All We Need
by Jake Jacobs
10 May 2009
Jake Jacobs
"I need a backgammon article," I warned Sam Pottle. We were on our way to Kenji's Neverland Bar in Shimokitazawa, to play in a round-robin doubles tournament. "Backgammon articles need one of three things: a brilliant play, a really stupid play, or some incredible luck. Of those, brilliant play is the least entertaining, so try to provide one of the others."
Of course a good story needs more than that. Take Bollywood. They throw in everything but the kitchen sink. Then again, Bollywood movies are four hours long. Our backgammon story can't be that. "You have things to do tomorrow," I reminded Sam, as though it would be all his fault if our story ran long.
"We need a hero."
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1.
Subject: Re: All We Need
From:
attachiant
Date:
11 May 2009 06:17 EST
In the second play isn't it 23/12 who was played?
2.
Subject: Re: All We Need
From:
tobaksa
Date:
11 May 2009 06:53 EST
Dear Attachiant:
The way my diagram is numbered White actually moved 2/12, but of course it is standard to refer to the opponent's deuce as the 23pt.
Rasputin couldn't move 23/12 as that would land on Carter's midpoint; he was cheating, but he'd never have gotten away with that.
Best,
Jake
3.
Subject: Re: All We Need
From:
PhilSimborg
Date:
12 May 2009 08:05 EST
Fun and informative, as usual. I want to make sure there is no misunderstand, however, about the comment "...so many members of the Simborg Chouette have tapped out Phil has been reduced to playing with himself."
While it's true that many of the original members of the Third Coast cadre have departed to one heaven or another (Stu K., Gary H., Dean M., Matt S., Paul F., Howard R., and you for example), the chou remains alive and well and kicking with three members of the original cast, myself, Bob Z, and Rolf, and plenty of fresh players, too numerous to list, but of course including the infamous Carter. How do you think Carter funds all those trips around the world?!
By the way, Carter is not the only big winner in our Chouette. Over the past few weeks I have privately asked each player (a total of about 12 rotating in and out regularly) how they have done in the chouette overall, and every single one says they are ahead and most say they are up a lot. So the Chicago Chou is not only alive and kicking, it has become a magic horn of plenty for all.
Phil
4.
Subject: Re: All We Need
From:
tobaksa
Date:
13 May 2009 02:08 EST
Hi Phil:
I'm sure you realize that "All We Need" is a work of fiction. Any resemblance to chouettes living or dead is purely coincidental.
In fact "Chicago" and its people are works of fiction, created by James Farrel and Nelson Algren in the 1930s (their supposed forebears such as Dreiser, Norris, and Sandburg were part of the invention). I took up where they left off when I turned to writing about backgammon.
I know it is a shock for you to learn you are a fictional character, Phil. It happens that sometimes our creations take on a life of their own.
But think how I feel! I, Jake Jacobs, am also a fictional creation. After my author went into seclusion following the success of "Catcher In The Rye," "Jake Jacobs" became his nom de plume and avatar.
Best,
JDS
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