The fourth High Stakes Backgammon Tournament takes place today and tomorrow at the Strawberry Hill Hotel in Irish Town, St Andrew.

Twenty-four competitors will be battling for more than $1 million in cash and prizes.

Players will engage in a round-robin competition for the opening round of the tournament before getting down to a straight knockout format.

At a recent press briefing to launch the tournament, director Alastair MacBeath promised that it would be "two days of great competition. The victory by the Germany-based Iranian Chiva Taffazzoli in last year's tournament has driven the local players to improve their game and they are determined to regain the trophy."

Taffazzoli is here to defend his title.

The backgammon competition will begin at 10 o'clock this morning with play in the preliminary round continuing until 6 p.m. This evening, patrons and players alike will be treated to musical offerings by Seretse, Jodi and friends while having dinner in the Jade Courtyard.

The tournament resumes tomorrow, also at 10 a.m., with final-round action and will culminate with a gala prize-giving on the main lawn of the hotel at 4:30 p.m.

Other activities will take place during the tournament, including art exhibits and fresh- and dried-flowers stalls. Eurostars Motors will also have the latest Mercedes Benz models on display all weekend for car enthusiasts.

Sponsors of the event include Wray and Nephew, Scotia Private Client Group, Wisynco, Jamaica Broilers, Blackwell Rum, Adducci Cigars, Heineken, IQ Optical and Island Outpost.