June Newsletter - Learning: What's Really Working
- karen.davis
- Jun 22
- 11 min read
The other day, I was genuinely moved when Lee Genud—who won the Backgammon World Championship in Monte Carlo in 1981—told me how much my game has improved. It caught me off guard, in the best way. I’ve always been a reader and a student of the game, devouring every backgammon book I can find and soaking up wisdom from some of the top players through lessons. But her comment made me pause and think: What am I doing differently these days?
Learning From My Mistakes
Like many students of the game, I’ve gotten into the habit of recording my matches, transcribing them, and digging into my mistakes. I also play in Backgammon Masters Awarding Body (BMAB) events, which track your Performance Rating (PR)—a great way to keep an eye on your progress. But if I’m being honest, I used to rush through the “mistake review” part. I’d find the error, think, “Well, obviously, I know that,” and move on—without really absorbing the lesson.
French player and foreign language teacher Tania Klimova wrote something in her blog that really resonated with my fellow WWB Board member Irina Litzenberger: “A mistake is a useful and necessary thing. It's an essential part of the learning process. Just making a mistake isn't enough. You have to analyze your mistakes to reinforce its understanding.”
So, in the last few years, I’ve changed my approach to studying errors:
I now send all my tournament matches to Rainer Birkle, who turns them into Anki decks—digital flashcards of my major blunders. I rate each position based on how hard it still feels to me, and Anki’s spaced repetition helps me review the trickiest ones more often. (Check out the Julius High video on the WWB YouTube channel for how this works.)
I’ve shifted the focus of my coaching sessions to go deep into recent matches. My coach starts by highlighting what I did well—always nice!—but then we really drill into why I missed a double or misunderstood a cube or checker play. Afterward, I write up my key takeaways, and my coach adds more detailed notes to the match file. It’s making a huge difference.
Learning by Playing Doubles
For the last four years, WWB has offered a WWB Doubles Tournament. It’s been great fun, and I’ve enjoyed watching the growing number of teams competing from around the world play and discuss their backgammon decisions.
Since I love to play, I’ve played in all of the tournaments as well. I’ve had the great good fortune to play with Kent Goulding (KG), one of the early pioneers in organizing/directing tournaments, creating the first Giants of Backgammon list, and authoring excellent backgammon analyses (including 12 issues of Backgammon with the Champions and Inside Backgammon magazine with two-time World Champion Bill Robertie in the pre-bot era from 1991 to 1998). After every match we play in the WWB Doubles Tournament, KG goes through all our plays, right or wrong, in painstaking detail, sending me a thoroughly annotated match file—often after consulting with other top experts. I benefit not only from our real-time discussions over the board but also from analyzing later where we fell short of perfection!
Learning by Teaching
For a long time, despite the many years I spent as a university professor, I avoided teaching backgammon. I didn’t feel qualified—I was worried I might steer someone in the wrong way. But then an intermediate player introduced me to “Consultation Mode” on Heroes.Backgammon Studio. It gives real-time feedback on moves, which was a game-changer. It gave me the confidence to start mentoring.
Now I do a weekly online match with a man whose health keeps him from traveling to tournaments. We play a 7-point match in Consultation Mode, and he sets the format. Usually, I act as a sounding board—making sure he’s considered all the good options before he commits to a move. Then we compare our blunders at the end. He especially enjoys it when he outplays me—which does happen! Committing the time to the weekly sessions and really focusing on the reasons behind decision choices is a great learning exercise for me!
As you’ll see in an article below, for the last year and a half, I’ve led a weekly WWB Peer Coaching Clinic for novice and intermediate women players. What I’ve come to realize is this: learning really deepens when you slow down, reflect, and share. It’s not just about what you know—it’s about how you process what went wrong and how you help others grow alongside you. That’s when real progress happens.
