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# The Gammon Press

The premier source for backgammon books, lessons & blog problems.

## Sitemaps

- [XML Sitemap](https://thegammonpress.com/sitemap.xml): Contains all public & indexable URLs for this website.

## Posts

- [Bill Robertie's Blog](https://thegammonpress.com/bill-robertie-blog/) - Two-time World Backgammon Champion Bill Robertie posts regularly about backgammon strategies, backgammon tips, backgammon tournaments and much more
- [Maybe too good to double?](https://thegammonpress.com/maybe-too-good-to-double/) - Cash game, White owns the cube. White on roll. Note: All ‘cash game’ problems assume the Jacoby Rule is in effect. That is, you can’t win a gammon unless the cube has been turned. This is a fairly simple problem that illustrates a common theme which occurs in some degenerate prime versus prime games. (1) Cash game, White owns the cube. White on roll. Note: All ‘cash game’ problems assume the Jacoby Rule is in effect. That is, you can’t win a gammon unless the cube has been turned. This is a fairly simple problem that illustrates a common theme which occurs in some degenerate prime versus prime games. (1)
- [A tricky "bearoff against contact" position ...](https://thegammonpress.com/tricky-bearoff-against-contact-position/) - Cash game. Black owns the cube. White to play 3-1. Note: All ‘cash game’ problems assume the Jacoby Rule is in effect. That is, you can’t win a gammon unless the cube has been turned. In this position, Black got stuck playing an ace-point game which didn’t go well for him. Now he’s lost his Cash game. Black owns the cube. White to play 3-1. Note: All ‘cash game’ problems assume the Jacoby Rule is in effect. That is, you can’t win a gammon unless the cube has been turned. In this position, Black got stuck playing an ace-point game which didn’t go well for him. Now he’s lost his
- [Features that favor hitting ...](https://thegammonpress.com/features-that-favor-hitting/) - Cash game. Center cube. White to play 3-2. Note: All ‘cash game’ problems assume the Jacoby Rule is in effect. That is, you can’t win a gammon unless the cube has been turned. In this position, White has two choices: he can enter and hit on the 5-point, or he can enter and make the Cash game. Center cube. White to play 3-2. Note: All ‘cash game’ problems assume the Jacoby Rule is in effect. That is, you can’t win a gammon unless the cube has been turned. In this position, White has two choices: he can enter and hit on the 5-point, or he can enter and make the
- [The best play is not the play that wins the most games ...](https://thegammonpress.com/sep-15-2025-what-the-best-play-isnt/) - Cash game. White owns the cube. White to play 4-4. Note: All ‘cash game’ problems assume the Jacoby Rule is in effect. That is, you can’t win a gammon unless the cube has been turned. White has been playing a 1-5 backgame (probably the weakest of all backgame formations) and now faces a roll that Cash game. White owns the cube. White to play 4-4. Note: All ‘cash game’ problems assume the Jacoby Rule is in effect. That is, you can’t win a gammon unless the cube has been turned. White has been playing a 1-5 backgame (probably the weakest of all backgame formations) and now faces a roll that
- [Problems you want to have ...](https://thegammonpress.com/aug-15-2025-problems-you-want-to-have/) - Cash game. Center cube. White to play 4-2. Note: All ‘cash game’ problems assume the Jacoby Rule is in effect. That is, you can’t win a gammon unless the cube has been turned. This is a fairly simple, but extremely important problem. At first glance, White seems to have a lot of reasonable choices. Here’s a Cash game. Center cube. White to play 4-2. Note: All ‘cash game’ problems assume the Jacoby Rule is in effect. That is, you can’t win a gammon unless the cube has been turned. This is a fairly simple, but extremely important problem. At first glance, White seems to have a lot of reasonable choices. Here’s a
- [The value of a solid point](https://thegammonpress.com/jul-15-2025-the-value-of-a-solid-point-2/) - Cash game. Center cube. White to play 3-2. Note: All ‘cash game’ problems assume the Jacoby Rule is in effect. That is, you can’t win a gammon unless the cube has been turned. This position is taken from a game which began with a lot of hitting, but not much point-making. Both sides have now Cash game. Center cube. White to play 3-2. Note: All ‘cash game’ problems assume the Jacoby Rule is in effect. That is, you can’t win a gammon unless the cube has been turned. This position is taken from a game which began with a lot of hitting, but not much point-making. Both sides have now
- [Bearing Off Against an Ace-Point Game](https://thegammonpress.com/jun-15-2025-bearing-off-ace-point-game/) - Cash game, black owns the cube. White to play 3-1. Note: All ‘cash game’ problems assume the Jacoby Rule is in effect. That is, you can’t win a gammon unless the cube has been turned. In this position, Black got stuck playing an ace-point game which didn’t go well for him. Now he’s lost Cash game, black owns the cube. White to play 3-1. Note: All ‘cash game’ problems assume the Jacoby Rule is in effect. That is, you can’t win a gammon unless the cube has been turned. In this position, Black got stuck playing an ace-point game which didn’t go well for him. Now he’s lost
