Jamaica Hosts 4th High Stakes Backgammmon Tournament

Marketed as the coolest backgammon event in the whole world, the 4th High Stakes backgammon event will be held at the Strawberry Hill Hotel and Spa in the beautiful hills of Irish Town, St. Andrew in Kingston, Jamaica on April 24th, 2009-April 26th, 2009. Alastair Macbeath, the event's organizer, in announcing the dates and playing format for the event, said that thirty competitors will play against each other for a money pool of $2 million in cash prizes. The tournament will be on a first-come, first-serve basis.

Participants will be divided into 8 groups before the top sixteen players engage in a knockout game. MacBeath said that backgammon is a popular game in Jamaica. The tournament gives local backgammon enthusiasts the golden opportunity to test their capability against world renowned players without having to leave the country. MacBeath added that it will be three days of outstanding backgammon competition.

The triumph of Germany-based Chiva Taffazoli in last year's backgammon event has inspired a lot of local backgammon players to improve their skills and regain the championship. Tafazzoli is expected to return to defend his title. The event will start at 10:00 a.m. on April 25th, 2009 with preliminary rounds continuing until 6:00 p.m.

Players will be treated to a musical show while enjoying their supper in the Jade Courtyard later that evening. The backgammon tournament will resume the next day at 10:00 a.m. with the final round and will culminate with an awards ceremony on the lawn of the Strawberry Hills Hotel at 4:30 p.m. Aside from the tournament, other activities will also take place like art exhibitions and stalls selling dried flowers.

05/03/2009 20:20 PM
Adam Hughes