11th Proficiency Test – Round 5 @ U25 Training Camp

Posted on by

The annual U25 Backgammon Training Camp took place from August 29th over a four-day period at Omiya Ryokan in Hakone-Yumoto. While there were initial concerns about Typhoon No. 10, fortunately, the camp proceeded without any impact, and all activities went ahead as scheduled.

This camp, organized by the Japan Backgammon Society (JBS), is designed for youth members under the age of 25 (players over 25 and guardians are also welcome to participate). Over the course of four days, participants immersed themselves in backgammon through a variety of programs, including match play with reviews, open presentations, the Backgammon Proficiency Test®, position analysis workshops, and chouette games. One of the most invaluable aspects of the camp was the opportunity to receive direct instruction from world-class players such as Masayuki “Mochy” Mochizuki (Giant #1), Michihito “Michy” Kageyama (Giant #3), and Kazuki Yokota (Giant #25).

On the second day, a special program was held featuring the Backgammon Proficiency Test®. Participants took on the challenge of a 60-minute test, followed by a personal review session from Mochy, Michy, and Yokota, who had prepared the questions. The Proficiency Test has become a staple of the U25 camp, marking its eighth consecutive appearance as a key educational tool.

In the 11th edition of the test, 11 players participated, with Satoru Oota achieving the top score of 31 points. Below are the individual results from the 11th test (scores from previous tests have been omitted).

Rank Total score Total errors Name
1 31 2006 Satoru Oota Japan
2 28 2082 Yuuta Takimiya Japan
2 28 2681 H. K. Japan
4 23 3670 R. U. Japan
5 21 4511 Kakeru Mikajiri Japan
6 19 3939 Kouki Mizutani Japan
6 19 3969 Yuuto Nakano Japan
8 17 4264 T. M. Japan
8 17 4629 (Anonymous) Japan
10 15 4774 Y. H. Japan
10 15 4929 S. Y. Japan
Total 11 Ave. 21.2 Ave. 3769

The JBS U25 Program aims to foster young players and includes a wide range of activities such as the U25 Championship, Rookie Tournament, support for participation in international tournaments, and the World Student Championship. For more details on the U25 Program, please visit the official JBS U25 Bulletin Board.

At the Association of Backgammon Education, we fully support the U25 Program’s mission and are committed to encouraging young players who are serious about backgammon. This year, we offered complimentary access to the Backgammon Proficiency Test for all youth participants in the camp. We are confident that future backgammon superstars will emerge from these camps, and we look forward to continuing to support the growth of the backgammon community through activities like this. Thank you for your continued support.