Introduced to Backgammon by His Father
In his profile in the first journal of the International Backgammon Federation, Afshin Foulad shares that his father taught him how to play backgammon. From that moment on, the game captured his fascination and became a lasting source of joy and friendship in his life.
This family introduction marked the beginning of his lifelong relationship with backgammon. In Foulad's concise narrative, his father's guidance in introducing him to the game stands central, sparking an interest that evolved into an enduring part of his life.
A Simple Goal: Winning the Game
Foulad expresses his ambition in backgammon without complexity: he wants to win. This straightforward statement highlights his competitive drive, showing that victory remains the core focus of his aspirations at the board.
However, his thoughts on the difficulty of becoming a true master reveal another dimension to his outlook. Foulad believes that while learning the basic rules is easy, achieving genuine mastery seems almost impossible.
This comparison underlines the contrast between foundational learning and deep expertise. Knowing the rules can be a starting point, but true mastery represents a level of competence that demands immense dedication to attain.
Backgammon, Much Like Life
In Foulad's eyes, backgammon shares striking similarities with life. In his view, anyone can pick up the rules with ease, but truly mastering the subtleties is an entirely different challenge.
This metaphor forms the foundation of his perspective on the game. Just as grasping the basics does not equate to full mastery, embarking on a path does not automatically guarantee reaching the highest tier of proficiency.
Alongside this philosophy, Foulad describes backgammon as an enduring source of joy and camaraderie. His connection to the game seamlessly blends competitive ambition with positive experiences and meaningful human bonds.