- [Opening Positions With Many Choices](https://thegammonpress.com/may-15-2025-opening-positions-with-many-choices/) - White to play 4-2. This is a fairly simple, but extremely important problem. At first glance, White seems to have a lot of reasonable choices. Here’s a quick list, with a brief description of why each play might be appealing: (a) 24/18, making the enemy bar-point and duplicating fours, but not making any progress White to play 4-2. This is a fairly simple, but extremely important problem. At first glance, White seems to have a lot of reasonable choices. Here’s a quick list, with a brief description of why each play might be appealing: (a) 24/18, making the enemy bar-point and duplicating fours, but not making any progress
- [A Cute Little Technical Problem In A Cash Game](https://thegammonpress.com/apr-15-2025-cute-technical-problem/) - Cash game, center cube. White to play 6-3. Note: All ‘cash game’ problems assume the Jacoby Rule is in effect. That is, you can’t win a gammon unless the cube has been turned. This is a cute little technical problem which revolves around an unusual idea. White is clearly in serious trouble and has Cash game, center cube. White to play 6-3. Note: All ‘cash game’ problems assume the Jacoby Rule is in effect. That is, you can’t win a gammon unless the cube has been turned. This is a cute little technical problem which revolves around an unusual idea. White is clearly in serious trouble and has
- [Handling Proto-Backgames](https://thegammonpress.com/mar-15-2025-handling-proto-backgames/) - Cash game, center cube. White to play 6-2. Note: All ‘cash game’ problems assume the Jacoby Rule is in effect. That is, you can’t win a gammon unless the cube has been turned. This position is an example of what I’ve labeled the proto-backgame. Both sides have been busy whacking each other for a Cash game, center cube. White to play 6-2. Note: All ‘cash game’ problems assume the Jacoby Rule is in effect. That is, you can’t win a gammon unless the cube has been turned. This position is an example of what I’ve labeled the proto-backgame. Both sides have been busy whacking each other for a
- [Prime versus Prime](https://thegammonpress.com/feb-15-2025-prime-versus-prime/) - Cash game, White owns cube. White to play 2-1. This position shows us one of the most interesting middle game positions possible: both sides have a 5-prime, and neither side has an anchor. The play will be razor-sharp, and gammons will be floating in the air for both Black and White. What are the goals Cash game, White owns cube. White to play 2-1. This position shows us one of the most interesting middle game positions possible: both sides have a 5-prime, and neither side has an anchor. The play will be razor-sharp, and gammons will be floating in the air for both Black and White. What are the goals
- [More on Mobility](https://thegammonpress.com/jan-15-2025-more-on-mobility/) - Cash game, Black owns cube. White on roll. This problem isn’t difficult, but it contains some interesting points. The right play is 21/13. Remaking the midpoint creates a fluid, well-connected position that’s relatively easy to play compared to alternatives. White has chances to make the 3-point, and some other rolls that make the bar-point. He Cash game, Black owns cube. White on roll. This problem isn’t difficult, but it contains some interesting points. The right play is 21/13. Remaking the midpoint creates a fluid, well-connected position that’s relatively easy to play compared to alternatives. White has chances to make the 3-point, and some other rolls that make the bar-point. He
- [Structure and Risk-Taking - Part 1 - The Problem](https://thegammonpress.com/structure-and-risk-taking-1/) - Here's a pair of very similar positions that shows how an (apparently) small change in an early-game position can dramatically change your approach. Cash game. White to play 5-1 Cash game. White to Play 5-1 Here's a pair of very similar positions that shows how an (apparently) small change in an early-game position can dramatically change your approach. Cash game. White to play 5-1 Cash game. White to Play 5-1
- [Structure and Risk-Taking - Part 2 - The Solution](https://thegammonpress.com/structure-and-risk-taking-solution/) - From the November 2024 blog post, here's a pair of very similar positions that shows how an (apparently) small change in an early-game position can dramatically change your approach. Cash game. White to play 5-1 Cash game. White to Play 5-1 These two positions show a routine situation in the early middle game. From the November 2024 blog post, here's a pair of very similar positions that shows how an (apparently) small change in an early-game position can dramatically change your approach. Cash game. White to play 5-1 Cash game. White to Play 5-1 These two positions show a routine situation in the early middle game.
