Winning Backgammon (Paperback)

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Editorial Reviews

Product Description

Backgammon is one of the most misunderstood and underrated games, often being labeled as a game of chance in which the winner is determined by the luck of the dice. In actuality, backgammon, when properly played, is a challenging game involving a great deal of skill. Learn the secrets of winning consistently, in this illustrated manual. An explanation of the rules and mechanics of the game, including the often ignored use of the doubling cube, is followed by instruction in various strategies. First, master basic strategy, including blocking, caterpillaring, and mental aspects of the game. Next, see how the correct doubling strategy can make or break a player's success. The use of the roll-over-the once-per-game option of either rolling again or forcing your opponent to roll again--is also fully explained, followed by the recommended opening and early-game moves and strategies for the mid-game, the end-game, and bearing-off. The problematic back-game is detailed, as is the correct set, match, and tournament strategy. Backgammon variants, including chouette, acey-deucy, and the beaver, are also explained. With a history going back more than 5,000 years, backgammon is the oldest game in civilization. With the strategies included here, anyone can become a future master of this ancient pastime. Sterling 128 pages, 81 b/w illus., 6 x 9.

Product Details

• Paperback: 128 pages
• Publisher: Sterling; illustrated edition edition (June 30, 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0806904593
• ISBN-13: 978-0806904597
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 5.9 x 0.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 7.5 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #1,929,945 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

35 of 38 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars Not good, February 24, 2000

By	Joseph M. Martinez (San Jose, CA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

The problem with the other customer reviews here are that they are all by beginners who don't know any better. I ordered this book as a beginner and started to believe what the book was saying. Later, I searched for info about the book on the backgammon newsgroup. The overwhelming response from experts was that it is a horrible book for learning backgammon. Much of the info in the book SOUNDS like good advice, but is simply wrong. He makes the "rollover" rule that he introduces sound like a very common and accepted rule. That is just not the case. He also over-simplifies things and makes blanket statements that are only true some of the time. I would suggest finding a copy of Magirel's "Backgammon" instead.

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars I recommend this book for backgammon players of all levels., July 13, 1998

By A Customer

I found this book to be very interesting and easy to understand. It explicitly states and explains 130 strategy principles, with sub-principles, which are illustrated by about 100 figures and tables. The backgammon rules are included along with an explanation of how to play the game. The strategy covers all phases of the game and match. As a novice backgammon player, this book has helped me to improve my game considerably.

13 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent book for intermediate players, September 15, 1999

By A Customer

This book is one of the main reasons of me being hooked on backgammon. It states the principles and strategies of the game in a well-mannered way. After reading this book, I found myself thinking every move calculating the odds of the plays. Excellent book.