# Backgammon Tour (Full LLM Reference) Canonical Domain: `https://backgammontour.com` Supported Languages: French (`fr`), English (`en`), Spanish (`es`), Portuguese (`pt`), German (`de`), Arabic (`ar`, full RTL). --- ## 1. Complete 15 Opening Rolls Reference (Monte-Carlo 3-Ply & XG Rollouts) | Roll | Classic Name | Optimal 3-Ply Move | DMP / Score Alternative | 3-Ply Equity | Win % | Gammon % | | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | | **3-1** | Golden Point (Point 5) | `8/5 6/5` | None (100% Forced) | `+0.194` | 55.4% | 17.2% | | **4-2** | 4-Point Builder | `8/4 6/4` | None (100% Forced) | `+0.168` | 54.6% | 16.5% | | **6-1** | Bar Point (Point 7) | `13/7 8/7` | None (100% Forced) | `+0.155` | 54.2% | 15.8% | | **5-3** | Making the 3-Point | `8/3 6/3` | `13/8 24/21` | `+0.121` | 53.3% | 15.9% | | **6-5** | Lover's Leap | `24/13` | `24/18 13/8` | `+0.118` | 53.5% | 13.4% | | **2-1** | Slotting Golden Point | `13/11 6/5` | `24/23 13/11` (DMP) | `+0.019` | 50.6% | 15.1% | | **5-4** | Golden Anchor Split | `24/20 13/8` | `24/15` | `+0.011` | 50.4% | 13.6% | | **4-3** | 20-Point Split & Builder | `24/20 13/10` | `13/10 13/9` | `+0.008` | 50.3% | 13.9% | | **4-1** | Golden Slot & 9-Builder | `13/9 6/5` | `24/23 13/9` (DMP) | `+0.005` | 50.2% | 14.9% | | **6-3** | 18-Split & 10-Builder | `24/18 13/10` | `24/15` | `+0.002` | 50.1% | 14.2% | | **3-2** | 21-Split & 11-Builder | `24/21 13/11` | `13/11 13/10` | `+0.001` | 50.0% | 13.8% | | **5-1** | 5-Slot vs 24/23 Split | `13/8 6/5` | `24/23 13/8` (DMP) | `-0.006` | 49.8% | 14.8% | | **6-4** | Classic 3-Way Choice | `24/18 13/9` | `8/2 6/2` or `24/14` | `-0.009` | 49.7% | 14.5% | | **6-2** | 18-Split & 11-Builder | `24/18 13/11` | `13/5` (Slot) | `-0.014` | 49.6% | 14.0% | | **5-2** | 22-Split & 8-Stack | `24/22 13/8` | `13/11 13/8` | `-0.028` | 49.2% | 13.1% | --- ## 2. Doubling Cube Mathematics & Tournament Rules (WBGF) 1. **Dead Cube Take Point**: `Risk / (Risk + Gain) = 1 / (1 + 3) = 25.0%` (gammonless race). 2. **Live Cube Take Point**: `~21.5%` in Money Play due to redoubling cube vigor. 3. **Initial Doubling Window**: `66% to 75%` winning probability with sufficient market volatility (Market Losers). 4. **Too Good to Double**: When winning chances exceed `~80%` and gammon probability exceeds `~35%`, hold the cube at 1 to play for the 2-point gammon. 5. **Crawford Rule**: When either player reaches `1-away` (1 point from winning the match), the doubling cube is frozen for exactly one game. 6. **Post-Crawford**: After the Crawford game, the trailing player doubles at the first legal opportunity, and the leading player enjoys the "Free Drop" when trailing on the opening roll. 7. **Jacoby Rule (Money Play)**: Gammons (2x) and Backgammons (3x) only count as multiples if the doubling cube has been turned to at least 2. --- ## 3. Keith Count Algorithm (Pure Race Cube Formula) 1. Start with raw **Pip Count** for Player X and Opponent O. 2. Add **Keith Penalties**: - `+1` for each checker beyond 3 on the 1-point. - `+1` for each checker beyond 3 on the 2-point. - `+1` for each checker beyond 3 on the 3-point. - `+1` for each empty point (gap) on points 4, 5, and 6. - `+1` for each checker beyond 1 outside the home board (points 7 to 24). 3. **Take Limit**: `TakeLimit = floor(KeithX * 8 / 7) - 3`. 