General Event Information

• All of the information on this page applies only to players in the ABT Open, Advanced, or Intermediate divisions. For information about the TBT Program and Bootcamp, please click here.
• Membership in the US Backgammon Federation is required for all ABT events. Renew or join at usbgf.org.
• See the Terms & Conditions page for rule options in effect. Clocks are required in all events, including side events.​
• We are looking for sponsors! If you have a product or service you would like to advertise to the community, please contact Avi Cohen for details at [email protected] 
• There is a $90 registration fee that applies to all players or a $45 registration fee to all players playing only in the side events. This covers the ABT fee, hospitality, technology, the Gala trophy ceremony, 4X professional lectures at a discounted price, and access to the event spaces. 
• Expected Payouts
  • ABT Main Events pay 10-15% of the field. Events with less than 32 participants may pay up to 20%.
  • Jackpot events pay 8-12.5% of the field. Jackpots that use byes may pay up to 20%.
  • Other side events will generally pay 10-20% of the field but may vary based on other factors such as added money.
• ​Registration Cut-Offs
  • ​ABT Main Event Registration closes Thursday night. Players must check in on-site by Friday at 9:30 PM.
  • ​TBT Main Event Registration closes Wednesday afternoon. Players must check in on-site by Wednesday at 7:00 PM.
  • Jackpot & Side Event registration closes 30 minutes before each event starts. Late entry and re-entries (if available) will open

                      ALL the winners of most events (see below) will be awarded a backgammon board and a Tavla Bracelet donated by 

                                          BackgammonConnection.com​

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TOURNAMENT BROCHURE

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1st Miami Open Backgammon Championship
November 19-25, 2024
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ABT - American Backgammon Tour Main Events

The main event starts Friday, with competition taking place over three days. As part of the American Backgammon Tour, this event is one of 15-20 each year that count towards the ABT points race! 
The winner of the Open Division will be awarded a Custom backgammon board made by VITOR HOLLANDA
The winners of the other Divisions will be awarded a backgammon board and a Tavla Bracelet Donated by BackgammonConnection.com 

Format	Three divisions: Open, Advanced, and Intermediate Double-elimination with a progressive Second Chance The finals will be one match between the winners of the Main bracket and Second Chance bracket. The last undefeated player will receive a payout of 7% of the prize pool before other prizes are determined
Match Lengths	Open Division 11-point matches in the Main 9-point matches in the Second Chance 5-point matches in the Last Chance Advanced Division 9-point matches in the Main  7-point matches in the Second Chance 5-point matches in the Last Chance Intermediate Division 7-point matches in the Main  5-point matches in the Second Chance 5-point matches in the Last Chance
Schedule	Registration closes at 7:30 PM on Thursday. If you will not arrive until Thursday, full payment in advance is required. Starting times are 11:00 AM on Friday / 11:00 AM on Saturday / 11:00 AM on Sunday Up to five rounds on Friday and played to completion on Saturday and Sunday. Scheduled dinner breaks on Friday Saturday and Sunday at 5:00 PM
Fees	Open Division $400 entry fee, 90% return $200 side pool, 95% return $250 rebuy, 90% return / side pool carries over Advanced Division $200 entry fee, 85% return $100 side pool, 95% return $125 rebuy, 85% return / side pool carries over Intermediate Division $100 entry fee, 80% return $50 side pool, 95% return​ $60 rebuy, 80% return / side pool carries over
Eligibility	The Open division is open to all players Advanced division players generally have an eXtreme Gammon performance rating (PR) between 7 and 10. Intermediate division players generally have an eXtreme Gammon performance rating over 10. Eligibility is subject to director approval in consultation with the USBGF eligibility committee. Decisions may be based on win %, ELO, PR, and recent results.
Clock Settings	All divisions: 2m/12s  Open Division clocks are mandatory Advanced division clocks are preferred Intermediate division clocks are optional
Sponsorship	The winner of the Open Division will be awarded a custom backgammon board ​made by VITOR HOLLANDA The winners of the other Divisions will be awarded a backgammon board and a Tavla Bracelet donated by BackgammonConnection.com

TBT - (No Cube) Traditional Backgammon Tour Main Events

Do you have what it takes to compete with the world's best Traditional Tavla (Sheshbesh) players? The TBT No-Cube Main Event is set to take place just before the ABT Main Event. This is your chance to showcase your skills in a prestigious two-day traditional Backgammon tournament .​ The main event starts Wednesday night, with competition taking place over two days. 
The winners of the events will be awarded a backgammon board and a Tavla Bracelet donated by BackgammonConnection.com 

