BGFed

Tag: Brussels

  • 4 Cubes Thriller in Brussels

    As 4 Cubes 2023 title holder, the team of Brussels had the advantage of hosting the final of BGFed.be interclub competition, the much-coveted 4 Cubes. On Friday the 17th of January, Tennis Club ‘Le Roseau’ was the scene of an epic battle against Ghent, winner of the semi-final. 3 rounds of 4 players against 4 in 7-point matches (12 encounters, first to 7 to win) were completed in the evening.

    The first round ended 2-2 with wins from Steven Hoeylaerts (Ghent) against Guy Van Middelem, from Bert Van Kerckhove (Ghent) against Paul van Dijke, Itzhak Solsky (Brussels) against Firat Tekil and Kristoffer De Weert (Brussels) against Geert Van der Stricht.

    The second round was again 2-2 (making it 4-4) with Steven beating Itzhak, Guy wins vs Geert, Bert wins vs Kristoffer, Paul wins vs Firat. The third round started around 11.00 PM and quickly Ghent was leading 4-6 (Geert beating Paul, Firat winning vs Guy) looming at the trophy.  But in a desperate effort to avoid bitterness, Brussels managed to come back at 6-6 (Kristoffer wins vs Steven and Itzhak wins narrowly vs Bert).

    After midnight, it was all up for the last decisive encounter, a multiple consultation match to 5 points. It went double-pass (0-1 for Ghent), double-pass (0-2), double-pass (1-2), double-take – redouble-take and at the end, Kristoffer (Brussels) secured the 4 points, the match, and the encounter. Brussels’ dreams and joy, keeping the 4 Cubes, contrasted with Ghent’s nightmare and despair but a bottle of champagne brought both teams together around 01.30 in the middle of the night. See you this year for another final, who will take the gauntlet ?
    – Guy Van Middelem

  • Brussels Backgammon Thursday: New Venue

    Brussels Backgammon Thursday on the Move! From November 28th on, we play at:

    Café Lutgarde
    Chaussée de Waterloo 393
    1050 Ixelles

    — Chantal Lensen

  • 4 Cubes 2024 Gent vs BBBB

    On Tuesday 22nd October, eight backgammon players battled it out over twelve matches. Four players from Gent against four from Brussel Black Beard Backgammon (BBBB), each playing three rounds to 7 points. Location: Union Sandeman, home of the Gent Backgammon club. At stake: to gain the opportunity to challenge the current 4 Cubes holder, Brussels.

    From Gent, Geert, Bert, Firat and Alf were summoned to face off Maurits, Daniel, Vincent and Hubert from BBBB.

    The Brussel Black Beard Backgammon team went off for a good start, winning 3 out of 4 matches. Only captain Bert managed to eke out a double match point (DMP) win against Daniel.

    Round two was for Gent, 3-1, with only Maurits managing a win over Alf. So it became 4-4 and everything remained to be played for in the third and final round.

    Focused players from Gent and Brussels Black Beard Backgammon during the 4 Cubes duel on Tuesday October 22, 2024, at the K.A. Union Sandeman, Gent.

    Geert and Bert finished their matches first, both winning. Then Maurits mistakenly forgot to hit Firat’s checker while entering from the bar but realized it only after he pressed his clock—it was a legal move without hitting. At DMP this proved fatal and Firat took the win and the 7th victory point for Gent! Daniel won his match but this was not enough to keep Gent from winning from BBBB with a narrow 7-5.

    Now Gent is in the position to challenge Brussels to regain the 4 Cubes trophy after a year of absence from its usual location 😉

    To be continued…

    — Bert Van Kerckhove

    Results

    GentBBBB75
    Round 1
    Geert Van der StrichtMaurits Pino01
    Bert Van KerckhoveDaniel Rozenberg10
    Firat TekilVincent Hubert01
    Alf MartijnHubert Verstraeten01
    Round 2
    Geert Van der StrichtDaniel Rozenberg10
    Bert Van KerckhoveVincent Hubert10
    Firat TekilHubert Verstraeten10
    Alf MartijnMaurits Pino01
    Round 3
    Geert Van der StrichtVincent Hubert10
    Bert Van KerckhoveHubert Verstraeten10
    Firat TekilMaurits Pino10
    Alf MartijnDaniel Rozenberg01

  • 4 Cubes 2024: Black Beard BG Brussels beats Leuven

    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

  • 4 Cubes 2023: Triumph Against the Odds

    In the wake of their thrilling semi-final victory against Leuven in Spring, the Brussels team, led by captain Guy Van Middelem and featuring Kristoffer De Weert, Ithzak Solsky, Paul van Dijke, and Paulus van Rooijen, had their sights set on redemption. They were determined to avenge their heartbreaking loss in the previous year’s final against Ghent and secure their club’s first-ever championship trophy.

    However, their opponents from Ghent, led by captain Geert Van der Stricht and comprising Robin Bilderbeek, Johan Huyck, Marc van Damme, and Bert Van Kerckhove, were no pushovers. With most of them representing our national BGFed.be Red Beavers team, they were the heavy favorites.