– By Karen Davis Co-founder of WWB with added thoughts from Board Members Melanie Hughes & Irina Litzenberger
From Beginners to Tournament Winners:
How the WWB Peer Coaching Program is Changing the Backgammon Landscape
Melanie Hughes and Stephanie Blackton
For many women, the path into the world of competitive backgammon has traditionally been solitary, often guided by apps, books, or the occasional local club. But the Women’s World of Backgammon (WWB) Peer Coaching Program has transformed that experience, offering a supportive community and a structured learning environment that helps players grow not only in skill but in confidence, connection, and purpose.
Its key element is a weekly session on Heroes.BackgammonStudio.com led by WWB co-founder Karen Davis, where two women volunteers play each other online, and all the participants chime in on Zoom with suggested options for plays and cube decisions, spelling out their reasons. Heroes Consultation Mode provides instant feedback on the relative ranking of optional choices.
In a feedback survey of Peer Coaching Clinic attendees, designed and analyzed by Stephanie Blackton, the response about its positive effect on their play and performance was palpable. For some participants, the program has been nothing short of transformative. “I’ve been with the Peer Coaching Program since the beginning [February 2024],” one woman shared. “It’s taken me from crawling to walking, to running — and now, I’m beginning to truly excel.” This sentiment is echoed across the community, with many players crediting the regular practice, expert-led discussions, and collaborative spirit of the group as key to their development.
The program serves players at all levels, but it’s especially impactful for those newer to the game. One member, who began playing only 18 months ago, admitted she was initially overwhelmed by the depth of backgammon strategy: “There’s so much complexity. But Peer Coaching gives me a space to ask questions, understand techniques, and improve my decision-making. I look forward to every Friday.”
But what truly distinguishes the Peer Coaching Program is its focus on community. “Backgammon is filled with kind and generous players,” one woman explained, “but most of them are men who want to talk stats and probabilities. I needed something different — I needed relationships, encouragement, and a sense of belonging. That’s exactly what the Peer Coaching Program gave me.”
Led by longtime backgammon advocate Karen Davis, the program has not only created a learning platform but a community where women feel supported both online and in real life. “When I go to tournaments now, I know I’ll see familiar faces — women I’ve studied with, laughed with, and learned from,” one participant said. “We push each other to get better, and we celebrate each other’s wins.”
Many point to the sense of inclusion and mutual support as one of the most empowering aspects of the program. “The impact of walking into a tournament room and knowing you’re not alone can’t be overstated,” a member explained. “This group has helped me believe I belong here.”
That confidence has translated into real-world results. Dozens of women have gone from casual online players to tournament competitors, often placing — and even winning — major events. The Survey respondents reported nearly all had played in tournaments. It found that 82% of women have competed in online tournaments and 77% have competed in in-person tournaments.
Experience with Playing in Tournaments
2025 Survey of Peer Coaching Participants
One woman described how she went from avoiding anything involving the cube to competing in national tournaments. “A year ago, I didn’t know what a ‘blot’ was,” she said. “Now I’ve played in more than 20 online events, placed second in my first in-person novice tournament, and recently won a Women of Backgammon event. I’m in it for life.”
The format of the Peer Coaching Program is both structured and engaging. Weekly sessions feature playing a match in Heroes Consultation Mode with lively discussions and “round table” analysis, with Heroes’ expert software analysis tool being the ultimate arbiter. “I learn more from these sessions than from anything else,” said one attendee. “You don’t just get the right move — you understand why it’s right. That’s what builds real skill.”
Participants also appreciate the open, non-judgmental environment. “There’s no pressure here,” said another. “It’s okay to be new, to ask questions, to not know the answer right away. Everyone is learning. Everyone is growing.”
Guest instructors and experienced players such as Julius High, Steve Sax, and Antoinette-Marie Williams occasionally join the sessions, sharing their insight and encouraging broader thinking. Karen Davis and co-leaders like Stephanie have also been praised for going above and beyond — offering one-on-one guidance, answering questions outside of group sessions, and modeling what lifelong learning looks like. “Karen is a fabulous role model,” one participant noted. “Despite being one of the top players, she’s always learning — and she wants us to get better too.”
