Organisers of tomorrow’s Open Domino Tournament hope to unleash a new fad on the Island to rival the current popularity of poker.The event, being organised by Barmuvinjam, promises a $1,000 prize for the winners and the prestigious title of National Champions.

Organiser Vejay Steede told The Royal Gazette <$>that he believes dominoes are an “untapped” sport on the Island.

“Dominoes are unique as far as sport is concerned,” he said. “The only requirements are that there be at least two people and a set of dominoes.

“The basics of the sport are relatively easy to absorb, which means persons new to the sport will not be frightened from becoming involved.”

Mr. Steede said he and a group of friends have been playing dominoes on the Island for many years and are now ready to launch the game in a bigger fashion locally.

“At first we were a small band of friends playing dominoes on a regular basis who decided we wanted a place to go that was free of violence; a place where we could enjoy ourselves without having to worry about an ugly scene breaking out,” he said. “We decided to have a barbecue and invite a few friends, who were mostly professionals and, of course, played dominoes.

“Everyone enjoyed the function so much that we had another and another, until the ‘sets’ became annual, then seasonal.”

Having already formed BMVJ Ltd three years to throw parties under the Barmuvinjam banner, the organisers felt it was time to launch dominoes to similar popularity in Bermuda as it enjoys in much of the Caribbean — where it is referred to as “boxes”.

“Given the large Caribbean community here, and the renowned Bermudian willingness to try new things (see the increase in the popularity of poker), we believe dominoes can become the next big thing in Bermuda,” said Mr. Steede.

The game originated from early Chinese tile games in the 12th and 13th centuries, he said, and as it is played today, was first recorded in 14th century China.

Its popularity is burgeoning and both ESPN and Fox Sports Network now broadcast tournaments with prizes of over $150,000.

The Barmuvinjam Bermuda Open organisers hope it will grow similarly in appeal in Bermuda and they envision one day hosting an international open. Mr. Steede explained that ‘Barmuvinjam’ was a natural moniker for the group’s efforts.

“Bermuvinjam is a word created by melding the nationalities of the men involved (Barbados, Bermuda, St. Vincent and Jamaica) into an all-encompassing entity,” he said.

Under this banner, the group has organised popular parties such as the Halloween Party at Harmony Club, the Great Escape and their recent website launch party at Prospect Recreation Club.

“A BMVJ event is always an event to remember and we are committed to giving every individual who experiences as BMVJ fete a memory that will last a lifetime,” Mr. Steede said.