HISTORIC MATCHMagriel Annotates: The 1982 Las Vegas Epic
The most influential teacher the game has had walks through the match that made his reputation — decision by decision.
Archive Analysis · Intermediate
Opening roll · 4-3
4-3 — Down or Split
Best play: 13/9 13/10 or 24/20 13/10
Bring two down for contact, or split the back checkers for an advanced anchor.
CHARACTER · STYLE-DEPENDENT · DEBATABLE
Watch
This opening roll, explained.
HISTORIC MATCHGreat matches
Played at the highest level.
1982NACK BALLARD vs PAUL MAGRIEL · 25–22
The mathematician and the puristTwo of the game's great theorists trading 25-point match decisions for days. Ballard's willingness to redouble early unsettled even Magriel's famously sound cube play.
Las Vegas
Players
Who made it theirs.
UNITED STATESNack Ballard
1950– · Relentless aggression
A dominant force of the 1980s with a ferocious doubling cube, and the inventor of the Nackgammon variant played worldwide.
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