Backgammon Games and Strategies [Paperback]

Nicolaos Tzannes (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: June 13, 2000

Backgammon is experiencing a revival, rapidly becoming one of the most popular table games in the worldnternet included. But it's not just a game; it is an obsession. In some countries of southern Europe and the Middle East, it is a way of life. A typical game of backgammon lasts 6-8 minutes if it is it?or Gioul, and double that if it is Plakoto or Moultezim. These are the fastest, most absorbing minutes in a player lifetime. The game moves in lightning speed and requires total concentration. The mixture of chance and skill are perfectly balanced in itthe other games leaning heavier on skill. There is hardly a moment of boredom when you play Backgammon. Even when the game seems hopelessly lost, there is still a finite probability of a turnaround. The suspense is always there, the tension is never ending. What more would you want for an evening ofelaxation?This book is written to fill a voidhe almost total absence of information on backgammon games, other than basic itusually called backgammon in the West. The authors find it incredible that Gioul, Plakoto and Moultezim still remain a well-kept secret among backgammon connoisseurs. Gioul is the most fun-filled game played on the boardvery dice throw a surprise. Plakoto is without doubt the king of Backgammon games. Moultezim is a serious game for the purist, the consummate space strategist. Players who are unaware of these games are not really fulfilled. This book, illustrated with more than 300 diagrams, illustrations and exercises, aims to change all that, and turn all casual players into full-fledged backgammon experts.Dr. N. S. Tzannes, a Professor of Electrical Engineering, has authored several books and many scientific papers in his field of Communications. Dr. B. Tzannes, Professor of Mathematics at the University of Patras, Greece, has authored many scientific papers in his field of Topolog

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Dr. Nicolaos S. Tzannes Dr. Tzannes (Ph.D Johns Hopkins, 1966) is a lifetime educator and author of many books in English, Greek and Portuguese. His books span many fields, from subjects in Electrical Engineering, to Backgammon and, most recently, Human Behavior and Philosophy. His most recent books are:1) "Life Without God: A Guide to Fulfillment Without Religion," November 20022) "The Gene Conspiracy or Sorry...The Genes Made Me Do It" under the pseudonym of Aris P. D'Avenal, December 20003) "Communications and Radar Systems," September 20004) "Backgammon Games and Strategies" co-authored with his brother Dr. Basil Tzannes, June 20005) "How Good Are You At Backgammon" also co-authored with Dr. Basil Tzannes, April 2001 Dr. Tzannes has taught at The Johns Hopkins University, Tufts University, The University of Oklahoma, Oregon State University, The University of Virginia and the University of Patras, Greece. Presently, Dr. Tzannes lives in Orlando, Florida. He is Professor Emeritus at the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering of the University of Central Florida where he taught courses in Communication and Radar Systems and chaired the Department from 1986 to 1994. Lately, he has been writing short stories. One of them, "I Just Love My Jail Cell" was recently published in the Issue 7 (Summer 2005) of the British Literary Journal "FIRSTWRITER MAGAZINE." Dr Tzannes is listed in Contemporary Authors, American Men and Women of Science, Marquis Who is Who and Who is Who in Greece. In 1991, Dr Tzannes was named the IEEE Outstanding Engineering Educator in Region 3 (Southeastern United States). For more on the author go to: http://nick.tzannes.net/

Product Details

• Paperback: 272 pages
• Publisher: iUniverse (June 13, 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0595005373
• ISBN-13: 978-0595005376
• Product Dimensions: 11.1 x 8.3 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.3 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,175,826 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars New exciting games on the Backgammon Board, March 29, 2001

By 

Helen Illiak (Massachusetts) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Backgammon Games and Strategies (Paperback)

I bought this on an impulse and found it rewarding. The two games (Plakoto, Moultezim) that the authors describe are indeed more complicated and challenging than regular backgammon, just like they promised.

The book covers also regular backgammon as played in the US, adequately, but not as thoroughly as other books. But if you want a change of pace, this is it!

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars More Games on the same old Backgammon board!!, March 7, 2001

By 

Luca Lodi (Rome, Italy) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Backgammon Games and Strategies (Paperback)

This book is not actually a Backgammon book, at least not the way we intend Backgammon in Europe or in the US. The two brothers have decided to write about the various games played on the BG board which of course includes a section on the so called portes (doors) or backgammon in our understanding but is more specific on other games strategies. I found it extremely interesting!!

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars I never heard of Plakoto or Moultezim before, March 29, 2001

By 

Morse Crusio (Florida) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Backgammon Games and Strategies (Paperback)

but now I play them and enjoy the new challenges, thanks to this book. They are definetely more complex to learn than normal Backgammon but more interesting, also, and skill usually wins over luck. I recommend this book highly for those growing tired of backgammon.