November Newsletter: Peer Coaching InnovationsA Movement Transforming Women’s Backgammon
- karen.davis
- 6 days ago
- 8 min read
The Women’s World of Backgammon (WWB) is helping women relatively new to the game gain the skill and confidence they need to step into competitive tournament play. The initiative began with a groundbreaking 2022 survey of online backgammon players conducted by WWB and Backgammon Galaxy. We wanted to learn why women were so underrepresented at the tournament table—and what we discovered reshaped our mission.
The survey revealed what stands between new players and competitive play: intimidation, skill level, and lack of guidance. Many simply didn’t know what to expect or didn’t feel welcomed. Over half of Novice players and over a quarter of women players said that intimidation was the main reason they didn’t participate in tournaments—or didn’t play as often as they wished.
These findings sparked a powerful commitment from WWB: to innovate, experiment, and build programs that make tournament backgammon accessible, welcoming, and exciting for all women.
One strategy has become a standout success—building a strong community of women who learn together and elevate each other. Inspired by a story in our November 2023 newsletter, featuring Adam Grant’s Hidden Potential and GrandMaster Maurice Ashley’s Harlem chess team, we asked a simple question: Why not bring this same peer-powered learning to backgammon?
That idea has since grown into a thriving learning movement.
In the U.S., the Peer Coaching Clinics launched in April 2024 have become a vibrant hub for connection and skill-building. (See the article below for the full story of how the program has evolved.) Meanwhile, in the U.K., members of the U.K. Women’s Team recently launched their own Peer Coaching program with monthly sessions tailored to participants’ schedules.
We’re excited to spotlight more of these efforts in future newsletters—so please share your successes, your stories, and the innovations that are helping women thrive at the board.
Across the globe, we share a common goal: growing the backgammon community and helping players unlock their full potential. By sharing what works, we can empower federations, clubs, tournament directors, and volunteers everywhere to create stronger, more confident competitors.
We invite you to join this worldwide movement—to help more women discover the joy, confidence, and recognition that come from mastering
competitive backgammon.
2nd WWB Invitational Cup
2026 is already looking fantastic for women’s backgammon! We’re thrilled to share that the 2nd Women’s World of Backgammon Invitational Cup is
officially underway.
Beginning January 2026, sixteen of the world’s strongest women players—representing eight countries—will compete online for the 2026 WWB Cup crown. And in perfect timing, the final match is scheduled to take place around March 8th, celebrating International Women’s Day with world-class competition.
Who’s Playing This Year?
We could not ask for a more exciting lineup:m
Gulderen Gucavli (Turkey) – Champion of the 2025 WWB Cup
Akiko Yazawa (Japan) – Two-time Monte Carlo World Champion and 2025 WWB Cup finalist
Nine of the ten BMAB Masters, including: Karen Davis (USA), Sepideh Ghanadi (Iran), Martha Gjelseth (Norway), Irina Litzenberger (USA), Maya Peycheva (Bulgaria), Cecilia Rogers (UK), Kara Schultz (USA), Hanna Thorsen (Norway), and Eva Zizkova (Czechia)
They will be joined by a remarkable group rounding out the field:
Pia Jeppessen (Denmark) – WBIF’s highest-ranked woman PR
Katja Sophie Spillum Svendsen (Norway) – 2002 European Champion
Miranda Moulton (UK) – 2025 Women’s Backgammon World Champion
Rising stars: Merrin Rose (UK) and Melissa Shin (USA)
More Matches, More Excitement
This year the event moves to a Swiss format with two losses, giving players more opportunities to advance—and giving fans many more matches to enjoy. All matches will be 11 points, played on Heroes in the WWB Cup tournament room.
Irina Litzenberger will serve as Tournament Director, ensuring a smooth, competitive, and inspiring event.
Watch Along!
We’re planning extensive streaming and commentary throughout the tournament. Expect insightful analysis from Denise Kaiser (Switzerland) and Julia Hayward (UK), along with a wonderful rotation of guest commentators who will help bring the action to life.
And to kick it all off, the live draw will take place on January 1st via Zoom—open to the public so everyone can join the excitement from the start.
Peer Coaching Innovations in the U.S.
A Breakthrough Model for Rapid Skill Growth
The Women’s World of Backgammon Peer Coaching Clinics, launched in April 2024, have quickly proven to be one of WWB’s most impactful strategies for helping women transition from social to competitive play.
Over 50 women have participated in weekly sessions throughout 2024–2025, sharpening their skills and gaining confidence—together. These group-based clinics have largely replaced traditional one-on-one volunteer coaching, which, while valuable, was difficult to sustain. The clinics deliver faster learning, stronger community, and a far more scalable model.
Each session builds the fundamentals of strong competitive play:
spotting all candidate moves
evaluating which is best
understanding how match score and position shape decisions
reviewing errors in a supportive, growth-oriented environment.
