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