​Format	One division: Championship Single-elimination traditional no cube event ​Unlimited re-entries until full
​Match Lengths	Championship Division 7-point matches
​Schedule	Registration closes at 5:00 PM on Wednesday. If you will not arrive until Wednesday, full payment in advance is required Starting times are 7:30 PM on Wednesday / 11:00 AM on Thursday Up to three rounds on Wednesday and played to completion on Thursday Scheduled dinner breaks on Wednesday and Thursday
Fees	Championship Division $200 entry fee, 80% return $100 side pool, 95% return ​ $125 rebuy, 80% return / side pool carries over
Eligibility​	The Championship division is open to all players
Clock Settings	2m/12s Championship division clocks are optional
Sponsorship	The winner of the event will be awarded a backgammon board and a Tavla Bracelet ​donated by BackgammonConnection.com ​

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​TBT - Two-Day Boot Camp

The 1st Miami Open Backgammon Championship will offer a Two-Day Boot Camp to master the cube and professional tournament play.
​This intensive Boot Camp is crafted for participants with a foundational understanding of backgammon gameplay. 
Elevate your game with advanced doubling cube strategies and gain the confidence to dominate every match!
The winners of the event will be awarded a backgammon board donated by BackgammonConnection.com 

Format	Two-Day Boot Camp - Master the Cube and Professional Tournament Play
​Schedule	Registration closes at 9:30 AM on Tuesday Starting times are 9:30 AM on Tuesday / 9:30 AM on Wednesday Early pre-registration online is highly encouraged - Spots are limited!​
Fees	Boot Camp & Match Play Quiz: $250 Participation includes 15 professional lectures, learning materials, software, Match Play Quiz, Mock Tournament Play, cube practice games, and interactive cube scenarios play Participation includes USBGF membership ​You don't need to bring a Backgammon board Note that the $90 tournament registration fee does not apply to the 2-Day Boot Camp Program​
Eligibility	The TBT Two-Day Boot Camp is open to all players
Sponsorship	The Two-Day Boot Camp activities will be graded with prizes awarded to the top three The winners of the Match Play Quiz will be graded with prizes awarded to the top three donated by BackgammonConnection.com

Jackpot Events

Test your skills in our backgammon jackpot events, single-elimination format matches that will push your game to the next level.
The winner of the Ed O'Laughlin Super Jackpot will be awarded a backgammon board and a Tavla Bracelet donated by P-40
The winner of the Limited Jackpot will be awarded a backgammon board and a Tavla Bracelet donated by BackgammonConnection.com 

Format	Ed O'Laughlin Super Jackpot and Limited ​Jackpot (not including the Miami Mega Jackpot which is listed separately on this page). Single Elimination Limited to 32 entries per division Re-entries allowed until full. Side pools carry over on re-entry!
Match Lengths	Ed O'Laughlin Super Jackpot 11-point matches  Limited Jackpot 9-point matches
Schedule	Two start times:  7:30 PM Wednesday 11:00 AM Thursday Players who register for the Wednesday start may be required to shift to the Thursday start if they are still alive in other events Players who register for the Thursday start may have less opportunity for re-entry
Fees	Ed O'Laughlin Super Jackpot $500 entry fee, 90% return $200 side pool, 95% return $300 rebuy, 90% return / side pool carries over Limited ​Jackpot $250 entry fee, 84% return $100 side pool, 95% return​ $125 rebuy, 84% return / side pool carries over
Eligibility	The Ed O'Laughlin Super Jackpot is open to all players, and recommended for players of exceptional skill Players eligible for the Limited Jackpot generally have an eXtreme Gammon performance rating (PR) over 7 Eligibility is subject to director approval in consultation with the USBGF eligibility committee. Decisions may be based on win %, ELO, PR, and recent results.
Clock Settings	All divisions: 2m/12s Ed O'Laughlin Super Jackpot clocks are mandatory Limited Jackpot clocks are preferred
Sponsorship	The winner of the Ed O'Laughlin Super Jackpot will be awarded a backgammon board and a Tavla Bracelet donated by P-40 The winner of the Limited Jackpot will be awarded a backgammon board and a Tavla Bracelet donated by BackgammonConnection.com ​

Mega Jackpot

The Mega Jackpot 2K is the a prestigious single-elimination high-stakes event, where the best backgammon players from around the world meet. Do you think you have what it takes to become the 1st Miami Open BG Mega Jackpot champion?
The winner of the events will be awarded a backgammon board and a Tavle Bracelet donated by BackgammonConnection.com 

