Roland's
Backgammon Page
(updated : April 2009)

Gallery

Above : Jul 2008 Monte Carlo
The New 2008 World Champion is our much esteemed friend, Lars Trabolt (DK)Trabi bounces up on stage with his 8 month old daughter Ida, to receive his trophy.
I always knew Trabi was a Champ, way before he became the Official World Champion. He is also such a good sport to his friends; firstly, he invites us all to an expensive dinner, then later that very same night, despite sheer exhaustion he played 3 DMPs with Simonetta, myself and Pia ; thus we became respectively the 1st, 2nd and 3rd person in the World to beat the latest World Champ.
Also : The same event, Left and Centre, Kenji and Michy receive prizes, Michy and Roland relax ; right Scarlett Serrero (centre) wins the Ladies' prize.

Nov 2007 Paris, Enghien Les Bains
Although I may not be one of the greatest players on Earth, myself, I do know how to hang-out with some of them !

Above and below : Winning the Exciting Games / President Tournament at Paris.
I had some tough opponents like Bob Wachtel, and then Mochy in the final,
but I choose my Backgammon buddies well, and with supporters like
Michael Nathanson (Falafel) it's no wonder I managed to win !
Simonetta, my wife, won the Ladies Tournament on this occasion. Falafel, World Backgammon player number 1
says that he's seen quite a few players and I'm "not a bad player at all".
Falafel gave an excellent seminar in London and my other buddy, François Tardieu
was kind enough to post me the sample match rolled-out.

About Myself

My name is Roland Herrera ("..you killed my Father... prepare to die"...... I owe this quote to 2 excellent American players ; Brian Barber & Carter Mattig). I am a professional Violinist with many hobbies... one of which includes playing Backgammon, though I'm not entirely sure why : It is hard work, for sure, requiring many hours / days / years of study with computer programs (Snowie or the equally strong if not better free public domain Gnubg) , rollouts, propositions, chouettes and lessons needed to become a World Class player ! I have won a National Gammonitis Tournament (Rollout Trophy 2003) in the UK, and also the Team Event at the 2006 Nordic Wide-Open in Denmark. I am not a "Backgammon Giant" and may never become one, but like most players, I try to improve my play and progress along the steep learning curve which all players must go through to get to the top. My Wife, Simonetta Herrera (Maiden name Barone) is also a very keen player, even more popular than myself; we often work at our game together... oh, and I also like to make deals on her behalf. Simonetta and I are keen players who travel frequently to International Tournaments. We are lucky enough to be able play chouettes and props and participate in inside discussions with our Danish, Norwegian & American Backgammon friends, who are very strong professional players. (Yes, they make their living actually playing Backgammon). When we go to strong International Tournaments such as the Nordic, we always discuss positions and pick up Backgammon tips. In countries like Denmark we observe a high level of professional conduct and a unique spirit of open discussion that we would wish to emulate and import into our local Backgammon scene and the UK in general.

Above : Roland and some very nice ladies at the recent PartyGammon Million.
On the far left Victoria Smirnoff ; guess which one is me! To right Buying groups in the Calcutta Auction at the recent PartyGammon Million
From left to right : Katja Spillum (Ex-European Champion),
Lars Trabolt ($120,000 Consolation Winner at the Million),
Henrik Veje (cashed in the Last 8 at the Million), & Simonetta (Barone) Herrera

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Last modified: May 16, 2008 03:14