***Special events***
More Beginners/Novice Tournaments coming soon!
Format TBD
We will likely pair these events with the projected Saturday Hightopps Club Venue Events.
The principle concept behind this event is to introduce folks who are interested in backgammon, played as a youngster, played in school, or on the floor of the living room with their family, or were just passing by the club and watched us play and were fascinated or were otherwise exposed to the game, but never played modern tournament style backgammon. The BBC welcomes players of all skill levels and this setting will be the perfect venue to roll, play, and have open discussion on practical and theoretical concepts and applications with seasoned club players and professionals at no cost! It's literally all about the learning.
BACKGAMMON CLUBS NEARBY
Two well-established Backgammon Clubs with long histories and a new Meetup Group meet regularly in the Washington, D.C. area and a club meets monthly in Columbia, MD.
OUR TOURNAMENT FORMAT
We have adopted a tournament format which guarantees each entrant two matches, although not necessarily two losses.
CANCELLED: ALL Events due to public health and safety concerns. Refer to this site for updates regarding the next tournament.
Welcome to our Backgammon club!
The Baltimore Backgammon Club, has been in continuous operation since May 2007. Although not directly connected with the former Backgammon Club of Baltimore, an enormously successful club which operated for years during the 1970's and 80's, the BBC roots trace back to that club, and we are grateful for their efforts in popularizing modern backgammon. Our tournaments are open to players of all skill levels.
Our Upcoming 2020 Tournament Dates
Monday's:
CANCELLED
*************************************When Hightopps allows gaming again, we will consider restarting the BBC. Until then, we continue to adhere to the guidelines set forth by the CDC and the WHO regarding contact as it pertains to Covid-19.
**************************************
6:30 PM Draw
Play begins @ 6:45
Chouette Play begins as early as 4:30
Hightopps Backstage Grille
2306 York Road
Timonium, MD 21093
Rarely there could be late schedule changes not reflected on this web site. For the latest updates and reminders, request to be added to our e-mail mailing list by going to the CONTACT US page above.
OUR vENUE
For our main tournaments we meet at a very nice sports bar in Timonium, MD first established as caterer to famous rock bands: Hightopps Backstage Grille.
2020 SATURDAY TOURNAMENT: The 50/50 - CANCELLED
Saturday March 28th, 1 pm (Chouette: 12)
Those who have participated in the 50/50 raffle prior to any of the regular club tournaments have received an entry into the 50/50 tournament. Those who have NOT participated in a raffle may enter the tournament. See the Director for details.
Format: 9 and 7 point matches, progressive consolation, clocks required.
We plan to run 3 Saturday tournaments this year in addition to our regular weekday events.
Backgammon History 1930's
Passengers Playing Backgammon aboard pan am's legendary china clipper. built at Baltimore's glen l. martin plant.
Contact:
Paul Laubner, Director
410-530-2237
coachlaubner@live.com
Larry Cecchetti, AD/Statistician
443-854-9658
Mark Davis, AD/Special Events Coordinator
443-280-0651
Victor Morawski, Club Founder 443-401-0837
vmorawski@juno.com
Please Bring a Set!
ALL MATCHES SUSPENDED
Live Backgammon Tournaments!
First, Third and Fifth Mondays of the Month.
SALSA GRILLE BG Club
Location: Salsa Grille
6444 Security Blvd. Woodlawn, MD 21207
Meets:3rd Saturday of the month.
Time: 1 pm, 1:15 draw.
Double elimination. 7pt./5pt.
Chouette: 12 noon.
Director: Mark Davis @ 443-280-0651 call or text.
Confirm all SGBG dates with the Director
410-530-2237
Baltimore Backgammon Club
2306 Maryland Highway 45, Lutherville Timonium, Maryland 21093, United States
Congratulations to Ray Zamani, BBC 2019 Player of the Year!!!
In a hotly contested race, two players separated themselves from the pack. Our club director, Paul Laubner, did not catch and surpass the front running world class pro, Behrooz "Ray" Zamani. Ray held off Paul in the FINAL match of the 2019 schedule to claim his title and won a sweet custom backgammon board, courtesy of Vic Morawski, the BBC founder and principle benefactor. Ray recently attended the L.A. Open and made a fine showing and he competes regionally in ABT Tournaments against the top players in the world. Thanks to all who came out to share in the excitement when the 2019 BBC Player of the Year, Ray Zamani, was crowned. This years race is expected to be another close battle as club members continue to improve their skills. Thanks again to all for your participation and continued growth of the Baltimore Backgammon Club.
we use USBGF/ABT TOURNAMENT RULES 2018
We follow a set of tournament rules established by the USBGF and American Backgammon Tour revised 2017 by USBGF/ABT
The Backgammon Learning Center
Individualized Backgammon Instruction Over the Internet by World Class Experts!
Additional MD BG Clubs
Maryland Backgammon Club
Location: Union Jacks in Columbia MD.
10400 Little Patuxent Pkwy, Columbia MD
Meets: 2nd Monday of the month.
Time: 6:00 pm, 6:15 draw
Double elimination. 5pt./3pt.
Chouette: 4:30/5:00
Director: Genna Cowan @ 410-905-6462 / gennais@verizon.net
Confirm all MDBG dates with the Director.
The BBC Thanks Genna Cowan
and the Maryland BG Club.
The MDBG club headed by Director, Genna Cowan, graciously donated funding to provide support for the website for the Baltimore Backgammon Club for the next 2 years. Cowan is an active member of the BBC who provides a significant challenge to each opponent she faces. Genna has participated in several major ABT events and represented the MDBC and BBC with alacrity. Her passion for the game continues to inspire growth in both clubs by supporting both new players and seasoned veterans alike. Rarely will you encounter this amazing Director without a smile on her face and a willingness to greet you and then subsequently dominate you on any one of her beautifully crafted, artisan boards. Genna is a terrific and valued member of the Maryland backgammon community and we at the Baltimore Backgammon Club recognize and thank her for her generous contribution to our club and as an ambassador to the game.
Pertinent rule changes for 2020:
The BBC is keeping up with the USBGF and the rest of the professional backgammon world and recognize the need to adapt to current standards.
Definition review for preference:
PREFERENCE RESOLUTION TERMS[1.7.1]
Required: use is required, no player choice;
Preferred: either player may insist on use;
If Agreed: use only if both players agree;
By Roll: use is settled by the roll of high dice;
Per Player: each player may make their own choice.
**As of 2020, we are clocks AND dice rolling box PREFERRED.**
**As of 2020, we play dice on checkers as LEGAL.**
To be valid, a die must come to rest on the playing field or checkers on the same side of the bar as rolled. If the die is supported by a vertical surface, balanced on its edge or corner, or descends below the top surface of all checkers on which it rests, then a re-roll is required.
**As of 2020, we REQUIRE play with only one set of dice.**