EASTER BACKGAMMON BUNNIES

The Greek Easter Backgammon Tournament on the 23rd of April attracted many forms of bunnies from various hutches. John from the South Coast, Maurice from Bowral, Cap from (secret location), Pat from Woy Woy, our local rabbits and of course the blow-ins from mother country, England. Welcome Zoe and Sean to God's given country. I did miss my "Playboy" Bunnies though ---- Mimi & Gabby. I am not being sexist just playing on the term "bunny". I missed both of you.

Thanks for the turn up especially @ such short notice. Sydney did put on another glorious day for us, on the harbour. Not that the serious punters took any notice. I am thinking, I should arrange for some rain the next time, just for some variety. Naaaah. This time the bunnies were relaxed, enjoying lunch @ leisure, after the first round. People were more social . No all consuming b/g. It was a special atmosphere.

Enough of the chit,chat. How did the day pan out is what we are really interested in. Right? We had a field of 24, with 3 people playing off in the finals. The 3 good players were Sean Williams, Jim Bean and Ian (last tournament winner ) who played off in a format of my choosing. I chose to have a choutte/tournament rules combination. This is going to be difficult to explain but I going to try my damndest. Anyone is welcome to email me with questions if there is interest. I could set up a blog site.

It did not take the players long to grasp the rudiments of the format. A debit (minus) score and credit (plus) score applied. The first player to reach +13 was the winner, and vice versa (-13 came third ). No gammons without cube being turned. The normal choutte rules. By the same token the player on the penulitimate point cannot cube or be cubed --- tournament rule. Rotating box after each game. Are we all with me ? Very simple really. 13 points was chosen although 15 would have given more time to gain tactical cubing insight. Most people thought it would take too long to play. It turned out to be a 5 game affair from memory.

I must admit I was a bit lax in not keeping the record of the scores properly. I am hoping for exact score progression from Sean, Jim or Ian. Prior to the decisive game I do know Jim was (+2, -10), Sean (+9?,-4), Ian (+5,-6?). Jim's score is correct, Sean & Ian unsure. Does it matter ? It does for the 2nd placegetter. As it turned out, Jim was box and captain Sean cubed followed by Ian quickly. I must admit Jim looked like being gammoned with 3 men back and only 2 points (6 & 3) made in his board. Jim returned the cube to 4 after the boys had made another point in their board. Jim hits & covers his 1 point.The boys have 2 men on Jim's 2 point, Ian cubes to eight. Jim accepts and progressively makes his bar, 5 & 4 points while the boys did not jump out with the one opportunity they had. They crash with a small double & the rest is history.

Jim was the winner +14, with Sean 2nd and Ian -14. They decided to break up prize money as $1000, $ 600 & $ 500 plus $100 vouchers.Congratulations to Jim for a daring take. He was walking out either thru the front or the back door. I have to canvass the boys on this format. I think the choutte mind was @ the fore in this instance. I was hoping to run a smaller tourny but not enough interest. The next tournament will have cyclone gammon.Quick 3 point matches aimed @ beginners.

Must say many more people took advantage of George's generous offer for lunch & dinner. George was not there during the day (Greek naming day of St. George ) but Miguel and Sarah did a wonderful job with service and hospitality. Look forward to seeing more of u on the 28th of May @ the next affair of the backgammon heart.

P.S. Harry where are the pictures? I have no pictures to post. Can more of u bring cameras next time? I depend on my good friend Andrew but alas he had a better offer elsewhere. If I do get hold of some pics. I will post them. My palmy did not do justice on the day. Also, we had a parking misadventure. The car park shuts @ 10pm but it is only $12 for the day. A lot of Asian style bargaining or street thinking had to be effected @ 12 pm.

Jay Deva April 2006