Tournament Likes / Tournament Hates....

[Steven Pleva]

I’ve tested enough non-precision dice and had them fail that I won’t use them out of a sense of fairness. Haven’t had a precision die fail yet. So, no. Evidence. Not a massive sample size, but not tiny either. And when somebody thinks they have “lucky” dice, there’s usually a reason.

We have a winner!
Steve

 

[Mister T]

But if they would be declared mandatory, I would shun the tournament.

May i respectfully note that this is a conjecture as you never go to tournaments anyway.

 

[Robin Reeve]

I went to one once and I could attend one if not too far and at a time which my real life commitments would allow.

 

[Steven Pleva]

The Albany "Dice rule" is this: "You can ask to share your opponent's dice unless they are precision dice." This means if you bring some dodgy looking cubes then your opponent can ask to share. If you want to be certain you don't have to share dice, bring precision dice. For the most part, people use precision dice these days so the rule is unlikely to be used. That is fine by me.

On topic: I've enjoyed all the tournaments I've been to. I have a slight preference for scenarios neither player has seen, but I also enjoy a published list as well...
Steve

 

[Ganjulama]

I also like: Easy access to decent food

This is the biggest challenge in organizing a tournament. We have been at the Ramada in Raleigh for years, but food is not within walking distance. We've scouted other locations closer to decent food but the price of the game room (triple what we pay now, and up) and the hotel rooms (double what Ramada charges) would, I think, deter attendance. Would you pay a $100 admission fee and $200 per night for a hotel room? I'm only guessing, but I think that most would not.

I too prefer precision dice but we have not mandated them at the Bitter Ender. I've never heard someone complain about opponents dice. That might change with Spencer attending again .

My biggest pet peeve is using a dice glass. As I've gotten older I REALLY don't like the clinking. Nevertheless I'm loath to ban them.

The Swedish ASL Tournament goes as far as I've seen regarding dice, dice towers, and even rules on what constitutes an official roll in those towers. I would still go in a heart beat if I had the chance.

Each tournament has its own vibe. We try to keep the Bitter Ender organized but laid back at the same time.

 

[BattleSchool]

Seen several Battleschool dice lose their fillings completly or started to worn out its number-one-symbol. Still the players have no desire to use Precision dice instead, when asked to.

Received Battleschool dice as a gift with some silver foil symbols, schratched it with my nail and it was immediately a tiny visible mark, trash can next.

Have Precision Dice dated back to 1996 still never have any dot pop out or even started to worn out.

Have only had one reported case of a pip (i.e., the epoxy that fills the hole drilled for each spot) falling out. This can occur due to rapid changes in temperature. For example, storing dice outside in below zero temperatures and then placing them on a table in direct sunlight. Precision dice as a whole are not immune to this. Moreover our custom precision dice are manufactured to the same standards as precision craps dice used in casinos. The only difference in the process is that our dice are ball-cornered to permit better action, or rolling, just as precision backgammon dice are.

The ultra-thin foil used for monograms on casino (and BattleDice) is thin for a reason. While it can wear, especially if deliberately scratched and treated to sweaty mittens for days on end without cleaning (salts and acids will corrode/wear down the foil over time), the weight of the foil is so minuscule that it will not impact balance. More important for ensuring balance is that the dice are "square" on all sides to within a 1/10,000 of an inch, and that the cellulose acetate removed for each pip is replaced with epoxy of the same density.

Bottom line is that BattleDice are simply precision backgammon dice with custom foil monograms. They occasionally have different coloured pips, although this is no longer exclusive to our BattleDice, as we have been carrying precision backgammon dice with colour pips for two or three years now.

Regardless of whether you like the look of BattleDice, or not, I would strongly encourage players to purchase one pair of precision dice. A set of white and bright-red precision dice will not break the bank. Andreas (Trojan Games in Sweden) carries our precision backgammon dice, if folks think that our shipping costs to Europe ($10) are prohibitive.

 

[BattleSchool]

My biggest pet peeve is using a dice glass. As I've gotten older I REALLY don't like the clinking.

I'm with you on this. I have some nice-looking souvenir dice cups from various tournaments, but only use them for drinking--another controversial subject at tournaments. Keep a lid on it please!

Not everyone can afford to spring for a Belcher or Pleva dicetower. But I'd rather players used a leather cup (and emptied the dice onto a pad, as some European players do), than slam dice into a glass. Even a gentle tinkling from a deftly dropped die can add up when there are 20 players in the room doing the same thing. Like you, I wouldn't ban the use of a dice glass, but would try to win over one player at a time.

