Sydney Backgammon Club - Backgammon FAQ

NOTE: For general queries about how the game is played see the general FAQ section. For a PDF flier summarising the club, click here.

Q: What is the Sydney Backgammon Club?

The club consists of an informal group of local players and visitors who share a passion for playing backgammon face to face, in a brick and mortar venue. The club serves as a meeting place for many types of players, however the club's primary focus is to provide for players who enjoy the challenge and competition of backgammon tournaments.

Q: Where is the club, how do I get there?

The Tea Gardens Hotel, located at 2-4 Bronte Rd, Bondi Junction, hosts the club, (a map to the venue and surrounding area is available here). The Tea Gardens Hotel is conveniently serviced by public transport, being a one minute walk from the Bondi Junction Rail/Bus Interchange. Ample parking is available at the Westfield Shopping Centre car parks.

Q: What days and times does the club meet?

The club meets every Tuesday at the Tea Gardens Hotel. Registration is at 7PM with the tournaments commencing from 7:15PM. Players who do not wish to participate in the formal tournaments should find opportunities to play social games at any time during the evening.

Q: Do I need to bring a board or any equipment?

The club provides backgammon sets for the free use of members, guests and visitors at the venue on club nights. Players are free to bring along their own boards or precision dice for personal use at the club.

Players wishing to use their own boards/dice in the formal tournaments should ensure that the board is of an appropriate size. In case of a dispute over choice of equipment, the Tournament Director's decision shall prevail.

Q: Do I need to be a member to play at the club or in the tournaments?

Anybody, subject to the conditions of the Hotel's licensing laws, may enter the tournaments or use the Club's equipment to play games on the premises. However, participation in the tournaments is subject to the payment of entry fees, which are paid back as prize money to the tournament winners.

Q: How do I become a member?

The term member is loosely used to describe regular tournament players. Regular tournament players pay a nominal $3 table fee on the night, which is used to cover the costs of trophies and administration of the club.

Q: How do I find the club after arriving at the Hotel?

The club meets upstairs on the first floor. Upon arrival, players should seek out the Tournament Director (Mimi Belleli) to register their interest to play, or for general advice. The bar staff or other players will be happy to direct you to Mimi.

Q: I know how to play backgammon but I have never played in a formal tournament before. What are the rules?

Newcomers to tournament backgammon should seek the advice of the Tournament Director or other experienced players, who will be happy to brief them on the basic rules and etiquette of formal play. In cases of disputes between players, the advice or ruling of the Tournament Director should be sought in the first instance. The Director administrates the tournaments based on the official rules of the American Backgammon Tour (ABT 2008).

Further details on the tournament format, entry costs and prize money distribution is available under the Clubs section of this web site.

Q: I have some idea of how to play the game; I do not wish to enter the formal tournaments but would like some instructional advice or friendly games with experienced players. Will anybody be available to provide advice/instruction/games?

The Tournament Director will endeavor to find some free time during the evening to provide basic instruction to players, or may enlist the services of other experienced players to provide assistance in these matters.

Q: It will be my first time at the club, will people talk to me; will I be able to find an opponent for friendly games?

Club members and visitors come from all walks of life and are a culturally diverse group. A love of backgammon provides the common interest between these diverse individuals, so you will always have something in common with most people in the room. Players' ages range between 21 and 81 and many speak other languages in addition to English.