** S T O P  P R E S S **
TOUR WINNERS 'MAJOR' STATUS CONFIRMED 
The UKBGF Tour Committee has awarded "MAJOR" status to the St Albans Open.  This means that the winner will be offered an automatic place at the Tour Winners Invitational Tournament to be held in January 2027.  The winner must be a UKBGF member at the start of the tournament to secure the place. 

PLAYERS
REGISTERED PLAYERS LIST

2026 TOURNAMENT HIGHLIGHTS
Dates: 25/26 April 2026
  • New, larger venue: Marford Memorial Hall, Marford Road, Wheathampstead AL4 8AY
  • More players: up to 96 players
  • More backgammon: two full days of play starting 10.30 a.m.  5 x 9 points matches guaranteed on Saturday (assuming 96 players); minimum 3 x 9 points matches on Sunday 
  • Long matches: minimum 9 points matches both days in all brackets (11 points in Main from round 2 and 13 points in final)
  • Saturday Round Robins: 16 x 6 player groups with 5 x 9 points matches (plus play-offs as needed) 
  • Sunday KO stages: 8 brackets - Main (Remainders), Consolation (Disconsolates), Second Chance (Mischance), Last Chance (Last Gasp)
  • Entry fees: tiered entry fees to suit every pocket from £35 (Thrift) through £140 (Gold) – all with 100% return 
  • More chances to cash: 8 x brackets, all with cash prizes: top 8 places (to quarter-finalists) in Main, Consolation and Second Chance, top 2 places in others. 34 cash prizes in total
  • Multiple side-pools: £10, £20 and £50 side-pools in Main, Consolation and Second Chance will pay to top 3 placed entries in ratio 62:26:12.  £10 side pools in Disconsolates, Mischance and Last Chance will pay to top 2 placed entries 70:30.  All pools 100% return 
  • Registration fee: £60 (£50 for UKBGF members) includes lunch both days up to £10/day value
  • See route map below for format and cash prizes (assumes 96 entries)
  • Registration now open: apply by email only to [email protected]