With the global COVID-19 pandemic spreading like wildfire across Europe, the South African government imposed one of the strictest ‘lock-downs’ of any country in March 2020. This brought to an end, many opportunities for work and play alike, not withstanding the Cape Town Backgammon calendar which was in full-swing.
With some quick thinking, a new WhatsApp group was set up to host some online backgammon events to help pass the time. Soon enough, players were invited from Johannesburg Backgammon Club, followed by players from Durban and expat South Africans and friends from all around the world.
It was decided to put a portion of the entry fee towards charity, and over the course of 2020, more than R100 000 was raised and donated to charities, with many feedings schemes, GBV charities, and animal shelters among the recipients of the South African backgammon Community’s generosity.
Since then, a number of tournaments have taken place, allowing the South African Backgammon communities to come together. Out of this, the South African Backgammon Association (SABGA) was established, to represent the group’s interests.
The online tournaments have fluctuated in format, size and entry fee, and almost all have featured a Calcutta Auction before hand. Some of these events will likely become annual affairs, such as the UBC-format SA Galaxy Champs and the SABGA Women’s Month Tournament. If you would like to participate, please contact us to be added to the WhatsApp Group.
The results of these online tournaments (still ongoing!) can be found on the Results Table.
