Rating: 
Summary: A CLASSIC!
Review: I actually have the original hardcover edition of this book when I purchased it in the early eighties (it's still in NM condition I might add). I had purchased many backgammon books in those days (eg. The Backgammon Book; Backgammon for Blood; etc) but this was the main one I referenced time and again and is one of the best book of its kind that came out of the seventies (and there were a lot of them). A professor of mathematics, Magriel organizes the principles and strategies in a very logical manner. He writes in concise non-technical language, breaking down every aspect of backgammon so its easy to understand even when discussing advanced theories of the game. It's been a good 15 years since I've got back into playing backgammon and will probably begin reading some of the latest books out there but I will still be referencing this one.
Rating:
Summary: Still a classic after 20 years
Review: Most backgammon texts from the 1970's seem ridiculous today, but Magriel's "Backgammon" is a notable exception. It presents a well reasoned framework of play principles in a readable style, with plenty of illustrations and 4 complete sample games. Rather than just analyze the positions for you, the former World Champion teaches how to analyze them yourself. Many articles and interviews with today's champions refer to Magriel's work. Greatly improved my winning percentage and understanding of the game.
Rating:
Summary: Backgammon by Paul Magriel
Review: The definitive backgammon book. Can turn a beginner to an expert. Well written, logically organized, with several examples and clear explanations. It is very complete, covering all aspects of the game. I particularly liked that it recommends to the beginner openings that generally lead to uncomplicated games and later (once the reader has become more experienced) switches to openings that lead to more involved game play. I have read several backgammon books, and this is by far the best. Definitely worth its price.
Rating:
Summary: Backgammon by Paul Magriel
Review: The definitive backgammon book. Can turn a beginner to an expert. Well written, logically organized, with several examples and clear explanations. It is very complete, covering all aspects of the game. I particularly liked that it recommends to the beginner openings that generally lead to uncomplicated games and later (once the reader has become more experienced) switches to openings that lead to more involved game play. I have read several backgammon books, and this is by far the best. Definitely worth its price.
Rating:
Summary: Excellent text from beginner to expert
Review: This book greatly improved my game, and I recommend it to anyone who wants one of the BEST backgammon books available. Don't let the price put you off. If you budgeted for 2 books, forget both of them and get this one. I've read this for 4 months and still won't loan it out as I still haven't worn the 'new' off of it. Gives basic frameworks and explains more technical areas of the game. This book will drastically improve your game.
Rating:
Summary: A wonderful must read for any backgammon player.
Review: This book is very readable. The book is layed out in a format that explains each phase of the game in logical order. A player that masters the concepts in this book will be head and shoulders above the average player. The book was written a while back, so is missing a few of the modern theories. This is a minor matter. I recommend this highly to the beginning and intermediate player. It wouldn't hurt advanced players to read this too.
Rating:
Summary: Fantastic Backgammon Book
Review: This book lives up to its reputation as a classic. I've rarely read technical books that are so clearly written and so well illustrated. Magriel provides both before and after illustrations for ideal moves, followed by complete explanations for why some moves are better than others. Section one is identical to his "Beginning Backgammon" book, and the rest of the book is for more advanced play. If you buy the book, make sure you are getting this one (405 pages) not the shorter one.I've not read Robertie's two volume set for backgammon, but I have read his 501 classic backgammon situations. While this is a great book too, Magriel is the better teacher and writer. Also, there are plenty of reasonably priced used copies of the hardback version of the book. I bought mine through Amazon used books postings for only $ more than the recent paperback re-release.
Rating:
Summary: Fantastic Backgammon Book
Review: This book lives up to its reputation as a classic. I've rarely read technical books that are so clearly written and so well illustrated. Magriel provides both before and after illustrations for ideal moves, followed by complete explanations for why some moves are better than others. Section one is identical to his "Beginning Backgammon" book, and the rest of the book is for more advanced play. If you buy the book, make sure you are getting this one (405 pages) not the shorter one. I've not read Robertie's two volume set for backgammon, but I have read his 501 classic backgammon situations. While this is a great book too, Magriel is the better teacher and writer. Also, there are plenty of reasonably priced used copies of the hardback version of the book. I bought mine through Amazon used books postings for only $ more than the recent paperback re-release.
Rating:
Summary: The best way to start
Review: This book was once the "bible" for serious backgammon players. Although it has been superceded by Bill Robertie's 2-volume "Advanced Backgammon", it is better for beginners. Outstanding.
Rating:
Summary: The best way to start
Review: This book was once the "bible" for serious backgammon players. Although it has been superceded by Bill Robertie's 2-volume "Advanced Backgammon", it is better for beginners. Outstanding.
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