Format	Single Elimination​ ​​Limited to 16 entrants Re-entries allowed until full. Side pools carry over on re-entry!
Match Lengths	13-point matches
Schedule	Two start times:  7:30 PM Wednesday 11:00 AM Thursday Players who register for the Wednesday start may be required to shift to the Friday start if they are still alive in other events Players who register for the Thursday start may have less opportunity for re-entry
Fees	$2,000 entry fee, 92% return $500 side pool, 95% return​ $1250 rebuy, 92% return / side pool carries over
Eligibility	The Mega Jackpot is open to all players, and recommended for players of exceptional skill
Clock Settings	2m/12s Mega Jackpot clocks are mandatory
Sponsorship	The winner of the event will be awarded a backgammon board and a Tavla Bracelet ​donated by BackgammonConnection.com ​

Player's Cup BMAB Tournament

The Backgammon Masters Awarding Body (BMAB) confers mastership titles and proficiency level certificates based on calculated error rate performance using eXtremeGammon in live clocked matches in tournament conditions. 
The winners of the events will be awarded a backgammon board donated by BackgammonConnection.com 

Format	Five round modified Swiss 9-point matches All matches will be recorded, transcribed, and sent to Backgammon Masters Awarding Body for official rating
Schedule	Begins at 10:00 AM Wednesday and will finish the same day.
Fees	Separate $100 registration fee, which includes recording, transcription, and submission to BMAB. $150 entry fee, 100% return $50 side pool A, 95% return $100 side pool B, 95% return Must enter side pool A to be eligible for side pool B. Both side pools are based on W/L record
Clock Settings	​2m/12s Player's Cup BMAB clocks are mandatory
Sponsorship	The winner of the event will be awarded a backgammon board ​donated by BackgammonConnection.com

Miami Beach Doubles

The Miami Beach Doubles Event is the most popular side game,  It's a thrilling competition where strategy and teamwork are key, as pairs battle through rounds until a champion is crowned.  
The winners of the event will be awarded a backgammon board donated by BackgammonConnection.com

Format	Two-player teams Single elimination All rounds will be 7-point matches ​Side pool carries over on re-entry
Schedule	Two start times:  12:00 PM Thursday 10:00 AM Friday Re-entries will be taken until 10:00 AM Friday or until full Players who register for the Friday start will not have the opportunity for re-entry
Fees	$150 entry fee per player ($300 per team), 80% return $50 side pool per player ($100 per team), 95.0% return $150 entry fee per player ($300 per team) rebuy, 80% return / side pool carries over Both players must agree on whether to enter side pool​
Clock Settings	3m/15s Miami Beach Doubles clocks are mandatory
Sponsorship	The winners of the event will be awarded a backgammon board ​donated by BackgammonConnection.com

The U.S. Youth Championship

This event aims to provide youth with exciting prizes, scholarships from Grandmasters around the world and professional education materials. These opportunities will equip them with the tools and skills needed to compete effectively in ABT tournaments and help grow our amazing community.
The top 8 players of the event will be awarded Backgammon boards and educational prizes!​
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​​Sponsored by the Distenfeld Family - Everyone is a winner! 

Format	One division: Championship Single-elimination  Limited to under 18 years old ​All rounds will be 7-point matches ​​Unlimited re-entries until full
Schedule	Event begins at 7:00 PM Saturday and will play at least two rounds that evening Event will resume at 12:00 PM Sunday with the finals at 15:00 PM
Fees	Free Entry to ALL under 18
Clock Settings	3m/15s U.S. Youth Championship clocks are optional
Sponsorship	The top 8 players of the event will be awarded backgammon boards! The top 8 players of the event will be awarded educational prizes! ​donated by the Distenfeld Family

​Women's World of Backgammon Cup 

Woman's World of Backgammon Cup is proud to sponsor the 1st Miami Open Backgammon Championship. 
This prestigious event celebrates the skill, and dedication of female backgammon players, providing a platform for women to showcase their talent and compete at the highest level / ​$500 ADDED MONEY!
​The winner of the event will be awarded a backgammon board donated by BackgammonConnection.com 

Format	Single elimination All rounds will be 7-point matches ​Side pool carries over on re-entry $500 added money! This event is only open to women ​Unlimited re-entries until full
Schedule	Begins at 7:00 PM Saturday and will continue until finalists are determined
Fees	​$100 entry fee, 80% return ($500 added) $50 side pool, 95% return $60 rebuy, 80% return / side pool carries over
Clock Settings	2m/12s Women's World of Backgammon Cup clocks are optional
Sponsorship	$500 added money!​ The winner of the event will be awarded a backgammon board​ donated by BackgammonConnection.com

