BOOT CAMP

David Dudu Presser • 2-Day Boot Camp Director

TRADITIONAL BACKGAMMON TOUR & 2-DAY BOOT CAMP

David Presser is a renowned backgammon teacher. Board a remarkable journey from chess prodigy to backgammon Grandmaster. Transitioning from chess to backgammon during his time at Northwestern University in 2012, David swiftly ascended to prominence in the game. With a repertoire of unique and effective teaching techniques, David has mentored numerous students to significant success. Fluent in both Hebrew and English, he caters to players from diverse backgrounds, imparting his deep understanding of backgammon strategy, particularly in mastering the cube.

David’s competitive accolades include victories at prestigious events such as the Merit Open International Championship, Super Jackpots, and the Cyprus Open. Recognized as Grandmaster G2 by the Backgammon Masters Awards Body, his expertise is widely acknowledged.

Miami Open Championship

will offer a Two-Day Backgammon Boot Camp to master the cube and professional tournament play.

The Two-Day Boot Camp will concentrate on mastering the doubling cube and delving into American tournament play. This Boot Camp is crafted for participants with a foundational understanding of backgammon gameplay. Despite their proficiency in checker play and familiarity with Tavla (a Middle-Eastern version of backgammon), many participants lack experience in utilizing the doubling cube or engaging in American local or national tournaments adhering to USBGF Rules. Catering to all ages, the program aims to elevate players’ skills and tackle the challenging realm of the doubling cube, a pivotal yet often overlooked aspect where many falter.

Interactive Cube Scenarios:

Work through pre-defined board scenarios on a projector, analyzing the best use of the cube based on the current position and potential outcomes. Students discuss and debate the reasoning behind each decision.

Cube Practice Games:​

Students play short practice games with a strong focus on using the doubling cube strategically throughout the games. Analyze each game afterward, discussing the impact of cube decisions on the outcome.

Mock Tournament Play:​

Students participate in a simulated backgammon tournament using the learned cube strategies. Encourage cube usage throughout the games and analyze the impact on final standings.

Match Play Quiz:

Students participate in a quiz with different positions at different scores, focusing solely on cube usage. Analyze each position’s turning point based on doubling decisions and relevant scores. 

Lectures

  • Introduction to the Doubling Cube: Understand the mechanism of the doubling cube and its impact on the stakes of the game. Discuss the take point for unlimited games and how it is derived.
  • Evaluating Cube Positions: Learn to analyze board positions and identify situations where doubling or accepting a double becomes strategically advantageous.
  • The Cube as Your Weapon (and Bluffing Tool): Explore how the cube can be used for psychological warfare and to influence your opponent’s decisions.
  • The Jacoby Rule: Introduce a rule for faster in-game cube decision-making.
  • Too Good to Double: Introduce the risk and reward to consider when thinking of playing for the gammon while holding the cube.
  • Advanced Cube: Explore the difference between dead cube and live cube and their take points followed by explaining how the true take point is derived.
  • Championship Play: Introduce the basic requirements and expectations, including but not limited to, the use of dice cups, baffle box, precision dice, clocks, behavioral standards, following USBGF rules and more.
  • Introduction to Tournament Play: Discuss the mechanism of tournament play, the difference from unlimited games, and the needed adjustments.
  • Tournament Strategies: Learn how to handle the cube effectively in tournament play, considering factors like cube position, win probability, and take points.
  • The Crawford Rule: Introduce the Crawford Rule, and a mathematical guideline for deciding when to double based on the win probability and current score.
  • Unique Scores: Explore unique scores such as Gammon-Go, Gammon-Save, and Double Match Point. Understand the implications on the value of the gammon and the resulting strategy.
  • Advanced Cube Play in Tournaments: Explore how cube mastery is crucial for success in backgammon tournaments. Develop strategies for cube usage considering match play formats and point differentials.
  • Case Studies from Pro Games: Analyze real-world examples of how professional players use the cube to gain an edge and secure victories in high-profile matches.

​Additional Resources:

  • Provide a handout summarizing key doubling cube concepts and decision-making frameworks.
  • Recommend books and online resources dedicated to backgammon cube strategy.
  • Encourage students to analyze high-level backgammon matches and observe how championship level players use the cube.

Considerations:

  • This curriculum can be adjusted based on the participants' experience level.
  • Utilize backgammon software or online platforms that allow practicing cube decisions.
  • Emphasize the importance of risk assessment and calculated decision making when using the cube.
  • Create a competitive yet supportive environment where students can learn from each other's cube play.
  • The 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.

Registration Fees:

  • Two-Day Boot Camp and Match Play Quiz: $250
  • The 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
  • ​You don't need to bring a backgammon board
  • Note that the $90/$45 tournament registration fee does not apply to the Boot Camp program​

* By following this curriculum, your Backgammon Cube-Play Boot Camp will equip participants with advanced doubling cube strategies and the confidence to leverage this powerful tool to their advantage in every game.

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