Play65 Backgammon Supports the Fair Sex

Play65 has found a way to encourage women backgammon players without inclining that their skills are not as good as their fellow men; since November 3rd, 2009, the largest backgammon room online offers free entry to the weekly €500 tournament to all Play65 members who are registered as women, while the male registrants pay €6 entry fees for the privilege and the pleasure of being surrounded by majority of women contestants.

“Ladies First” is the first ’ladies cup’ in online backgammon. But while off-line backgammon tournaments usually focus on driving the guys away and keeping the event exclusive for women, the backgammon website is opening the tourney for members of both sexes, yet members of the fair sex will enjoy a free entry and an opportunity to win the €500 prize without paying a single cent.

The situation of women in backgammon is not different from women in chess and in poker situation. In all games, it is arguable if those separated events are required and whether this separation promotes women’s achievements or actually encourages inequality. It is argued, though, that technology has contributed to the growth in the number of players; Play65 states that about 40% of the active players are women.

“The Ladies First tournament purpose is to support and strengthen women in backgammon”, states Play65 spokesperson, Caroline Tholman, “talking with some women professional players I heard conflicting opinions about the recommended way to promote women in the field”, she says, “some said they enjoy playing with their female colleagues, while others find it downgrading to be expelled from the main event.”

“Despite the dispute, Play65 wanted to create a special event in which women players would feel especially welcomed without doubting their ability to play with the boys. As long as full equality is not achieved, women issues require a special dealing, and giving our women members a little encouragement in the form of a free tourney is our way to bring it closer.”

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Sheila Baker

Content Editor

SkillEmpire Backgammon LTD

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