The Backgammon Guide carried out Research to find out which Backgammon Books are Most Frequently Recommended by Experienced Players. The results are Presented Down Below!
Best backgammon books
Backgammon is a popular game of strategy and skill that has been played for centuries. As with any game, mastering the skills and strategies required for success takes practice, but can be greatly accelerated through the study of backgammon books. There are a wide variety of books available on the subject, but we have compiled a list of some of the best backgammon books to help guide you in your journey to becoming a skilled player.
The 40 best Backgammon Books
Backgammon is a board game that has been enjoyed by players for centuries. Over the years, there have been many books written on the subject, offering tips, strategies, and techniques to help players improve their game. Here are some of the top backgammon books that players of all skill levels should consider:
1: Backgammon – Paul Magriel (1976 & re-published 2004)
A must-have, often referred to as the backgammon bible and way ahead of the field in terms of the number of recommendations. This clear and well written book was the first to really explain the game of backgammon well. Sets out all aspects of the game in an easy digestible format with excellent diagrams. Still recommended for both beginners and experienced players.
2: Advanced Backgammon, Volumes I and II – Bill Robertie (1991)
First of several books in the top 10 by the former world champion player. The two volumes of Advanced Backgammon cover ‘positional play’ and ‘technical play’ respectively. As the name suggests, these are not for novices, but have become standard reading for more experienced players.
3: 501 Essential Backgammon Problems – Bill Robertie (2004)
Presents the reader with 501 situations that will build a comprehensive understanding of the game. Aimed at players from beginner to expert level.
4: New Ideas In Backgammon – Kit Woolsey & Hal Heinrich (1996)
For intermediate and advanced players. Over 100 difficult positions are analysed and possible solutions discussed in detailed but with an easy conversational style. Teaches you the thought processes that will improve your whole game.
5: Vision Laughs at Counting – Danny Kleinman (1980)
Known for his quirky style of writing and deep theoretical analyses, Kleinman has written many of the best selling backgammon books around. This book gives detailed and sometimes complex mathematical explanations of many features of the game. He also goes into the psychological aspects of play and looks at various cheating strategies that players should look out for. One for those who like technical analyses.
6: Classic Backgammon Revisited – Jeremy Paul Bagai (2001)
The author used the ‘Snowie’ program to reanalyze some of the backgammon problems covered in the classic texts. He updates/corrects previously given advice to incorporate the insights now available through use of bots. Considered essential reading for serious students of the game.
7: Backgammon Boot Camp – Walter Trice (2004)
Some see this as the new bible to challenge Magriel’s classic book as solid introduction to the game. Trice provides excellent guidance on all aspects of backgammon, including the role and influence of computer ‘bots’ on the modern game. Particularly aimed at beginners but contains plenty for more experienced players.
8: Modern Backgammon – Bill Robertie (2001)
This highly regarded book is aimed at advanced players keen to improve their game. By an in-depth analysis of bot play Robertie identifies four principles from which to build winning Backgammon strategies in the modern game.
9: Improve Your Backgammon – Paul Lamford (2003)
Aimed at intermediate players who already have a grasp of the basics. The book offers clear and well laid out information and runs the reader through a set of positions, explaining how top players would handle them. Great book for building more advanced knowledge and strategies.
10: The Backgammon Encyclopedia Volume 1; Cube Reference Positions – Kit Woolsey (2002)
Woolsey rolls out over 200 frequently encountered positions in various categories (holding games, anchor games, races etc) using the computer program Snowie. Intended to serve as an in-depth reference source for serious players.
11: The Backgammon Book – Oswald Jacoby and John R. Crawford (1970)
12: Paradoxes and Probabilities – 168 Backgammon Problems -Barclay Cooke (1978)
13: Backgammon Praxis Vol I&II – Marty Storer (2005)
14: Backgammon for Serious Players – Bill Robertie (2003)
15: 100 Backgammon Puzzles – Paul Lamford
16: How to Play Tournament Backgammon – Kit Woolsey (2000)
17: Cubes and Gammons near the End of the Match – Antonio Orthega & Danny Kleinman (1997)
18: Backgammon with the Champions – Kent Goulding (1980-82)
19: Lee Genud vs Joe Dwek: The 1981 World Championship of Backgammon – Robertie (1982)
20: Reno ’86 – Robertie (1987)
21: World Class Backgammon Move by Move – Roy Friedman (1989)
22: Boards, Blots, and Double Shots – Norm Wiggins (2001)
23: Backgammon For Profit – Joe Dwek (1975)
24: The Backgammon Handbook – Enno Heyken and Martin B. Fisher (1990)
25: Starting Out In Backgammon – Paul Lamford (2001)
26: Backgammon: Winning With The Doubling Cube – Peter Bell (1997)
27: Backgammon for Winners – Bill Robertie (2002)
28: Matchqiz Series – Kit Woolsey (1994)
29: Backgammon Openings; Book A – Nack Ballard & Paul Weaver (2007)
30: Costa Rica ’93/’94 – Antonio Orthega & Danny Kleinman
31: Backgammon:Winning Strategies – Robin Clay
32: Backgammon With the Giants – Antonio Orthega & Danny Kleinman (2001)
33: Can a Fish Taste Twice as Good? – Jake Jacobs (1996)
34: The Doubling Cube in Backgammon – Jeff Ward (1982)
35: The Amazing book of Backgammon – Jon Tremaine (1995)
36: Backgammon: Master versus Amateur, Volume 1 – Kit Woolsey (2000)
37: Understanding Backgammon – Kit Woolsey & Tami Jones (2003)
38: The Backgammon Quiz Book – Prince Joli Kansil (1978)
39: Backgammon for People Who Hate to Lose – Tim Holland (1977)
40: Backgammon, The Cruelest Game – Barclay Cooke & Jon Bradshaw (1988)
In conclusion, there are a wealth of backgammon books available to help you improve your game. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced player, there is something out there for you. We hope that this list of the best backgammon books will help you on your journey to becoming a skilled player. Happy reading and good luck at the board!