    The duel took place on Tuesday, October 24, 2023, in the beautiful Sandeman clubhouse in Ghent. The tone was set in the initial round of the duel, where Brussels found themselves trailing 4-1 in a race to 8 points. At this point, it appeared as though a one-sided contest was on the horizon, with the prospect of a quick exit back home looming over Brussels. But in true Brussels fashion, their indomitable fighting spirit kicked in, and they managed to level the score at 5-5 after the second round.

    The pivotal decider round, Round 3, would determine the fate of the championship. Guy and Paul secured relatively comfortable victories, yielding a Brussels advantage of 5-7, with only one point needed. However, Paulus and Ithzak faced tough opposition, resulting in a 7-7 draw. The fate of the championship came down to the clash between Kristoffer and Bert.

    For a moment, the outlook appeared uncertain for Brussels, but momentum swung in their favor at just the right time. Kristoffer, battling the clock, fought valiantly and clinched the match with a 7-4 score. With a hard-fought 7-8 victory, Brussels seized the coveted trophy, and the celebrations during the after-party lasted well into the night.

    The 4 Cubes 2023 final team from Brussels proudly showing the 4 trophy after their victory in the Sandeman in Ghent: Kristoffer, Ithzak, Paulus, Guy and Paul. (Photo GVdS)

    We invite you to join us for the presentation of the 4 Cubes at the weekly Brussels evening, hosted at the ‘Black Beard’ (Lakensestraat 166 Rue de Laeken, 1000 Brussels) on Thursday, November 2nd, at approximately 6:15 PM. We look forward to seeing you there.

    Warm regards,

    Guy Van Middelem

  • Brussels Backgammon Wednesday to Start at 7pm

    Again we had a lot of fun playing backgammon yesterday (March 16, 2022) at Au Bassin in Brussels (Baksteenkaai 74 Quai Aux Briques).

    In order to go home not too late, the next sessions will begin at 19.00h. No worries if you can’t make it exactly on time. Players arriving later can start a new match as soon as a player becomes available.

    Free participation. No registration required. Everybody welcome. Next session: Wednesday, March 23, 2022.

    — Chantal & Vincent

  • Successful Kick-off for Brussels Backgammon on Wednesday

    After the forced sanitary break, the re-start of the weekly Brussels backgammon evenings last Wednesday, March 9, was a great success: 10 players showed up, of which 5 new members. In the stylish setting of the Au Bassin, the sound of dice and checkers rolling and shuffling on backgammon boards could be heard. Organizers Chantal and Vincent ensured everybody felt welcome and had opponents to play with. The bartenders were enthusiastic about this new presence in their bar and look forward to hosting many more such events.

    Next meeting: Wednesday, March 16, at 20:00h, Au Bassin, Baksteenkaai 74 Quai Aux Briques, 1000 Brussels. Free participation, no registration required, just show up in time. Please bring your own board if you have one, but no worries if you don’t. Results of matches between BGFed.be members (registration: 10 euro per year) count for the national rating list.

  • Backgammon Brussels reboots each Wednesday evening

    Dear backgammon friends, 

    Backgammon Brussels will be back for the weekly meeting point where everybody can play backgammon on a regular basis.

    Where: Chantal & Vincent invite you Au Bassin, Quai au Briques 74 Baksteenkaai – 1000 Brussels – Métro Ste-Catherine – Metro St-Katelijne.  

    When: Wednesday’s – 20.00 hours sharp. First meeting: next week, the 9th of March! 

    No money games, you can play for fun or, as BGFed.be member (only 10,- € per year) for the official Belgian ranking. No registration beforehand needed, just one condition: be on time!

    Wishing you good luck. On behalf of Chantal & Vincent, 

    Guy Van Middelem — President

  • Backgammon in Brussels, weekly on Wednesday evening

    Chantal & Vincent invite you at Au Bassin, Quai au Briques 74 Baksteenkaai, 1000 Brussels (Métro Ste-Catherine – Metro St-Katelijne).

    When: weekly on Wednesday at 8pm sharp. First meeting: October 6, 2021.

    No money games. You can play for fun or, as BGFed.be member (only 10,- € per year) for the official Belgian rating list.

    No registration beforehand needed. Just one condition: be on time!

    Wishing you good luck and lots of fun.

    Contact: Chantal (+32 474 32 66 50, SMS only).

  • Last roll double clinches Brussels 4 Cubes 2020 derby

    On Friday the 21st of February, in a nearly crowded tennis club ‘le Roseau’ (admittedly most of the members more interested by the football game on TV), both Brussels teams started their 4 Cubes campaign 2020 playing against each other. Brussels 1 transferred Paul van Dijke and Guy Van Middelem from Brugge, Brussels 2 welcomed newcomer Itzhak Solsky ; both teams eager to win the 4 Cubes for the Backgammon Club Brussels for the 1st time in history.

    Mahir Yalçin and Alain Chif (respectively captain of Brussels 2 & 1) organised the draw for the 1st round (as the previous years, each round with 3 matches to 7-points) and they meet, Mahir emerged. Brussels 2 led 2-1 (9 encounters, first to 5 victories wins the match) with Paul crushing Riza Yalçin (BRU 2) and Itzhak winning a 4-cube last game against Guy, who missed the victory-shot at the far end.

