question about backgammon tournaments

Liss · Joined: 14 Jun 2007 Posts: 30

Hi there all,

I’m really tempted to try out those live backgammon tournaments that are advertised all over the internet, especially because of the nice sized prizes being offered. My question is: What should my average error rate be to have a real chance of winning a live tournament?
I have my eye on tournaments such as the Nordic Open, Cannes, Monaco, etc.

DeadCube · Joined: 14 Jun 2007 Posts: 18

You could start off by looking at the error rates of the winners of past live tournaments. Take for example the 2006 winner of the Monte Carlo tournament who had a Snowie error rate of 5.9. The previous year’s winner in the same tournament had an error rate of 4.8. I hope this answers your specific question.

If you don’t mind, I’d like to give my two cents here as well: If you have never played in tournaments before, you might want to first try out minor tournaments first. There are plenty available for you to try on the internet, and the prizes aren’t bad at all. Playing in a tournament is not all about having a good error rate only. Your drive and determination will also be put to the test. In all tournaments, you need to ensure that you start off on the right foot; otherwise you might find yourself eliminated from the early rounds, without making it near the top. I would strongly suggest that you become really good at tournaments nearer to home – even become the best – and win smaller, regular tournaments, before you try out the major tournaments. Whatever you choose – good luck!