The Top Ten Qualities of a Backgammon Champion

From: RichMunitz   

Great list, Mary! Question is whether these attributes can be learned or must you just "have it". I can say that my "tournament toughness" was not entirely something I was born with, but it was cultivated by many years of top level racquetball competition before I ever showed up at a backgammon tournament. Much of it can be learned; the rest you must already have. It is essential to learn to peacefully accept losing at the same time as learning and getting motivated by what it is like to win. I must say that bit about short term memory... What was I about to say? And yeah, counting pips - in the past year, I learned why I have ten fingers and how best to use them. Seriously. I have never lost count since. Understanding and working within your limitations is important. Always enjoying the game and not making it a chore is the key to sustained growth and continued desire. Finally in backgammon, it is important to have a sense of humor. It is the only way to not go crazy from what this game can dish out. Learn to laugh at the dice rather than hating them. Finally, talent. Nothing else matters if you don't have it. Everyone has talent, but everyone must locate theirs and find their calling in life, and if you haven't keep looking. Few of us will ever be a Tiger Woods no matter how many of these attributes we possess and how much we love, play and study golf. But Tiger would not be anywhere near the best without posessing most of these attributes along with incredible talent. Rich

Mary, Mary!

This article deserves a 10! Awesome, truly. I agree with Phil in that I believe the foundation for building success in one's own game is a realistic, objective assessment of one's own weaknesses. Adopting strategies and tactics that subsequently avoid your own "misgivings" is at least then possible. Otherwise there is nothing to add, because you covered every detail!

Even to the extent of finding a perfect third person pronoun, of English derivation, to describe the average backgammon player, (of either sex). That this term was originally developed by the great backgammon theoretician Oscar Mayer is merely coincidental.

Excellent article!

I agree with all the above, both in the article and the comments made in response to it, but especially sense of humour; if dice disaster strikes, I try & laugh it off (well,most times!). Much better for you and your opponent than having a moan. Can I also add one other quality - humility. You may have had a lucky victory, or even a crushing one, over a better player, or a worse one. Be glad to have won.Treat your opponent with respect.

Great article written by someone with the experience (and trophies) to back it up. I'm surprised you didn't include the principle you recommended to me not so long ago: "imagination is a good thing as long as you keep it in check." That will by my #11 to scribble onto your list and bring to every tournament.

Chuck