- [Speed versus Structure](https://thegammonpress.com/oct-15-2024-speed-vs-structure/) - Cash game, center cube. (a) Who is a favorite? (b) White to play 5-2 4-1 2-1 6-5 Note: All ‘cash game’ problems assume the Jacoby Rule is in effect. That is, you can’t win a gammon unless the cube has been turned. Who is a favorite? And why is this, in fact, a problem? Cash game, center cube. (a) Who is a favorite? (b) White to play 5-2 4-1 2-1 6-5 Note: All ‘cash game’ problems assume the Jacoby Rule is in effect. That is, you can’t win a gammon unless the cube has been turned. Who is a favorite? And why is this, in fact, a problem?
- [Containing a Checker on the Bar](https://thegammonpress.com/jun-01-2024-containing-a-checker-on-the-bar/) - Cash game, White owns the cube. White to play 3-2 Problem 176 is an example of a type of position that arises fairly frequently, especially at the tail end of a mutual holding game. Black probably held White's 5-point for a while, then left either to hit a shot or to create a spare on Cash game, White owns the cube. White to play 3-2 Problem 176 is an example of a type of position that arises fairly frequently, especially at the tail end of a mutual holding game. Black probably held White's 5-point for a while, then left either to hit a shot or to create a spare on
- [Doubling Against One Man Back](https://thegammonpress.com/apr-01-2024-doubling-against-one-man-back/) - Cash game, center cube. Should White double? Should Black take if doubled? Problem 172 is a position type that we've categorized as 'One Man Back'. White has escaped both his rear checkers, while Black still has one man in White's home board. Now White is considering a double. What factors go into the evaluation of Cash game, center cube. Should White double? Should Black take if doubled? Problem 172 is a position type that we've categorized as 'One Man Back'. White has escaped both his rear checkers, while Black still has one man in White's home board. Now White is considering a double. What factors go into the evaluation of
- [Five-Prime versus One Man Back](https://thegammonpress.com/apr-15-2024-five-prime-versus-one-man-back/) - Cash game, Black owns the cube. White to play 1-1. In this position, White has escaped his back checkers, while Black has a single checker remaining in White's board, behind a 5-prime. How these positions are conducted depends on whether Black has one man back or two men anchored. If Black is anchored, we Cash game, Black owns the cube. White to play 1-1. In this position, White has escaped his back checkers, while Black has a single checker remaining in White's board, behind a 5-prime. How these positions are conducted depends on whether Black has one man back or two men anchored. If Black is anchored, we
- [Action Doubles](https://thegammonpress.com/may-01-2024-action-doubles/) - Cash game, center cube. Should White double? Should Black take if doubled? This position is another example of our old friend, the "Action Double". We've seen one of these before, in the blog post of September 1, 2023. Here's a brief description of the conditions that create a good action double. (1) We're out of Cash game, center cube. Should White double? Should Black take if doubled? This position is another example of our old friend, the "Action Double". We've seen one of these before, in the blog post of September 1, 2023. Here's a brief description of the conditions that create a good action double. (1) We're out of
- [Mobility](https://thegammonpress.com/may-15-2024-mobility/) - Cash game, White owns the cube. White to play 5-1 In backgammon, much of our thinking revolves around assets. What asset can we acquire with a given roll? What asset do we have to give up? One way to look at backgammon is as a series of decisions regarding the accumulation of assets, and Cash game, White owns the cube. White to play 5-1 In backgammon, much of our thinking revolves around assets. What asset can we acquire with a given roll? What asset do we have to give up? One way to look at backgammon is as a series of decisions regarding the accumulation of assets, and
- [Split into Trouble or Play Safe?](https://thegammonpress.com/mar-15-2024-split-into-trouble-or-play-safe/) - Cash game, center cube. White to play 4-2. If you understood the logic behind our last problem, you should have no trouble with this one, although the two positions belong to different categories. Our last problem was what I call a 'One Man Back' position, where the issue was to move up in the board Cash game, center cube. White to play 4-2. If you understood the logic behind our last problem, you should have no trouble with this one, although the two positions belong to different categories. Our last problem was what I call a 'One Man Back' position, where the issue was to move up in the board
- [One Man Back: Step Up or Not?](https://thegammonpress.com/feb-01-2024-one-man-back-step-up-or-not/) - Cash game, center cube. White to play 3-2. Suppose you’re an intermediate-level backgammon player (a little vague, to be sure, but you get the idea) and you’d like to improve. What’s the best way to study the game in a systematic manner? Different players have different approaches. Here’s what I like to do as a Cash game, center cube. White to play 3-2. Suppose you’re an intermediate-level backgammon player (a little vague, to be sure, but you get the idea) and you’d like to improve. What’s the best way to study the game in a systematic manner? Different players have different approaches. Here’s what I like to do as a
