The Good, The Bad & The Ugly

My baptism was a rude awakening. I play online backgammon in USBGF and UKBGF tournaments, but this was my first attempt at an in-person  tournament. No reason to start small. Nothing ventured, nothing gained. I didn’t know what to expect, so why not jump into  the New York Metropolitan Backgammon Open, advertised as the largest tournament in the USA.  Fortunately, I had the good sense to sign-up for an appropriate level (Advanced Beginners) of play. .

This is serious stuff. Where do I start describing this event? Player demographics? The atmosphere and pace of play?  How about the backgammon boards. Every board seemed bolder and brighter than the next.  My current equipment is puny. Clearly, I need a new board. In my fantasy, it will improve my game, and I’m now researching.

I had anticipated primarily a group of crusty old men, but that was quickly dispelled. Yes, there were plenty of crusty old guys (and women), but there were many fashionable ladies, young enthusiasts, and high-level master players.  I’m not sure the gender breakdown, but the ratio was closer than I had anticipated.

Jumping into a few of the Thursday side events, I quickly found tail between my legs.  Is this what the weekend was going to be like? Handing over money and losing every game. Feeling like a total amateur, which, of course, I am.

Fortunately, both Friday and Saturday were considerably more satisfying and I managed to play through both afternoons, actually playing into the final round of one of the side events. The Saturday Advanced Beginners tournament had a casual and social vibe.  Even the boards were more casual. A detail not considered was time between matches. If you are not playing, you are waiting. There is a lot of down time, waiting for opponents to finish matches. Other than possibly watching a top player, backgammon is like watching paint dry, not much of a spectator sport.

Alas, my first tournament experience ended at 4 PM Saturday. Despite the frustration with my play, I left with some good takeaways. It is clear that backgammon requires study, and not just play. Putting in the work is another story, and to be determined.

Another takeaway was Jersey City. The tournament venue was a hotel located on the Hudson, with spectacular views of Manhattan. Growing up in East Paterson, I remember Jersey City as a working-class town. It’s been 50 years since last there, and the changes are dramatic. Despite the cold and wind, it was enjoyable to spend some time exploring downtown.

I've caught the bug for in-person tournaments. Next step is that new board!