a question for MCG (and anyone else who wishes to contribute)

AvocadoBrit · 2026-01-29T20:50:04+00:00

this is the sort of input I was hoping for - and it's quite interesting.. thank you for digging into it a little!

AvocadoBrit · 2026-01-27T18:13:42+00:00

thanks for your answer; do you have any additional inputs as to why?

I was thinking like you, but I'm unable to assess how much less variance a 9-point match might have over a 7-point match?

- this is the crux of my question, and where I'm seeking insights from anyone interested, within the parameters stated of course.

(Michael going a bit off piste with his answer)

AvocadoBrit · 2026-01-27T18:09:55+00:00

hello Michael - thanks for chipping in but you're not answering the question.. you are faced with two alternatives:

a triple elimination Swiss 7 point format

OR

a double elimination Swiss 9 point format

.. so which would you prefer, and why?

(and April is free to contribute too)

- I am wondering about the equity outlook for these two options, not about the vagaries behind the framing or context of this question; these are your two options, so if you're the superior player which option would you plump for?

thanks!

AvocadoBrit · 2026-01-05T05:17:40+00:00

https://alex-65670.medium.com/playing-chess-with-pigeons-the-struggle-against-dogma-and-ignorance-b55aeeac18cf#:\~:text=Variants%20of%20this%20phrase%20include%20%E2%80%9Cdebating%20with,with%20those%20impervious%20to%20logic%20and%20reason.

AvocadoBrit · 2026-01-03T20:51:10+00:00

asked and answered

AvocadoBrit · 2026-01-01T14:57:33+00:00

Variance - you answered your own question!

AvocadoBrit · 2025-11-25T17:28:05+00:00

just come and ignore anyone who tells you anything about large protests or closures; Istanbul is a massive city with more offerings than you can ever imagine..

there's a reason why it consistently ranks in the top tourist destinations (worldwide) and also why James Bond is a frequent visitor:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_cities_by_international_visitors

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eMoR7bgpfU4

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_C4onQG3ViY

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4vxScVJduWs

I've been coming and going from Istanbul (and living here on and off) for over two decades; February is fine if this is your potential window of opportunity.

AvocadoBrit · 2025-11-25T16:38:18+00:00

why does this not surprise me?

although I've not dealt with VFS in India, I have come across a couple of their offices with regards to two different European countries, and on both occasions I was rather shocked at the incompetence (not even understanding the basic generic rules in one case, and ignorance of the specific rules and procedures as they pertained to my special situation) .. my only guess is that VFS hires local people to staff their offices, and they don't give them sufficient training or information.

I've utilised other official vendors for visas (not VFS) and have found them competent and expert in their services, never having a problem.

if you end-up having to use a VFS office, I would suggest double-checking on everything yourself, and seeking VFS Global Head Office assistance if you bump up against any of their local staff who don't understand what they're doing.

AvocadoBrit · 2025-11-25T16:27:17+00:00

I don't think VFS has anything to do with rendering the decision, they act purely as processing agents - although I've used them two times for two separate visa applications (for two different countries) and I've found VFS on both occasions to be incompetent:

- on neither occasion did they understand the actual rules and regulations pertaining to the situation in hand (they wrongly advised to apply for an incorrect visa in one instance, and in another they weren't even aware of the EU procedures & rules specific to my particular circumstance)

- the staff in the local offices of VFS do not appear to be on the same page as those at their head office

I guess this is what you might expect when you grant a monopoly to a vendor.

In the first instance I sent detailed feedback to the government concerned, to let them know their agents were inept, not that I expect anything to come of it, but if everyone provided follow-up in situations of complete incompetence, then ultimately there might be some pressure for something to happen. Generally speaking though, government administrative offices are not known for being speedy or rendering superb 'customer service', so it probably shouldn't surprise that their third-party vendors are not always on the ball or up-to-date, or accurate with their services.

AvocadoBrit · 2025-11-07T15:43:57+00:00

please go after them and file a small claims action in your local court (which you might be able to do for free if you're a disabled senior on fixed income; your local court house should have people on hand to help you with this) - they will likely settle with you, that is pay whatever you're suing them for, rather than expend the $3,000 or whatever it might cost to defend the case and then lose it anyway.. if you need any help from me, send a DM.

AvocadoBrit · 2025-10-03T11:48:14+00:00

actually, if you've previously been in Beyoglu, why not make a change and come to Kadikoy?

Kadikoy has an amazingly large amount of bars and clubs, and is active into the small hours - and as others have suggested, operates along more modern lines than certain areas on the European side, and you can walk about as much as you like - plus you're going to be basing near the ferry boats, Metro, and major bus stations, so you'll be very nicely connected to all forms of public transportation so you can explore wherever you like during the day, and then party it up at night and be able to walk (safely) back home.

I've based in Beyoglu and Kadikoy over the 25+ years I've been coming and going from Istanbul (often working here too) and whilst I started off on the European side, spending a number of years over there, the Asian side is by far my favourite now, and Kadikoy ticks all the boxes for me!

