BBBB-Sports Monthly

Posted on October 27, 2024 by Johan

Hello everybody,

Recently, I’ve been approached by a number of players with requests to organize a monthly tournament in Brussels.

The Black Beards are now launching BBBB-Sports Monthly as we’ve found a fabulous, accessible and bucolic place to play, with a terrace open in fine weather.

Sunday December 8, 2024 will be our kick-off tournament at B.SPORTS! Address: 14 rue de la Basilique, Sint Agatha Berchem.

Reserve your place now so that we can book the right room. You can send me an e-mail at chantal.lensen@skynet.be.

Venue

The B.SPORTS club will welcome us once a month. This sports complex formerly belonged to the National Bank of Belgium and is located in Brussels near the ring and the highway exit from Oostende. The kitchen offers a full range of catering options at all times.

  • by bar: B.SPORTS is located at 14 rue de la Basilique, Sint Agatha Berchem. You can easily park your car.
  • It’s also easy to reach by public transport: Tram 9, streetcar 55, bus 20, Berchem Ste Agathe station, etc.

Format and schedule

We’ll play 5 rounds of 7 points. Pairings will be based on the Swiss system.

  • From 9 a.m.: Welcome. The bar will be open at 8.30 a.m., so you can enjoy a coffee as soon as you arrive.
  • Round 1: 10am
  • Round 2: 11:45 a.m.
  • Round 3: 1:30pm
  • Round 4: 3:15pm
  • Round 5: 5:00 pm

Registration

Reservations are mandatory: please send an e-mail to chantal.lensen@skynet.be.

Price for the day: €10 to be paid on site (+ membership fee for the Belgian Backgammon Federation for non-members).

In 2025, we’ll be playing on the first Sunday of every month. I’ll send out invitations the month before.

I hope to see many of you there.

Kind regards

— Chantal

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Marc Van Damme wins PR prize in Aachen

Posted on October 23, 2024 by Johan

Twenty ambitious players showed up in Aachen to compete in a BMAB tournament. In these kinds of tournaments, all matches are recorded and transcribed by the organization and the players’ performance ratings (PRs) are tabulated to designate a specific title, such as Grandmaster (GM), Master, Expert, etc.

Belgium’s most proficient player and top Red Beaver, Marc Van Damme, stunned the global backgammon community with a stellar overall performance rating (OPR) of 3,51 (nine 9-point matches). This won him the PR prize, leaving a couple of certified GM’s slightly bemused. Marc is now edging closer and closer to a GM title.

Geert Van der Stricht also started off very well with a handful of SGM (= Super GM) PR’s, but sadly he could not sustain this high level of play ending with an OPR of 4,32 (4th place). Still a very solid performance by our undisputed number two.

Johan Huyck also excelled. He strung together 7 victories winning this tournament for the second time in a row. A remarkable back-to-back triumph embellished by a confidence-boosting 4,96 OPR.

Johan Huyck and Marc Van Damme, champion and PR champion, respectively, of the BMAB backgammon tournament in Aachen, Germany, October 2024

My personal performance pales in comparison. Although I shared second prize with Geert and two others (6/9) I could not be happy with a mediocre 5,56 OPR.

All-in all, this was a well-run tournament in a comfortable venue. Snacks and drinks were offered at player-friendly prices and the atmosphere was cordial and relaxed. The star of the show was Marc Van Damme, whose performance cannot have escaped the attention of the world’s established GM’s.

— Michel Lamote

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Belgian Backgammon Double Consultation Tournament, Feb 9, 2025, in Gent

Posted on October 20, 2024 by Johan

Sunday, February 9, 2025 | Koninklijke Academie Union Sandeman | Kantienberg 5 |9000 Gent | Flyer

Join us for this exciting double consultation tournament, open to backgammon players of all skill levels.

Double consultation matches can offer an interesting learning opportunity to the less experienced player when teaming up with a more experienced player. More seasoned players might want to team up with their best mate and compete as a team against another team.

Format

While most double consultation tournaments follow a knockout format, this tournament will be played in a Swiss format, ensuring learning opportunities and fun for everyone throughout the entire event.

Since double consultation matches last longer than regular one, the event will consist of 5 matches to 5 points.