- [Connectivity](https://thegammonpress.com/jan-15-2024-connectivity/) - Cash game, center cube. White to play 4-4. This position was originally Problem 166, where Black had just danced and the question was whether or not White should double. (The answer was borderline double/no double, and easy take.) Some of the responders asked how White should play a subsequent 4-4, and that did seem Cash game, center cube. White to play 4-4. This position was originally Problem 166, where Black had just danced and the question was whether or not White should double. (The answer was borderline double/no double, and easy take.) Some of the responders asked how White should play a subsequent 4-4, and that did seem
- [Beavering](https://thegammonpress.com/jan-01-2024-beavering/) - Cash game, center cube. Should White double? If White doubles, what should Black do? By convention, most cash games use several auxiliary rules beyond the basic rules of backgammon, intended both to speed up the games and increase the stakes in an exciting way. The most common cash game rules are these: The Jacoby Rule: Cash game, center cube. Should White double? If White doubles, what should Black do? By convention, most cash games use several auxiliary rules beyond the basic rules of backgammon, intended both to speed up the games and increase the stakes in an exciting way. The most common cash game rules are these: The Jacoby Rule:
- [Running from a Holding Game](https://thegammonpress.com/dec-01-2023-running-from-a-holding-game/) - Cash game, White owns the cube. White to play 6-3. Checker play in holding games is generally a pretty simple matter. When you’re holding onto an anchor and you’re way behind in the race, you try to follow three rules: 1) Keep your anchor as long as you can. 2) Run off your anchor when Cash game, White owns the cube. White to play 6-3. Checker play in holding games is generally a pretty simple matter. When you’re holding onto an anchor and you’re way behind in the race, you try to follow three rules: 1) Keep your anchor as long as you can. 2) Run off your anchor when
- [Comparing Games of Skill and Chance](https://thegammonpress.com/comparing-games-skill-chance/) - What percentage of backgammon is skill and what percentage is luck? How does backgammon compare to other games in this respect?
- [An Introduction to Backgammon Notation](https://thegammonpress.com/backgammon-notation/) - Backgammon notation is a way of describing dice rolls and moves on a backgammon board. It's worth learning so you can read and benefit from backgammon books and articles.
- [Robertie's Rule of 65](https://thegammonpress.com/roberties-rule-of-65/) - You're in a race in a backgammon tournament match - what's the best method to estimate your winning chances?
- [World Backgammon Championship 1967 to 1979: Results and Some Historical Notes](https://thegammonpress.com/world-backgammon-championship-1967-to-1979-results-and-some-historical-notes/) - A corrected history of the early years of the World Backgammon Championship, setting the record straight ... by a backgammon historian who was actually there
- [How to Play Backgammon Chouettes - Part 1](https://thegammonpress.com/playing-backgammon-chouettes-1/) - Backgammon chouettes are very popular at backgammon tournaments and clubs. They're more fun, more sociable and more exciting. How to play and best rules ...
- [How to Play Backgammon Chouettes - Part 2](https://thegammonpress.com/playing-backgammon-chouettes-2/) - Conclusion: Bill Robertie's recommendations about how backgammon chouettes should be structured and what rules work well in practice
- [Early game ... which point to make?](https://thegammonpress.com/backgammon-lesson-1-early-game/) - If you have a choice between making an offensive point or a defensive point in the backgammon opening, which gets you the stronger position?
- [Run or Anchor?](https://thegammonpress.com/backgammon-lesson-2-run-or-anchor/) - One critical decision in a backgammon opening is having to choose between making a defensive anchor or running a checker. What's the right play?
- [Making the 5-Point](https://thegammonpress.com/backgammon-lesson-3-making-5-point/) - Understanding the importance of the two 5-points in the opening is a key to being a better backgammon player. These two examples show how the 5-points trump most alternatives.
- [Using Benchmark Positions](https://thegammonpress.com/backgammon-lesson-4-benchmarking/) - Benchmark positions are a critical idea in making good backgammon doubling decisions. Benchmarks unlock the key to many closely-related positions.
- [Split or Slot?](https://thegammonpress.com/backgammon-lesson-5-split-or-slot/) - In backgammon when do I slot a key point? When do I split my back checkers? Bill Robertie shows you how to make this important decision.
- [Volunteering a Shot](https://thegammonpress.com/backgammon-volunteering-a-shot/) - In backgammon you sometimes want to play safe, and you sometimes need to leave a shot. Bill Robertie explains when volunteering a shot is right.
