WhiteTower: Lol. Well said, and thank you. I laughed when I read alanback's message because in the greater scheme of Life and the Universe it is trivial stuff and I found it funny that the player ranked #1 finds it a "silly little game" - but, hey, why not?!

Yet your point is very true, and more relevant than his long-term with-hindsight perspective. My relaxation and enjoyment did evaporate with this situation and is a minor part of why I've got fewer games going. But then, this isn't a silly little game to me, it's a big part of my current way of life. And fairness is one of my key values.

alanback: I'm sure I'll fully agree with you once I look back on this time from a me that has lost my current degree of involvement in the game. As for changing the world? If I can't even further the cause of sportsmanship and justice in a tiny wee corner of the Backgammon world, what chance have I with the bigger issues out there?