Jay's View
REPORT ON PLAY FROM WEDNESDAY, April 8, 2026
A FOOL AND THEIR TAXES ARE SOON PARTED IN WINNETKA . . .
The subject line this week is not meant to imply that there are any fools playing at Trudie’s Winnetka Backgammon Club. But play this week on April 8 was sandwiched between April Fools' Day and the tax return deadline of April 15. As for April Fools' Day, I hope none of you got got. As for the deadline for returning your tax return by the deadline on the 15th, well, we’re all gonna get got. That is unless you file for an extension which gives you a little more time to “cook your books” or submit your return on time, a return that I hope does not mean your goose is cooked. But, hey, isn’t it nice to know that this week you have a respite from the task at hand and can just focus on playing backgammon?
That’s what a crowd of 18 players did this week at the club. Everybody was relaxed having dodged whatever tricks and scams that victimized so many on April Fools’ Day (wait; I didn’t win a parcel of Oceanfront property in Kansas???) and was able to just come and play and enjoy. Based on the report and stats I received from TDE (Tournament Director Extraordinaire), David Hanold, one highlight was Mackenzie “Moo” Reed bringing chocolate Easter eggs from Graeters Ice Cream Parlor for all to enjoy. That’s a highlight I regret missing.
But the action across the board was also evidently a treat for anyone watching the final matches. In the Consolation bracket, Robin Israel earned her first ever master points— in Winnetka or anywhere— when she defeated Michael Peters in the final round. Robin made the final match by defeating some very strong competition including Nader Zarrin, Magomed Makhmudov and then Michael. The win put Robin on the board for a first time and Michael earned master points that bumped him up from 10th to 7th place.
In the Main bracket, one of the game’s top players, had to make a comeback in order to secure his victory over an ever improving Michael Stellman in the bracket’s final match. Both players earned master points that moved them up significantly in the club standings. Michael moved up from 21st to 17th place and David’s master points moved him out of 4th place and up into first place in the standings.
Tough competition, strong play, a fun atmosphere. That’s what you’ll find at our club. Come see for yourself next week. I know I’ll be there. Until then have a good weekend, everyone!
Jay