- [Duplication](https://thegammonpress.com/backgammon-lesson-7-duplication/) - Duplication is an important backgammon idea which lets you find a good play in many positions by minimizing your opponent's good rolls.
- [More on Duplication](https://thegammonpress.com/backgammon-lesson-8-more-on-duplication/) - Here's a tricky example of how duplication can create winning chances in an unpromising position.
- [High Anchor Holding Games](https://thegammonpress.com/backgammon-lesson-9-holding-games/) - A holding game is one of the most common types of position in backgammon. Here are the rules for handling a holding game with a high anchor.
- [Make a point or hit?](https://thegammonpress.com/backgammon-lesson-13-make-a-point-or-hit/) - In the early game, should you hit a blot or make a point? Bill Robertie gives you some simple guidelines.
- [Which point to make?](https://thegammonpress.com/backgammon-lesson-14-which-point-to-make/) - When you have a choice of good points to make in the early game, which should you make? Here are some simple and good rules.
- [Holding Game Doubles, Part 2](https://thegammonpress.com/backgammon-lesson-12-holding-game-doubles-part-2/) - In some earlier posts we talked about doubling in high anchor games, and looked at some typical positions where White held an anchor on the 5-point and Black was trying to cash in on his racing advantage and bring his last checkers home to victory. All of those positions turned out to be takes. From In some earlier posts we talked about doubling in high anchor games, and looked at some typical positions where White held an anchor on the 5-point and Black was trying to cash in on his racing advantage and bring his last checkers home to victory. All of those positions turned out to be takes. From
- [A Short History of Modern Backgammon](https://thegammonpress.com/a-short-history-of-modern-backgammon/) - How did backgammon become the game it is today? Bill Robertie gives a brief history of backgammon's development since 1920.
- [Position or Race?](https://thegammonpress.com/backgammon-lesson-11-position-or-race/) - Which is more important in backgammon - a strong position or a racing lead? Position is good, but don't underestimate the race.
- [Holding Game Doubles](https://thegammonpress.com/backgammon-lesson-10-holding-doubles/) - High anchor games are very common in backgammon. This article explains how to use the doubling cube in holding positions.
- [2017 Boston Quiz Contest Part 4](https://thegammonpress.com/2017-boston-quiz-contest-part-4/) - Problems 16 through 20 from the 2017 Boston Backgammon Quiz Contest
- [Equipment Review: The BoneClub Set](https://thegammonpress.com/equipment-review-the-boneclub-set/) - A review of the new backgammon set from Boneclub.uk
- [2017 Boston Quiz Contest Part 3](https://thegammonpress.com/2017-boston-quiz-contest-part-3/) - Problems 11 to 15 from the 2017 Boston Backgammon Quiz Contest
- [Boston Quiz Contest, Part 2](https://thegammonpress.com/2017-boston-quiz-contest-part-2/) - Problems 6 through 10 from the 2017 Boston Backgammon Quiz Contest
- [Boston Quiz Contest, Part 1](https://thegammonpress.com/2017-boston-quiz-contest-part-1/) - Problems 1 - 5 from the 2017 Boston Backgammon Quiz Contest
- [Hit or Not?](https://thegammonpress.com/backgammon-lesson-15-hit-or-not/) - If you can hit loose or play safe, how do you decide which is right? Here's a quick guide.
- [More on Hitting](https://thegammonpress.com/backgammon-lesson-16-more-on-hitting/) - Some hit or no hit problems are tougher than others. Can you solve these?
- [Equipment Review - The P-40 Set](https://thegammonpress.com/equipment-review-the-p-40-set/) - Review of the P-40 backgammon set
- [The Backgammon Encyclopedia, Volume 2](https://thegammonpress.com/the-backgammon-encyclopedia-volume-2/) - Excerpts from a new book -- The Backgammon Encyclopedia, Volume 2, by Kit Woolsey
- [Bearing Off to Win a Gammon](https://thegammonpress.com/backgammon-lesson-17-bearing-off-to-win-a-gammon/) - In backgammon you sometimes have a choice between playing for maximum safety and playing aggressively for a gammon. This lesson shows how to play for a gammon.
- [Software Review: eXtreme Gammon](https://thegammonpress.com/backgammon-software-review-extreme-gammon/) - Backgammon Software - eXtreme Gammon Review
- [Consider All Possibilities](https://thegammonpress.com/backgammon-lesson-18-consider-all-possibilities/) - Overlooking the best play is an easy error to make in backgammon. Consider all plays before moving.
- [The Tempo Hit](https://thegammonpress.com/backgammon-lesson-19-the-tempo-hit/) - In backgammon you sometimes hit not to gain ground in the race, but to prevent your opponent from carrying out a threat, These kind of hits are called tempo hits.
