Traveling for Backgammon, the Women's World Team Championship, Upcoming Events & More

Traveling for backgammon is about much more than the game itself. It's about connection, friendship, community—and adventure. For women especially, the experience of traveling to play backgammon is becoming more independent and empowering. While in the past many female players attended tournaments with partners, today more women are packing their dice and heading out solo or with friends, combining their passion for the game with their love of travel.

The second WBGF Women's World Team Championship in Greece is a great example of this shift. With the number of teams growing from 8 to 15 this year, it's clear that more women are joining in—not just to compete, but to build new friendships and strengthen existing bonds across borders.

We're seeing women not only placing in international events but also popping into local clubs while traveling, adding a rich layer of spontaneity and camaraderie to their journeys. Social media makes it even easier to share those moments and follow each other's adventures.

So, whether you're planning a tournament trip or just exploring a new city, check if there's a backgammon scene. Reach out, connect, play—and keep the dice rolling. Backgammon is global, and the women playing it are making the 

most of every move.

WWB Board of Directors

Karen Davis, Melanie Hughes, and Irina Litzenberger

Sabine Brinkman: Have RV, Will Travel

A great example of someone who has truly combined her love of travel with backgammon is Sabine Brinkmann from Berlin.

Sabine played on the German Women's Team in the World Team Championship in Sweden in July 2024. It convinced her that she should spend her sabbatical year from teaching touring the U.S. and playing in backgammon tournaments.

So she made a bold decision — she packed her recreational vehicle with essentials and dreams, and shipped it across the Atlantic. Her plan? Travel the U.S., live on the road, and dive deep into the backgammon circuit. With tournaments as her anchor points—Wisconsin, Viking, Denver, Miami, New York, Charlotte, Atlanta, Cherry Blossom, Chicago—she often stayed right in the parking lot in her trusty RV, blending her love of freedom and strategy.

Along the way, Sabine built deep connections. She celebrated Mardi Gras in New Orleans with Christina Elias and Jack Edelson, crafted position cards in Nashville with Kristin Westerman, and spent two months in sunny Florida with Karen Davis, whom she met at the Women's World Team Championship—playing in the Miami Open, relaxing in Key West, and savoring Sanibel Island. When a visa extension required her to briefly leave the U.S., she tried Bimini, then rerouted to Montreal, where Canadian backgammon guru Garry Kallos gave her a warm welcome, if not a warm climate!

She honed her backgammon game and had some notable wins: the Denver Wild West Shootout — 1st, Consolation; Annie Oakley Shootout, winning a WWB Backgammon Board; 2nd, Gunslinger Jackpot; Charlotte – 2nd, Women's World of Backgammon Cup, winning a lesson from Dennis Culpepper; Viking Classic – 5th/7th, ABT Thor Advanced Division; Atlanta – 2nd, Warm-Up; and Cherry Blossom – 4th/5th playing in the Championship division! She played in local tournaments wherever she could, winning the Sunny Florida Boca Raton December Championship and finishing second in the Sunny Florida Palm Beach January tournament.

With her open heart, boundless curiosity, and ever-present optimism, Sabine fits wherever she lands—whipping up special meals, sharing laughter, and always chasing the next great game. Whether in Savannah, Charleston, or a quiet local club, she's a joyful reminder that life—and backgammon—is best when shared on the road.

We asked her to share some of the highlights of her experience:

Thank you, Karen, for this kind and good report!

During my travels, between the backgammon tournaments, I visited some national parks—Theodore Roosevelt in North Dakota, Yellowstone in Montana, Canyonlands in Utah, White Sands in New Mexico, and Great Sand Dunes in Colorado. I really loved being part of nature. It's been fantastic to have the opportunity to experience nature firsthand in these parks and to meet so many nice and interesting people along the way.

Beyond the joy of travel and playing tournaments, it is now very important for me to say thank you. First, a very big thanks to Karen Davis and the wonderful time we had in Fort Lauderdale, bringing me to all these exciting tournaments in Florida. During our chouette every evening in your home with Julius High and Nedra Lyles, we learned a lot together about different backgammon strategies. Importantly, we laughed a lot together. It was amazing.

