IIBGF (International Internet Backgammon Federation) - General

[dorbel]

Some of you may know Leonardo Jerkovic from Croatia. He has founded an organisation called the International Internet Backgammon Federation. The aim of the IIBGF is to gather together Internet players in tournaments and ranking events, in order to award points towards titles as chess does, Master, International Master, Grand Master and so on. I think that he intends to move towards an Internet World Championship and that the organisation will eventually become a true Federation taking in all serious Internet players. At present, matches are being played on GridGammon, but there is no real reason why matches shouldn't be played on Fibs, or indeed any server which permits the saving of matches. Registration is free and players interested in some tough matches might like to go to http://iibgf.weebly.com/index.html .
I have registered, but I am not any more than just a member, so please address questions and queries to Leonardo himself.

[diane]

Interesting site - will spend a bit more time there...meanwhile this interested me..so thought I would share it, in case anyone else missed it.

[stog]

we can dedicate this topic to its own board if discussion merits -- am i right in thinking you need to enter their promo match leagues to start off?

[KDP]

At present, matches are being played on GridGammon, but there is no real reason why matches shouldn't be played on Fibs, or indeed any server which permits the saving of matches.

according to their rules, the matches can be played on any server that can save the match:

c. Games shall be played by using any internet backgammon server which allows match recordings. Players mutually agree on which internet backgammon server they play and are subject to their terms.

sounds like an interesting format (2- 13 pt matches vs each player) it would be nice to see more fibsters involved.

[stog]

I see that the SIGNUP link on their homepage  now includes the server you use (you have to Register first, and receive an ID)

[sixty_something]

i signed up, but haven't received any info on how to participate in anything .. is there something else i should do?

[stog]

click the new  SIGNUP link on their homepage (once you have registered and received your ID
then we must be patient

[stog]

ok update / and new Board for matters arising........

i have received an email with the league and have just played my first IIBF match on FIBS  

- our Fibs based league is as follows

IBGF Promotion - Masters Class Section 005 has been published and ready to be played on FIBS online server.

Each opponent plays each opponent 2 matches to 13 points by mutual agreement.

Tournament Director: Rick Janowski (Zagloba)

List of players:

1.boop
2.cloxo
3.diane
4.hookipa
5.jackdaddy
6.Julia_H
7.Linus
8.Perfect_Celle
9.silent_greek
10.stog
11.yuri

[moonshadow]

There are 2 IIBF tourneys that have just started that will be played here on FIBS. (see above post for links)

The Tournament Director is Rick Janowski, who plays on FIBS under the usernames Zagloba and Zbyszko.

If there are any questions or issues specifically regarding these 2 tourneys, contact TD Rick.

Any questions regarding any other matter regarding the IIBF should be directed to Leonardo Jerkovic.


email contact:  iibackgammonfederation@gmail.com

[moonshadow]

When the IIBF was presented on fibsboard I went to the website, gave it a cursory glance and decided it was not for me.

I came away with the impression that this was mainly a league of world class players like mochy and stick and I would be completely outclassed and would merely serve as cannon fodder for the current Giants of backgammon.

I also noted at the time that although the rules stated matches could be played on any backgammon server that has the capability of saving matches, it seemed most of the matches were being played on Grid Gammon where I don't have an account and at the time I couldn't foresee that IIBF tourneys would be played on FIBS.

So when Zagloba first approached me in FIBS tells about registering for the IIBF I politely ignored him, as I had already made up my mind that this was not for me.

But I was wrong.

And it was only a short time ago when the divisions were being finalized that I registered at the last minute after having chatted with Zagloba, who had quickly cleared up my misconceptions.

First, Zagloba had organized two tournaments exclusively for FIBs players to be played on the FIBS server—one didn't have to have a Grid Gammon account.

Second, there was a lot more players in the IIBF than backgammon Giants and I would be grouped with players more at my level of play.

Third, though the IIBF may seem a bit complex in scope with ambitious goals and a website that has a lot of information to digest, at its basic level its really pretty simple to get started.

First, you register, then you are put in a division with about 11 people and over the course of several months you play everyone two 13 point matches.  That's it.

It can perhaps be compared in some manner to the FLG that Tomawaky has run for the last decade on FIBS. (And Tomawaky is playing in a IIBF division tournament)

If you have a FIBS rating of 1700+ (this is not a hard and fast rule, just my suggestion) and you like playing 13 point matches in a round robin style tournament setting, then this may be for you.

[moonshadow]

Rick (Zagloba) said that probably within the next 2 weeks a new bracket will open up for new incoming FIBSters and he will serve as Tournament Director.

There are already a couple of FIBSters registered who will be put in this bracket. (11 players are needed for a bracket)

For those that haven't signed up and would like to, do it now.

http://iibgf.weebly.com/iibgf-registration.html

[moonshadow]

ok update / and new Board for matters arising........

i have received an email with the league and have just played my first IIBF match on FIBS  

- our Fibs based league is as follows

IBGF Promotion - Masters Class Section 005 has been published and ready to be played on FIBS online server.

