Backgammon stiffs (a bit off topic)

daringly · Mar 14, 2005

I had a somewhat frustrating day today. There's a fellow in Curacao I've known for about 6 months, mainly from watching him play poker. He's a successful businessman, and doesn't seem too concerned dropping 1k on a 10/20 Hold'm table. I've never played BG for any real amount of money before visiting "The Rock".

At his request, we played backgammon. I'm a solid player, but not near good enough to consider myself a "pro" (maybe 1750-1800 after brushing up, and I've never studied with Snowie)). We played a few times, and I accumulated small win. Today, he took a "shot" at me. We started playing at our usual stake, and he got down. He wanted to raise the per point stake, to which I agreed. He got down further (about 25 points in 4 hours), and raised again. I was up more than I was comfortable taking that much from the guy, and thereafter ended up losing about half of it back.

At the end of the session, he paid me less than 1/3 of what was owed. His gross loss for the day was less than what he typically loses at poker, so I was very surprised when he announced he wasn't paying me what was owed.

Any other players ever been stiffed in a face-face game? How do you avoid getting stiffed? Also, when I am a large favorite, is it wrong for me to play him? He said that since he should have had a handicap, he shouldn't have to pay me. I'm not going to raise a fuss locally over it, but I'm just annoyed.

Journeyman · Mar 14, 2005

What kind of money was it total?

THE SHRINK · Mar 14, 2005

daringly,

I used to be a pretty decent backgammon player years ago. Ever hear of Wilcox Snelling? He was my friend, mentor and teacher...

Anyways, one sure way I used to avoid getting stiffed at BG was to make certain that the opponent paid me in 10 point increments. I would refuse to continue unless he settled up, especially if it was against someone I had not played very often...

Now you and I might disagree here, but it did sound like you had a tremendous advantage against him, as I see where you rated yourself. I would have probably agreed to the settlement even though you have every right to expect full payment...

THE SHRINK

SportSavant · Mar 14, 2005

when he asked you to raise...

did you tell him you were not comfortable doing it cause you were more skilled at the game?

if you gave him fair warning, & he still insisted in playing, you did the right thing... he should pay.

daringly · Mar 14, 2005

Sportsavant -

In every previous meeting, he had raised the stakes when down, and either broke even or made a small push towards even against my normal game.

Shrink -

During our match, I didn't come out and say "I'm stronger than you". I did point out some of his worst systematic mistakes (like always abandoning his 5-pt anchor before the 12 pt, or trying to prime when he should be closing out). I don't hustle people - I tell you straight up I make my living gambling. He's seen me beat the poker table for months (but he explained to me that I do that by "quitting when I'm ahead").

He wanted to play Greek Backgammon, which I'm sure he'd have a large initial advantage. If I had more time, I would have played just to get his loss down to what he was used to (against me anyway).

Like I said, this was the first person I ever played against for any substantial stake. You said it is routine to "settle"? As a newbie, could you tell me how this is done? Yes, I would have agreed if I had any input. If he asked me "Would you settle for this instead?" I would have said yes. But he didn't offer - he just said these are his terms.

I'm only out $450, which is trivial. I would have rather lost $900 to him at his own game, than be stiffed for 450. I'll still see him in the poker room, and at least if there were a "fair resolution", there would be no risk of embarassment. The LAST thing I want to do is piss the guy off.

TTinCO · Mar 15, 2005

Tell him to take you to Campos, foot the bill & call it even.

aceduecetrey · Mar 15, 2005

I have been stiffed more times than I can remember while playing pool. I have been paid off w/ more cue sticks than I could use in a lifetime. I have had a guy run out the back door and even one climb out a bathroom window. Not much you can do other than have whoever you play post up the money. Anyone who acts insulted by being asked to post is the kind of person who would most likely be the first to stiff you.

chips · Mar 19, 2005

Daringly, a little friendly advice. Dont piss a local off in their Country, its the wrong thing to do, especially a "succesful" businessman. Be very nice about it, dont lose your temper and take what he gives you, whenever he gives it to you. If you make a scene and piss off the wrong guy your life on the Island will be hell. Its $450, you will get it eventually and if not, its not big enough to lose sleep over. When I lived in Venezuela, we let a local "buisnessman" bet Baseball with us. Figures were +/- 15,000 weekly and we had a good relationship for 2 yrs. Year 3 he blows 75k 1 week, not only did we get stiffed, but we were thrown in JAIL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! LOL. The rich local will always have more connection on his Island, Curacao not as corrupt as VZ but its all the same south of FLA.

lakerfan · Mar 19, 2005

chips said:
When I lived in Venezuela, we let a local "buisnessman" bet Baseball with us. Figures were +/- 15,000 weekly and we had a good relationship for 2 yrs. Year 3 he blows 75k 1 week, not only did we get stiffed, but we were thrown in JAIL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! LOL.

Classic

chips · Mar 21, 2005

How did it turn out???

beetman · Mar 21, 2005

It sounds like this guy's worth a lot more to you at the poker table than $450, so I wouldn't really worry about it.

tatehill2000 · Mar 21, 2005

nothing worse than a Stiff,,,, there is no excuse,,, if you had lost would he of taken the cash? or given it back SAYING,,,, I just wanted the HONOR of beating you,,,, that is the question to be asked,,,,, you cantn tell me he didnt know your skills???? he SAW YOUR PLAY????WTF???

If you owe,,,you Pay,,,, thats the Rule!,,,, I dont give a Fk if its in theri own state, city, county, Block, House, or Fn Bed Room,,,,

YOu take the Rings and Watch off his hand for Collateral,,,,and he still owes you 450.00

fkn Scumbags,,,
tater

Backgammon stiffs (a bit off topic)

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