Backgammon Tournaments- A Quick Look

Backgammon tournaments have flourished in recent years as internet sites, that promote backgammon, crop-up in every corner that cyberspace has to offer. Fortunately, internet backgammon popularity has not cannibalized person to person backgammon tournaments but rather prompted a renewed interest.  The 31^st World Backgammon Tour Championship 2007 recently finished up in Monte Carlo with an Argentinean taking first prize. From a gaming standpoint this is a plus as more participants try their skill and luck at the game. From a scheduling standpoint it makes the overall accessibility of backgammon tournaments more difficult to attend but in place generated TV revenues. This past year’s attendance in Monte Carlo was down from years past due to a schedule conflict with the World Series of Poker in Las Vegas, USA but other aspects of this new marketing wrinkle have apparently made up for the in person decline.

Europe promotes the game worldwide

Simply because the interest in backgammon tournaments is so high in Europe and the US government so prudish in their legislation, the organization of world- wide events has landed in Europe. It doesn’t hurt that the current world champ, Phillip Vischjager of Holland, has been claiming many increasingly larger prizes and is perfectly willing to promote the game. He indicates that the next major backgammon tournaments are on his schedule and he is prepared to maintain his status. The World Series of Backgammon will find the next major stop on Paradise Island in the Bahamas.

Women find a competitive niche

Women are no less anxious to play in backgammon tournaments. Recently, a Japanese woman became the first Japanese backgammon champion after defeating her husband in Japans’ national event. Although many cultural issues may stem the influx of women into the activity, internet championships may offer a way around such issues.

Poker players welcome

As with women, professional card players are beginning to find backgammon as an interesting form of gaming that can add to their adrenaline levels and wallets. As evidenced by the conflict in Mote Carlo and Las Vegas there is a large cross over crowd that is interested in tournament level play.

Internet ready

Internet backgammon tournaments are nearly a dime-a-dozen these days. Interestingly enough, internet backgammon has not stayed in the home or offices where it is generally picked up. People are coming together to play in tournaments. Just because the tournaments is online does not mean that it cannot be shared. If a player can make it to the final 126 players they can share their ups and downs with the best in the world.

The European tour

Perhaps the best backgammon players can be found on the European tour. This tour covers a wide part of Europe and will begin in Portugal on April 29^th. From all indications the event is shaping up to be a blockbuster, not just because all the big names will be there but because quite a bit of effort has also gone into social activities that are quickly becoming a hallmark of the event.