Each opponent plays each opponent 2 matches to 13 points by mutual agreement.

Tournament Director: Rick Janowski (Zagloba)

List of players:

1.boop
2.cloxo
3.diane
4.hookipa
5.jackdaddy
6.Julia_H
7.Linus
8.Perfect_Celle
9.silent_greek
10.stog
11.yuri

The second IIBF bracket for FIBSters has opened and play has commenced.

IIBGF Master Norm Section 006

1.CHill
2.damocles
3.filos
4.inim
5.moonshadow
6.Stoerchle
7.SuperDavek
8.dorbel
9.gumpi
10.runnerup
11.KDP
12.elmicho
13.skater

[sixty_something]

thanks for the reminder, moonshadow .. i had already registered, but never could figure out just how to sign up for anything .. so, if already registered and confused like i was, simply go to their home page and follow the signup link at http://iibgf.weebly.com

if not registerd yet, http://iibgf.weebly.com/iibgf-registration.html then signup for a tourney

[moonshadow]

thanks for the reminder, moonshadow .. i had already registered, but never could figure out just how to sign up for anything .. so, if already registered and confused like i was, simply go to their home page and follow the signup link at http://iibgf.weebly.com

if not registerd yet, http://iibgf.weebly.com/iibgf-registration.html then signup for a tourney

The reason you weren't included in the current FIBS brackets is that when you registered, you probably did not include what server you play on  (in this case, FIBS) and therefore you got lost in the shuffle, as the IIBF didn't know what server you play on.

This may be a bit confusing because one is supposed to put both the server they play on and their username in the same text field.  And even if you just put your username in that field and forgot to put in the server you play on as well, the form doesn't generate an error message.

This will eventually get sorted out (per TD Rick)

Also note that after you register, that's all one needs to do--you do not 'sign up for a bracket,' but will be placed in one.

Received this from TD Zagloba:

The correct and normal procedure is:

1. Register with the IIBGF using the link: http://iibgf.weebly.com/iibgf-registration.html

2. Receive confirmation of player registration by email with unique registration number

3. Sign up to tournaments (ie, make oneself available for the next suitable tournament) by using the link: http://iibgf.weebly.com/iibgf-tournaments.html (this requires the reg no)

Note that to speed things up for the first two tournaments and simplify things, I enabled a few players to bypass stage 3. However, this is irregular.

[moonshadow123]

Someone recently registered for the IIBF and mistakenly sent this email (name withheld for privacy) to me for further action. 

I really have nothing to do with the IIBF other than I like the concept, am quite enthusiastic that Zagloba has made the effort to organize some IIBF tourneys exclusively for FIBSters, and I have posted what some explanations that may prove useful to those to those who like myself, had some misconceptions about the IIBF. 

I registered using GG as my server.  Can you also add me to the fibs tourney list?

Thanks.

This is matter is being resolved, but as mentioned previously in this thread, all IIBF queries should be directed to:

FIBS related IIBF tourneys, Rick (Zagloba)

All other inquires, Leonardo Jerkovic.

(email contact)
iibackgammonfederation@gmail.com

Also, if you have general questions or need clarification on something, post them here.

[PersianLord]

Great idea, but some points:

1- The 'International Internet Backgammon Server' should not be hosted on a free page. It needs a dedicated server & database.

2- The supervision should be way stricter and time grace shorter. Letting a 11-lot tourney to run from June 2011 to January 2012 doesn't impress me. This way it will take perhaps a century to decide FIBS master alone.

3- Why Iran can't be chosen in the drop-down menu of nationalities?

PL

[Zagloba]

I am Rick Janowski, acting as the IIBGF Tournament Director for the recent tournaments started on FIBS. I play on FIBS under the normal username Zagloba (and occasionally as Zbyszko where I play in the FIBS League). Some may recognize my name from my analytical work on match equities and doubling cube theory. I was also a very active live tournament player throughout the 90s, but stopped playing for nearly ten years ago before the bg bug got through my immune system again about two years ago. I have also become active in promoting an international approach to online backgammon through the IIBGF.

Firstly, on behalf of IIBGF, I would like to say how encouraged we are at the great success the first two tournaments are proving, which makes us very optimistic for the success of future IIBGF events on FIBS. Also we are very grateful for the very useful and helpful support and feedback received from fibsters through online messages, emails, and especially through this fibsboard discussion group. We are looking to redesign the IIBGF website over the next few months and the lessons learnt should be invaluable in improving efficiency and user friendliness. I would particularly like to express my gratitude to Moonshadow for providing excellent background and explanation of the IIBGF goals and processes, and for dealing with specific teething problems. Thank you Moonshadow!