4. **Cube Action**: - Double if `KeithO >= TakeLimit - 4`. - Redouble if `KeithO >= TakeLimit - 3`. - Pass (Drop) if `KeithO > TakeLimit`. --- ## 4. Performance Rating (PR) Scale & Hybrid Monte-Carlo 3-Ply Engine - **Formula**: `PR = (Sum of Equity Losses on Non-Forced Checker & Cube Decisions / Total Non-Forced Decisions) * 500` - **World Rating Tiers**: - `< 2.50`: World Champion / Super-Grandmaster (Monte-Carlo 3-Ply achieves `0.23 PR`) - `2.50 - 5.00`: Grandmaster - `5.00 - 7.50`: Master - `7.50 - 10.00`: Expert - `10.00 - 15.00`: Intermediate - `> 15.00`: Novice / Casual - **Move Classification Thresholds**: - `Optimal`: `<= 0.010` equity loss (`<= 0.005` detailed optimal) - `Good`: `> 0.010 to 0.020` equity loss - `Doubtful (Inaccuracy / Mistake)`: `> 0.020 to 0.080` equity loss - `Blunder`: `> 0.080 to 0.250` equity loss - `Howler (Major Blunder)`: `> 0.250` equity loss --- ## 5. 21 Grandmaster Strategy Concepts URLs - https://backgammontour.com/academy/concepts/golden-point - https://backgammontour.com/academy/concepts/bar-point - https://backgammontour.com/academy/concepts/advanced-anchor - https://backgammontour.com/academy/concepts/duplication - https://backgammontour.com/academy/concepts/pure-play - https://backgammontour.com/academy/concepts/tempo-hit - https://backgammontour.com/academy/concepts/running-game - https://backgammontour.com/academy/concepts/holding-game - https://backgammontour.com/academy/concepts/prime-vs-prime - https://backgammontour.com/academy/concepts/blitz-attack - https://backgammontour.com/academy/concepts/back-game - https://backgammontour.com/academy/concepts/take-point - https://backgammontour.com/academy/concepts/woolsey-law - https://backgammontour.com/academy/concepts/market-loss - https://backgammontour.com/academy/concepts/trice-epc - https://backgammontour.com/academy/concepts/kazaross-8912 - https://backgammontour.com/academy/concepts/kazaross-xg-met - https://backgammontour.com/academy/concepts/crawford-rule - https://backgammontour.com/academy/concepts/dmp-strategy - https://backgammontour.com/academy/concepts/opening-philosophy - https://backgammontour.com/academy/concepts/mochy-golden-rules --- ## 6. World Backgammon Tournaments Database & Where to Play Directory (/tournaments) Main Hub: `https://backgammontour.com/tournaments` ### 6.1 The 18 International Tournaments Calendar (2026-2027) | Tournament | Tier | Dates | City, Country | Venue | Federation | Match Length | Clock Rules | Entry Fee | Prize Pool | | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | | [Monte-Carlo World Championship](https://backgammontour.com/tournaments/monte-carlo-world-championship-2027) | MEGA | 2027-07-25 → 2027-08-01 | Monte-Carlo, Monaco | Fairmont Monte Carlo | WBGF | 17 pts | Fischer 12s + 2m/pt | 1 000 EUR | 180 000 EUR | | [Merit Open International](https://backgammontour.com/tournaments/merit-open-cyprus-2026) | MEGA | 2026-11-03 → 2026-11-08 | Kyrenia, Cyprus | Merit Crystal Cove | WBA | 15 pts | Fischer 12s + 2m/pt | 850 EUR | 150 000 EUR | | [Las Vegas Open](https://backgammontour.com/tournaments/las-vegas-open-2026) | MEGA | 2026-11-18 → 2026-11-22 | Las Vegas, USA | Flamingo Hotel & Casino | USBGF | 15 pts | Fischer 12s + 2m/pt | 600 USD | 120 000 USD | | [Nordic Open Backgammon](https://backgammontour.com/tournaments/nordic-open-copenhagen-2027) | MEGA | 2027-03-24 → 2027-03-29 | Copenhagen, Denmark | Tivoli Congress Center | WBGF | 