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Young Armenians Gather In Watertown For Backgammon Night

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  • Young Armenians Gather In Watertown For Backgammon Night

    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
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