Report From 2010 Florida State Backgammon Championship

Hi Everyone! I'm back form the FL State Championship and what a fun time it was. I met all kinds of top players, saw all kinds of variations of the game and learned a whole lot of new strategy.

The weekend started with the first round of each main event and went all day. There were side games and mini tourneys to join at just about any given time and everyone played to their hearts content. Then when they closed the room for the night, lots of people went to the pool and played THROUGH the night. It was amazing.

Phil Simborg, the worlds first Backgammon Professor, hosted a Quiz and lecture session where he gave prizes for the highest quiz score. He sure knows his stuff. I also got to speak with John O'hagan and Mike Corbet, 2 World Class players that bring a whole new level to the game. Perry Gartner from the USBGF was on hand as well. He told me all about what they are doing to promote Backgammon and I was very impressed with the Universal Rating System they are going to be implementing. I also saw "Stick" Rice. What a gamesman. If you think you know the ins and outs of Backgammon... talk to "Stick". You'll realize how much you REALLY need to learn. Just listening to him share a glimpses of his depth of knowledge was a little intimidating but inspiring at the same time. A very nice guy who is very intelligent.

Then we have the Tournament director... Chiva. What a character. Great guy, runs a good tourney and loves this game like no one else I've seen. He plays fast and furious with a quick wit that will make you laugh until it hurts. He's quite the sportsman himself. His next event that I will be sure not to miss will be in Maryland this Oct. You should make the trip.

Well, that's it for now.

Keep'em Rollin'