The February tournament was a special tournament with the US Backgammon Federation (USBGF) donating $165 as an added money pool for USBGF members. The added money attracted a large field of 21 players, shattering our previous attendance record of 15 players (which was set in February 2018 at another USBGF added money tournament). The field included two first-time players, Meral Plosch and Peter Swartwout (from Pittsburgh). We also welcomed back two Cleveland-area players, John Baron and Ray Cifani.
The tournament was won by Trevor Dierkes, who beat David Steinberg in the Main Bracket final. In the Consolation final Peter Swartwout defeated Brendan Leal. The USBGF added money, awarded to the USBGF player advancing farthest in the Main bracket, was won by David Steinberg. In addition, David won an entry into the USBGF Online Club Championship tournament, which begins in March. The winner of the USBGF Online Club Championship receives a free entry into any ABT tournament.
In the annual standings, David Steinberg, on the strength of two Main Runner-Up finishes this year, is now in the lead with 100 points.
The full tournament bracket for February can be found here. The current Masters Points standings can be found here. Thank you again to all who came out to play, welcome again to Meral Plosch and Peter Swartwout, and congratulations to our February winners:
1st – Trevor Dierkes
2nd/3rd – David Steinberg
2nd/3rd – Peter Swartwout
4th – Brendan Leal
USBGF Added Money – David Steinberg
The next tournament will be held March 10.