Backgammon for Blood: A Guide for Those Who Like to Play but Love to Win [Paperback]

Chris Bray (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 17, 2007

Top-ranked backgammon player Bray reveals tips and tricks to help you play the game like a pro.

Backgammon is the ultimate head-to-head board game—an action-packed race to the finish with an addictive mix of luck and skill. It's easy to pick up the basics, but this is a game that continually surprises—there's always something new to learn, and the Internet has opened up a whole other world of gaming opportunities. In Backgammon for Blood, Chris Bray, top-ranked backgammon player, reveals the tips and tricks needed to help you play the game like a pro, whether you want to make serious money in online tournaments or just play for fun at a board with friends. While backgammon can be lost or won on the throw of the dice, tactical moves and game plans can help you adapt your play to deal with whatever comes your way. With chapters on opening rolls, mid-game strategies, and races and endings, his step-by-step suggestions, sample game illustrations, and easy-to-follow text have everything you need to come to grips with the game. The different ways to play backgammon—from tournaments and chouettes to computer and online play—are all covered, as are the secrets of making the doubling cube work in your favor. Insightful and informative, Backgammon for Blood: A Guide for Those Who Like to Play but Love to Win is the ideal introduction to this dynamic and challenging game. 126 full-color photographs

--This text refers to an alternate Paperback edition.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Chris Bray has played backgammon for more than thirty years. He is ranked in the top five in the United Kingdom and regularly competes in the World Championships. He was the first ever backgammon columnist for a major newspaper. In addition to his book Backgammon for Blood, Bray also gives seminars on the game.

Product Details

• Paperback: 176 pages
• Publisher: Skyhorse Publishing (October 17, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 160239184X
• ISBN-13: 978-1602391840
• Product Dimensions: 8.3 x 5.9 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 10.4 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 3.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (14 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,178,792 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

14 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars WOW, There is a NEW best book for the beginner and intermediate player!, March 2, 2009

By 

ClickmeClickme (North Carolina) - See all my reviews

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This review is from: Backgammon for Blood: A Guide for Those Who Like to Play but Love to Win (Paperback)

A long time ago, there was a bad book titled, "BACKGAMMON FOR BLOOD" written by Bruce Becker. This new book is NOT that book!

I saw a very negative review by "Scooter" who must have thought this was that old Bruce Becker book. It is well know in backgammon circles that it was a horrible book.

This NEW book, "BACKGAMMON FOR BLOOD" is written by Chris Bray and IS really really (really!) well done. This book is geared from the beginner to the intermediate player---Which is probably 99% of us. This book is so well written that using this information; someone could compete on almost any level, at least for the short term.

I reviewed, "Starting Out in Backgammon" by Paul Lambford and said it was the best beginner book out there. This newer book is even better! Chris Bray seems to lift sections out of that book (not that there's anything wrong with that).

There are many advanced strategy and principles here. Noteably, several chapters on the doubling cube. Plus, opening rolls, races, chouettes, equity, counting, back games, money play, tournament play, a little history, further reading, web sites, computer programs, ect...

Beginner's book or not, it helped my game. For example, he teaches how to use a routine every roll. It's much like how a golfer would use a routine. Briefly: Look at the board before rolling. Think about the doubling cube. What is the game plan, attack, stall, build a blockade, build an inner board? Roll the dice. Then based on the roll, do you use the plan or change plans? What are all the move candidates and then which is the best one that matches your plan?

Technically the book is well made, a durable paperback with a thick cover that can be used to bookmark. Text is the right readable size. Black and Red makes the diagrams very legible. I think ever backgammon book I've read has had some grammar or spelling errors or mismatched diagrams. I've read this book 3 times and didn't notice any of those small annoyances. It even has a 4 page index. Great job by the Publisher to make a small high quality paperback book.

Negatives? Well, besides the poor title choice, it does leave you wanting more. Only so much can be crammed in. If you are a beginner, this is your first book. If you are advanced, I expect you will find this refresher will make your game choices clearer.

Also, I've seen a review saying that it's not formatted well to the Kindle. The printed book uses black and red ink, and the Kindle can't do red. As a Kindle owner, I would very much like to have this.

Good luck on your game and remember to have fun!

12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars So much in one little book!, April 8, 2008

By 

A reader (USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Backgammon for Blood: A Guide for Those Who Like to Play but Love to Win (Paperback)

This little book almost has it all, from the basics for beginners to the modern advanced concepts (especially related to doubling) for advanced players. Much of the advanced discussion is found elsewhere only in advanced (and pricey) books. All interspersed with personal anecdotes and historical development to make it all come to life. So much in one book makes it a great value and a book I would recommend to players at any level.

12 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Winner, December 17, 2007

By 

Archie Wilson Bullington - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Backgammon for Blood: A Guide for Those Who Like to Play but Love to Win (Paperback)

This is the best book that I have read on backgammon for several years. It is an excellent introduction for beginners and a great aide for intermediate and advanced players. It is far better than the book with a similar name from the 1970's.