Backgammon for Blood [Paperback]

A long time ago, there was a bad book titled, "BACKGAMMON FOR BLOOD" written by Bruce Becker. This new book is NOT that book!

I saw a very negative review by "Scooter" who must have thought this was that old Bruce Becker book. It is well know in backgammon circles that it was a horrible book.

This NEW book, "BACKGAMMON FOR BLOOD" is written by Chris Bray and IS really really (really!) well done. This book is geared from the beginner to the intermediate player---Which is probably 99% of us. This book is so well written that using this information; someone could compete on almost any level, at least for the short term.

I reviewed, "Starting Out in Backgammon" by Paul Lambford and said it was the best beginner book out there. This newer book is even better! Chris Bray seems to lift sections out of that book (not that there's anything wrong with that).

There are many advanced strategy and principles here. Noteably, several chapters on the doubling cube. Plus, opening rolls, races, chouettes, equity, counting, back games, money play, tournament play, a little history, further reading, web sites, computer programs, ect...

Beginner's book or not, it helped my game. For example, he teaches how to use a routine every roll. It's much like how a golfer would use a routine. Briefly: Look at the board before rolling. Think about the doubling cube. What is the game plan, attack, stall, build a blockade, build an inner board? Roll the dice. Then based on the roll, do you use the plan or change plans? What are all the move candidates and then which is the best one that matches your plan?

Technically the book is well made, a durable paperback with a thick cover that can be used to bookmark. Text is the right readable size. Black and Red makes the diagrams very legible. I think ever backgammon book I've read has had some grammar or spelling errors or mismatched diagrams. I've read this book 3 times and didn't notice any of those small annoyances. It even has a 4 page index. Great job by the Publisher to make a small high quality paperback book.

Negatives? Well, besides the poor title choice, it does leave you wanting more. Only so much can be crammed in. If you are a beginner, this is your first book. If you are advanced, I expect you will find this refresher will make your game choices clearer.

Also, I've seen a review saying that it's not formatted well to the Kindle. The printed book uses black and red ink, and the Kindle can't do red. As a Kindle owner, I would very much like to have this.

Good luck on your game and remember to have fun!

This little book almost has it all, from the basics for beginners to the modern advanced concepts (especially related to doubling) for advanced players. Much of the advanced discussion is found elsewhere only in advanced (and pricey) books. All interspersed with personal anecdotes and historical development to make it all come to life. So much in one book makes it a great value and a book I would recommend to players at any level.

This is the best book that I have read on backgammon for several years. It is an excellent introduction for beginners and a great aide for intermediate and advanced players. It is far better than the book with a similar name from the 1970's.

› Go to Amazon.com to see all 14 reviews  3.8 out of 5 stars