- [Prince Alexis Obolensky - The Father of Modern Backgammon](https://thegammonpress.com/prince-alexis-obolensky-the-father-of-modern-backgammon/) - Prince Alexis Obolensky, the father of modern backgammon, was elected to the Backgammon Hall of Fame in 2018. He ran the first modern tournament in 1964 and attracted many new players to the game.
- [Evaluating Early Doubles](https://thegammonpress.com/backgammon-lesson-20-evaluating-early-doubles/) - When making an early double in backgammon, remember to evaluate your opponent's position as well as your own.
- [Fighting Stacked Positions](https://thegammonpress.com/backgammon-lesson-21-fighting-stacked-positions/) - In backgammon, you can fight against stacked positions by building primes rather than by hitting.
- [Evaluating Candidate Plays](https://thegammonpress.com/backgammon-lesson-22-evaluating-candidate-plays/) - In backgammon, you need to see all your candidate plays before trying to figure out which one is best. If you don't see a play, you can't make it.
- [Playing Efficiently](https://thegammonpress.com/backgammon-lesson-23-playing-efficiently/) - In backgammon, efficient checker play means making your checkers do the most work at the minimum risk.
- [Handling 6-Primes](https://thegammonpress.com/backgammon-lesson-24-handling-6-primes/) - In backgammon, a full 6-point prime is a powerful and usually winning formation. But handling the prime properly can be a little tricky. Here are three problems that will teach you how to avoid some common mistakes.
- [Bearing in Against the Ace-Point](https://thegammonpress.com/backgammon-lesson-25-bearing-in-against-the-ace-point/) - Bearing your checkers in against a made ace-point can be trickier than it looks. This lesson shows you what pitfalls to avoid.
- [Leave Your Anchor or Not?](https://thegammonpress.com/backgammon-lesson-26-leave-your-anchor-or-not/) - In backgammon, a mutual holding game is a position where both sides have an advanced anchor. Here's how to decide when to leave that anchor.
- [Which Point to Make?](https://thegammonpress.com/backgammon-lesson-27-which-point-to-make/) - In backgammon you sometimes have a choice of strong points to make. Here's how to choose between a good offensive point and a good defensive point.
- [Which Point to Make - Part 2](https://thegammonpress.com/backgammon-lesson-28-which-point-to-make-2/) - When two good points are available, choosing which one to make can be difficult. Here are some guidelines to help you through the decision process.
- [Hit or Make the 20-point?](https://thegammonpress.com/backgammon-lesson-29-hit-or-make-the-20-point/) - In backgammon, hitting isn't necessarily right, even in the opening. Sometimes a good point is more important.
- [Make the 20-point or the 4-point?](https://thegammonpress.com/backgammon-lesson-30-make-the-20-point-or-the-4-point/) - In the opening you sometimes have a choice between making the defensive 20-point or the offensive 4-point. How do you decide what to make? Here are a few guidelines.
- [Where to Leave a Blot?](https://thegammonpress.com/backgammon-lesson-31-where-to-leave-a-blot/) - Sometimes in backgammon we're forced to leave a blot, but we have a choice of where to leave it. Here are a few guidelines to help us decide.
- [Playing Proto-Backgames](https://thegammonpress.com/backgammon-lesson-32-playing-proto-backgames/) - White - Pips 147 (-37) Black - Pips 184 (+37) Black to Play 4-1 Things went badly for Black in the early part of the game, and after getting a couple of men hit, he wound up making his 20-point. White has made some progress, securing his own 10-point to make the start of a White - Pips 147 (-37) Black - Pips 184 (+37) Black to Play 4-1 Things went badly for Black in the early part of the game, and after getting a couple of men hit, he wound up making his 20-point. White has made some progress, securing his own 10-point to make the start of a
- [Improving Backgammon Tournaments](https://thegammonpress.com/improving-backgammon-tournaments/) - Many suggestions have been made to improve the structure of backgammon tournaments. Bill Robertie discusses and evaluates some of the ideas.
- [Slotting in a Back Game](https://thegammonpress.com/backgammon-lesson-33-slotting-in-a-back-game/) - If your opponent has a back game, slotting may be the quickest and safest way to build your inner board.
- [Prime or Slot?](https://thegammonpress.com/backgammon-lesson-34-prime-or-slot/) - Don't build a prime against a back game unless the prime can actually block your opponent for a few turns.
- [Paul Magriel - The Lost Interview - Part 1](https://thegammonpress.com/paul-magriel-the-lost-interview-part-1/) - An interview with Paul Magriel, backgammon champion, in 1975. Part 1.