    The 2nd round saw Brussels 1 level the score to 3-3 when Guy beat Riza, Kristoffer De Weert (BRU 1) outplayed Mahir but devilish Itzhak blew Paul away.

    The 3rd round was as tight as one could possibly imagine, that makes these 4 Cubes encounters so special. First, Paul had his share of luck against Mahir, Brussels 1 leading 4-3 in the overall score. Then, Alain, in front by 5 – 3 (remember, to 7), lost a double gammon against Riza, the encounter score was 4-4. Everything depended on Kristoffer & Itzhak. 0 – 2 , then 4 – 2, then 4 – 4, then 6 – 4 in favour of BRU 1.

    In the Crawford game, Itzhak fought back from a nearly lost position to make it 6 – 5, DMP to come, drama at each move ! In the bear-off, the very, very, very last dice throw was a needed double 4-4 for Itzhak. What a climax for Brussels 2 and a big disappointment for Brussels 1.

    That’s mind sports, folks, the atmosphere was splendid.

    Keep on rolling, Guy

    Alain Chif – Mahir Yalçin 0 – 1
    Guy Van Middelem – Itzhak Solsky 0 – 1
    Paul van Dijke – Riza Yalçin 1 – 0

    Guy Van Middelem – Riza Yalçin 1 – 0
    Kristoffer De Weert – Mahir Yalçin 1 – 0
    Paul van Dijke – Itzhak Solsky 0 – 1

    Paul van Dijke – Mahir Yalçin 1 – 0
    Alain Chif – Riza Yalçin 0 – 1
    Kristoffer De Weert – Itzhak Solsky 0 – 1

  • 4 Cubes : This is Belgium

    On Friday, June 16, the Brussels team went to Leuven for the annual 4 Cubes encounter. The Bxl team consisted of a Francophone and a Neerlandophone Bruxellois, a Hungarian and a Dutchman (they left the Greek at home). The home team was a Francophone Iranian, a Frenchman and two Flemish (one of whom is a prof @LLN). Great atmosphere, interesting games. Better, the result was 6-6 – a thriller.

    — the Dutchman

  • 4th Brussels Backgammon Day, Sun 30 Oct 2016

    Breakfast at 09.30 hours, 10 rounds of 5-points matches with a light lunch around 14.30 hours, end of play & prize-giving ceremony around 22.00 hours. Venue: Brasseries du Lonchamp, Uccle.

    Detailed program and registration

  • 4 Cubes: Brugge beats Brussels in convincing fashion 0-9 (!)

    Michel, Guy and Paul scored 3 out of 3 against Leonidas, Zsolt and Maurits.  Surprisingly, Brussels player Alain Chif decided to watch proceedings from the sidelines.

    Brugge is now top contender for the 2015 BIC trophy.

    M

  • And the winner is: Brussels!

    After an eventful Friday evening, Gent went home trailing 4-2. They lost the first four matches, and although in “Crawford”-mode, they started a moderate comeback with two wins. The three remaining matches were played a few days later. Johan Vervust kept the match alive with a win over Kristoffer De Weert in Gent. The eight game was played after the Brugge Backgammon Day. Director Geert Van der Stricht beat Zsolt Tasnadi after a gruelling day, and made the score 4-4. In a nearby restaurant, Alain Chif received the message that he had to finish the job.

    The last match was played in Asse on Tuesday, March 3rd. Alain beat Johan Huyck and put a sensational comeback to an end.

    The captains can now start to make arrangements for the next round in April.

    There is a small change in the calendar, which I already discussed with the captains. After the withdrawal of Leuven I, there were two teams (Gent and Hasselt) with only 1 home-match, and two teams (Brugge and Leuven) with 3 home-matches. Therefore, Leuven-Hasselt becomes Hasselt-Leuven (round 4) and Brugge-Gent becomes Gent-Brugge (round 5). I have already changed this in the tournament book.

    — LP

  • 4 Cubes 2012, Round 5: Brussels vs Hasselt 3-6

    Played on Friday, November 9, 2012, at Royal Orée Tennis Hockey Bridge Club, drève des Brûlés 59, 1150 Brussels.
    (more…)

  • 4 Cubes 2012, Round 4: Brussels vs. Brugge, 3 – 6

    4 Cubes 2012, Round 4
    Brussels vs. Brugge, 3 – 6
    Played on Thursday, September 6, in Orée (Brussels) (more…)

  • 4 Cubes 2012, Round 2: Gent – Brussels 6-3

    Koninklijke Academie Union Sandeman, Gent, Friday, May 11, 2012 (more…)

  • 4 Cubes 2012, Round 1: Leuven – Brussels 6-3

    In Round 1 of the 4 Cubes 2012, played on Friday, March 9, in the University Snooker & Pool, Heverlee, the Backgammon Club Leuven defeated the team from Brussels 6-3. The victory was celebrated by a bottle of cava offered by the home team. (more…)