Backgammon for Winners

My win rate improved imediately by 10% but I feel in a rut again.

The problem is Robertie's opening moves and aggressive ethos works well and simply against ultra conservative beginners, but he leaves too many questions unanswered.

The book offers a successful easy to learn playing style, and beginners will not regret buying it.

Its not a reference guide and its certainly in no way comprehensive. But it is an easy to understand primer.

Bill is sometimes "I" and sometimes "we", funny thing that.


The Beginners Bible   October 28, 2005
Mr. J. J. Niland (London)
8 out of 8 found this review helpful

When reading this book, one must understand that it is for BEGINNERS as I've noticed that a couple of reviewers said that they had expected more from Bill Robertie. If you are looking for expert level backgammon books, then look at 'Advanced Backgammon' Volumes 1 and 2, again by Robertie.

As for 'Backgammon for Winners', it is a brilliant introduction into this fantastic game. Whereas many backgammon books teach by analysing particular situations in isolation, Robertie takes a very different and, in my opinion, a more effective approach.

The book begins with a quick explanation of the rules. It then moves on to Opening Moves. There are 15 possible dice combinations for the first move of the game, and Robertie advocates certain ways of playing each roll.

The rest of the book then covers 3 actual games of backgammon. Every move, from beginning to end, is documented. Robertie gives commentary on almost every move- whether he thinks it a good move, other possible moves, why the move was good, whether the move is part of a particular strategy etc. Each game has unique characteristics which enable Robertie to elaborate more genrerally on specific topics e.g. when to offer/take a double.

In colnclusion: This is a fantastic introduction into backgammon. Beginners will learn the rules and basic strategy of winning backgammon play. After reading this a few times, I would then suggest that players move onto 'Backgammon for Serious Players', again by Bill Robertie.


Excellent   March 24, 2002
4 out of 4 found this review helpful

Ihaveread several books on backgammon strategy and this one is one of my favourites. It demonstrates how to play dynamically and to take calculated risks that without reading the book you would never take. It makes gameplay more interesting and exciting.


Excellent book for the starting Backgammon Player   May 20, 1999
4 out of 6 found this review helpful

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.