​Lois Merriman Seniors & Juniors

The Seniors & Juniors Event is a thrilling battle between the most experienced players and the most enthusiastic rising stars. 
​​The winners of the events will be awarded a backgammon board donated by BackgammonConnection.com

Format	Two events to choose from: Lois Merriman Seniors Tournament - Over 55 Juniors Tournament - Under 55 Single elimination​ 7-point matches in both divisions
Schedule	Begins at 10:00 AM Wednesday, with competition taking place over five days ​Unlimited re-entries until full
Fees	$50 entry fee, 90% return​​
Clock Settings	2m/12s Lois Merriman Seniors & Juniors clocks are optional
Sponsorship	The winners of the events will be awarded a backgammon board ​donated by BackgammonConnection.com ​

Board Tournaments

Enter the tournament of your choice to win a beautiful, high quality backgammon board!
​The Finalist of the event will be awarded a backgammon board donated by BackgammonConnection.com

Format	Two events to choose from: ​FTH Board Tournament, sponsored by Gammon Stuff Gammon Guys Board Tournament sponsored by Gammon Guys Single elimination 7-point matches in all the events
Schedule	Begins at 10:00 AM Wednesday, with competition taking place over five days ​Unlimited re-entries until full
Fees & Prizes	$50 entry fee 16 bracket winner receives an Art Gammon Backgammon board 32 bracket winner receives an FTH Backgammon board Finalist receives a custom board
Clock Settings	All divisions: 2m/12s Board Tournaments clocks are optional
Sponsorship	The finalists of the event will be awarded a backgammon board ​donated by BackgammonConnection.com

Speedgammon & Super Speedgammon

Test your skills in Speedgammon and Super Speedgammon, where the fastest players compete. These high-intensity events challenge you to think and react quickly, making split-second decisions under pressure. 
​​The winner of the event will be awarded a backgammon board donated by BackgammonConnection.com

Format	Single elimination​ 5 point matches ​Very fast clock settings!
Schedule	Begins at 10:00 AM Wednesday, with competition taking place over five days ​Unlimited re-entries until full
Fees	$50 entry fee, 90% return​​
Clock Settings	Speedgammon 2m/8s - Clocks are mandatory Super Speedgammon 30s/7s - Clocks are mandatory
Sponsorship	The winners of the events will be awarded a backgammon board ​donated by BackgammonConnection.com ​

Mini Jackpots

The 1st Miami Open Backgammon Championship will feature numerous Mini Jackpot events to keep all players engaged.

Format	Available on-demand every day to all players who are not alive in any other event! Single elimination Most jackpots finish the same day they start $20 jackpots are reserved for players of Intermediate skill level All other jackpots are open to players of any skill level
Fees	Four options: $200 entry fee, 90% return $100 entry fee, 87.5% return $50 entry fee, 87.5% return $20 entry fee, 87.5% return
Match Lengths	$200 Jackpots: 9 point matches $100 Jackpots: 7 point matches $50 Jackpots: 5 point matches $20 Jackpots: 5 point matches
Clock Settings	​All divisions: 2m/12s Mini Jackpots clocks are optional

After Tournament

Get a chance to win a major side event on the last day of competition. This after-tournament event features two divisions, the ABT and the TBT No-cube formats.
​​​The winners of the events will be awarded a backgammon board donated by BackgammonConnection.com

Format	Two events to choose from: After Tournament - ABT Rules After Tournament - TBT Rules No-Cube​ Single elimination​
Schedule	After Tournament - ABT Rules begins at 11:00 AM Monday and finishes the same day After Tournament - TBT Rules begins at 12:00 PM Monday and finishes the same day ​Unlimited re-entries until full​
Fees	​$100 entry fee, 80% return  $50 side pool, 95% return $60 rebuy, 80% return / side pool carries over
Match Lengths	7-point matches in all the events
Clock Settings	​All divisions: 2m/12s After Tournament clocks are mandatory
Sponsorship	The winners of the events will be awarded a backgammon board ​donated by BackgammonConnection.com ​

​DMP Challenge  

Test your skills in DMP - Double Match Point, where the outcome of a single game determines the match, and other factors like gammons, backgammons, and cube action are irrelevant. DMP requires a unique strategy and tactics compared to a regular match play. 
​​The winner of the event will be awarded a backgammon board donated by BackgammonConnection.com

Format	Single elimination​ 1 point match ​No clock required
Schedule	Begins at 10:00 AM Wednesday, with competition taking place over five days ​Unlimited re-entries until full
Fees	$10 entry fee, 90% return​​
Clock Settings	​2m/12s DMP Challenge clocks are optional
Sponsorship	The winner of the event will be awarded a backgammon board​donated by BackgammonConnection.com