Backgammon Book Suggestions

Book Suggestions

Magriel, Robertie, and Kleinman

From:   Gregg Cattanach
Address:   gcattanach@prodigy.net
Date:   13 May 2000
Subject:   Re: Which book should I buy?
Forum:   rec.games.backgammon
Google:   8fjr01$gq6$1@newssvr04-int.news.prodigy.com

The first book everyone should read is (of course) Backgammon by Magriel. As you move from intermediate to advanced, the two volumes of Robertie's 'Advanced Backgammon' are indispensable. He does a great job of highlighting 'reference positions', and works out many of the detailed and technical positions that come up, (bear-off doubles, doubles against holding games, close outs with men on the bar, ace point anchors, etc etc.) I've gone through 501 Essential Backgammon Problems, and was not as impressed. They were interesting problems and well organized into themes, but somehow the effort he spent in Advanced Backgammon just wasn't there. It's worth $20 for sure, but Advanced Backgammon is a dramatically better effort, and a 'text book' I often go back to for reference information. Also, Danny Kleinman is a very interesting author, who is one of the few writers that spends a great deal of time writing about chouettes. "Vision Laughs at Counting, and Advice to the Dicelorn" ($80 for both volumes), is really a treasure trove of information and humor. I learned a GREAT deal about how to handle chouette action from Mr. Kleinman. Good luck in you games and your study! -- Gregg Cattanach Zox at GamesGrid, Zone http://gateway.to/backgammon ICQ #2266410 gcattanach-SKIP-@prodigy.net

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