Bristol Backgammon has no membership fee, but some events you turn up for will have an advertised entry fee. Other events will be free of charge.
Since the start of 2006, Bristol Backgammon has a meeting EVERY THURSDAY at the BCSC. And from the start of 2008 we now have a regular MONDAY session, where there is less formality, and the emphasis is on fun and education.
That means eight or nine different events every month, catering for a range of players from new and improving right through to expert.
Each of the Thursday events in any month will have a different focus, while the Monday events may have a particular focus but will be less formal. These Monday sessions are ideal for introducing yourself to what Bristol Backgammon is all about, and you will be guaranteed individual attention from an experienced player.
THURSDAYS:
On Thursdays, there will always be a monthly grand prix tournament, where all players can test themselves against the best in the area.
And apart from December, there will always be a league night, where new players are invited to join our feeder league, the Bristol Conference at any stage of the year for an annual fee of just £10. Meanwhile our Premier League players will be focussing on their league campaigns.
Six times during the year there will be Handicap Knock-outs, where a new player would typically get a four points start against a top player in a match to 7 points.
In 2006 we introduced a series of Consulting Doubles tournaments, where new players are paired with elite players so they can get an insight into the thought processes of a seasoned player.
And we also have a series of Clock tournaments, where players can practice playing with clocks, because these are being used more and more in tournaments around the world.
FROM 2011 WE ALSO HAVE A NEW SPONSORSHIP SCHEME, WHEREBY ANY PLAYER MAKING A THURSDAY COMPETITIVE DEBUT HAS HIS/HER £10 ENTRY PAID IN FULL!
MONDAYS:
On Mondays, you basically have three options.
You can opt in or out of whatever short format round robin tournament is taking place.
If you opt out, you will get individual attention from an experienced player.
Otherwise, in the tournament, you have the option either to pay a small entry fee (in which case you may win a prize and pick up points in our Monday grand prix) or to play for nothing, in which case you can still get into the swing of competition without any outlay.
These round robins are useful, because you get to play everyone in the group, a great way to meet several players in a single sitting.
But whatever the focus of any individual night might be, the intention is that any player, with any agenda, can come along to the regular session and feel at home, even if only there to observe.
Or you may just wish to talk to someone about how best to get started. If so, please email Ian Tarr, the main co-ordinator of backgammon activity in the Bristol area, or just ring him on 07940 284652 (mobile).