2019.

Five seats will be up for election this year. Four Incumbents shown below plan to stand for re-election to the Board, one seat is vacant:

Seat #1 – Karen Davis (incumbent)
Seat #2 – Richard Munitz (incumbent)
Seat #4 – Neil Kazaross (incumbent)
Seat #5 – Vacant
Seat #14 – John Pirner (incumbent)

After receiving nominations, the USBGF Governance and Nominating Committee will review the slate of candidates, confirm that each will serve if elected, solicit a short statement of qualifications, and may or may not recommend candidates to the membership.

The Board wishes to thank Dennis Culpepper for serving on the Board for the last three years. As the USBGF liaison to ABT directors, he has ensured the smooth implementation of the ABT under USBGF auspices.

The election will take place from November 15 to November 30 by electronic ballot. Each USBGF member may cast a ballot for up to five candidates. All candidates, incumbent or otherwise, run ‘at-large’ (not for specific seats) with the five candidates receiving the most votes being elected — there are certain other qualifications outlined in the By-Laws.

It is always crucial for the continued success of the organization that viable, qualified, willing candidates be nominated by the membership. Fresh ideas, new expertise, and enthusiasm enhance the functioning of the Board.

Cordially,

Karen Davis
President and Executive Director

Filed Under: News

Team USA to Compete in WBIF

September 16, 2019 by Elizabeth Liberty Leave a Comment

Team USA has been selected to compete in the 2020 World Backgammon Internet Federation (WBIF) tournament. The team includes Art Benjamin, Neil Kazaross, Alfred Mamlet, Joe Russell (captain), Steve Sax, and Frank Talbot. Giants of Backgammon, grandmasters, and other leading players were invited to participate in a best 2-of-3 11-point match qualifier to determine seats on the team.

In 2019 the U.S. fielded a team for the first time in the WBIF online tournament with 25 countries participating. Taking place over a four-month period, the U.S. finished second in an exciting finish against Norway. Alfred Mamlet had a 10-0 win-loss record to win the individual competition.

Filed Under: News

USBGF Intermediate Divisional LXV

September 15, 2019 by Elizabeth Liberty 2 Comments

Congratulations to Elizabeth Liberty, winner of the Intermediate Divisional LXV. Elizabeth defeated Timothy Dugan in the 13-point final. Ali Shamsian and Curt Wilhelmsen finished 3/4 in the 11-point semi-final.
The Intermediate Divisional requires players to have a Circuit Elo rating of 1500.00 and lower at the time of registration. For more information or to register for other tourneys go to the Online Circuit Leaderboard.

Filed Under: News, Uncategorized

3rd VIKING CLASSIC BACKGAMMON TOURNAMENT

September 3, 2019 by Elizabeth Liberty Leave a Comment

3rd VIKING CLASSIC BACKGAMMON TOURNAMENT , August 29-September 2, 2019; Minneapolis, Minnesota – Results from chicagopoint.com

