Jay's View
REPORT ON PLAY FROM WEDNESDAY, July 15, 2026
I was curious about where our club’s Wednesday night tournament stands in terms of attendance compared to other prominent events. The Tour de France has bragging rights for having 10 to 15 million spectators over the event’s three week span. Five million people attended Pope John Paul II’s closing mass in Manilla in 1994. The Monte Carlo backgammon tournament draws 300 to 500 players every year. And yes indeed be outdone but still pleased is our club where the number of players in attendance last night totaled 23. In terms of attendance, this has been a wonderful year for Trudie’s Winnetka Backgammon Club and last night was the icing on the cake; the cherry on top. My apologies to those trying to cut down on their sugar intake but those idioms are fitting.
Among the 23 that showed up were two first time players were Parsa Rouhi, the young but very capable son of our regular player, Omid Rouhi, and Maziar Mirhosseini a good friend of Omid’s who was convinced to enter into the world of tournament play. Those two squared off in their opening match of the Main Bracket with each moving on to and losing their second match of the night. But I got the sense that they were both taken with the quality of play and people that were in the room. I look forward to them both returning for play again soon.
Also in attendance was Asher Bronfeld, returning to play for his first time in 2026. There was not a lot of rust on Asher’s game as he swept through the Consolation Bracket, winning the final match against Barb Robinson (related by marriage to yours truly). This gave Asher his first ever master points in tournament play.
However, I think it’s also noteworthy that Barb fought her way to the final in the Consolation Bracket after losing her opening match in the Main Bracket to David Hanold. I find it noteworthy because it was only the second time this year, and perhaps ever, that a husband and wife both made it to the final of each bracket. The only other time it happened— at least this year was on January 7 this year when the Rockwells rocked the tournament when Linda won the final match in Consolation and David split the final of the Main Bracket. Not to take anything away from Asher but I think it would have been pretty cool if Barb won that final match, complementing my win in the final of the Main Bracket against Perry Sadler.
It made for a grand end to a wonderful evening. My thanks to all 23 attendees that made this such a special night. The only thing that could make it even more special is if everyone would return next week and as often as possible thereafter. Special people coming to a special place. Until then, have a great weekend, everyone!
Jay