@ Martin
Regarding venues, at this point in my life I'm willing to pay more for a hotel room, if it promises to provide access to better food and a good night's rest. Failing that, proximity to decent chicken curry and chips would be a bonus.

 

[STAVKA]

The Albany "Dice rule" is this: "You can ask to share your opponent's dice unless they are precision dice." This means if you bring some dodgy looking cubes then your opponent can ask to share. If you want to be certain you don't have to share dice, bring precision dice. For the most part, people use precision dice these days so the rule is unlikely to be used. That is fine by me.

On topic: I've enjoyed all the tournaments I've been to. I have a slight preference for scenarios neither player has seen, but I also enjoy a published list as well...
Steve

Cannot find what you write, only the following can be found:
ALBANY RULES
Players dice and HIP sheets are subject to TD
inspection. Please show your HIP sheet to your opponent when possible during the game. We would like all players to use precision dice if possible. SP dice are not allowed unless your opponent lets you use them.

 

[STAVKA]

Have only had one reported case of a pip (i.e., the epoxy that fills the hole drilled for each spot) falling out. This can occur due to rapid changes in temperature. For example, storing dice outside in below zero temperatures and then placing them on a table in direct sunlight. Precision dice as a whole are not immune to this. Moreover our custom precision dice are manufactured to the same standards as precision craps dice used in casinos. The only difference in the process is that our dice are ball-cornered to permit better action, or rolling, just as precision backgammon dice are.

The ultra-thin foil used for monograms on casino (and BattleDice) is thin for a reason. While it can wear, especially if deliberately scratched and treated to sweaty mittens for days on end without cleaning (salts and acids will corrode/wear down the foil over time), the weight of the foil is so minuscule that it will not impact balance. More important for ensuring balance is that the dice are "square" on all sides to within a 1/10,000 of an inch, and that the cellulose acetate removed for each pip is replaced with epoxy of the same density.

Bottom line is that BattleDice are simply precision backgammon dice with custom foil monograms. They occasionally have different coloured pips, although this is no longer exclusive to our BattleDice, as we have been carrying precision backgammon dice with colour pips for two or three years now.

Regardless of whether you like the look of BattleDice, or not, I would strongly encourage players to purchase one pair of precision dice. A set of white and bright-red precision dice will not break the bank. Andreas (Trojan Games in Sweden) carries our precision backgammon dice, if folks think that our shipping costs to Europe ($10) are prohibitive.

You mean that if I drill a pair of dice on the number one side , lets say my name and fill in the holes with epoxy. I am good to go?. What is the name of the company that replace the number one dot side with symbols that fall out and worn out after a few years?

 

[von Marwitz]

ALBANY RULES
Players dice and HIP sheets are subject to TD
inspection. Please show your HIP sheet to your opponent when possible during the game. We would like all players to use precision dice if possible. SP dice are not allowed unless your opponent lets you use them.

SP dice? What does that mean? Self propelled dice?

von Marwitz

 

[STAVKA]

SP dice? What does that mean? Self propelled dice?

von Marwitz

Semi-Precision dice.

 

[BattleSchool]

SP dice? What does that mean? Self propelled dice?

von Marwitz

I think it refers to Schwerpunkt dice, but don't quote me on that.

 

[Spencer Armstrong]

SP dice? What does that mean? Self propelled dice?

von Marwitz

Schwerpunkt, I assume. And if so, it's a good rule, they're awful, even by non-precision standards.

 

[BattleSchool]

You mean that if I drill a pair of dice on the number one side , lets say my name and fill in the holes with epoxy. I am good to go?

I dunno, why not try that at Albany this year and see how you make out.

 

[STAVKA]

I dunno, why not try that at Albany this year and see how you make out.

You claim that a Battle school die that is worn out (always on the symbol side) have lost its Precision status, or should I ask the manufacture company instead? What was the name of the coy?

 

[BattleSchool]

You claim that a Battle school die that is worn out (always on the symbol side) have lost its Precision status?

Never said that.

Even if all of the foil were to wear a face (e.g. an ROF reminder on the deuce), it would not have a measurable impact on the balance of the die. The weight of the foil has virtually no bearing on the balance of the die. Adding or removing foil will not result in more or less "boxcars," or "snake-eyes."

Sorry to hear that you did not find our BattleDice tournament prizes to your liking.

 

[STAVKA]

Never said that.