Of course, no program is perfect. A few members mentioned that when sessions move too fast or when multiple people speak at once, it can be hard to follow. Others expressed a desire for more advanced analysis or for move options to be more clearly stated. But even these critiques came from a place of engagement, with the majority expressing gratitude and a hope that the program continues to evolve and grow.
“I wouldn’t be playing tournaments if it weren’t for this group,” one player said simply. “And I certainly wouldn’t be winning any.” She’s not alone. Others shared accomplishments from winning blitz tournaments and local competitions to finishing in the top five in international events. “I used to play backgammon in the ’70s just for fun,” said another. “Now I’m competing in events around the country and thinking about starting a club in my hometown.”
Perhaps the most powerful legacy of the WWB Peer Coaching Program is the way it has created a network — a family, as some call it — of women who are showing up for each other, on and off the board. “This is women supporting women in action,” said one player. “It’s inspiring, it’s energizing, and it’s exactly what our game needs.”
The WWB Peer Coaching Program has proven that backgammon isn’t just about skill — it’s about connection. It’s about learning to think strategically, to stay resilient, and to support others in doing the same. And as more women step into the game, encouraged by what they find in this community, the future of backgammon looks a lot more inclusive, collaborative, and exciting.
If you are a woman interested in joining the group please send us an email at womensworldofbackgammon@gmail.com.
Update: The 4th Women’s World of Backgammon Doubles Tournament
The fourth annual WWB Online Doubles Tournament kicked off on April 30, 2025, with 32 teams from 13 different countries joining the fun. It’s exciting to see how this event continues to grow — and this year’s lineup includes top-tier players like Grandmasters and Masters titles awarded by the Backgammon Masters Awarding Body, as well as online Women’s World Champions.
The event rolled through Round 3 in May, with semi-finals in June.
Teams making it to the Final include:
Karen Davis and Kent Goulding (U.S.)
Martha Gjelseth and Asbjørn Arntzen (Norway)
Women's World of Backgammon Doubles Tournament #4 - Challonge
This year’s format is a single-elimination tournament with 9-point matches — one Championship division for all. The WWB has donated $1000 added money.
Huge thanks to Irina Litzenberger from the WWB Board for taking the lead on organizing this year’s Doubles Event. She’s made sure most matches were recorded — and you can find them on our YouTube channel. If you haven’t checked them out yet, now’s a great time!
Let’s play!
Winning Women Around the World
Women are increasingly placing in American Backgammon Tour and
international events.
Several women had “breakout” victories in May-June. Special kudos to:
Chicago Open: Samra Hadden, 1st place in WWB U.S. Women’s Championship; 2nd place to Marcy Kossar; 1st Consolation to Sabine Brinkmann; Wendy Kaplan, 1st place in the BMAB with a 5-0 Win-Loss record; Tiffany Van, 1st place in Limited Jackpot; 3rd place to Melissa Shin; Nura Awda, 2nd place in Intermediate
London Open: Jay Hayter, 2nd in Intermediate Division
German Championship: 5th-8th: Denise Kaiser and Laila Leonhardt
Blackpool Imperial (UK): Ann Pocknell, 2nd, Masters; Merrin Rose, 1st Fylde Trophy; Miranda Moulton, 1st Friday Freeroll
17th INTERNATIONAL GERMAN BACKGAMMON CHAMPIONSHIP
June 6-9, 2025; Frankfurt, Germany
CHAMPIONSHIP (98): 5/8-Denise Kaiser (Switzerland) / Laila Leonhardt (Sweden)
INTERMEDIATE (72): 2-Sabine Krämer
BEGINNERS (28): 2-Katherina Flach,
CONSULTATION DOUBLE CHAMPIONSHIP (40 teams): 2-Andreas Hofmann & Lea Holland, 3 /4 Kimon & Regine Papachristopoulos
LADIES CUP (21): 1-Silvia Weilenmann (Switzerland), 2-Jutta Lange
UKBGT - BLACKPOOL IMPERIAL BACKGAMMON CUP 2025
June 6-8, 2025; Blackpool, England
MASTERS (93): 2-Ann Pocknell,
FYLDE TROPHY (31): 1-Merrin Rose,
FRIDAY FREEROLL II (70): 1-Miranda Moulton
UKBGT - LONDON BACKGAMMON OPEN 2025
May 25-26, 2025; London, England
INTERMEDIATE (80): 2-Jay Hayter; 1LC-Linda Taylor,
ABT - 43rd CHICAGO OPEN BACKGAMMON TOURNAMENT
May 21-26, 2025; Rosemont, Illinois
ABT INTERMEDIATE (80): 2-Nura Awda (CA),
ABT NOVICE (10): 2/4- Angelina Tomasetti (CA).