I also want to thank Christina Elias and Jack Edelson. They let me stay in my RV in their yard. Christina and I had some wonderful bike trips, especially the one in Minneapolis. Also, our street backgammon in New Orleans was really fun!

Thanks also to Dennis Culpepper. We played together in Miami, which I enjoyed very much. Your high-level lesson session in Atlanta gave me a lot of new and good ideas.

I also want to thank Marianne Bowen. We got to know each other for the first time during the German Championship in Frankfurt in 2024. During our leisure time at each tournament, we enjoyed ourselves in the restaurants and hotel bars.

Thank you, Garry Kallos, for the wonderful sightseeing tour in Montreal. You introduced me to delicious smoked meat and delightful cheesecake.

Richard Munitz, I want to thank you also. You brought me to the Tree House Brewery in Massachusetts, where we had a wonderful time with delicious beer.

Last, I say thanks to Kristin Westerman. You hosted me in your yard, showed me the restaurants and boot shops in Nashville, and took me to Moby Dicky's restaurant, where we ate delicious food three times! I had such a great time with you!

To sum it up, thanks to the larger backgammon community in the USA for their cordial welcome. In every single tournament, I had many thoughtful conversations and a very good time with you in the hotels, bars, and restaurants!

Women's World Team Championship: Having an Impact on the Game

The Women's World Team Championship, now in its second year and sponsored by the World Backgammon Federation (WBGF), is really making waves—this time in Kamena Vourla, Greece. It's not just drawing more women into the Team Championship itself, but it's also shifting the dynamic, size, and atmosphere of the international tournament that follows.

More women are attending, and it's changing the overall vibe—in the best way. Even more importantly, it's building real friendships across borders and deep respect for each other's skills.

Bernhard Mayr, President of WBGF, commented that “Women in backgammon are changing the game now—and it is an overall gamechanger. All records were recently broken—15 teams at the second Women's World Team Championship, and 64 players in the Women's Individual Championship event. The hotel lobby and the big terrace at the pool added great value to have a lot of fun together. Thanks to the big support of women in all national federations, we are growing faster than ever. Next year, the Women's World Team Championship will take place at the end of August in London, and I ask you all to join us in breaking the next records together!”

Participation has nearly doubled since the first event in Stockholm in 2024. Back then, eight countries sent teams—this year, 15 showed up ready to play. Team USA took the title in 2024, with the UK finishing second. This time around, Norway came out on top, thanks to a powerhouse team captained by Marianne Husum and including two BMAB-certified Masters, Martha Gjelseth and Hanna Thorsen, who were joined by Katja Svendsen and Grethe Welle. Hanna was also recognized for best individual performance. Germany came in second, Romania third, and Team USA finished fourth.

Evenings at the tournament buzzed with all-women chouettes, including players from Greece, the UK, and the U.S. enjoying themselves and sharing their views on difficult positions.

A special shoutout goes to Maggie Diamantidis, the 2023 Women's World Champion at Monte Carlo, and her husband Tony. Now living in Greece, they generously hosted several players before the tournament in their beautiful home. There was live music, stunning mountain views, and some lively chouettes that brought everyone together.

While the backdrop was stunning, what really stood out was the warmth, mutual respect, and growing sense of community among the women players. It's clear this event isn't just raising the bar for competition—it's building something even more meaningful.

Winning Women Around the World

Women are increasingly placing in American Backgammon Tour and international events. We will have more details and photos in the May WWB Newsletter on the most recent tournaments in March – April 2025. 

For now the women placing in these events include: 

NORDIC BACKGAMMON OPEN 2025

April 17-20, 2025; Copenhagen, Denmark

CHAMPIONSHIP (44): 4/5-Karen Davis (USA)

ADVANCED (47): 4/5-Marianne S. Husum (Norway)

INTERMEDIATE (45): 1-Pan Nuutinen (Finland), 2-Gitte Andersen (DK), 4/5-Maja Sterup (DK) / Kim Terkelsen (DK).

