YOUNG ARMENIANS GATHER IN WATERTOWN FOR BACKGAMMON NIGHT
By Rachel Weiner

Watertown TAB & Press
March 5 2009
MA

For Tigran Aretisyan, 31, playing backgammon — called nardi or
tavluh in Armenian — isn’t just about skill, but about attitude and
intimidating your opponent.

"If you are confident you are the best — you win," Aretisyan said at
the backgammon tournament hosted by the Boston chapter of the Armenian
General Benevolent Union’s Young Professional group. Aretisyan,
new to the area, came with his wife, Sona Antonyan, 24, in the hopes
of meeting new people and making friends. Aretisyan was paired with
Hagop Hagopian for the first round.

Each pair played until one player won five games. The loser was
eliminated from the tournament and the winners went on to play each
other, until there were only two players left — Aretisyan and Armen
Postoyan. Despite Aretisyan’s confidence, however, Postoyan was the
champion, taking home the $25 Starbucks gift card that was the prize
for the evening.

The event began at 8 p.m. last Friday at the AGBU house on Mt. Auburn
Street. At first, there were only eight players who showed up,
but as the night progressed, the number of players doubled, and a
handful of others stopped by just to talk and watch the games. By
10:30 p.m., there were about 25 young Armenians laughing, playing and
drinking. Corona Light, wine, soda and bottled water were on sale
for a dollar. Natalie Maserejian, who helped coordinate the event
through e-mail and Facebook, manned the beverage table.

The Young Professionals group is small — only four actual committee
members — but they have a large e-mail list of people that come
to the various social events they hold, such as its annual Cinco
de Mayo party, fundraising walk-a-thons, barbecues and nightclub
outings. They have also hosted a silent art auction; a career panel
at Boston University, which included resume help; and a lecture on
Armenian and Turkish relations. The group is currently recruiting
committee members to help plan these events, according to Maserejian
and chairperson Antranig Mardiros.

Last year’s backgammon tournament, as well as their other events,
gathered more people together, Maserejian said.

"Maybe people can’t afford the $5 entrance fee," said Hagopian, joking
about the economy with Maserejian and some of the attendees. He stayed
and socialized after losing to Aretisyan.

For those who did come Friday, the camaraderie was strong — despite
the friendly rivalry between opponents — and everyone was willing
to explain the rules and help those who weren’t as familiar with
backgammon.

An Armenian tradition, many had been playing backgammon since they
were very young and had been taught by parents and grandparents. Their
skill was evident as they moved their pieces, with a mesmerizing ease
and fluidity, effortlessly carrying on conversations while they played.

"It’s the nature of the game," said Armen Jeknavorian, 33. "You have
to think fast, but not too fast."

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress