The QUADROGAMMON name, trademarks, logos and slogan as well as the distinctive design of the playing field or board and each distinctive element of the playing field or board and rules are all registered trademarks and copywrites of, and property of Quadrogammon L.L.C.

PRESS ROOM

BACKGAMMON GAME RECEIVES LOCAL TWIST

Russell resident Bruce Jackson remembered how as a boy, he and his father would play the game of backgammon for hours at a time. He never lost his passion for backgammon, and, as he played as an adult, he saw a need for a game that more than two could play at one time.
He began developing an idea several years ago for modifying the backgammon board so four people could play and added new twists to the game. He founded the company Quadrogammon, LLC in 1992 for this invention of Quadrogammon strategy board for four players of all ages.

Backgammon has been played for centuries, Mr. Jackson said. In extensive research, he traced backgammon to ancient China, to Rome and Greece. “Different variations have been uncovered,” he said. “Prior to 800 AD... a version was developed. “Some say it could have followed trade routes,” Mr. Jackson said of backgammon’s widespread use. “Versions have been around for a long time.”

“I have registered the name, slogans and copyrights on layout of the board, the logo, the artwork and directions,” he said of Quadrogammon. It is similar to protection with a patent.

“So far, people love it,” he said of the four-person game. Recently, at a bookstore showing, several people new to the game, stopped in and started playing. “Anyone can play. You don’t have to know backgammon.” Backgammon is a race, he said. “You’re trying to move playing pieces around and off the board.” Quadrogammon is played in teams of two, Mrs. Jackson said. “The game can be played without teams, and it’s a lot more competitive with four people playing for themselves.” With teams, it is more challenging, his wife, Jean, said. “That’s why we like it.”

Instead of a board, the “playing field” is silk-screened on a cotton cloth that can be rolled up and carried in a tube along with playing pieces and dice.

“We’ve played it at home with friends and family after dinner. It can be a pleasant evening and good at parties,” Mr. Jackson said. “It brings people and family together, interacting in a clean and wholesome way.” It also develops and exercises the ability to think and learn by strategic planning with the intent of winning, he said. Plans are in the works for Quadrogammon tournaments, Mr. Jackson said.

“It’s been a learning process from the business and design aspect,” he said. “I did all the logos.” While the Jackson’s, former Chagrin Falls residents, do the designing and other work, they have lots of help from family. “My wife, sisters and mother have helped with assembling the games, and making connections with shows,” he said. They have even sat in booths at shows, selling the games. He has also had help from the Ohio Small Business Administration and is working with SCORE, an organization of retired business officials. They have helped with his marketing, accounting and business plans. SCORE members are retired and they donate their time, he said.

“I’ve got millions of inventions in my head, but this is the first thing I’ve gone this far with,” Mr. Jackson said. He said he doesn’t have any other games on the table yet. “This is our focus now. My goal is to sell 1 million games and hold contests and tournaments. I’d like to have a giveaway of $1 million dollars once I sell 1 million games” he said.

Mr. Jackson is a software engineer and now a data conversion specialist, working on a contract for a business in Atlanta. The game of Quadrogammon is sold locally at Taggart’s Toys in Chagrin Falls and at Play Matters in Pepper Pike.

Chagrin Valley Times
By Joan Demirijian
July 29, 2004