I forgot about Backgammon Bootcamp - Walter Trice!... That's one of my favorite books as well. It's not a beginner's book! It's a book about a lot of specific strategy, not so much general startegy. I learned a lot from that book.
Hey Marc, thanks for the great content you deliver weekly. Please keep it coming. Bought two of your three books - love them. Where do I find the best about the mathematics, combinatorics probabiities heuristics of backgammon. Any suggestions where to find it and how to integrate these tactical with the strategic content. Many thanks
Pure Strategy by Marc is an excellent book which I would totally recommend when you are a good intermediate. I read it before a tournament. I read it before San Antonio and won the Speed Gammon event. A great logical book that makes you think. As Marc says, it should Not be your first book but as you progress you should read this.
Great video. I've read most of the books you reviewed and think the reviews you gave were concise and accurate. Here are my top 3: 1. Modern Backgammon - Bill Robertie 2. Backgammon Funfair - Raymond Kershaw 3. Vision Laughs at Counting - Danny Kleinman
I wasn't aware Michy had just published another book. I did enjoy Opening Concepts. I just checked Amazon... ouch! $53.00 for Endgame Technique! That's a bit steep. (Although that's probably about what I paid for Opening Concepts.) I agree with pretty much everything you said with your reviews. You mentioned all of the good ones, with the exception of Backgammon Bootcamp, which I see you mentioned here in the comments. Three books that you did not mention at all, that I think would be included in a list of the top 20 backgammon books are: What's Your Game Plan? (Backgammon Strategy in the Middle Game) by Mary Hickey and Marty Storer (2011) Conquering Backgammon - The Path To Advanced Play by Ed Rosenblum (2015) And a very old gem is Backgammon - Learning To Win by Lewis Deyong. (1977)
Disclaimer! I'm simply a former "club level" player - long way from a champion - who started playing before the bots era and I read a lot of books available at the time. I know that this book has been discredited and now many ideas are known to be incorrect but the book I enjoyed most - for its enthusiasm and conveying a love of the game - was Backgammon for Blood by Bruce Becker. Great read. :-)
I believe that book was not well regarded even in its day. It was more of a 'jump on the BG bandwagon and make a few bucks' type of book rather than something to be taken seriously.
You did and that book was very helpful. I still like going through that book. I never completely finished it but it's in my bookshelf to glance at from time to time. The only book that I will get now is Modern Backgammon by Roberti. My first two books I read were his ' Backgammon for Winners and Serious Players the companion book. I was a chess player at the time and they got me on this journey. I also own your book Bad Ass.
Modern backgammon is a bit hard to find. If you can't find it for a reasonable price I would suggest Marc's "pure strategy". I'd say it is the "modern" equivalent and probably more helpful actually.
Hello Marc, I like the discussion about what the better point is to make, 5 or 7...? First of all, of course we do now 5 Point is better. When I started playing on a Nokia 3310 about 20 yrs ago I only had the phone, no books, no education about BG whatsoever. I`m a number guy and played intuitive, as an opening roll I liked 6/1 more then 3/1... Of course this is wrong but here is why I thought so at my first steps, maybe the guys from the days were inspired by this thinking too... When starting the game there are 5 blots on the 6 and 3 blots on the 8 point, so with a 6/1 you achieve a few things: 1.) You immediately get a 3 prime 2.) You get the bar point 3.) You´re opponent cannot use any 5 or 6 to get his back checkers out 4.) You´re opponent may be forced to leave a direct shot when rolling f.e. 6/5, 6/2, 6/3, and so on... 5.) No running game for your opponent with a 6/5 As an amatuer I´m not willing or daring to explain a GM the downsides of a 6/1 compared to 3/1, like stripping the 8 point and having worse flexibility, getting no inner point and so on... Do you have information about why they tought the 6/1 is better back in the days? Kind regards and good games!! 🎲🎲
Hi, nice video. Modern Backgammon is one of my favorite book as well. I think your pure strategy book picks up and expands on that same idea. Really Cool. Paul Weaver recently said in an interview with Phil Simborg that Book B is not going to happen because there's no money in it. Too much effort to do it for no reason he said.
Since a lot of people play Backgammon on line Is there an interactive ebook? An interactive version of Roberti's, 501 Backgammon Problems would be Great! Is there an eBook version of your book?
Marc I'm curious about your thoughts on the remark in the 2004 introduction of Magriels "backgammon" he mentions that he now believes the 18 point is the "golden point" and not the 20 point. I've talked to some "old timers" about this and they don't agree. What do you think about this odd inclusion in the new version of this classic book?
I would love to read his arguments for this. Can someone send it to me on facebook? I would say that the 20/5 point is stronger than 18/7 point. That’s why 3-1 is a much stronger opening roll than 6-1.
