Poker and Backgammon Legend Paul Magriel Passes Away at 71

Paul Magriel, a legendary figure in both poker and backgammon, passed away on March 5, 2018, at the age of 71. Magriel was known for inventing the M number, a measure of tournament stack depth, which was popularized in Dan Harrington's three-volume poker series. Magriel's contributions to poker also include his unique personality, often quacking like a duck after winning a poker hand.

Magriel's backgammon skills were equally impressive. He won the World Championship in 1978 and was known for his unique playing style, including playing backgammon blindfolded. His book 'Backgammon' became a classic, selling over 10,000 copies in the first two months. Magriel's backgammon prowess was so renowned that he was often referred to as the 'Man-Computer' due to his ability to remember the position of all checkers after each dice roll, even when playing blindfolded.

Magriel's legacy extends beyond his gaming achievements. He was a gifted mathematician and educator, holding a bachelor's degree in mathematics from New York University and teaching at the New Jersey Institute of Technology. His unique approach to games and life has left a lasting impact on both poker and backgammon communities.