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Martyn: Phillip Martyn on Backgammon

From:   Steve Brorens
Address:   SJB%25commarc@emxnz.co.nz
Date:   17 November 1996
Subject:   BOOKS: "Phillip Martyn on Backgammon"
Forum:   rec.games.backgammon
Google:   81B53E2E01FD0300@emxnz.co.nz

This is the book that I learnt bg from and I thought it the best of the
half-dozen or so in my local library for the clear presentation and range
of information.

The others in that library include books by Clay, deJong and Magreil (the
short version).

Of course this book was written in the 70's and I'm sure has many
technical deficiencies, but I'd be intersted to see other comments on the
book or its author.

PS: Anyone know what became of PM?

Albert Steg  writes:

This book is extremely rare in the US.  The copy I found in a used
bookstore is the only copy I've ever seen, so my guess is that few people
on the list will have read it.

My recollection is that the technical content is nothing extraordinary,
even for 70's standards (Magriel is much better), but that the sections on
cube handling, gambling strategy, and general bg "psychology" make it a
really interesting marker of the "state" of the game as played by
"serious" players back then.  By today's standards, the advice is pretty
vague and impressionistic. If I had the time I'd dig it up and give some
examples.  Alas.

Albert
 
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