The first book I ever bought was, The Backgammon Book by Oswald Jacoby and John R. Crawford. First published 1970. The second book I purchased was, "Backgammon The Cruelest Game" by Barclay Cooke and Jon Bradshaw. Published 1974. These are the only two books I've ever owned. I skimmed through Roberti's book 501 Backgammon Problems which I purchased as a gift for someone. I have the book, Backgammon, From Basics to Badass on order, should arrive in a few days. Do you think it's detrimental to re read those books I purchased in the 1970's? Or would it be wiser to wait for your book to arrive? Never mind.:) Your book arrived as I was typing this. :)
Purchased your book, "From Basic To Badass". The best of the dozen books on backgammon that I've read. One complaint, there are a lot of mistakes in the English translation. Not so bad that I didn't understand what you wanted to say but they were a distraction. I hope if there is a second edition you will correct these.
I would like to see Bill come back and compete more again. I think he has played some tournaments in the US, but I don't see him on any BMAB ranking, giant ranking or high profile matches. I have basically no idea how he plays.
Fellow chess nerd here. You've really never heard anyone criticize a chess move as "too committal"? For example, 1.g4 is much worse than 1.g3, because it weakens the f4 and h4 squares too much (not to mention giving Black the option of a later ...h5 to open up White's kingside should White castle short); in short, 1.g4 is bad because it's too committal. You've really never heard this term?
True, but they didn't have neural net bots that are required to "solve" games like backgammon, chess, go and eventually poker. And by "solve" I mean to consistently beat the best human players using acceptable calculation time (and give some striking insight into fundamentals of the games along the way).
Morning Marc, at 66 years old started learning backgammon. Just ordered your book Basic to Badass. Loving your UA-cam content.
While you're not an ugly person to look at, I'd have liked to see the books you're talking about for a bit longer ;) Thanks for the reviews!
Robertie is about to finish his latest book. Expected to be published around Christmas...
I forgot about Backgammon Bootcamp - Walter Trice!... That's one of my favorite books as well. It's not a beginner's book! It's a book about a lot of specific strategy, not so much general startegy. I learned a lot from that book.
Hey Marc, thanks for the great content you deliver weekly. Please keep it coming. Bought two of your three books - love them. Where do I find the best about the mathematics, combinatorics probabiities heuristics of backgammon. Any suggestions where to find it and how to integrate these tactical with the strategic content. Many thanks
Pure Strategy by Marc is an excellent book which I would totally recommend when you are a good intermediate. I read it before a tournament. I read it before San Antonio and won the Speed Gammon event. A great logical book that makes you think. As Marc says, it should Not be your first book but as you progress you should read this.
Thanks a lot Grant! I am happy that you like it!
Great video. I've read most of the books you reviewed and think the reviews you gave were concise and accurate. Here are my top 3:
1. Modern Backgammon - Bill Robertie
2. Backgammon Funfair - Raymond Kershaw
3. Vision Laughs at Counting - Danny Kleinman
I think Marcs book "From basics to bad ass" and Michys book "Opening Concepts" complement each other so well.
Marc - could you add chapters? This is a very useful review.
I read Magriel when I was a beginner, great book has everything in it to go from beginner to advanced.
I wasn't aware Michy had just published another book. I did enjoy Opening Concepts. I just checked Amazon... ouch! $53.00 for Endgame Technique! That's a bit steep. (Although that's probably about what I paid for Opening Concepts.)
I agree with pretty much everything you said with your reviews. You mentioned all of the good ones, with the exception of Backgammon Bootcamp, which I see you mentioned here in the comments.
Three books that you did not mention at all, that I think would be included in a list of the top 20 backgammon books are:
What's Your Game Plan? (Backgammon Strategy in the Middle Game) by Mary Hickey and Marty Storer (2011)
Conquering Backgammon - The Path To Advanced Play by Ed Rosenblum (2015)
And a very old gem is Backgammon - Learning To Win by Lewis Deyong. (1977)
If you play for money...backgammon books pay for themselves.
The Deyong book was a great mixture of strategy and storytelling.
Disclaimer! I'm simply a former "club level" player - long way from a champion - who started playing before the bots era and I read a lot of books available at the time. I know that this book has been discredited and now many ideas are known to be incorrect but the book I enjoyed most - for its enthusiasm and conveying a love of the game - was Backgammon for Blood by Bruce Becker. Great read. :-)
I believe that book was not well regarded even in its day. It was more of a 'jump on the BG bandwagon and make a few bucks' type of book rather than something to be taken seriously.
You did and that book was very helpful. I still like going through that book. I never completely finished it but it's in my bookshelf to glance at from time to time. The only book that I will get now is Modern Backgammon by Roberti. My first two books I read were his ' Backgammon for Winners and Serious Players the companion book. I was a chess player at the time and they got me on this journey. I also own your book Bad Ass.
Modern backgammon is a bit hard to find. If you can't find it for a reasonable price I would suggest Marc's "pure strategy". I'd say it is the "modern" equivalent and probably more helpful actually.