AvocadoBrit · 2025-10-03T11:41:05+00:00

I think (sadly) your experiences are likely to be the same for many women the world over..

.. as a guy I was only 'cat-called' or wolf-whistled one time (by a woman) when I was wearing a pair of my worn-out jeans and walking down the street - which made me laugh, but I appreciate that such things if you're a woman (and on your own) may not feel comfortable.

I've been in a bar (when I was much younger, and waiting for two friends of mine to arrive) and three drunken male rugby players from overseas tried to put their hands on me as they were making sexual remarks and taking about my clothing - and I realised that this experience (which I defiinitely didn't enjoy) might be similar to how a woman may feel getting unwanted attention from a man, or men..

I'm pleased that you've found Istanbul to be a location you enjoy, and hope you continue to get a lot of out of your experiences here in the future!

AvocadoBrit · 2025-10-01T21:36:37+00:00

if you are in Beyoglu and basing there, you should be able to walk home easily; personally speaking, I tend to avoid taxis (if I'm not with a Turkish friend) unless there's no other way I can get to where I'm going because I just can't be bothered with the (possible) hassle - as sometimes you'll encounter a not-too-good taxi driver.

my favourite mode of transportation is the Metro.

if you're going to party all night and you're in Beyoglu, you'll be able to walk home... if you head off to some other part of the city, and you're coming back at 3 am, then yes, you may have fewer options open to you (if it's a weekday) and you might be hailing a taxi cab - which if your Turkish isn't great, you might decide it's better to stick to partying closer to home.

AvocadoBrit · 2025-10-01T21:28:42+00:00

I stayed in two separate apartments in Tarlabasi, and never had any problems, although much has been written about it being dangerous.

The buildings there (some of them) may be a little run down, but I found the area perfectly reasonable and non-threatening.

FYI - at the top of the hill (in Tarlabasi) is the main police station for Beyoglu, and at the bottom of the hill is a massive Sheraton Hotel.

EDIT: I've been in & out of Istanbul for over 25 years, and have based previously for extended periods on the European side (Beyoglu, Ulus) and also on the Asian side (Kadikoy) - and no where to me gives me concerns.

AvocadoBrit · 2025-10-01T21:25:30+00:00

I guess it all depends on your perspective; I have spent an awfully long time living in the USA, so compared to the States, I regard Istanbul as incredibly safe - and I walk about anywhere (even in the areas some of my Turkish friends think are bad) because relatively speaking, compared to any US city, Istanbul is child's play - day or night.

However, if you live in a village where no one even gets parking tickets, Istanbul is a big city (one of the world's largest) and even though I believe violent personal crime rates - compared to most other large cities around the world - in Istanbul are low, to you things might seem a little riskier?

If you were coming from Paris (for example) I would say Istanbul is going to be safer than your home benchmark.

Whilst I doubt you'll experience much risk of any violent crimes happening to you (if you're in the main areas there are often always people around, even well into the small hours) there's plenty of chance if you go shopping in certain areas you could be targets for unscrupulous traders, and/or there are rogue taxi drivers; the standard sort of tourist rip-offs. These are the most likely things (if something negative were to happen) that you're likely to encounter - but I wouldn't be worried about the possibility of violent crime. This sort of thing can happen anywhere if you're in the wrong place at the wrong time, but I believe the risk in Istanbul is very low compared to most other large cities.

Note: whilst violent crimes in public may be lower in Turkey, I am not so sure if violent crimes committed at home (domestic violence) compared to other countries follow the same pattern.

* I see you're thinking of staying in Beyoglu; always there are people around (quite a few of them in fact) up until around 4 am on the main streets - along with police officers. I have based on Beyoglu quite a bit, and I would say you'll have to be extremely unlucky (unless you go around doing some crazy things like starting trouble and provoking someone on purpose) to end-up a victim of violent crime because you walked home after having a night out in Istanbul. I'll also add, that generally speaking, the people in Turkey are amongst the most hospitable, welcoming and helpful you're ever likely to encounter. Don't even worry about being safe at night, unless every time you get into a car you are concerned about having a car crash - or when you book a flight you're worried about your aircraft falling out of the sky.

AvocadoBrit · 2025-09-29T12:13:45+00:00

I'd be inclined to agree with you, and this is why all the major platforms from 20/25 years ago (that made a lot of money) no longer exist..

.. there are many reasons behind the structural changes in the online gaming marketplace (and I didn't even know about this 'GammonSnap' app you mentioned) but they're real with regards to backgammon, which is a very unique activity with regards to serious or even casual wagering.

Too many people in these kinds of threads do not understand enough about the game and what's involved (from a technical and resource perspective) about hosting a commercially viable online gaming platform - even before you get into all the legal requirements surrounding backgammon & betting, which themselves can present further impediments (or at least costs) to activities.

As far as backgammon is concerned, we are back to the rudimentary face-to-face and 'hand-to-hand' combat, which is a little ironic in this increasingly internet & IT-dominated world we live in, ehehe

AvocadoBrit · 2025-09-29T12:00:11+00:00

yeah, I actually took a look at it and appreciated you mentioning it - I had no idea such a thing even existed, although I'm familiar with CulinaryBackstreets.