ODIN OPEN (49): 1-Jeb Horton (NC), 2-Jack Edelson (MN), 3-Carol Joy Cole (MI), 4/5-Mary Hickey (OH) / Phil Williams (MN); 1C-Nick Blasier (TX), 2C-Yury Millman (MN).
THOR ADVANCED (39): 1-Hugh Morris (MN), 2-Franklin Scott (MN), 3-Kevin Heacox (IN), 4/5-Daniel Bluestone (VA) / Joe Briggs (MN); 1C-Jeff Willis (MN), 2C-Bryan Adams (OR).
VIKING INTERMEDIATE (17): 1-Lee Pflugrad (WI), 2-Jon Dowd (MN), 3-Peter Slavenkov (MN); 1C-Phil Biesanz (MN).
VIKING NEWCOMER ROUND-ROBIN (6): 1-Caleb McGuire (MN).
STEVE BROWN MEMORIAL JACKPOT (92): 1-Mary Hickey (OH), 2-Dan Minardi (CO), 3/4-Carol Joy Cole (MI) / Franklin Scott (MN), 5/8-Ted Chee (CA) / Daniel Friedman-Shedlov (MN) / Jeb Horton (NC) / Bruce Russell (WI).
LONGSHIP JACKPOT (16): 1-Ray Fogerlund (NV), 2-Nick Blasier (TX).
GRAND CRYSTAL BEAVER XX (23): 1-Bill Finneran (MD), 2-Ed O’Laughlin (VA), 3-Allen Tish (CA).
BERSERKER LIMITED JACKPOT (9):11-Gus Contos (CA), 2-Vadim Nuniyants (WA).
WARRIOR ADVANCED/INTERMEDIATE JACKPOT (18): 1-David McKenzie (KS), 2-Larry Oman (MN).
EARLY RAVEN $50 (35): 1-Roberto Gaui (Brazil), 2-Phillip Rahm (MN), 3/4-Nick Blasier (TX) / Julius High (KS).
EARLY RAVEN $20 (15): 1-Steve Binenstock (MN), 2-Tom Jayne (VA).
FRIDAY FRIGGA (29): 1-Neil Kazaross (IL), 2-Lynn Lusk (CO), 3/4-Art Moore (TN) / Gerry Tansey (MO).
SPEEDY SLAUGHTER (64): 1-Ted Chee (CA), 2-Ted Chee (CA).
RAINBOW BRIDGE DOUBLES (29 teams): 1-Stepan Nuniyants (WA) & Rick Silberman (WA), 2-Daniel Friedman-Shedlov (MN) & Corey Smith (MN), 3/4-Nick Blasier (TX) & Jeff Willis (MN) / Tim Lawless (IN) & Art Moore (TN).
BLITZ THE BEAST (64): 1-Jeff Nitschke (MN), 2-Ted Chee (CA).
QUICK 1-POINT RAIDS (64): 1-Corey Smith (MN), 2-Corey Smith (MN).
QUICK 1-POINT RAIDS (16): 1-Larry Oman (MN).
OPEN VALHALLA (11): 1-John O’Hagan (IN), 2-Steve Reichelt (MN).
ADVANCED VALHALLA (11): Finals – Steve Binenstock (MN) vs. Jeff Kane (WI).
INTERMEDIATE VALHALLA (4): 1-Rina Quarterone (MN).
GAMMON STUFF BOARD TOURNAMENT (19):1-Joe Briggs (MN), 2-Long Nguyen (CA).
RAGNAROK AFTER TOURNEY (32): 1-Gerry Tansey (MO), 2-Jonah Seewald (CO).

Filed Under: Results

USBGF Intermediate Divisional LXIII

August 21, 2019 by Elizabeth Liberty Leave a Comment

Congratulations to Keith Remels, winner of the Intermediate Divisional LXIII. Keith defeated Kai Demler in the 13-point final. Vera Holley and Max McCauley finished 3/4 in the 11-point semi-final. The Intermediate Divisional requires players to have a Circuit Elo rating of 1500.00 and lower at the time of registration. See current online tournament ratings at Online Circuit Leaderboard.

Filed Under: News

17th ANNUAL WISCONSIN BACKGAMMON CHAMPIONSHIPS

August 19, 2019 by Elizabeth Liberty Leave a Comment

17th ANNUAL WISCONSIN BACKGAMMON CHAMPIONSHIPS, August 15-18, 2019; Madison, Wisconsin –
Results from chicagopoint.com