When you are stuck in your ER rate and not making anymore progress then modern backgammon is the perfect boost, It was in my case.
Robertie has a new book coming out that should be much more up to date. Might want to wait for that one. Coming soon.
My Top 3 are no1 Cube like a Boss -Olsen no2 Backgammon - Magriel no3 Advanced backgammon vol1 + 2 - Robertie
Thanks - good review.
One love from Jamaica. I'm a Chess fan and I'm totally I intrigued with backgammon now.....
Hello Marc, I like the discussion about what the better point is to make, 5 or 7...? First of all, of course we do now 5 Point is better. When I started playing on a Nokia 3310 about 20 yrs ago I only had the phone, no books, no education about BG whatsoever. I`m a number guy and played intuitive, as an opening roll I liked 6/1 more then 3/1... Of course this is wrong but here is why I thought so at my first steps, maybe the guys from the days were inspired by this thinking too... When starting the game there are 5 blots on the 6 and 3 blots on the 8 point, so with a 6/1 you achieve a few things:
1.) You immediately get a 3 prime
2.) You get the bar point
3.) You´re opponent cannot use any 5 or 6 to get his back checkers out
4.) You´re opponent may be forced to leave a direct shot when rolling f.e. 6/5, 6/2, 6/3, and so on...
5.) No running game for your opponent with a 6/5
As an amatuer I´m not willing or daring to explain a GM the downsides of a 6/1 compared to 3/1, like stripping the 8 point and having worse flexibility, getting no inner point and so on... Do you have information about why they tought the 6/1 is better back in the days?
Kind regards and good games!! 🎲🎲
Hi, nice video. Modern Backgammon is one of my favorite book as well. I think your pure strategy book picks up and expands on that same idea. Really Cool. Paul Weaver recently said in an interview with Phil Simborg that Book B is not going to happen because there's no money in it. Too much effort to do it for no reason he said.
Thanks a lot! Okay, good info with regards to Paul Weaver.
Since a lot of people play Backgammon on line Is there an interactive ebook? An interactive version of Roberti's, 501 Backgammon Problems would be Great! Is there an eBook version of your book?
Marc I'm curious about your thoughts on the remark in the 2004 introduction of Magriels "backgammon" he mentions that he now believes the 18 point is the "golden point" and not the 20 point. I've talked to some "old timers" about this and they don't agree. What do you think about this odd inclusion in the new version of this classic book?
I would love to read his arguments for this. Can someone send it to me on facebook?
I would say that the 20/5 point is stronger than 18/7 point. That’s why 3-1 is a much stronger opening roll than 6-1.
The first book I ever bought was, The Backgammon Book by Oswald Jacoby and John R. Crawford. First published 1970. The second book I purchased was, "Backgammon The Cruelest Game" by Barclay Cooke and Jon Bradshaw. Published 1974. These are the only two books I've ever owned. I skimmed through Roberti's book 501 Backgammon Problems which I purchased as a gift for someone. I have the book, Backgammon, From Basics to Badass on order, should arrive in a few days. Do you think it's detrimental to re read those books I purchased in the 1970's? Or would it be wiser to wait for your book to arrive? Never mind.:) Your book arrived as I was typing this. :)
I just recieved your book :)
What pisses me off is when your pip on the bar and your got four places to come in and you get double sixes.
Purchased your book, "From Basic To Badass". The best of the dozen books on backgammon that I've read. One complaint, there are a lot of mistakes in the English translation. Not so bad that I didn't understand what you wanted to say but they were a distraction. I hope if there is a second edition you will correct these.
Nothing by Kit?
Hi Marc - I’m a beginner, and I’ve been reading “Conquering Backgammon” by Ed Rosenblum. Do you have an opinion about that book?
Hi Marc, can you please do a new book rating?
Hey Marc, Robertie is working on a new book. I think it is coming out soon.
I would like to see Bill come back and compete more again. I think he has played some tournaments in the US, but I don't see him on any BMAB ranking, giant ranking or high profile matches. I have basically no idea how he plays.
I’m a lifelong chess player. Never heard the term “non-commitment”.
Fellow chess nerd here. You've really never heard anyone criticize a chess move as "too committal"? For example, 1.g4 is much worse than 1.g3, because it weakens the f4 and h4 squares too much (not to mention giving Black the option of a later ...h5 to open up White's kingside should White castle short); in short, 1.g4 is bad because it's too committal. You've really never heard this term?
@@wreynolds1995 Not the way it’s used here.
What about Backgammon for Dummies? 😅
No but seriously. 😐
На русском есть?
They had computers in the 70's ok.
True, but they didn't have neural net bots that are required to "solve" games like backgammon, chess, go and eventually poker. And by "solve" I mean to consistently beat the best human players using acceptable calculation time (and give some striking insight into fundamentals of the games along the way).
That’s like comparing the airplanes of 1915 to modern supersonic jet fighters.