Registration

Fill out the online registration form before 31 January 2025: https://forms.gle/Kh3XvMveJ6VYpVmH7

The registration fee is 25 EUR per person, covering your participation, breakfast, a hot lunch and the use of a clock or score board if applicable.

Don’t miss this opportunity to challenge yourself, learn, and have fun in a dynamic team environment!

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Books and Bosses at Brussels Friendly 103

Posted on October 8, 2024 by Johan

At the classy venue of the bridge rooms in the Royal Orée in Woluwe-Saint-Pierre, 41 backgammon players from Belgium, France, the Netherlands, Germany and other countries gathered on a chilly but sunny Sunday morning for the Brussels Friendly 103 backgammon tournament. Energized by coffee, cake, and a cold or hot lunch served by the friendly staff at Orée, the players competed in a five-round Swiss tournament, with matches to 7 points. Main organiser Chantal Lensen and her team ensured that everybody felt welcome and that the tournament went smoothly and in good style.

Special guest was the German professional player Dirk Schiemann, author of “The Theory of Backgammon” and “To Hit or Not To Hit”. The latter book was also the prize for the winner of the tournament.

Final ranking after five rounds of the Brussels Friendly 103 backgammon tournament on Sunday, October 6, 2024, in Royal Orée, Woluwe-Saint-Pierre

After four rounds, Kristoffer De Weert and Inge van den Dorpel were the only players left with four victories, and so they battled for the tournament victory in a direct confrontation. Kristoffer emerged as winner, confirming the high ranking he has been able to maintain in the Belgian rating list for many consecutive years. Congratulations also to Inge, who started playing tournaments less than a year ago and who’s seeing her study efforts pay off.

Happy faces at the end of the Brussels Friendly 103 backgammon tournament. From left to right: Chantal Lensen (organiser), Dirk Schiemann, backgammon professional and author of “To Hit or Not To Hit”, the first prize proudly shown by the winner, Kristoffer De Weert

A big thanks to Chantal, Daniel, Guy, Hubert and Vincent for the wonderful event!

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Live Backgammon in October

Posted on October 5, 2024 by Johan

Club events

  • Antwerp: every Wednesday evening, starting on October 16, 19h, in Spéciale Belge Taproom, Pakt | Régine Beerplein 1, 2018 Antwerpen. Contact: Inge van den Dorpel, inge.van.den.dorpel@gmail.com
  • Brugge: every Thursday evening, Sports bar Extra Time, Nijverheidsstraat 113, 8310 Assebroek. Contact: Line Vandamme, linevandamme@gmail.com
  • Brussels: every Thursday evening at 18h15, at The Black Beard — La Barbe Noire, Lakensestraat 166 Rue de Laeken, Brussels 1000
  • Ghent: every Tuesday evening, at 19h, at Union-Sandeman, Kantienberg 5, 9000 Gent
  • Leuven: Sunday, Sep 15, Oct 20, Nov 17, Dec 15, from 12:45, at Sport & Squash Club De Vaart, Kolonel Begaultlaan 15, 3012 Wilsele

Tournaments

Brussels Friendly 103, Sunday, October 6, 2024, in Royal Orée, Sint-Pieters-Woluwe.

Looking ahead

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4 Cubes 2024: Black Beard BG Brussels beats Leuven

Posted on September 22, 2024 by Johan

In 2024, four teams compete for the 4 Cubes 2024 trophy: Brussels (champion 2023, captain Guy Van Middelem), Gent (captain: Bert Van Kerckhove), Leuven (captain: Johan Segers), and Black Beard BG Brussels, aka BBBB (captain: Daniel Rozenberg).

On Sunday, September 22, today, the duel between Leuven and BBBB took place in Sport & Squash Club De Vaart (Wilsele). Each team fielded 4 players. Three rounds of in total twelve 7-point matches were to decide which team would qualify for the duel against Gent, runner-up of 2023. In case of a 6-6 draw, a 5-point team consultation match would serve to break the tie.

Toon Van Herreweghen (Leuven) vs Daniel Rozenberg (captain of Black Beard BG Brussels) playing in Sport & Squash Club De Vaart (Wilsele) at the occasion of the 4 Cubes 2024, BGFed.be’s interclub competition.

