Zdenek Zizka

Backgammon Grandmaster and Private Coach

In the heart of Prague, Czech Republic, in 1998, a prodigious talent emerged in the world of backgammon – Zdenek Žižka. His journey into the game began at the tender age of 5, nurtured by a family deeply entrenched in the allure of backgammon. Raised in an environment where the clatter of dice and the strategic dance of checkers were commonplace, Zdenek’s fascination with the game was ignited by his mother, Eva, herself a formidable player.

From those early days of familial matches to the high-stakes arenas of international tournaments, Zdenek’s trajectory has been nothing short of extraordinary. Though his formal training commenced just a few years ago under the tutelage of his mother and esteemed mentors like Jan (Honza) Cerny and Pavel Zaoral, his dedication and passion for the game have propelled him to the upper echelons of backgammon mastery.

Zdenek’s pursuit of excellence has been relentless. Balancing his academic pursuits at a specialized mathematics high school in Prague with an unwavering commitment to his craft, he embarked on a journey of self-discovery and improvement. Immersed in the complexities of the game, Zdenek’s analytical mind found solace in dissecting positions, analyzing moves, and delving into the intricacies of strategy.

His emergence as a formidable force in the backgammon world was swift and decisive. In 2014, at the age of 16, Zdenek clinched his maiden international title in Cyprus, in the intermediate division, a testament to his burgeoning talent and tenacity. With each passing year, his star continued to rise, marked by victories in prestigious tournaments across Europe and beyond. Notably, in 2015, he showcased championship-level prowess by winning the super jackpot in Zagreb and securing the runner-up position in Sibenik. His strategic brilliance also earned him PR prizes in BMAB tournaments in Schwaz and Prague. In 2016, he further solidified his reputation with notable achievements in Berlin, Vienna, and Cyprus. Zdenek’s dominance extended to online tournaments, where he triumphed in USBGF events and secured the Masters Divisional IV title in 2015. Additionally, he achieved significant milestones such as winning the Monte Carlo Open in2018 and reaching semifinals in several prestigious tournaments. His talent transcended borders, as he excelled in international competitions and contributed to victories in events like the World vs Denmark tournament at the Nordic Open in 2016.

Zdenek’s impressive accolades include achieving the esteemed title of Grandmaster G0 by the BMAB. This rare accomplishment demands an average performance rating (PR) of 2.7 in his last 300 recorded matches, with a remarkable win rate exceeding 65%. These results highlight Zdenek’s mastery of backgammon and establish him as a formidable player in the community. Noteworthy among his achievements are his appearances in the finals of the World Championship in 2022, the Las Vegas Open, and the $2,500 Mega Jackpot in Merit Cyprus. Additionally, he secured victories in the Super Jackpot in Dubai and the Athens WBIF Tour event, while also garnering runner-up finishes in the UBC – Ultimate Backgammon Championship in both 2022 and 2023. Zdenek’s legacy is firmly etched in the annals of backgammon history, a testament to his skill and dedication to the game.

Yet, Zdenek’s impact transcends the realm of competition. As a dedicated coach and mentor, he seeks to impart his knowledge and wisdom to the next generation of players. Through his platform, backgammoncoaching.com, Zdenek offers a unique blend of expertise, insight, and encouragement, empowering players to unlock their full potential and navigate the complexities of the game with confidence and clarity.

Beyond the realm of backgammon, Zdenek’s talents extend to the world of poker, where his mathematical prowess and strategic acumen have earned him acclaim and admiration. Armed with a multifaceted skill set and an insatiable thirst for knowledge, Zdenek continues to push the boundaries of his potential, inspiring players around the globe to strive for greatness in the game he loves. In every roll of the dice and every move on the board, Zdenek Žižka embodies the essence of a true backgammon maestro, a shining beacon of skill, passion, and dedication.