- [Paul Magriel - The Lost Interview, Part 2](https://thegammonpress.com/paul-magriel-the-lost-interview-part-2/) - Paul Magriel discusses many aspects of backgammon in this interview from 1975.
- [A Backgame Tactic](https://thegammonpress.com/a-backgame-tactic/) - In backgammon, a backgame may require many subtle tactical decisions. Here's an example.
- [Attacking a Back Game](https://thegammonpress.com/attacking-a-back-game/) - In backgammon there are different ways to combat a back game. One tactic is to force your opponent to break one of his back game points.
- [Play Safe or Play for the Gammon?](https://thegammonpress.com/play-safe-or-play-for-the-gammon/) - In the endgame of backgammon, safe plays aren't always right. Some time you must take small risks to win extra gammons. Here's an example.
- [Offering Early Doubles](https://thegammonpress.com/offering-early-doubles/) - It's possible to offer a correct double even in the very early stage of a backgammon game. Here's a good example.
- [Taking Risks in a Holding Game](https://thegammonpress.com/taking-risks-in-a-holding-game/) - Whether you take risks or not in a complicated position often hinges on the strength of your opponent's home board. Check out these two examples.
- [Creating Checkers to Move](https://thegammonpress.com/creating-checkers-to-move/) - In backgammon it's important to have checkers that you can easily move when you don't throw a great shot. Here's a good example.
- [When to Make an Early Double](https://thegammonpress.com/mar-1-2019-an-early-double/) - A good double very early in a backgammon game is unusual, but it can happen. Here's a good example.
- [Gino Scalamandre - A Remembrance](https://thegammonpress.com/mar-16-2019-gino-scalamandre/) - Gino Scalamandre was one of the great backgammon players of all time. This tribute to him was given by Lewis Deyong at his memorial service.
- [5-Prime versus 5-Prime](https://thegammonpress.com/apr-01-2019-5-prime-versus-5-prime/) - White - Pips 105 (-10) Black - Pips 115 (+10) Black to Play 2-1This problem shows us one of the most interesting middle game positions possible: both sides have a 5-prime, and neither side has an anchor. The play will be razor-sharp, and gammons will be floating in the air for both Black and White. White - Pips 105 (-10) Black - Pips 115 (+10) Black to Play 2-1This problem shows us one of the most interesting middle game positions possible: both sides have a 5-prime, and neither side has an anchor. The play will be razor-sharp, and gammons will be floating in the air for both Black and White.
- [How to Play a Proto-Backgame](https://thegammonpress.com/apr-15-2019-how-to-play-a-proto-backgame/) - In backgammon when one or both sides have several men sent back, we're in what's called a proto-backgame. Here are some tips for how to play these positions.
- [Middle Game Maneuvering](https://thegammonpress.com/apr-01-2019-backgammon-explained-middle-game-maneuvering/) - In complicated backgammon middle games, keeping your checkers mobile and flexible can be even more important than making new points.
- [Backgammon Explained - Hit Loose or Make a Point?](https://thegammonpress.com/may-15-2019-backgammon-explained-hit-loose-or-make-a-point/) - In the early game in backgammon, you often have a choice between a good hit or making a strong point. Here's how to make that decision.
- [Doubling Weak Players in Tournaments](https://thegammonpress.com/june-01-2019-doubling-weak-players-in-tournaments/) - When you're playing a weaker player in a tournament, how should you handle the doubling cube? Here are some good tips.
- [Bearing Off Against the Ace-Point](https://thegammonpress.com/june-15-2019-bearing-off-against-the-ace-point/) - In backgammon, bearing off against an opponent holding your ace-point can be tricky. Here are a few helpful tips.
- [Hit Twice or Not?](https://thegammonpress.com/july-1-2019-hit-twice-or-not/) - In backgammon you sometimes have to choose between hitting once and hitting twice. Here are some guidelines for hitting twice.
- [Saving a Weak Back Game](https://thegammonpress.com/july-15-2019-saving-a-weak-back-game/) - In backgammon you sometimes have to play back games that don't have many winning chances. Here are some tips for making the best of a bad situation.
- [Playing a Deuce-Point Game](https://thegammonpress.com/aug-01-2019-playing-a-deuce-point-game/) - In backgammon, you'll sometimes find yourself playing a deuce-point game. Here are some tips for handling these common positions.
- [Phillip Vyvian Martyn, 1938-2019](https://thegammonpress.com/aug-06-2019-philip-vyvian-martin-1938-2019/) - Philip Martyn, one of the greatest players of backgammon's golden age, passed away recently. Here is a brief recollection of the man and his achievements.
- [Playing a Middle Game Blitz](https://thegammonpress.com/aug-15-2019-playing-a-middle-game-blitz/) - In backgammon, the term 'blitz' refers to a position where one side is caught on the bar and the other side is trying for a closeout.
