| Backgammon Clubs — Meeting Your Fellow Players
This month, we explore opportunities to play our favorite board game against real "live " opponents. The Internet is a good place to learn or improve your game — but there is so much excitement in playing in person! Many states have Backgammon clubs, and most are within easy driving distance. (See list below). If there is not a club nearby, perhaps you can start one on your own. Here are some useful tips:
To establish a new Backgammon club, you need one "main ingredient" - players! Here's the plan:
Find a location for your club
You need not go overboard with renting a fancy function hall or banquet facility. A local Elks' or Lions' hall might be perfect. Many Churches have small meeting spaces as well. Some schools may have unused after-hours space such as their cafeteria. Then again, a restaurant or pub might also be the ideal place! The owners may provide it for free, as they know players will purchase food or beverages. Make plans for weekly or every other week gatherings, with the best time being a weekday evening (except for Mondays, which is the big football TV night).
Keep equipment simple
The rectangular (six or eight foot) tables are recommended – make sure you have enough chairs. Lighting and ventilation is also important. A real plus is a vending machine area for sodas, water, and snacks. See, restaurants or pubs do make life easier in this regard.
Advertise
Having secured the location and designated night for your game, the next step is publicity. You can post flyers at the supermarket, library, or town hall. Perhaps the recreation department in your town can be of assistance. Your local newspaper may have a calendar or listings section which will post a free announcement for your club. Don't forget the Internet - a very good source of potential players.
BYOB
Bring your own board(s)! Players will be asked to supply their own sets. You might want to purchase two or three inexpensive Backgammon games in order to "cover" those situations when you have more players than games.
Encourage friendly competition
Once you are "up and running", word of mouth will help to grow your club. Have a weekly or monthly award for the player with the most wins. Charge a nominal table fee to provide small prizes or trophies to your champions. Everyone loves recognition. Establish house rules and a ratings system or ladders in order to determine who the stronger player are.
Another good idea is to have an annual or semi- annual championship. The entry fee will be a little higher in order to give away some good cash prizes. Be sure to send the names of the winners to the local paper.
Keep costs low
Most Backgammon clubs are non-profit. Table fees are used to pay any rental costs and help to provide small awards for the winners.
Come one, come all
Finally, always welcome beginners to your club. Perhaps an experienced player can give lessons to the newcomers. New players are vital to a club and to help it grow. With a modicum amount of effort, your club will provide many hours of fun and entertainment to its players. And with the cold weather coming to most locales, Backgammon can be a great activity on a dreary winter's night.
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| List of Backgammon clubs in the U.S.
Here is a partial listing of some of the more well known clubs in various regions. The links and contact information are active and will provide additional details.
CALIFORNIA
GAMMON ASSOCIATES
Venue: Acapulco Cantina; 3113 W. Olive Street; Burbank, California
Meeting: Tuesday at 6 p.m.
Venue: A.R. Private Club; 8471 Beverly Blvd., Suite 201; Los Angeles, California
Meeting: Sunday at 2 p.m.
BACKGAMMON BY THE BAY
Venue: Peking Express Restaurant; 2068 Center Street; Berkeley, California
Meeting: 2nd Saturday monthly at noon
Venue: Britannia Arms Pub & Restaurant; 1087 De Anza Boulevard; Cupertino, California
Meeting: 4th Saturday monthly at 1 p.m.
NEVADA
BACKGAMMON CLUB OF LAS VEGAS
Venue: Jackson's Bar & Grill, 6020 W. Flamingo Road; Las Vegas, Nevada
Meeting: Tuesday at 7 p.m.
NEVADA BACKGAMMON ASSOCIATION
Venue: Riviera Hotel; Las Vegas, Nevada
Meeting: April and November at Riviera Hotel for international events
INDIANA
HOOSIER BACKGAMMON CLUB
Venue: Neon Johnny's; 86th Street & Township Road; Indianapolis , Indiana
Meeting: Wednesday at 7 p.m.
MICHIGAN
METRO NORTH BACKGAMMON CLUB
Venue: Crash Landing Restaurant, 26620 Dequindre; Warren, Michigan
Meeting: Monday at 6:30 p.m.; 1st Saturday monthly at noon
OHIO
MIAMI VALLEY BACKGAMMON CLUB
Venue: Gambit's Bar & Grill (Dayton Marriott); 1414 S. Patterson Blvd; Dayton, Ohio
Meeting: 2nd Sunday monthly at 1 p.m.
TEXAS
HOUSTON BACKGAMMON CLUB
Venue: Sansone's West Oaks Bar; 14144 Westheimer Road; Houston, Texas
Meeting: 2nd Saturday monthly at 1 p.m.
DALLAS BACKGAMMON LEAGUE
Venue: IHOP, 3910 Belt Line Road, Addison, Texas
Meeting: Wednesday at 8 p.m.
WISCONSIN
MILWAUKEE BACKGAMMON CLUB
Venue: John Hawks Pub; 100 E. Wisconsin Avenue; Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Meeting: 2nd Wednesday monthly at 7 p.m.
See you in November! | |
