FIBS Board backgammon forum

This new topic within the International Internet Backgammon Federation sub-forum has been added to address discussion relating to IIBGF tournament procedures and associated advice.

I have been ask to clarify how the how the IIBGF assesses entry levels for the various round robin tournament types. I have provided a summary of the key criteria and associated rationale below:

IIBGG Round Robin Tournaments – Entry Level Criteria

The Master Norm, Promotion Masters and Promotion Higher Tournaments are considered to be suitable for expert, advanced and intermediate levels of play respectively. These levels of of play, broadly similar to the class levels defined by eXtreme gammon (XG) and Snowie, are discussed below.

Expert level: This corresponds broadly to a level of play where a player's long-term XG performance rating would be 7.5 or better (roughly equivalent to 5.5 Snowie error rate or better). As long-term verifiable performance rates or error rates are not normally available, the normal criterion for indicating performance is online elo. Eventually, the primary criterion will be IIBGF elo. However, until IIBGF elo ratings are available, online backgammon server ratings are used. Currently, the minimum elo ratings considered appropriate to this level of play are 1850 (Gridgammon), 1975 (FIBS) and 2050 (NetGammon) approximately.

Advanced level: This corresponds broadly to a level of play where a player's long-term XG performance rating would be 12.5 or better (roughly equivalent to 8.8 Snowie error rate or better). Currently, the minimum elo ratings considered appropriate to this level of play are 1650 (GridGammon), 1800 (FIBS) and 1850 (NetGammon) approximately.

Intermediate level: This corresponds broadly to a level of play where a player's long-term XG performance rating would be 17.5 or better (roughly equivalent to 12.6 Snowie error rate or better). Currently, the minimum elo ratings considered appropriate to this level of play are 1450 (GridGammon), 1600 (FIBS) and 1650 (NetGammon) approximately.

Other Criteria: Where the IIBGF are aware that a player's strength is higher than would be indicated by online Backgammon elo, then they will make the appropriate adjustment. Examples would be where players who have higher national live tournament rankings and known tournament successes. Moreover, in accordance with IIBGF Rule 2.5, where a player wishes to play at a higher level than the one assigned, a case may be put forward for consideration, subject to the support of the national delegate. Similarly, where a player wishes to play at a lower class than the one assessed the IIBGF should be made aware.


Rick Janowski, IIBGF Tournament Director & Executive