CHAMPIONSHIP (41): 1-Linda Rockwell (IL), 2-Tak Morioka (IL); 1C-David Rockwell (IL), 2C-Phil Simborg (IL); 1LC-Steven Ferguson (MO), 2LC-Frank Talbot (MI).
ADVANCED (31): 1-Bill Lonergan (NY), 2-Christina Elias (MN); 1C-Laura Hoarty (OH), 2C-Brion Brooks (IL); 1LC-Gene Eydelman (IL).
NOVICE (4): 1-Larry Sosna (NY).
BADGER CLASSIC MASTERS (12): 1-Gerry Tansey (MO), 2-Sean Garber (IN).
ZACH TABAK MEMORIAL AMATEUR JACKPOT (16):1-Steve Shavel (TX), 2-Michael Gellings (MI).
DOUBLES (24 teams): 1-Julius High (KS) & Dave McKenzie (KS), 2-Dan Minardi (CO) & John Pirner (MN), 3-David & Linda Rockwell (IL).
BLITZ (32): 1/2 split – Carol Joy Cole (MI) / Ed O’Laughlin (VA). (Added Prize Money from the USBGF.)
QUICKIES (32): 1/2 split John O’Hagan / Ed O’Laughlin.
FASHIONABLY EARLY BIRD TOURNAMENT (16):1-Steven Ferguson (MO), 2-Brad Andersen (MI).
EARLY BIRD JACKPOT (16): 1-David McKenzie (KS), 2-Chris Maisa (WI).
$50 JACKPOT (8): 1/2 split – Cary Hoarty (OH) / Mark Milkie (IN).
$50 AFTER TOURNAMENT TOURNAMENT (8): 1-Gerry Tansey (MO), 2-Keene Marin (WI).

Filed Under: Results

USBGF Advanced Divisional LXXI

August 14, 2019 by Elizabeth Liberty Leave a Comment

Congratulations to Jesse Anderson-Lehman, winner of the Advanced Divisional LXXI. Jesse defeated Giancarlo Ratto in the 17-point final. Frank Costello and Jeff Schwarz finished 3/4 in the 15-point semi-final.

The Advanced Divisional requires players to have a Circuit Elo rating between 1500.01 – 1649.99 at the time of registration. See current online standings: Leader Board.

Filed Under: News

John Pirner, USBGF Board of Directors

August 10, 2019 by Elizabeth Liberty Leave a Comment

The U.S. Backgammon Federation (USBGF) is pleased to announce that John Pirner has joined the Board of Directors and will serve as Chief Operating Officer and Treasurer. He lives in Minnesota and plays with the Twin Cities Backgammon Club.

He founded Gammon Stuff in 2016 to import, stock and exclusively sell the handmade boards and accessories built by Fazil Terlemez (FTH), a German craftsman. Begun as a hobby, Gammon Stuff is now an enthusiastic corporate sponsor of the USBGF and ABT tournaments. John is also a Platinum Sponsor of the USBGF.

Besides Gammon Stuff, John is an owner and serves on the board of directors of a Midwest-based distributor that sells applied automation and power transmission products to machine builders and manufacturers. John has also served on the board of directors, the executive committee and as president of the Association for High Technology Distribution, a nonprofit trade organization that supports independent, high tech distributors in North America.

Filed Under: News

USBGF Advanced Divisional LXX

August 6, 2019 by Elizabeth Liberty Leave a Comment

Congratulations to Yusuf Adenwala, winner of the Advanced Divisional LXX. Yusuf defeated Lynda Clay in the 17-point final. Kat Denison and Peter Swartwout finished 3/4 in the 15-point semi-final.

The Advanced Divisional requires players to have a Circuit Elo rating between 1500.01 – 1649.99 at the time of registration. See current online standings: Leader Board.

Filed Under: News

44th WORLD BACKGAMMON CHAMPIONSHIP / 9th MONTE CARLO OPEN

August 5, 2019 by Elizabeth Liberty Leave a Comment

44th WORLD BACKGAMMON CHAMPIONSHIP / 9th MONTE CARLO OPEN , July 27-August 4, 2019; Monte Carlo, Monaco –
Results from chicagopoint.com

