Recommended Backgammon Books

Note: While many of these books are Out Of Print, it is always wise to check your local library — or even eBay — to see if there are still copies floating about in circulation.

The Amazing Book of Backgammon
Author: Jon Termaine
Publisher: Chartwell Books
Originally Published: 1996
ISBN: 0785805680

This coffee-table style book has beautiful color illustrations printed on glossy paper, and Tremaine takes the reader through all the basics of the game. There is also a tongue-in-cheek section on how to cheat.

Backgammon For Winners, 3rd Edition
Author: Bill Robertie
Publisher: Cardoza
Originally Published: 2002
ISBN: 1580420435

Yet another title that implies that by buying and reading it you will be a winner for sure. No sarcasm intended, but who can resist a book with that title? Now in its third edition, Robertie's offering dishes out the modern angle on the basic style of play, including taking you on several "real world" journeys - an over the shoulder look, if you will - as you are taken along through several sample games. Experience earned.

Backgammon, 2nd Edition
Author: Paul Magriel
Publisher: Clock & Rose Press
Originally Published: 2004
ISBN: 1593860277

Amazingly clear and well written, this thorough introduction to backgammon strategy and tactics was long considered the "The Bible" of backgammon for over two decades. Now back in print, Magriel presents the fundamental concepts of backgammon in lucid text supported by examples constructed to illustrate specific themes.

Starting Out In Backgammon
Author: Paul Lamford
Publisher: Everyman Chess
Originally Published: 2001
ISBN: 1857442822

One of the best introductions to the doubling cube, Starting Out In Backgammon's prose is easy to read and its information logically structured, with each chapter liberally peppered with handy Tips, Warnings, and Notes. Doubling decisions are kept in mind in every chapter, and common reference positions are provided that show exactly when to double and when to take or drop. Lamford also addresses the significant changes wrought in the game over the last 15 years by the advent of neural net software.

501 Essential Backgammon Problems, 2nd Edition
Author: Bill Robertie
Publisher: Cardoza
Originally Published: 2004
ISBN: 1580421385

Easily Robertie's best book for intermediate players, the 501 problems split 360 checker plays v 141 cube actions (67 doubles 74 redoubles). The introductory chapters cover notation/probability/basic doubling strategy while the following 26 chapters cover 31 topics, such as "the opening", "the middle game", "the blitz", "crunch positions", "action doubles", and "the bear-off".