Backgammon Brings Nashville Together: Exploring the Joy of Community and Strategy at the Nashville Backgammon Association

Backgammon Brings Nashville Together: Exploring the Joy of the Nashville Backgammon Association

If you’re looking for a vibrant community in the heart of Nashville that combines strategy, chance, and plenty of laughter, look no further than the Nashville Backgammon Association. Every Tuesday evening at Hi-Fi Clyde’s, a Midtown bar filled with eclectic energy, a group of dedicated players gathers to engage in this classic game that has captured hearts for centuries.

A Glimpse into the Club

As you step into the bar on a Tuesday night, you might notice a dozen or so folks huddled around ornate wooden backgammon boards, deep in thought or joyously shouting “Aha!” as dice tumble across the tables. This welcoming vibe is what keeps players, both old and new, returning week after week. Founded 26 years ago, the Nashville Backgammon Association, affectionately known as NBA, is a place where both seasoned players and newcomers can immerse themselves in the game.

I had the chance to witness this camaraderie firsthand, courtesy of Rollow Mickle, one of the club’s most colorful and dedicated members. A Marine Corps veteran with a rich history in backgammon, Mickle learned the game back in Hawaii during the 1970s. His passion is contagious, and it’s evident in the way he talks about backgammon as if it were an old friend. He’s proud of his tournament victories and even showed me a souvenir piece from a groundbreaking tournament in 1978 deemed backgammon’s “first million-dollar tournament.”

Understanding the Game

The rules of backgammon might seem complex at first, but they quickly become clear as you watch and learn. It’s all about racing your pieces home before your opponent beats you to the finish line. Players roll two dice to determine their moves while keeping a close eye on their opponent’s strategy. There’s a thrilling mix of luck and skill, along with a unique doubling cube that can heighten the stakes of every game. While players don’t wager directly, they do contribute a small amount to a pot that rewards the week’s knockout tournament winner.

The Fun of Playing

Joining the fun myself, I faced off against JP White, a retired IT specialist who helped establish the club after feeling frustrated by the lack of local backgammon opportunities. His enthusiasm for the game made me appreciate the tactile experience of rolling dice and strategizing with a real opponent instead of a computer. “Why not create a club?” he thought back then, and the rest is history.

What struck me the most was the friendly banter among players. There’s a shared joy in playing that makes each move, whether good or bad, a moment worth celebrating. As I navigated my first game, I learned not only about the intricacies of strategy but also about how backgammon is referred to as “the game of life.” Indeed, there’s no guarantee of victory just because you make the right moves. Instead, you learn to adapt and enjoy the unpredictable journey the game offers.

A Community of Learners

Many members, like Kristin Westerman, are drawn to the club not only for the community aspect but also to sharpen their skills. A former math teacher, Westerman revels in the game’s strategic elements and recently participated in the inaugural Shires Cup, an event hosted by the talented Amanda Shires. Westerman finished as runner-up, an achievement she proudly hopes to build upon as she heads toward larger tournaments.

Shires herself found backgammon during a challenging period when she needed a hobby to lift her spirits. Embracing the game wholeheartedly, she took lessons from Rollow and dived deep into its nuances. “Find something to do,” she advises anyone in a tough spot, echoing the collective sentiment of the backgammon community: friendship and shared experiences make life’s challenges a little easier.

Join the Fun!

So, if you find yourself in Nashville on a Tuesday evening and want to meet some friendly folks while immersing yourself in the exhilarating game of backgammon, swing by Hi-Fi Clyde’s at 1700 Church St. at 6 p.m. You might just get hooked on the game, the laughter, and the vibrant community that welcomes everyone with open arms.