Photo by Phil Simborg

CHAMPIONSHIP (186): 1-Eli Roymi (Israel), 2-Petko Kostadinov (Bulgaria/USA), 3-Fabrizio Lo Surdo (Italy), 4/5-Daniel Sorensen (Denmark) / Rolf Vetsch (Switzerland), 6/8-Toni Bernaba (Lebanon) / Mislav Kovacic (Croatia) / Wilcox Snellings (Costa Rica/USA); 1C-Olivier Lafon (France), 2C-Patrick Didisheim (Switzerland), 3C/4C-Jörgen Granstedt (Sweden) / Lev Rosenfeld (Israel); 1LC-Manny Olszynko (Canada), 2LC-Martin-Frédéric Kahn (France).
INTERMEDIATE (60): 1-Tim Lawless (USA), 2-Henrik Sorel (Denmark), 3-Lorenzo Rusconi (Italy), 4/5-Gerhard Lingnau (Germany) / Ciprian Radulescu (Romania); 1C-Hikmet Tunç (Turkey), 2C-Marianne Husum (Norway), 3C/4C-Talat Bagibala (Turkey) / Michael Ramsey (USA); 1LC-Joachim Lindgren (Sweden), 2LC-Kazuko Numazawa (Japan).
SUPER JACKPOT (64): 1-Toni Bernaba (Lebanon), 2-Martin-Frédéric Kahn (France), 3/4-Jan Jacobowitz (Germany) / David Wells (USA).
MAGRIEL MEMORIAL SUPER SENIORS TOURNAMENT #1 (128): 1-Cyrus Vafa (Sweden), 2-Peter Raugust (Germany), 3/4-Johan Moazed (Sweden) / Slava Pryadkin (Ukraine).
DOUBLES TOURNAMENT (64 teams): 1-Eliot Tawil (USA) & Arkadiy Tsinis (USA), 2-Giorgos Kleitsas (Greece) & Platon Tserliagkos (Greece), 3/4-Stéphane Cheneviere (France) & Philippe Quiboeuf (France) / Takayuki Moriuchi (Japan) & Kenji Shimodaira (Japan).
LADIES WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP (20): 1-Antoinette-Marie Williams (USA), 2-Laurence Sinitzky (France).
SPEEDGAMMON TOURNAMENT (64): 1-Arkadiy Tsinis (USA), 2-Steve Nelson (Hong Kong), 3/4-Robert Lindbom (Sweden) / Jason Pack (USA).
MOCHY’S BACKGAMMON PROFICIENCY EXAM (29): 1-Zdenek Zizka (Czech Republic) …
JUNIORS TOURNAMENT: 1-Takayuki Moriuchi (Japan), 2-Tal Ziva (Israel).
BELAIR TEAM TOURNAMENT: 1-Beavers: Carlos Estenssoro (Switzerland) / Peter Sarzynski (Germany) / Thibaud Thompson (Switzerland), 2-Area 51 (Norway) – Geir Pedersen / Jon Røyset / Dagfinn Snarheim.
ULTIMATE BACKGAMMON CHAMPIONSHIP (2): 1-Masayuki Mochizuki (Japan), 2-Sander Lylloff (Denmark). Overall score 13-7. PR: Mochy 2.86, Sander 3.53.

MONTE CARLO WARM-UP (68): 1-Frédéric Andrieu (France), 2-Benjamin Lund (Denmark), 3/4-Ralf Jonas (Germany) / Michael Urban (Germany); 1C-Michel Serrero (France), 2-Mislav Kovacic (Croatia).

MONTE CARLO OPEN – CHAMPIONSHIP (105): 1-Manny Olszynko (Canada), 2-Alan Grunwald (USA), 3/4-Mario Kühl (Germany) / Mislav Kovacic (Croatia); 1C-Roberto Litzenberger (USA), 2C-Marc Van Damme (Belgium).

MONTE CARLO OPEN – INTERMEDIATE (45): 1-Dimitri Loi (USA), 2-Olga Ivanova (Russia), 3/4-Justin Bor Jr (USA) / Roberto Catalano (Italy); 1C-Joachim Lindgren (Sweden), 2C-Jean-Jacques Issartel (France).

Filed Under: Results

American Backgammon Hall of Fame (HOF) Call for Nominations

American Backgammon Hall of Fame (HOF)
Call for Nominations