Since early November, Play65 Backgammon has been offering women a special deal when it comes to backgammon play. Ladies can now get a free entry into a weekly tournament at the online backgammon site while men still have to pay a small entry fee.

The new offering is called Ladies First and it is the first ladies cup of online backgammon. Many backgammon tournaments, especially land events, focus on men and they are the majority that makes up the tournaments field. The backgammon website is now trying to get both sexes to participate in the game of backgammon.

Caroline Tholman a spokesperson for Play65 commented: “The Ladies First tournament purpose is to support and strengthen women in backgammon. Talking with some women professional players I heard conflicting opinions about the recommended way to promote women in the field. Some said they enjoy playing with their female colleagues, while others find it downgrading to be expelled from the main event.”

“Despite the dispute, Play65 wanted to create a special event in which women players would feel especially welcomed without doubting their ability to play with the boys. As long as full equality is not achieved, women issues require a special dealing and giving our women members a little encouragement in the form of a free tourney is our way to bring it closer"




- 2009-12-02