Neil Kazaross

A Backgammon Luminary and Strategic Genius

Renowned as a Backgammon Superman, Neil Kazaross epitomizes excellence both on and off the board. A native of Armenian descent residing in Illinois, USA, Neil has dominated the backgammon scene for over four decades, beginning his competitive journey in the late 1970s. In addition to his remarkable achievements in backgammon, Neil has forged a successful career as a stock trader in the bustling city of Chicago, leveraging his strategic acumen and analytical skills to navigate the complexities of financial markets.

Neil’s contributions to the game transcend mere gameplay; his analytical prowess and mathematical acumen have propelled him to the forefront of backgammon theory. Notably, he pioneered groundbreaking concepts such as “Neil’s Numbers” and collaborated with David Rockwell to construct modern Match Equity Tables, revolutionizing Opening Theory and Match Equities. In addition to these innovations, Neil possesses unpublished methods to determine match equities that are outside the scope of Neil’s Numbers. Furthermore, he is recognized as an expert on race and bearoff cubes, as well as opening play, further solidifying his status as a leading authority in the world of backgammon.

Throughout his illustrious career, Neil has amassed a staggering array of titles and trophies, solidifying his status as one of America’s most successful players. With an impressive record of victories in Super Jackpots and Doubles events both domestically and internationally, Neil boasts 20 ABT Open titles and 6 ABT annual 1st place trophies, a feat unmatched by any other player.

Neil’s strategic brilliance is further showcased in his pivotal matches, some of which are meticulously annotated in the book “Backgammon with the Giants: Neil Kazaross,” written by Antonio Ortega and Danny Kleinman. His exceptional gameplay against esteemed opponents like François Tardieu, Malcolm Davis, and Charlie Russell serves as a testament to his enduring legacy in the game.

Consistently ranked among the top players worldwide, Neil has been a mainstay on the prestigious Giant 32 List since its inception in 1993, reaching as high as #2 (top 10 since 1995). As a BMAB Grandmaster G2, Neil’s expertise is revered across the backgammon community. Furthermore, Neil Kazaross was inducted into the first Backgammon Hall of Fame and Lifetime Achievement in 2015, a testament to his enduring impact on the game. He holds the distinction of being the all-time number one player in the American Backgammon Tour standings spanning a period of sixteen years. At the Chicago Bar Point Club, he earned the title of “Player of the Year” five times, underscoring his consistent excellence and dominance in the backgammon circuit.

Beyond his individual achievements, Neil’s impact on the game extends to literature, with his insights and strategies immortalized in several books, most notably “Backgammon with the Giants, Neil Kazaross.” Additionally, he has significantly influenced the game through software development, playing an instrumental role in the creation of XG2, the premier software for backgammon analysis. His tireless efforts in consulting, proofreading, live match commentary, and seminar presentations around the world have left an indelible mark on the backgammon landscape.

An avid educator and mentor, Neil generously shares his wealth of experience and knowledge to empower aspiring players to achieve greatness. His dedication to advancing the game and nurturing future talent cements his status as an invaluable asset to the backgammon community.