Palm Beach Women Roll the Dice and Raise the Bar in Backgammon

If you're anywhere near Palm Beach and you love backgammon—or even if you're just curious—you need to know about Palm Beach Women's Backgammon. It's more than just a game night; it's a movement.

Launched in 2022 by the ever-dynamic Lisa Speer, the Club already boasts a fast-growing membership of 50 women and an unmistakable energy. What makes it so special? It's a space just for women to play, learn, connect, and thrive through backgammon. Each month, the group gathers to play in friendly tournaments, square off against teams from other Palm Beach clubs, or sharpen their skills in clinics led by top-tier talent—think world champions and grandmasters.

And it's not just about the dice. Every meeting includes time to socialize, network over a meal, or simply enjoy the camaraderie. Whether you're there to play seriously or just soak in the vibe, there's something for everyone.

But the real showstopper? The Palm Beach Women's Weekend, held this year on April 26–27 in the stunning home of Jason Briggs, a U.S. Backgammon Federation board member. This wasn't just an event—it was a celebration, a competition, and a fundraiser all in one, benefiting the Women's World of Backgammon Fund. Thanks to generous attendees, the weekend also raised more than $2,500 to further women's participation and leadership in the game.

The weekend kicked off with a heartwarming brunch honoring two extraordinary women: Carol Joy Cole and Antoinette-Marie Williams.

Grandmaster and Hall of Famer Steve Sax presented the award to Carol, a woman he's known for over 40 years. Carol's resume in backgammon is nothing short of legendary:

• Inducted into the American Backgammon Hall of Fame in its inaugural class in 2015

• Creator and maintainer of the Giants of Backgammon list (she’s #48 in 2024)

• Winner of the U.S. Open (2009) and countless other tournaments and jackpots

• Lifelong librarian who brought accuracy and depth to ChicagoPoint's reporting of backgammon results and calendars

• Founder of the Flint Area Backgammon Club (47 years strong!), and creator of the Michigan Summer Championships—now one of the biggest ABT events, soon to hit its 50th anniversary!

Carol has been a cornerstone of the American backgammon community, with hundreds of newsletters, events, and mentorships under her belt.

Then it was Karen Davis' turn to honor Antoinette-Marie Williams, affectionately known in the community as Lady Fabulous. She's not just a force on the board; she's a trailblazer. One of the top-ranked female backgammon players in the U.S., Antoinette has played for over 50 years, scooting through tournaments across the globe with her beloved mobility scooter (her “Ferrari,” as she calls it).

Her accolades? Impressive doesn't even begin to cover it:

• Only woman on the U.S. team that placed 2nd at the 2023 World Team Championships in Macedonia

• Winner of the Women's Jackpot in Monte Carlo (2019)

• Champion at Texas (2017), Cherry Blossom Consolation (2017), and finalist in Cyprus (2016)

Beyond competition, she's a passionate teacher—running classes at the Yale Club, NYC public schools, and even on the streets of the Upper West Side. Her commitment to growing the game and empowering others is inspiring.

Previous recipients of this prestigious women's award include icons like Lee Genud (World Champion 1981), Katie Scalamandre (World Champion 2000), and Karen Davis herself, who was also honored this year with the 2025 John Stepan Award for her global leadership and ambassadorship in backgammon. Jason Briggs presented her the award at the Palm Beach Bath and Tennis Club on April 23, recognizing her tireless service in roles from U.S. Federation Chair to co-founder of the Women's World of Backgammon. Her resume includes founding clubs, launching tournaments, and elevating the sport at every level. She ranks #49 on the current Giants list.

Of course, no backgammon weekend is complete without competition. The Palm Beach Women's Backgammon Tournament featured 32 players, with 8 in the Open Division and 24 in the Intermediate. Under the professional direction of Nano Cabrera, the results were:

Open Division

• Winner: Antoinette-Marie Williams

• Runner-Up: Katie Scalamandre

• Consolation Winner: Carol Joy Cole

Intermediate Division

• Winner: Rosemary Steffen

• Runner-Up: Lourdes Steffen

• Consolation Winner: Rachel Lorentzen

Winners took home customized Crisloid boards, while Runners-Up chose between luxurious leather cups or custom doubling cubes. Pretty posh prizes, right?

And none of this would've happened without the vision and grit of Lisa Speer. She planned every detail, from organizing the events to rallying volunteers. Jason Briggs also played a huge behind-the-scenes role—opening his home, covering costs for everything from valet service to food, flowers, and tournament staff. His generosity restored Palm Beach's reputation as a top-tier backgammon destination.

Throughout the weekend, players enjoyed world-class clinics led by Steve Sax, BMAB Player of the Year Julius High, and Antoinette herself. Women's World of Backgammon donated precision dice, Carol Joy Cole brought "I Love Backgammon" stickers for participants, and NY Metro Open organizer Lynn Ehrlich lent her presence and expertise.

There were also thoughtful contributions from Augusta Lorber, who donated her beautiful handmade jewelry and accessories, and Sophy Letts, who handled tournament fees, and Tina Towery, who assisted with management of the prize pool. Shout-outs to Ann Hokanson, Diana Vought, and Rachel Lorentzen for being sounding boards, and to valets for helping guests arrive with ease, as well as Richard Battin and Ramsey Speer for transporting staff.

In every way, the weekend was a masterclass in community-building and celebration. Palm Beach isn't just rolling dice—it's rolling out a model for what backgammon can look like when women lead the way. Here's to more weekends like this, and to the powerful women changing the face of the game one match at a time.