Zakynthos - A Pair of Dice in Paradise

Report by Becca Thompson. Pictures by Becca Thompson and Dave Marshall
This is the second report from Zakynthos - and it isn’t referring to the one published here, they are separate events! I have published both accounts so that you, their potential customers, can make up your mind with whom to spend the next Festival.

For more information on the event on this page, contact John Clark or see advert.

 

The temperature was sizzling hot in Zakynthos, Greece and we received a warm welcome from The Peligoni Club staff: enthusiastic, hotblooded college kids all looking like they just stepped out of a Calvin Klein ad. Play began before we had even unpacked our suitcases, most of us peeling down to as little clothing as possible under the island sun.

This was to be a hugely anticipated week of great backgammon players, raucous late nights of poker, fabulous food and all the offerings of water sports you could squeeze in between matches. The week also brought with it a heat wave with the highest temperatures Greece had seen for 60 years. Eek! There were 34 players representing 14 countries - the best, most diverse turnout yet! Had the United Nations needed a summit committee for backgammon it could easily have been our group.

   
Amongst the gammoners were notables like Lars Trabolt, Carter Mattig, Mike Heard, John Hurst, Dan O'Farrell (Zakynthos 2006 Champ), the Godfather of televised backgammon, Andy Bell and of course our beloved but formidable host, John Clark (left). Renowned violinist and cellist Roland Herrera and Simonetta Barone joined us sans instruments though Simonetta rarely began a match without her iPod.
   

A few of us treated ourselves (and our bank accounts) to a break from the action to take in the local geography by boat and scooter. I especially enjoyed the natural beauty of the Blue Caves and the thermal streams of Sulphur Beach, whose mineral properties are said to rival even the best spa treatments. Irreplaceable Peligoni staff member, Sheila, was always available to play tour guide and shared some of the best kept secrets, like the whereabouts of the baby fruit bats, with us. My partner Dave and I were the only ones to give windsurfing, the signature sport of Club Peligoni, a try and I must admit we got the hang of it right away, grinning like Cheshires during a few long, wind-runs.

 

Late into the night, raucous poker was a real education for me, not for the faint-hearted and it was great to see a table almost entirely of women dominating the action one evening.

John Leavey was a most patient and committed coach as he ran us poker newbies through the etiquette and strategies of Texas Hold ‘Em, on a daily basis, always willing to share his knowledge.

Above: Poker

Right: John Leavey

Peligoni’s delightful owner, Ian Shearer, who always joined us in both gammon and poker graciously offered up his gorgeous sea front villa, Figari for a cocktail party one evening and I was lucky enough to get a personal tour with details on the art and specially imported Moroccan wood throughout itsmagnificent design. It was a record breaking week in several ways and most memorable for all of us. As a first-timer my gammon week at Zakynthos already holds a special place in my heart and I can hardly wait till next year! Hope you will join us.
Countries Represented in Zakynthos
Backgammon Royal Family
Australia
Norway
Canada
Portugal
Denmark
Scotland
England
South Africa
France
Spain
Ireland
Sweden
Italy
USA

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Carter Mattig
Lars Trabolt
Dan O'Farrell
Hanna Nilsson
John Hurst
Andy Bell
(principality of the Isle of Man too)
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The 7th Zakynthos Festival of Backgammon and Poker
June 19th – 26th 2008
The Peligoni Club is delighted to be hosting the 7th annual event with John Clark as the event director, John Leavey (who will also be giving daily tutorials) as Poker Director, and Gay Roberts as Chip Dolly.

Play takes place on the terraces of The Peligoni Club with breathtaking views over the Ionian Sea to Kefalonia. The restaurant serves brasserie type food and both the Rock Bar and the Driftwood Bar are open until the last guests go home. With the use of all the Club facilities and a wide choice of accommodation, players and their families are in for a fabulous week.
Backgammon
  • Intermediate and Advanced Play
  • Daily £50/75€ Backgammon Tournaments
  • All tournaments will be 100% return
  • Added Money TBA
  • Multi-flight dependent on attendee levels with differing entry fees TBA
Poker
  • Daily £20/30€ no limit Hold’em Poker
  • Unlimited re-buys within 90 minutes
  • Added Money TBA
Package Includes:
  • Accommodation, Airport and Local Transfers
  • Lunch and Dinner at the Peligoni Club
  • Club Membership
  • Prices (2007 level held!) £545 single £515 sharing.
  • Private Villas and Luxury or Super Luxury accommodation also available. (Prices on demand)
  • All the tournaments will be 100% return, & No Registration Fees for Guests.

There will be a £10/15€ registration fee for all Non-Guests per Tournament.
Enjoy Glamorous Backgammon and Poker in the true secret of the Mediterranean

Reservations and Registration
Website: www.peligoni.com
Telephone: 01243 511 499
E-Mail: fairlie@peligoni.com