Starting out in Backgammon by Paul Lamford

Paul Lamford's Starting out in Backgammon is a basic, easy to read backgammon book with introduction to backgammon basic rules and strategies with emphasize on the doubling theory, making it a suitable book for backgammon beginners who seek the fast lane to success in the era of internet backgammon. First published in 2001, the book dedicates a special chapter to backgammon and computers and backgammon on the internet.

On top of teaching you how to play backgammon, Starting out in Backgammon by former backgammon champion Paul Lamford offers an extensive introduction to the often crucial cube decision. The dilemma whether to double, take or pass in given positions is discussed in the book in details, along with common backgammon strategies and game plans such as priming, holding, blitzing and backgaming.

The backgammon game, as described in Starting out in Backgammon is a race game with undeniable aspect of luck, expressed by the role of the dice. Yet, to be ahead in the race, the backgammon player must acquire the advanced knowledge to assist him in making the right decision regarding the best possible move in a given position following a certain role as soon as possible.

And one of the most important decisions a backgammon player has to make during the backgammon game is the cube decision. Therefore, unlike most backgammon books for beginners that usually suffice with a single chapter on the doubling cube, Paul Lamford continues to stress the subject in other book chapters as well. So, if you are playing cubeless backgammon games such as Turkish Tavla, you might want to skip this one, but if you lack the proper knowledge on when to cube, and more importantly, why, Starting out in Backgammon can be a good start. Just remember that playing backgammon for money and doubling cube don't have to go hand in hand together.