Fernando Braconi

The Italian Joker Player

Fernando Braconi, a formidable force in the realm of backgammon, embarked on his journey into the game in 2004 at the age of 21. Introduced to the game on Zone.com, Braconi’s passion was ignited by the vibrant community of Italian players in the EU_IT group, fostering an environment of camaraderie and skill development.

Despite having no prior exposure to backgammon, Braconi’s innate talent and dedication propelled him to delve deeply into the game. Analyzing a plethora of matches with GNU, he meticulously deciphered the intricacies of the game, gradually honing his skills to reach a commendable level of play within his first year.

Braconi’s foray into live tournaments commenced in 2005, where he showcased his burgeoning talent by reaching the finals of a tournament on the Italian Circuit. Relocating to Milan for work the following year provided Braconi with the opportunity to rub shoulders with some of Italy’s top players, culminating in a triumphant season at the club.

Venturing onto the international stage in 2008, Braconi’s ascent was swift and remarkable. A finalist in his inaugural tournament outside Italy at the Partouche Tour in Cannes, he continued his winning streak by clinching the European Championships title in Velden and the Super Jackpot, marking his first live victory.

Despite a brief hiatus from backgammon, Braconi’s prodigious talent earned him an invitation to compete in prestigious events such as the World VS Denmark at the Nordic Open 2010. A stint in Greece further enriched his backgammon journey, where he contributed as a tournament director for international events organized by the Greek Federation.

Returning to Italy in 2016 reignited Braconi’s passion for the game, leading to a string of remarkable achievements. Noteworthy triumphs include clinching the title at the Monte Carlo Open and the Super Jackpot Swiss Open in 2011, underscoring his early dominance on the international stage. Braconi’s stellar performance reached new heights with a remarkable victory at the Rome Open and the Milan Open in 2017, 3rd place finish at the Monte Carlo World Championship in 2022, followed by triumphant victories at the World Team and Speedgammon events in.

Venice the same year. Braconi’s winning streak persisted with back-to-back triumphs at the World Team online event in 2022 and 2024, alongside a slew of impressive accolades including doubles victories and championship titles at events such as the 869BG Challenge in Gibraltar and the ABT Open @46th California State. His prowess on the board continued to shine with a doubles victory at the 8th Riccione D’Inverno CNB in 2024 and a triumph at the prestigious 31st Città di Torino in the same year, solidifying his status as a force to be reckoned with in the world of backgammon. His exceptional performance has earned him the title of M1 with a remarkable 4.1PR as recognized by the BMAB. Braconi’s consistent excellence has also garnered him recognition on the Giant list since 2009, currently holding the esteemed position of 37th, a testament to his enduring impact and skill in the world of backgammon.

Braconi’s teaching philosophy embodies clarity and logic, prioritizing the understanding of concepts over complex calculations. Through his rational approach, he endeavors to demystify the game, empowering students to solve backgammon problems independently and improve their performance organically.

With an illustrious list of victories and accolades, Fernando Braconi stands as a testament to the transformative power of dedication, talent, and a deep understanding of the game of backgammon. His continued success and commitment to nurturing the next generation of players ensure that his legacy in the world of backgammon will endure for years to come.