Backgammon for Winners, 3rd Edition

I learned to play backgammon in college. Then, 25 years later, I started playing again, online. I stunk. I really, really stunk. I was so bad that I decided to either learn to play the game well, or get out of Dodge. I picked up this little book, and my game began to turn around. Robertie writes clearly, and for beginners. If you want to play better backgammon, here's my formula: Read this book. At the same time, download and install the gnubg program. It's free, and it's the best. Use the "hint" mode in gnubg, and try to learn why it's recommending all those bizarre moves. Compare those moves to what Robertie says. Keep at it, then keep at it some more. Your backgammon will get better, I promise. I have two other Robertie books: Backgammon for Serious Players, and 501 Essential Backgammon Problems. I recommend them both, but it's Winners that got me started. Thanks, Bill!

A fine book by an author who obviously knows the game. Has improved my game, but can't help the role of the dice. My wife beats me all the time. But after this book, not by as much.

I wanted to get into playing backgammon at some of the online sites, but I hadn't played in years. I figured I needed some help so went looking for a book on backgammon and more or less at random picked Backgammon for Winners by Bill Robertie. And it turned out to be a decent choice. It's a fairly thin book, which I liked. I didn't want to spend 2 weeks reading about the history of the game (at least not right now). Robertie jumps right into the meat of the subject, first giving the rules and a bit of broad strategy as well as best opening moves for every possible first roll of the dice. But the bulk of the book is taken up with three different sample games, and Robertie analyzes each move of each game, giving lots of explanation for why something was a strong or poor move. While he suggests you set up a board and move the pieces yourself, there were enough illustrations that you don't have to do so (I didn't). By the time you work through these three sample games you'll understand backgammon notation, the different phases/styles of a backgammon game, why control of certain points is more important than others, and you'll even see examples of when the 'rules of thumb' should be broken. He does a good job of urging you to go back and reread a section if its covering difficult material, keeping you from glossing over it with an "I'll figure this out later" shrug. Overall, I'm thinking this is a good first backgammon book. Recommended.

I thought this book might give me a tip or two before reading it but to my surprise it taught me all kinds of opening moves, mid-position and end play moves. This book will improve your game. God Bless you.

Agressive backgammon. Wimpy players need not apply! I've played backgammon for a number of years, but never in competition. I bought the book after just having started on an on-line backgammon server. I was losing. Then I read this book. Mr. Robertie's lessons emphasise agressive play. Not simply hitting other players, but agressive movement, agressive defense and agressive doubling. After implementing the straegies outlined in the book, my rank began to rise. These strategies work...espescially against concervative players. This book is for intermediate players who are looking to improve their game to new levels.