Jay's View
REPORT ON PLAY FROM WEDNESDAY, MARCH 11, 2020
Smallest . . . turnout . . . ever.
I’m pretty sure.
I think I remember a time about 8 or 9 years ago when on a bitter cold winter night, the Winnetka Backgammon Club had only 4 players show up to play. The low attendance back then was weather related. But the low turnout of only 6 player last night at TWBC is likely due to everyone’s concerns and yes, fears about their health, mainly prompted by the existence of the coronavirus.
I acknowledge that we’ve lost a number of players this year for other reasons, but it is difficult to pin last night’s low turnout on anything but health concerns. Look at how this pandemic (the WHO has made it official) has affected our world. The NBA has now suspended all play for the rest of the season because one of its star players has tested positive for the coronavirus. Many schools are telling their students not to come to their campuses and instead, connect to their courses online. The coronavirus is a game changer and we all need to be aware of how it is affecting our world and be vigilant in everything we do in our daily routines. I can tell you that our club’s venue, The Winnetka Community House has issued a notice asking everyone to wash their hands before entering the facility and to use the hand sanitizers they have made available throughout the building. I would like to think that the venues for the other three clubs in the Chicago area are taking the same precautions. If we all stick to the plan, we all have a better chance of staying healthy and continuing to live our lives as normal as possible. Hopefully that will include pursuing interests such as coming to play at our club.
But, now let me give you the brief update on last night’s play. Because of the small turnout, we only had first and second place finishers for master points. I was fortunate to take first place, finishing with a 3-1, plus 9 record, while Tournament Director Extraordinaire, David Hanold took second place with a 3-1, plus 1 mark.
I’ve got to be honest with you, folks, that’s all I’ve got on last night’s play at the club. I hope that more people will be willing and able to come play with us next week and most importantly, in good health. Have a great weekend, everyone!
Jay