LIMITED JACKPOT (40): 1-Tiffany Van (TX), 3/4-Melissa Shin (CA)
WOMENS WORLD OF BACKGAMMON NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP (32): 1-Samra Hadden (GA), 2-Marcy Kossar (MD); 1C-Sabine Brinkmann (Germany), 2C-Ethel Ioakimidis (IL).
CHICAGO PLAYERS CUP BMAB (50): 1-Wendy Kaplan (IL), Unlucky Dice Award: Karen Davis (FL) at -23.53. Wendy Kaplan (IL) won Iron Star #009.
DOUBLES TOURNAMENT (48 teams): 2-Samra Hadden (GA) & Mike Horri (GA), 3- Ray Fogerlund (NV) & Sue Willl (IL)
SENIORS TOURNAMENT (32): 3/4-Teri Harmon (CA)
WBF - 2nd KUSADASI OPEN BACKGAMMON CHAMPIONSHIP
May 16-18, 2025; Kusadasi, Türkiye
LADIES PRIZE (7): 1-Gözde Diptas, 2-Gülderen Gücavli.
TRADITIONAL (36): 4-Gözde Diptas.
SWING (68): 1-Gülderen Gücavli
Upcoming Events
World Backgammon Internet Federation (WBIF)
Don’t Miss Out!
Help Women’s Online Tournaments Be Bigger and Better!
Register Now at wbif.net
Deadline:
July 1 -- WBIF Women’s World Championship
September 1 -- WBIF Women’s World Team Championship
April 30-June 18, Zoom – Women's World of Backgammon Doubles Event with 32 excellent teams from 12 countries competing; subscribe to receive notices of Zoom session Watch Parties of key matches
June 11-15, 48th Los Angeles Open and Players Cup BMAB Los Angeles, Hilton LAX, Los Angeles, CA; Candace Mayeron producer, 310-422-1646, contact here
June 18-22, St. Louis Gateway Open and Players Cup BMAB St. Louis, Holiday Inn, St. Louis, MO, David Todd and Jim Feher directors, 314-749-9687, contact here.
July 1-6, Players Cup BMAB Michigan and 50th Michigan Summer Championships, Sheraton Hotel, Novi MI, Ben Friesen and Dan Minardi directors, 810-348-1695. Click here for more.
August 6-10, Players Cup BMAB Wisconsin and Wisconsin Championships, Best Western, Madison WI, Jack Edelson and Christina Elias directors, 516-650-4325.
August 27-September 1, Players Cup BMAB Minnesota and Viking Classic, Hilton, Minneapolis/Bloomington, MN, April and Michael Mesich directors, 612-703-3211. Click here for more.
September 10-14, Players Cup BMAB New Orleans and Gammon Geaux New Orleans, Kimpton Fontenot, Bill Riles and Tara Mendicino directors,
281-703-9304. Click here for more.
2025 WWB Doubles Event Round 1:
2025 WWB Doubles Event Round 2:
2025 WWB Doubles Event Round 3:
Additional Informational Sessions:
What an engaging and well-written newsletter! It really makes me feel excited to be participating in the world of women's backgammon -- the Women's World of Backgammon! And it is nice to share in everyone's progress and accomplishments. And, Karen, your dedication to learning and improving your game inspires me to become a better player.