Backgammon, by Robin Clay

Backgammon Books

Backgammon

SERIES: Teach Yourself Books

AUTHOR: Robin Clay

YEAR: 1977

PUBLISHER: Hodder and Stoughton

CITY: Dunton Green, Sevenoaks, Kent (England)

ISBN: 0-340-22233-6

BINDING: Softcover

PAGES: x+164

SIZE: 18 cm high, 11 cm wide

OTHER
EDITIONS: Hodder Headline Plc, 1992

READERS
COMMENTS:

     "The text is divided into the teaching material in the first section and a quiz which allows the player to test himself and keep score by awarding points for the various moves. He includes methods for calculating speed of movement (an interesting section where he suggests how to measure timing in a prime vs prime position), various shortcuts for counting races and generally lifts itself above the general run of the mill without, I think, losing the beginner."—Kieran Barry, August 1997


     "Easy to read book that takes you from the very beginning of the rules on how to move the checkers to the theory on when to double, and when to accept a double. It includes a chapter on probabilities, as well as brief chapters on duplication, tournaments, and chouette play. It is not at the level of the books by Robertie, or Woolsey (in terms of fine points of strategy) but a very solid and complete introduction."—Reader from New York, July 2000


CONTENTS:

Preface
Introduction
1. Beginners' Basics
2. Basic Strategy: The opening move; response to the opening move
3. A Running Game: Counting the position; tricks of running movements; counting the number of turns left
4. Luck, Odds, Chances, Probabilities: The simple arithmetic of backgammon
5. Blocking/Positional Games and Advice on Doubling
6. The Back Game
7. End Play
8. Duplication and Non-Duplication
9. Tournament Play
10. Chouette
11. Tables of Opening Moves and Responses

COVER: A book for all backgammon players, whether beginners or more advanced enthusiasts. The basics of the game are explained concisely and clearly and then follows a discussion of tactics which even experienced players will find of great value. Aggressive and defensive styles of play are both discussed and the reader encouraged to experiment and to be ready to adapt his game to the particular situation.
Above all this book demonstrates very clearly where success in backgammon lies. Skill in the game has two main components; one is an understanding of probability theory and the other is a knowledge of how to make use of good dice to construct a strong position. With this book you will be able to develop your potential in both areas.

ABOUT THE
AUTHOR: Robin Clay is the well known authority on Backgammon, whose clear and concise introduction to the game is based on many years of playing experience. He now runs a Backgammon club in his area, from which many accomplished players have emerged, and was a finalist in the 1977 British Open Championship.
POSTSCRIPT: Robin Clay died in November 2000. Here is an obituary written by Michael Crane.

BY THE SAME
AUTHOR:

   Backgammon in a Week
Robin Clay
1992: Headway, Hodder & Stoughton Ltd, Dunton Green, Sevenoaks, Kent

   Backgammon Winning Strategies
Robin Clay
1996: Pan Books, London