DOUBLES (22 teams): 3/4-Mads Andersen (DK) & "Miss B" Birgitte Nissen (DK)

MIXED DOUBLES (14 teams): 1-Ole Michael Taganyi (DK) & Tia Villumsen (DK), 2-Gitte Andersen (DK) & Kenneth Olesen (DK).

REDEMPTION EVENT (15): 1-Tia Villumsen (DK)

WOMEN'S EVENT (15): 1-Miranda Moulton (United Kingdom), 2-Girgit Jørgensen (DK).

INTERMEDIATE JACKPOT (10): 1-Miranda Moulton (United Kingdom)

ABT - CHERRY BLOSSOM BACKGAMMON CHAMPIONSHIP

April 9-13, 2025; Herndon, Virginia

ABT CHAMPIONSHIP (75): 4/5-Sabine Brinkmann (Germany)

ABT ADVANCED (32): 2/8- Kristin Westerman (TN)

ABT INTERMEDIATE (38): 3-Rosemary Steffen (FL),

DC*METRO OPEN WARM-UP - ADVANCED (12): 1-Candace Mayeron (CA), 1C-Yvonne Dalpay (FL).

SACAGAWEA ADVANCED JACKPOT (32): 1-Kelsey Rose (NY)

NATION'S CAPITAL DOUBLES (64 teams): 2-Laura Granger (CO) & Cary Hoarty (CO), 3/4- Christopher Knapp (MA) & Patty Knapp (MA).

CHERRY BLOSSOM WOMEN'S WORLD OF BACKGAMMON CUP (21): 1-Laura Granger (CO), 2-Patty Knapp (MA); 1C-Marcy Kossar (MD), 2C-Elizabeth Van Dyke (NC).

NOVICE ROUND ROBIN #2 (4): 1-Jennifer Zorek-Pressman (CT)

NOVICE ROUND ROBIN #3 (6): 1-Lourdes Lira (TX)

NOVICE ROUND ROBIN #4 (5): 2-Stephanie Blackton (VA).

WBGF - WORLD NATIONAL & WOMEN'S TEAMS CHAMPIONSHIPS & 3rd GREEK GRAND PRIX

April 7-13, 2025; Kamena Vourla, Greece

GREEK GRAND PRIX MASTERS (149): 6/9- Pia Jeppesen (Denmark)

INTERMEDIATES (96): 3-Inja Myhr (Denmark), 4/5-Claudia Göhnert (Netherlands) / Maggie Sweeney (USA), 6/8-Birgitte Nissen (Denmark) 1LC-Danijela Johannessen (Norway), 2LC-Ingrid Sonnabend (Germany), 3LC/4LC- Laurence Sinitzky (France).

WOMEN'S WORLD TEAM CHAMPIONSHIP (15 nations): 1-Norway (Martha Gjelseth, Captain Marianne S. Husum, Katja Spillum Svendsen, Hanna Thorsen, Grethe Kvan Welle), 2-Germany (Captain Sabine Hildebrandt, Kathrin Hohn-Hein, Regine Papachristopoulos, Katja Schäfer, Ingrid Sonnabend, Miriam Wieck), 3-Romania (Mihaela Chiricuta, Gabriela Leon, Captain Andreea Gabriela Paun).

Best Individual Performance Award: Hanna Thorsen (Norway), with 6-1 record.

DOUBLES CONSULTATION (94 teams): 3/4-Eric Benichou (France) & Eva Snell (France)

500€ SUPER JACKPOT #2 (32): 3/4-Gülderen Gücavli (Türkiye)

250€ LIMITED JACKPOT (16): 3/4- Marianne S. Husum (Norway).

LADIES EVENT (64): 1-Merrin Rose (United Kingdom), 2-Carla Doumard (France), 3/4-Claudia Göhnert (Netherlands) / Cecilia Rogers (United Kingdom).