The format is simple, friendly, and deeply effective. After quick check-ins, two teams play a 3-point match on Heroes.BackgammonStudio.com in Consultation Mode.
Captains and teammates discuss every checker and cube decision—and the “bot” provides instant insights. Co-founder Karen Davis and Associate Director Stephanie Blackton guide the learning, often joined by Team USA star Antoinette-Marie Williams.
The results speak for themselves.
Participants are now competing—and winning—across the American Backgammon Tour and international events. Standout achievements include:
Kristin Westerman – 3rd/4th in the Intermediate Division at the Monte Carlo Backgammon World Championships
Cassandra Bennett, Yvonne Dalpay, Terese Flynn, Gigi Goyette, Mary Greene, Jeanna Kish, and many others—strong performances in ABT tournaments.
A major milestone came on October 24, 2025, when 70 players joined an open Learning Session featuring Women’s Team USA’s Irina Litzenberger and Kara Schultz playing a 7-point Consulting Doubles match against eXtreme Gammon—a live demonstration of how “buddy study” accelerates competitive readiness.
Another highlight: the Sunny Florida Online Tournament (Aug–Nov 2025), where nearly 50 players—20 from the Peer Coaching Clinics—tested their progress. Congratulations to WWB’s Anca Morar, winner of the Intermediate Division and proud owner of a custom backgammon necklace!
The momentum is real—and growing. Peer Coaching is proving to be one of the most powerful tools for building confident, competitive women players across the U.S. and beyond.
Giving Tuesday
Giving Tuesday is almost here! On December 2, 2025, Women’s World of Backgammon will be joining millions around the world in a day of generosity—and every Giving Tuesday gift will go directly toward supporting WWB programs and initiatives for women players around the globe.
Want a behind-the-scenes peek? Rising stars and seasoned champions alike have been sharing how WWB programs—from Peer Coaching Clinics to the Invitational Cup—have become a powerful force for confidence, community, and competitive growth. Your support helps women discover their potential, strengthen their skills, and find their place in the wider backgammon world.
This Giving Tuesday, we’re shining a light on the women, mentors, volunteers, and partners who make our global community so special. And you don’t have to wait for the official date—any gift made today through December 2, 2025
counts toward our goal.
If you’re inspired to contribute, know that every single gift—big or small—makes a tangible difference for women in backgammon.
Tax-deductible donations to the PayPal account of the U.S. Backgammon Foundation – donations@usbgf.org – with a note that they are for the WWB Fund will be used to support Learning Sessions and YouTube educational videos open to all, men and women.
And before the big day arrives, just one thing: thank you. We’re deeply grateful to have you as part of the WWB community.
Winning Women Around the World
Women are increasingly placing in American Backgammon Tour and international events.
Women placing in events in October-November 2025 include:
UKBGF - WORCESTER INTERMEDIATES OPEN
November 8, 2025; Worcester, England
INTERMEDIATE (64): 3/4-Hannah Parente
ELGAR TROPHY (Consolation) (32): 3/4-Alex Ward
SEVERN CUP (Last Chance) (31): 3/4-Gemma Preece
CNB - 1st COSTA D'AMALFI BACKGAMMON TORNEO
November 6-9, 2025; Cetara, Italy
CHAMPIONSHIP (31): 1-Laura Monaco
ADVANCED (37): 3C/4C-Claudia Amoruso
OPEN CNB (53): 3/4-Veronique Chamaz-Dehon (France)
SINGLE OR DOUBLE CONSULTING (16): 2-Fernando Braconi &
Marilena Montano.
WBF - 12th MERIT INTERNATIONAL OPEN BACKGAMMON TOURNAMENT
November 4-9, 2025; Kyrenia, Northern Cyprus
INTERMEDIATES (116): 1-Ingrid Sonnabend (Germany), 6/9-Natia Arjevanidze (Georgia) / / Inja Myhr (Denmark)
MERIT "ION RESSU MEMORIAL" DOUBLES (128 teams): 3/4-Diana Merlusca (Romania) & Artur Petrosyan (Armenia).
1000€ SUPER JACKPOT 1 (32): 3/4-Alexandra Knupfer (Switzerland) / Akiko Yazawa (Japan).
250€ LIMITED JACKPOT (32): 3/4- Gülderen Gücavli (Türkiye).
"RAY TANNEN MEMORIAL" LADIES TOURNAMENT (44): 1-Marina Pirveli (Georgia), 2-Meltem Sahtiyanci Hazir (Türkiye), 3/4-Seda Koç (Türkiye) / Zlatina Petrova (Bulgaria).