With regard to some of the specific questions raised I would like to make the following commentary on specific points.
•   Registration difficulties – some of the early registrations did not include details of the players username or preferred backgammon server. This has been addressed by modifying the questionnaire form. However, where registered members are unsure as to whether these details were originally stipulated it would be prudent to email the relevant details through to us.
•   Tournament sign-up issues – where players play on more than one server it is essential that the FIBS nickname is provided and that "FIBS" is included in the Server details.
•   IIBGF Server – whilst the IIBGF is a voluntary free-of-charge organisation, where monies are not generated from membership fees or sponsorships, a dedicated server and database cannot be financed.
•   Format of Tournaments – the format and length of round robin tournaments, which roughly corresponds to one13-point match per week, has been chosen specifically to be practically suitable for the greatest number of players. Specifying a shorter period would close the door to too many players. Players who want more action can enter more than one tournament at a time if their preference is for more action. Promotions to higher division are possible after one tournament and, for the best performers to obtain masterships after two or three tournaments. Experience has shown that the supervision of IIBGF tournaments is not considered to be problematic.
•   Nationality drop down menus – the database used covers all countries including Iran, but some of the countries are not in alphabetical order, eg, Iran is near the end of the list. This should be resolved in the future redesign of the site. However, fortunately this has not proven problematic in practice, eg, Iran has the second highest number of registered members after USA.

Once again, thank you all for your great help and positive encouragement/support.
Kind regards,
Rick Janowski, IIBGF Tournament Director

[PersianLord]

I am Rick Janowski, acting as the IIBGF Tournament Director for the recent tournaments started on FIBS. I play on FIBS under the normal username Zagloba (and occasionally as Zbyszko where I play in the FIBS League). Some may recognize my name from my analytical work on match equities and doubling cube theory. I was also a very active live tournament player throughout the 90s, but stopped playing for nearly ten years ago before the bg bug got through my immune system again about two years ago. I have also become active in promoting an international approach to online backgammon through the IIBGF.

Firstly, on behalf of IIBGF, I would like to say how encouraged we are at the great success the first two tournaments are proving, which makes us very optimistic for the success of future IIBGF events on FIBS. Also we are very grateful for the very useful and helpful support and feedback received from fibsters through online messages, emails, and especially through this fibsboard discussion group. We are looking to redesign the IIBGF website over the next few months and the lessons learnt should be invaluable in improving efficiency and user friendliness. I would particularly like to express my gratitude to Moonshadow for providing excellent background and explanation of the IIBGF goals and processes, and for dealing with specific teething problems. Thank you Moonshadow!

With regard to some of the specific questions raised I would like to make the following commentary on specific points.
•   Registration difficulties – some of the early registrations did not include details of the players username or preferred backgammon server. This has been addressed by modifying the questionnaire form. However, where registered members are unsure as to whether these details were originally stipulated it would be prudent to email the relevant details through to us.
•   Tournament sign-up issues – where players play on more than one server it is essential that the FIBS nickname is provided and that "FIBS" is included in the Server details.
•   IIBGF Server – whilst the IIBGF is a voluntary free-of-charge organisation, where monies are not generated from membership fees or sponsorships, a dedicated server and database cannot be financed.
•   Format of Tournaments – the format and length of round robin tournaments, which roughly corresponds to one13-point match per week, has been chosen specifically to be practically suitable for the greatest number of players. Specifying a shorter period would close the door to too many players. Players who want more action can enter more than one tournament at a time if their preference is for more action. Promotions to higher division are possible after one tournament and, for the best performers to obtain masterships after two or three tournaments. Experience has shown that the supervision of IIBGF tournaments is not considered to be problematic.
•   Nationality drop down menus – the database used covers all countries including Iran, but some of the countries are not in alphabetical order, eg, Iran is near the end of the list. This should be resolved in the future redesign of the site. However, fortunately this has not proven problematic in practice, eg, Iran has the second highest number of registered members after USA.

Once again, thank you all for your great help and positive encouragement/support.
Kind regards,
Rick Janowski, IIBGF Tournament Director

Greetings Rick,

Very encouraging to see that IIBF has such responsible admins. Cheers.

I got a question/suggestion:

What about organizing 'National Master' tournaments too? It would be nice to see 'Olympiads' after each nation's masters are decided.

Regards,

PL

[Zagloba]

Hi PL,

Thanks for the kind words.

In addition to the normal roundrobin tournaments, in the future, the IIBGF will also promote/organise other types of tournaments as follows:

•   World Internet BG Championships
•   Zonal Internet BG Championships
•   Internet BG Olympiads (World Championships for National Teams)
•   World Cup Tournament
•   National Internet BG Championships (in association with National BG Bodies where appropriate)

Further details may be found on the Rules page of the IIBGF website.

The National bodies for each country can agree with us the preferred format of the National Championships. Most participating countries have Provisional National Delegates already. Parviz Rokh who is very supportive to the IIBGF and a great force for backgammon generally, performs this role for Iran.

Regards,

Rick

[Zagloba]

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