Jay's View
REPORT ON PLAY FROM WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 2024
Last week, many kids returned to the classroom, post-Labor Day weekend. Labor Day traditionally means the end of summer for these kids and they return to the classroom thirsting for knowledge.
Yeah, right.
Well while I did not have a summer off per sé, class was in session for me this week at Trudie’s Winnetka Backgammon Club where I benefitted from the pearls of wisdom from one of our club’s and the country’s finest players, David Rockwell. In addition to being one of the top players in the country, David is one of a handful of excellent players in the game that is also more than willing to give advice and help another play better understand the game. Anytime he offers help, I take it. He will always ask in a genial manner if it is okay to point something out and I always accept his input.
This week I won my first three matches of the night before facing David in the final match of the Main bracket. I was pleased to, at the time, be holding my own against such a top player when I made a move with double 4s that was not without peril but I felt good about. David offered input and showed me the move that he felt was stronger and it was clear that he was absolutely right. How could I have missed the correct move? For me it’s the age old problem of moving too quickly and not thinking through every permeation of the options available. I did not dodge the bullet that came as a result of my incorrect choice. But even in a losing situation, I was truly grateful to David for pointing out what was without a doubt the correct move. David did go on to win that final match and take first place prize money and master points.
While I was a bit upset with myself for not thinking it through, I am grateful to Mr. Rockwell for sharing. It’s not the first time I have heeded his advice about the game and as long as he’s willing to share, it won’t be the last. So remember, boys and girls, take your time and think through all your options. that’s good advice!!
in the Consolation bracket it was club standings leader, Bob Kamp facing off another very strong player, Adrian Nedelcu who we were happy to see return to the club after a long hiatus. It was expect not an easy match for either player, with Bob coming out on top, padding his lead in the standings by another .48 points. The chase for that number one spot is still heating up but Bob is doing a great job of fending off his challengers.
But there’s always next week and everyone still has a shot at making the top six slots in the standings for representing the club at the Illinois Challenge Cup in March or taking a top eight spot for participating in our end-of-year Tom Terrill Memorial Doubles event. Come join us next week and be a part of the action. Until then, have a great weekend, everyone!
Jay