After round 1, BBBB took the lead, 3-1. In rounds 2 and 3, Leuven fought hard to catch up, but to no avail, BBBB drawing each of the two rounds 2-2. Leuven vs BBBB ended therefore at 5-7, BBBB winning the confrontation. Congratulations!

The next step in the 4 Cubes 2024 competition is the duel between Gent, with home advantage, vs BBBB. At stake: a chance to challenge the 2023 champion, Brussels. Good luck to all and may the best team win!

LeuvenBlack Beard BG Brussels
Round 1
Michel LamoteDaniel Rozenberg01
Johan SegersVincent Hubert01
Toon Van HerreweghenHubert Verstraeten01
Luc PalmansChantal Lensen10
Round 2
Michel LamoteVincent Hubert01
Johan SegersDaniel Rozenberg01
Toon Van HerreweghenChantal Lensen10
Luc PalmansHubert Verstraeten10
Round 3
Michel LamoteHubert Verstraeten01
Toon Van HerreweghenDaniel Rozenberg10
Johan SegersChantal Lensen10
Luc PalmansVincent Hubert01
Total57
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15th Leuven Backgammon Open, Sun 10 Nov 2024

Posted on September 22, 2024 by Johan

The 15h Leuven Open will take place on Sunday, November 10, 2024, in Squash Club De Vaart, Kolonel Begaultlaan 15, 3012 Leuven, the same venue as for the Leuven Monthly tournaments.

Please register in advance via the online registration form. The registration fee (including lunch) is €30 (for non-BGFed.be members it’s €40, the extra €10 including BGFed.be membership), to be paid not later than Monday November 4 by bank transfer to Backgammon Club Leuven, BE84 7360 4493 9659, mentioning “Leuven Open 2024”.

Information and registration.

The billiards room of Squash Club De Vaart in Wilsele, venue of the 15th Leuven Backgammon Open on November 10, 2024 (picture taken at the 14th edition on November 12, 2023).

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Second Belgian Backgammon Beach Day

Posted on September 16, 2024 by Johan

The 2nd Belgian Backgammon Beach Day took place on Saturday, September 14, 2024, in Restaurant Villa Marie Joseph, Westende. Tournament director Johan Brisaert managed the event, hosting 14 players, who enjoyed a great day. The 1st prize was for Kristoffer De Weert, who won all his 7 matches. Christian Standaert and Rachid Assemiouni were 2nd and 3rd, respectively, each winning 5 matches. Congratulations!

Restaurant Villa Marie Joseph, Westende, venue of the 2nd Belgian Backgammon Beach Day on Saturday, September 14, 2024
Tournament Director Johan Brisaert (left), playing and organizing the 2nd Belgian Backgammon Beach Day

Podium of the 2nd Belgian Backgammon Beach Day, from left to right: Rachid Assemiouni (3rd), Kristoffer De Weert (1st), Christian Standaert (2nd)

Final ranking of the 2nd Belgian Backgammon Beach Day
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Live Backgammon in September

Posted on August 31, 2024 by Johan

Club events

  • Brugge: every Thursday evening, Sports bar Extra Time, Nijverheidsstraat 113, 8310 Assebroek. Contact: Line Vandamme, linevandamme@gmail.com
  • Brussels: every Thursday evening at 18h15, at The Black Beard — La Barbe Noire, Lakensestraat 166 Rue de Laeken, Brussels 1000
  • Ghent: every Tuesday evening, at 19h, at Union-Sandeman, Kantienberg 5, 9000 Gent
  • Leuven: Sunday, Sep 15, Oct 20, Nov 17, Dec 15, from 12:45, at Sport & Squash Club De Vaart, Kolonel Begaultlaan 15, 3012 Wilsele

Tournaments

Belgian Backgammon Beach Day II, Saturday September 14, 2024, Restaurant Villa Marie Joseph, Henri Jasparlaan 150, 8434 Westende.

Looking ahead

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Backgammon Scenes and Tales – How Backgammon Imitates Blackjack

Posted on August 17, 2024 by Itzhak Solsky

When you trap a couple of back checkers behind a strong prime, you sometimes see the remaining part of the opponent’s position – which was calm and orderly to this point – suddenly go berserk!

The result can be disastrous – but for whom?

https://bgfed.be/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/How-Backgammon-Imitates-Blackjack.pdf

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