15 pts | Fischer 12s + 2m/pt | 500 EUR | 95 000 EUR | | [Istanbul International Open](https://backgammontour.com/tournaments/istanbul-international-open-2027) | MEGA | 2027-05-19 → 2027-05-23 | Istanbul, Turkey | Hilton Istanbul Bosphorus | WBA | 15 pts | Fischer 12s + 2m/pt | 550 EUR | 85 000 EUR | | [Texas Championships](https://backgammontour.com/tournaments/texas-championships-2027) | MEGA | 2027-02-03 → 2027-02-07 | San Antonio, USA | Omni San Antonio Colonnade | USBGF | 15 pts | Fischer 12s + 2m/pt | 500 USD | 75 000 USD | | [Paris Masters FFB](https://backgammontour.com/tournaments/paris-masters-ffb-2026) | GRAND | 2026-12-11 → 2026-12-13 | Paris, France | Novotel Paris Tour Eiffel | FFB | 13 pts | Fischer 12s + 2m/pt | 250 EUR | 28 000 EUR | | [UK Backgammon Open](https://backgammontour.com/tournaments/uk-backgammon-open-2027) | GRAND | 2027-09-03 → 2027-09-05 | Coventry, UK | CBS Arena Coventry | UKBGF | 13 pts | Fischer 12s + 2m/pt | 220 GBP | 32 000 GBP | | [Chicago Open](https://backgammontour.com/tournaments/chicago-open-2027) | GRAND | 2027-05-27 → 2027-05-31 | Chicago, USA | Westin O'Hare Hotel | USBGF | 13 pts | Fischer 12s + 2m/pt | 350 USD | 42 000 USD | | [German Backgammon Open](https://backgammontour.com/tournaments/german-backgammon-open-2027) | GRAND | 2027-06-11 → 2027-06-13 | Niedernhausen, Germany | H+ Hotel Wiesbaden | EUBGF | 13 pts | Fischer 12s + 2m/pt | 260 EUR | 30 000 EUR | | [Tokyo Backgammon Festival](https://backgammontour.com/tournaments/tokyo-backgammon-festival-2027) | GRAND | 2027-05-02 → 2027-05-05 | Tokyo, Japan | Shinagawa Prince Hotel | WBGF | 13 pts | Fischer 12s + 2m/pt | 35 000 JPY | 4 500 000 JPY | | [Gibraltar Championship](https://backgammontour.com/tournaments/gibraltar-championship-2027) | GRAND | 2027-02-10 → 2027-02-14 | Gibraltar | Sunborn Yacht Hotel | WBGF | 13 pts | Fischer 12s + 2m/pt | 300 GBP | 38 000 GBP | | [Riviera Cup Nice](https://backgammontour.com/tournaments/riviera-cup-nice-2027) | MOYEN | 2027-04-10 → 2027-04-11 | Nice, France | Palais de la Méditerranée | FFB | 11 pts | Fischer 12s + 2m/pt | 90 EUR | 5 500 EUR | | [Grand Prix de Lyon](https://backgammontour.com/tournaments/grand-prix-lyon-2027) | MOYEN | 2027-01-16 → 2027-01-17 | Lyon, France | Mercure Saxe Lafayette | FFB | 11 pts | Fischer 12s + 2m/pt | 80 EUR | 4 200 EUR | | [Geneva Lake Classic](https://backgammontour.com/tournaments/geneva-lake-classic-2027) | MOYEN | 2027-03-13 → 2027-03-14 | Geneva, Switzerland | Hôtel President Wilson | EUBGF | 11 pts | Fischer 12s + 2m/pt | 140 CHF | 7 500 CHF | | [London Weekend Open](https://backgammontour.com/tournaments/london-weekend-open-2026) | MOYEN | 2026-11-28 → 2026-11-29 | London, UK | Roehampton Club | UKBGF | 11 pts | Fischer 12s + 2m/pt | 75 GBP | 3 800 GBP | | [São Paulo Open](https://backgammontour.com/tournaments/sao-paulo-open-2027) | MOYEN | 2027-08-14 → 2027-08-15 | São Paulo, Brazil | Club Transatlântico | WBGF | 11 pts | Fischer 12s + 2m/pt | 120 USD | 6 000 USD | | [Dubai Creek Masters](https://backgammontour.com/tournaments/dubai-creek-masters-2027) | MOYEN | 2027-01-22 → 2027-01-24 | Dubai, UAE | Park Hyatt Dubai | WBGF | 11 pts | Fischer 12s + 2m/pt | 180 USD | 9 000 USD | ### 6.2 Where to Play Directory — 16 World Backgammon Clubs & Lounges | Club / Venue | Category | City, Country | Address | Schedule | Federation | | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | | [Paris Vie d'Eau (Videau Club)](https://backgammontour.com/tournaments/clubs/paris-vie-deau) | Federation Club | Paris, France | Café de la Mairie, 8 Place Saint-Sulpice, 75006 | Tue & Thu 19:00 - 23:30 | FFBG | | [Backgammon Social Paris](https://backgammontour.com/tournaments/clubs/backgammon-social-paris) | Social Lounge | Paris, France | Le Marais / Grands Boulevards, 75003 | Wed & Sun from 18:30 | Independent | | [Monte-Carlo Backgammon Society](https://backgammontour.com/tournaments/clubs/monte-carlo-society) | Prestige Palace | Monte-Carlo, Monaco | Fairmont Monte Carlo, 12 Av des Spélugues | Fri & Sat 17:00 - 00:00 | WBGF | | [L'Ancre Marseillaise](https://backgammontour.com/tournaments/clubs/ancre-marseillaise) | Federation Club | Marseille, France | 10 Rue Vian (Cours Julien), 13006 | Wed 19:00 & Sat 14:30 | FFBG | | [Lyon Backgammon Club](https://backgammontour.com/tournaments/clubs/lyon-backgammon-club) | Federation Club | Lyon, France | Brasserie Saxe Lafayette, 69003 | Mon from 19:30 | FFBG | | [Backgammon London (Clissold Arms)](https://backgammontour.com/tournaments/clubs/backgammon-london) | Federation Club | London, UK | 105 Fortis Green, Muswell Hill, N2 9HR | 1st & 3rd Tue 19:00 | UKBGF | | [Københavns Backgammon Klub (KBgK)](https://backgammontour.com/tournaments/clubs/kobenhavns-backgammon-klub) | Federation Club | Copenhagen, Denmark | Barkowski, Nørre Farimagsgade 49, 1364 | Thu 18:30 & Sun PM | DBGF / WBGF | | [Association Genevoise de Backgammon](https://backgammontour.com/tournaments/clubs/association-genevoise-backgammon) | Federation Club | Geneva, Switzerland | Restaurant Tavolone, 41 Rue des Bains, 1205 | Sun 14:00 prompt | SBGV / WBGF | | [New York Metropolitan Backgammon Club](https://backgammontour.com/tournaments/clubs/new-york-metro-club) | Federation Club | New York, USA | Midtown Manhattan & Upper East Side | Tue & Thu from 19:00 | USBGF | | [Chicago Backgammon League](https://backgammontour.com/tournaments/clubs/chicago-backgammon-league) | Federation Club | Chicago, USA | City Works / Winnetka Community House | Tue & Wed from 18:30 | USBGF | | [The Social Point Rooftop Club](https://backgammontour.com/tournaments/clubs/social-point-rooftop-miami) | Social Lounge | Fort Lauderdale, USA | McSorley's Beach Pub, 837 N Ft Lauderdale Beach Blvd | Thu 18:30 - 22:30 | USBGF | | [Elite-TR & Cafés du Bosphore](https://backgammontour.com/tournaments/clubs/elite-tr-istanbul) | Traditional Café | Istanbul, Turkey | Bebek & Kadıköy Rıhtım, Istanbul | Daily continuous | WBA | | [Mindskillz Backgammon Club & Academy](https://backgammontour.com/tournaments/clubs/mindskillz-dubai) | Prestige Palace | Dubai, UAE | Business Bay & DIFC, Dubai | Sat & Tue from 18:00 | WBGF | | [SAKA Backgammon Club](https://backgammontour.com/tournaments/clubs/saka-athenes) | Traditional Café | Athens, Greece | Psychiko & Pláka, Athens | Fri evening & Sun 17:00 | EUBGF | | [JBA Tokyo Lounge](https://backgammontour.com/tournaments/clubs/jba-tokyo-lounge) | Federation Club | Tokyo, Japan | Shinagawa & Ginza District, Tokyo | Wed & Sat 13:00 - 21:00 | JBA / WBGF | | [Sydney Backgammon Club (RACA)](https://backgammontour.com/tournaments/clubs/sydney-backgammon-club) | Prestige Palace | Sydney, Australia | Royal Automobile Club, 89 Macquarie Street | Tue from 18:00 | WBGF |