Biographies - Jake Jacobs
Name Jake Jacobs
Nickname(s):
Tobaksa, Jake the Snake, Uncle Jake, Avatar of Krishna (the wine and fertility deity)
Residence
For mailing purposes, Des Plaines, IL (a suburb of Chicago). I am a sixth-generation resident of Des Plaines.
For practical purposes, my residence is whatever bed is closest to my suitcase (though I am willing to visit other beds with the right invitation). I lived in Las Vegas for 3 years, and have also lived in Seoul and Hong Kong.
Occupational Background
Law Clerk, Computer Operator/Programmer, Pizza Driver, Cab Driver/Dispatcher, Blackjack Player, Phone Solicitor, Pit Boss/Casino Manager, Video Store Manager, Writer, Backgammon Player, Actor, Consultant
Education 
Dropped out of Roosevelt U at 16.
Returned to Oakton Community College at 19, and completed an AA degree in 5 months. Also attended the Honeywell Institute of Information Science, the University of Illinois Circle Campus, Ehwa Korean Women's University, and took
additional courses at Oakton in Korean and (Mandarin) Chinese.
Nevada State, US Open, Midwest, Thai Open, Land of Lincoln Masters, Indiana Masters among others. Occasionally finish plus on the score sheet.
Backgammon Achievements Winner:
Backgammon Publications
Editor The Backgammon Scholar, the Las Vegas Backgammon Magazine
Contributing Editor the Chicago Point, articles have appeared in most of the leading backgammon publications: GammOnline, Netgammon, Flint Area BackgammoNews
, the Chicago Point, Anchors, Hoosier Backgammon News, etc. Author of two books: CAN A FISH TASTE TWICE AS GOOD? (with Walter Trice); A FUNNY THING HAPPENED ON THE WAY TO THE
FOUR-POINT! Upcoming: PENETRATING MATCH PLAY
Other Notable Achievements
Co-wrote, and acted as Assistant Director of, RING OF FIRE, a kick-boxing movie. Had my head blown off in DANCE OR DIE. Rose meteorically from Blackjack floorman,
through Craps box man, to casino manager, all in 10 working days – then quit! Once dispatched 40 cab orders, in one hour, in a blizzard, with only four running cabs. Also delivered 24 pizza orders in 2 and ½ hours without getting a
ticket (but needed 7 brake jobs that year).
Motto or Slogan
Chagun kochuga maepda! 
(Small peppers are the hottest)
Secret You Pray No One Ever Learns
I was barred from the casino at Monte Carlo BEFORE I learned to count cards. (I was 15 at the time, and they claimed I was too young.)
e-mail Jake Jacobs: tobaksa@bg-info.com