9th – 11th January 2026.
Prize draw for all those who complete the questionnaire
Brighton Breezy Open
9th – 11th January 2026
The Old Ship Hotel
Breezy Brighton Backgammon Open is a three-day gala of backgammon, continuing the proud tradition of January tournaments in Brighton, originally established by BIBA. Now in its fourth year under the stewardship of Brighton Backgammon, the event carries this legacy forward with both Masters and Intermediate flights, offering competitive play for all levels.
The programme begins on Friday with a range of side events, leading into the Warm-Up and the prestigious Super-Jackpot, both starting at 7:00pm.
Main competition play commences at 10:00am Saturday with a 9-point, double-elimination continuous Swiss format — five rounds on Saturday, with the remaining matches concluding on Sunday. A 7-point progressive consolation begins at 10:00am Sunday, followed by the Farewell Tournament at 1:00pm.
Saturday evening features the popular Consultation Doubles (5-point matches), starting at 7:30pm, with three rounds continuing into Sunday.
The venue is once again the Paganini Ballrooms at the Old Ship Hotel. Discount codes for accommodation will be available shortly
Use code: BACK090126
1 Night @ £100 Single occupancy
2 Nights @ £160
3 Nights @ £225
4 Nights @ £300
Double occupancy rates increase £15 per night
Longer stays are available, ask Hotel for best rates.
Tel: 01273 329001
Friday 9th January 2026
Will be around from 12 noon with fun side events if you get here early.
Hopefully everyone will have registered and paid up beforehand, registration shuts at 6pm.
Warm-up (5 points)
To be a straight knockout with £100 added and side pools.
Players losing in the first round will be entered into a consolation knockout (5 points) with an added prize of £50 to the winner.
Super Jackpot to commence at same time as warm-up, 11 point matches. Entry fee ~£200 (10% rake) with side pools. probably 8 players, maybe 16 to be confirmed. Prize money and pools to be split 65/35
Saturday 10th January 2026
Everyone must arrive by 9.30am and already be fully paid up ready to commence at 10.00am, the draw will be announced after any announcements. Penalty points will start to be imposed after 10.15 and thereafter every 5 minutes until 5 points loses match.
Double elimination continuous Swiss 9 point matches, Clock mandatory (14mins Bank/12secs per point). Players will be allowed one 5 min break in the match which must be taken at same time.
With 64/80 player draw, after 6 or 7 rounds there will be one player undefeated who will gain a winning bonus as there will only be one final (this will be 9/11 points).
As players lose second life they will enter a progressive Consolation (5 point matches) (8mins Bank/ 12 seconds per point).
Enjoy the rest of the day doing what you want or;
Consultation Doubles Evening @ 7.30pm 5 point matches hopefully 3 rounds played in evening with any further round played Sunday. Players may only enter if not playing in other main events
Super Jackpot Completion of Super Jackpot rounds which commenced on the Friday.
You may not enter Doubles if still in the Super Jackpot or Main event unless you have managed to complete your matches by 7pm Saturday (or can be organised on Sunday)
Sunday 11th January 2025
10.00 am continuation of both Main / Second Chance and Consolation rounds.
1.00 pm Farewell to Brighton knockouts/ will commence with players added as losing in Consolation up until 3pm.
Hopefully all matches will be completed by 8 pm but could go on till later.
It would be great if players could hang around Sunday evening for a relaxing drink and maybe some Chouette after the event.
Sponsors
Rybka
Located centrally in the south Laines of Brighton.
https://www.rybka.fish/
Entry Fees and Pay-out
Registration Fee
£50 Masters and £45 Intermediates
Entry
Warm up £200 added, Entry free for those in main event or £10 with optional side pools £10, £25
Bonus knockout for first round losers £50 prize
Super Jackpot if enough interest for a draw of 8/16 (10% rake on entry) £TBC
Main Double Elimination Continuous Swiss
Masters £100 Entry (with optional side pools £25, £50.£100 and £200)
Intermediates £50 Entry (with optional side pools £10, £25 and £50)
You may enter as many side pools as you like. Side pools are paid out to the furthest progression in each level 65/35% split.
Progressive Consolation.
Masters and Intermediate Side pools £10, £20 and £50
Main entry fee split:
79% main (Undefeated bonus 5%), 33% Winner, 20% Finalist 10% 3rd, 4% 4th, 3% 5th)
21% Consolation (10% Winner 5% Finalist. 3% Semis)
Consultation Doubles £60 per team with optional side pools £20 £50
Farewell Knockouts.
All players out of main event and Consolation by 3pm Sunday merged together £100 added, Side pool £10 or £20
Will be a progressive continuous Swiss knockout with players added after first two rounds as dropping out of consolation.
(players attending just for Sunday can enter £20 entry fee plus side pools)
Side pools. paid out 65/35% to those progressing furthest in events.
Win a board
There will also be a number of 3 point (32 player) knockouts with as many rebuys to win (winner chooses from):
A Cocoon Tournament board with Bag.
An Artgammon Tournament board
There maybe additional 32 player knockouts board events on demand