OVERFLOW SENIORS (32): 12-Carla Doumard (France),

SPEEDGAMMON (128): 3/4- Andreea Gabriela Paun (Romania)

DMP CHALLENGE (128): Diana Merlusca (Romania/UAE).

CNB - 32nd CITTÀ DI TORINO BACKGAMMON TOURNAMENT

March 21-23, 2025; Torino, Italy

CHAMPIONSHIP (31): 3/4-Andrea De Zandonati 1C-Laura Monaco,

DOUBLE CONNSULTING (9 teams): 1-Marianna Wall & Wolf-Dieter Wall.

GOODBYE TORINO (28): 1-Fernando Braconi, 2-Andrea Lupo, 3/4-Sarino Cannavò / Alberto Profumo.

ABT - OHIO STATE BACKGAMMON CHAMPIONSHIP

March 20-23, 2025; Cleveland, Ohio

Women made major inroads into the American Backgammon Tour Division winning circles at the Ohio State Backgammon Championship. Marcy Kossar won first in the ABT Open Consolation, and Maggie Sweeney won the ABT Advanced Division! Congratulations to both of them! Teri Harmon has been working hard on her game, and it was reflected in her win of the Limited Jackpot. Women teamed up with male partners to sweep the Doubles event. Carol Joy Cole never fails to cash – this time winning the Blitz. Bonnie Rogoff came in third in the Warm-Up. Nice showing all!

ABT OPEN (48): 1C-Marcy Kossar (MD)

ABT ADVANCED (35): 1-Maggie Sweeney (MI)

LIMITED JACKPOT (12): 3-Teri Harmon (CA).

DOUBLES (20 teams): 2-Rhonda Masterson (MI) & Frank Talbot (MI), 3/4-Carol Joy Cole (MI) & Paul Stebbing (Canada) / Chris & Patty Knapp (MA).

BLITZ (16): 1-Carol Joy Cole (MI)

WARM-UP (20): 3-Bonnie Rogoff (OH).

WBF - 7th MERIT OPEN MONTENEGRO GRAND PRIX BACKGAMMON CHAMPIONSHIP

March 19-23, 2025; Budva, Montenegro

MAIN FLIGHT (64): Ladies Prize: Ayla Karmen Aydin (Türkiye).

INTERMEDIATES (40): Ladies Prize: Sophie Hutson (Australia).

LADIES TOURNAMENT (13): 1-Ayla Karmen Aydin (Türkiye), 2-Andrea Quadros (Brazil), 3/4-Khatuna Giorgobiani (Georgia) / Paraskevi Skrimboni (Greece).

ROBIN HOOD BACKGAMMON OPEN

March 14-16, 2025; Nottingham, United Kingdom

DOUBLES (8 teams): 12-Robin Oliver & Michelle Sykes.

FRIDAY TUCK WARM-UP (38): 2-Julia Hayward.

NCBA: 6th NORTHERN CYPRUS GRAND SAPPHIRE BACKGAMMON OPEN

March 4-9, 2025; Iskele, Northern Cyprus

LADIES (8): 1-Janette Hodgkinson (South Africa), 2-Eva Kahraman (Türkiye).

1-POINT (32): 1-Pouya Rajabi (Iran), 2-Janette Hodgkinson (South Africa).

Upcoming Events

April 30-June 18, Zoom  – Launch of Women's World of Backgammon Doubles Event with 32 excellent teams from 12 countries competing; register on WWB Website to receive notices of Zoom session Watch Parties of key matches

May 21-26, 43rd Chicago Open and Players Cup BMAB Chicago, Hyatt Rosemont O'Hare, IL , 617-699-9100. Click here now. 

Sponsored by Women's World of Backgammon: 2025 U.S. Women's National Championship -- $500 added money or WWB Backgammon Board; two Belaire watches valued at $250 each donated by Alan and Joan Grunwald Fund for Main 2nd place and 1st place Consolation

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.

Click here for more. 

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.