Fort Collins Backgammon Monthly

This event is league play, but there's no official signup. You can just show up! One point is awarded just for coming, with 1st place also getting points equal to the number of players, and 2nd half that number, 3rd half that number, etc. The points race starts over upon the New Year!

Note the recent change of venue! Don't worry; we aren't going far. Just next door to Beau Jo's (where we've been for the last year) is SCRUMPY'S. It's a cidery, with lots of space and tasty eats. Now that the weather's nice, feel free to take your match outside to the patio!

Scrumpy's doors open at 11. We typically start setting up around 11:30-11:45. Try to arrive no later than 11:50, so we can get everyone registered and begin play at 12:00. But if you're cutting it close, we'll still get you in. The event is approximately 3 hours. It can be more if you keep winning, or less if you lose. You're always guaranteed at least 2 matches.

We usually all play in the same bracket, with a $10 entry fee. On occasion we'll have too many players and will divide the field into two divisions, Advanced/Intermediate and Beginner/Novice. In that case we'd probably do a lower entry fee for the lower division. 100% of entry fees will be returned to the prize pool, and pay out to the top 2-4 players (depending on number of participants). There may be a side pool for those itching to put a little more on the line.

Also, side matches, chouette, and money games can be played.
Everyone is welcome, regardless of experience. If you are new, this is a great way to learn!

Clocks are required. Bring one if you have one. Time settings are standard USBGF: 2 minutes per point, with 12 second delay. We may go to slightly faster time settings if a tournament is taking too long. I understand clocks are a turnoff to some people, but they're necessary to keep things moving. 14 minutes per side for a 7 point match is more time than you think. And to give some leeway to newer players, the first time that your clock runs out will not count against you.

We will play 7 pointers in the Main, and 5 in Consolation. If there are 6 players or fewer, we'll play a Round Robin format, in which every player plays everyone else in 7 point matches. If some want a shorter day of backgammon, we might vote on 5 pointers only for the Round Robin.

Don't be discouraged if it looks like there aren't many attendees; we usually get about triple what is indicated on meetup!

Parking is normally available on College Ave or surrounding streets. There is also a city parking garage on the south side of LaPorte Ave, which is free on Sundays.

A few of us occasionally get together to play for fun at Surfside (2nd Sunday of the month at 4pm), or Illegal Pete's or Wolverine Farm. Let me know if you want to be notified when we do.

A couple resources for newer players --
Learn the best way to play opening rolls! There are more succinct pages about it, but this one explains it best:
https://www.bkgm.com/openings.html
And this classic article will give you a good handle on the nuances of match play:
https://bkgm.com/articles/GOL/Aug99/fivept.htm