Even if all of the foil were to wear a face (e.g. an ROF reminder on the deuce), it would not have a measurable impact on the balance of the die. The weight of the foil has virtually no bearing on the balance of the die. Adding or removing foil will not result in more or less "boxcars," or "snake-eyes."

Thanks , just wanted to confirm that Battle School dice are not Precision Dice, and some of them are ugly for sure.

 

[Ganjulama]

Schwerpunkt, I assume. And if so, it's a good rule, they're awful, even by non-precision standards.

Seconded. Schwerpunkt dice are just awful. Nelson loved his and I decided give him a set of precision dice, a Pleva dice cup, and a oriental carpet mouse-pad for Christmas. That way, if he decides to use his glass cup and Schwerepunkt dice he risks offending me.

It did not make his wife very happy. I spent more on my gift than to him than she did on hers

 

[BattleSchool]

Thanks , just wanted to confirm that Battle School dice are not Precision Dice, and some of them are ugly for sure.

All of the dice that we sell are precision dice made from cellulose acetate. (The only exception is a handful of Schwerpunkt dice that we carry for people interested in having tanks, especially Tigers, on their dice.) Our brand of dice are manufactured in the USA by a reputable firm that supplies precision dice to casinos throughout North America (and to some countries overseas, IIRC).

Perhaps you are confusing semi-precision dice with the precision dice that we carry. They are very different beasts.

Backgammon Shop website (UK)
Semi Precision Dice

(and precision dice) have no holes for spots (1 - 6), thus greatly reducing weight deviation between each face. To achieve equal probability that all 6 faces appear (as in casino dice used for craps), perfect balance is desired. Shape and weight distribution are the two components of a perfectly balanced die.

Semi Precision Dice are made from durable ABS or Pastello Plastic, a cheaper material than cellulose acetate, the material used for producing precision dice. Cellulose acetate is completely homogenous and free from minuscule air bubbles; the cost of this material is a contributing factor to the high production costs of precision dice.

An Injection Moulding System (similar to that used to manufacture standard dice) is used to produce Semi Precision Dice (precision dice are cut with a precision laser, which again contribute to the high production costs).

A polished, precision mould ensures that the dice are perfect cubes - as perfect as technically possible. The precision mould has a double injection system, whereby the two different colours of the plastic are injected at the same time. Injecting two colours of the same plastic at the same time (one for the colour of the dice and one for the spots), ensures the weight and accuracy, and results in flush faces on all sides which require no painting or filling.

Standard (regular) game dice have either injected or drilled holes for the spots on each face. These holes are then filled with special colouring or paint to make the spots stand out. There is no guarantee that this filling process is exact for each hole, nor is there any guarantee that they are perfect cubes. The quality of Standard Dice varies widely from producer to producer. The preciseness of moulds, and the technique used to cool the liquid plastic are major factors affecting the quality of Standard Dice. Size and deepness of holes, and misshapen faces and edges can greatly affect the fairness of the dice. Standard dice are considerably cheaper than Precision and Semi Precision dice.

 

[STAVKA]

All of the dice that we sell are precision dice made from cellulose acetate. (The only exception is a handful of Schwerpunkt dice that we carry for people interested in having tanks, especially Tigers, on their dice.) Our brand of dice are manufactured in the USA by a reputable firm that supplies precision dice to casinos throughout North America (and to some countries overseas, IIRC).

Perhaps you are confusing semi-precision dice with the precision dice that we carry. They are very different beasts.

You have written that the manufacturer (which name you cannot reveal?) have never done this type of work before , I would like to contact them and ask them a handful of questions , carv in dice and fill it with new material that disappear by wear and tear.

There ain't that many coy that produce Precision Dice.

From your site you write the following:
I got in touch with the supplier again and asked if we could order customized dice. The answer was yes, followed by the proverbial but. I would need to order a minimum of 100 of each colour. There was also a set up fee for the design. This was fast becoming an expensive proposition. But I was excited by the prospect of owning custom precision dice. Clearly I could not afford to make a set of dice solely for Battle at Beau’s. Moreover, I intended to push the boundaries by replacing the one-spot on each die with a design. The manufacturer had never done this before, but was curious to see how it would turn out. In the end, I decided to go with two “matching” pairs: black and white, dark-red and white. The design would be created using foil, hot-stamped onto the surface of the die. This is the same method used to apply monograms to casino dice, so I reasoned that it would be good for our purposes. I went with silver foil on the coloured dice and black foil on the white die. And that’s how our ASL BattleDice came to be.