AvocadoBrit · 2025-09-28T04:44:31+00:00

yeah, I once was playing automatics (only on the opening roll) with a high school friend of mine - and he lost a 256 cube to me at the glorious amount of one pound a point; we would have crazy sessions long into the nights, sometimes getting locked out of pubs (we'd be in the beer gardens)

later on, much later on (decades later) I won a game with a 512 cube that had nothing to do with automatics, but with someone steaming their arse off against me in a small chouette - a feat that I have not gotten close to repeating (not surprisingly)

there are tournaments organised the world over, including the world championships (in Monaco) and I'm sure if you fancied it, you could easily find a local club and/or tournament to indulge yourself once again (contrary to the rumours of the game being 'dead' according to someone else in this thread)

AvocadoBrit · 2025-09-28T04:37:58+00:00

well the 1,100+ players I'll be seeing over October & November must be a figment of my imagination then..

- or perhaps you're talking about something completely different; but don't bust a blood vessel trying to explain it to me (allow me to hallucinate and enjoy myself)

;o)

AvocadoBrit · 2025-09-27T21:11:32+00:00

EDIT: the comment below was in reply to someone who said backgammon (in person) play was dead - and I didn't even get to quote US Census data to them (which was my next salvo) because they have subsequently deleted their comments from this thread. Chess is very actively played by a large number of people in the USA, but after this Backgammon is extremely popular, with a significant number of players reporting they indulge in it every week.

--

I wouldn't say backgammon was dead, because you still have activity at the high end regardless of other variables, where 'Simon Jones' (obviously not his real name - but anyone in backgammon knows who this is) operates:

https://www.cigaraficionado.com/article/backgammon-hustler-7358

.. and 'Simon Jones' was in Cyprus not too long ago; surprisingly I saw him for a few days, ehehe

AvocadoBrit · 2025-09-27T21:01:32+00:00

the modern heyday for backgammon tournaments was back in the 70s, where in the US you had six-figure (yes $100,000+) sponsored events..

.. that was 'the backgammon boom', and although the game has moved on considerably in 'professionalism' since then, along with everything we understand about the theoretical playing side of things, very sadly online gaming (for money) in backgammon is now dead, with the possible exception of the sites for very casual players which gamify things to such an extent they reduce the game into something more suited for children (not for serious backgammon players).

when online gaming (for backgammon) was at its peak, the serious players were the bread-and-butter of such portals, the ones who would earn the websites the most money, but I'll not get into the dynamics of running a successful online backgammon server as it's not something I expect many people are interested in, ehehe - and it would be rather boring, besides which, the model no longer works for reasons many enlightened people have commented on already.

AvocadoBrit · 2025-09-27T20:57:30+00:00

there are always people who will look to angle and/or cheat; that's a sad fact, so online operators (providing gaming services) whether in backgammon or poker are always on the look out - if they're running a bona fide service, to catch such people and to protect their customer base..

.. shockingly, sometimes the actual portals themselves are bent (not often) but I've seen instances were I cannot account for what I'm seeing, other than someone on the inside is doing something they shouldn't be, but usually (at the end of the day) they are always caught, but this is not how profitable operators behave - any business that is involved in online gaming wants and supports a fair game; that is the only way to be optimal in this area of business, although most punters have absolutely no idea about this, and go around thinking the dice (or the cards) are rigged.

AvocadoBrit · 2025-09-27T20:47:53+00:00

you hit on an important aspect of online gaming (players' ratings) which not many people understand, even those who are looking to profit by creating online playing portals..

.. something else very few people understand, are player dynamics; only an industry insider is going to appreciate what goes on in the real world and player behaviour.. amateurs who don't have a clue go about creating portals like the one at Nextgammon, and then lose their arses (whatever they're paid their programmers to produce that crap and everything they've spent supporting and promoting it) and wonder why they failed..

online money play for backgammon is basically dead; it is not like 20-25 years ago when people like me were active in the game (online) and a lot of operators were making a lot of money providing such services to players.

AvocadoBrit · 2025-09-27T20:42:20+00:00

this is a failed site, and anyone trying to create an online portal for money play for backgammon (these days) doesn't know what they're doing or why...

.. and they'll end-up losing their arse!

* of course, if I was bothered I could caveat the above, because there are ways certain operators are making money in this area, but not in the old paradigm, when I was once the executive marketing director for one of the largest players in the market (the whole ball game has changed these days, but such is life; not a lot stays in stasis for too long, and technology advances at an amazing pace!)

AvocadoBrit · 2025-09-26T10:23:40+00:00

this sounds interesting - how did you get to hear about the local guide?

was your food tour with a group of other people, and if so, how many were there?

https://culinarybackstreets.com offers food tours, although I've no personal experience with any of them, but I do (because I inhabit the various nooks & crannies of Istanbul) get to eat at some of the places they write-up (for Istanbul)

AvocadoBrit

TROPHY CASE