FMBGT: 3rd GRAND PASHA OPEN BACKGAMMON TOURNAMENT
November 2-4, 2025; Nicosia, Northern Cyprus
OPEN (169): 3/4- Maya Peycheva (Bulgaria)
UKBGF - THREE ZEROS AT FIVE ZEROS
November 1-2, 2025; Bradford on Avon, England
MASTERS (32): 3-Melanie Hughes, 4/5-Rachel Rhodes
INTERMEDIATES (28): 3-Becca Sweetman, 4/5 Fraya Dravern
TOMBSTONE TROPHY (37): 2-Anna Parker, 3/4-CJ Uttley
WARM UP (35): 2-Michele de Havilland, 3/4-Julia Hayward
SUPER JACKPOT (8): 3/4-Miranda Moulton
DOUBLES (14 teams): 1-Dominic Verrall & Sophie Line, 2-Cecilia Rogers & Merrin Rose
DMP TOURNAMENT: 1-CJ Uttley, 2-Fraya Dravern
ABT - BOSTON OPEN BACKGAMMON TOURNAMENT
October 29-November 2, 2025; Newton, Massachusetts
ABT OPEN (67): 3/7- Mal Woolley (NY).
ABT INTERMEDIATE (43): 8/10-Joanna Lein (OK) / Alison Silcoff (Canada) / Olivia Upbin (NY).
INTERMEDIATE JACKPOT (16): 1-Ma Lang (NY),
PLAYERS CUP BMAB BOBSTON (39): 1/2- Melissa Shin (CA), PR winners: 7-Melissa Shin (CA) at 6.00.
DOUBLES (32 teams): 1-Lina Laksiouer (Canada) & Selwyn Scarborough (NY), 2-Marianne Bowen (VA) & John Klein (MD), 3/4-Brian Cohen (NY ) & Debra Solomon (NY)
WWB WOMEN'S CUP (32): 1-Marianne Bowen (VA), 2-Maggie Diamantidis (CA); 1C-Mary Greene (ME), 2C-Lina Laksiouer (Canada).
SENIORS (32): 3/4-Carol Joy Cole (MI)
HALLOWEEN COSTUME CONTEST: 1-Remy Davenport (NY).
FMBGT: 23rd CYPRUS OPEN BACKGAMMON TOURNAMENT
October 29-November 1, 2025; Nicosia, Northern Cyprus
OPEN (269): 1C-Eli Rad (Iran),
CONSULTING DOUBLES (78 teams): 13-Gia Rizinashvili (Israel) & Ramaz Ukleba (Georgia),
LADIES TOURNAMENT (14): 1-Akiko Yazawa (Japan), 2-Ayla Karmen Aydin (Türkiye).
27th BACKGAMMON CHAMPIONSHIP OF FRANCE
October 23-26, 2025; Angers, France
DOUBLE CONSULTATION (32 teams): 1-Jacques Ravier & Laurence Sinitzky,
JUNIOR DMP POULE 1 (7): 1/3-Hanae Delaunay / Marie de Maulde.
JUNIOR DMP POULE 2 (7): 1-Oscar Lafon.
JUNIOR GROUPE 1 (4): 1-Sacha Lassourd.
JUNIOR GROUPE 3 (6): 1-Elisa Gombault.
35th OPEN NORWEGIAN BACKGAMMON CHAMPIONSHIP
October 17-19, 2025; Oslo, Denmark
SPEEDGAMMON MASTERS (35): 2-Nina Hoelsæter, 3/4 Katja Sophie Spillum Svendsen.
SPEEDGAMMON INTERMEDIATES (29): 2-Sarah Blystad,
DMP TOURNAMENT (64): 1-Mona Bremnes,
TEAM WARM-UP (26 teams): 2-Dream Team!: Katja Sophie Spillum Svendsen / Hanna Thorsen / Grethe Welle
33rd IRISH BACKGAMMON OPEN 2025
October 17-19, 2025; Dublin, Ireland
OPEN (76): 1-C.J. Uttley (United Kingdom), 23/4-Nicola Fitzgibbon (Ireland) / Rachel Rhodes (United Kingdom);
DOUBLES (6 teams): 1-Eileen Murphy (Ireland) & Derek Murphy (Ireland).
Upcoming Events
Nov 18-24, Players Cup BMAB Miami, Newport Hotel, Sunny Isles Beach, Avi Cohen director 786-999-2623. Click here for more.
Dec 4-7, Players Cup BMAB Los Angeles, California State Championship, Hilton, Los Angeles Airport, Candace Mayeron, producer, 310-422-1646.
Click here for more.
January – April 2026, WWB Invitational Cup; online on Heroes.BackgammonStudio.com
Match notices will be posted on
Jan 15-19, 19th New York Metro Open, Hyatt on the Hudson, Jersey City, NJ, Lynn Ehrlich Director 408-529-6769
January 18-19 New York Players Cup BMAB, Hyatt on Hudson
Feb 3-6, UBC Contender-Americas Region/BMAB San Antonio, TX 281-703-9304
February 3-8, Texas Championships, Gunter Hotel, San Antonio, Bill Riles and Tara Mendicino, Co-directors, 281-703-9304
February 26-Mar 1, 16th Atlanta Classic, Kimpton Overland Hotel, Atlanta Ga, Jonathan Hardigree, Director, 678-720-6161
Comments