- [Hit loose or make an anchor?](https://thegammonpress.com/sep-01-2019-hit-loose-or-make-an-anchor/) - In the opening of a backgammon game, we sometimes have to choose between hitting loose or making a good anchor. Here's how to make that decision.
- [An Early Blitz](https://thegammonpress.com/sep-15-2019-an-early-blitz/) - In backgammon, you sometimes get a chance to close out your opponent in what's called a blitz. Here are some tips for playing blitz positions.
- [Pay Now or Pay Later](https://thegammonpress.com/oct-01-2019-pay-now-or-pay-later/) - White - Pips 138 (+59) Black - Pips 79 (-59) Black to Play 5-1This position shows White playing a well-timed holding game while Black is struggling to clear his points and get his men home. Black leads in the race by just over 60 pips, so it’s always been highly likely that he’s would have White - Pips 138 (+59) Black - Pips 79 (-59) Black to Play 5-1This position shows White playing a well-timed holding game while Black is struggling to clear his points and get his men home. Black leads in the race by just over 60 pips, so it’s always been highly likely that he’s would have
- [Playing a Busted Back Game](https://thegammonpress.com/oct-21-2019-playing-a-busted-back-game-2/) - When playing a back game, sometimes your board will collapse before you can hit a shot. Don't give up! Even bad back games can be saved with a little luck.
- [A Tactic Against a Back Game](https://thegammonpress.com/nov-01-2019-a-tactic-against-a-back-game/) - In backgammon, there are many clever tactics you can employ to defeat even a well-timed back game. Here's one example.
- [Playing the Containment Game](https://thegammonpress.com/nov-15-2019-playing-the-containment-game/) - In backgammon, you will sometimes have the job of containing and closing out an enemy checker. Here are some useful tips.
- [Playing a Random 6 from the Bar](https://thegammonpress.com/dec-01-2019-playing-a-random-6-from-the-bar/) - In backgammon, you sometimes throw an awkward 6 when you're on the bar. Here are some guidelines for handling the situation.
- [Running off an Anchor](https://thegammonpress.com/dec-15-2019-running-off-an-anchor/) - Sometimes in backgammon you face a choice between holding an anchor and waiting for a shot or turning the game into a race. Here are some guidelines.
- [When to Break a 6-Prime](https://thegammonpress.com/jan-01-2020-when-to-break-a-6-prime/) - In backgammon a 6-point prime is very strong, but sometimes you have to break it. Here's a particularly useful example.
- [Playability](https://thegammonpress.com/jan-15-2020-playability/) - Playability is an important idea in backgammon when you only have a few checkers you can move. Make sure it will be easy to move your checkers next turn.
- [Playing a Bad Back Game](https://thegammonpress.com/feb-15-2020-playing-a-bad-back-game/) - In backgammon, you need to be far behind in the race to play a successful back game. If not, you'll need to be creative to get some winning chances.
- [Priming a Back Game](https://thegammonpress.com/feb-15-2020-priming-a-back-game-2/) - Priming is an effective weapon against back games, but not always. Here's an exception.
- [Movie Recommendation](https://thegammonpress.com/mar-01-2020-movie-recommendation/) - Stuck indoors in these trying times? Cabin fever starting to close in? Getting uncomfortable watching The Andromeda Strain and too scared to watch the market? For a change of pace with a backgammon theme, try watch a little-known but unexpectedly charming film called The World is Big and Salvation Lurks Around the Corner. If you Stuck indoors in these trying times? Cabin fever starting to close in? Getting uncomfortable watching The Andromeda Strain and too scared to watch the market? For a change of pace with a backgammon theme, try watch a little-known but unexpectedly charming film called The World is Big and Salvation Lurks Around the Corner. If you
- [How to Play the Opening in Backgammon Part 1 now available](https://thegammonpress.com/mar-15-2020-how-to-play-the-opening-in-backgammon-part-1-now-available/) - I'm pleased to announce that my new book, How to Play the Opening in Backgammon, Part 1, has been published and is available for purchase here at the Gammon Press. To order, click here. The book is built around the kinds of typical choices that players face in the opening part of the game. For I'm pleased to announce that my new book, How to Play the Opening in Backgammon, Part 1, has been published and is available for purchase here at the Gammon Press. To order, click here. The book is built around the kinds of typical choices that players face in the opening part of the game. For
- [Checker Plays and Cube Positions](https://thegammonpress.com/apr-01-2020-checker-plays-and-cube-positions/) - Sometimes in backgammon the right checker play depends on the position of the doubling cube. Here's an example.
- [Adjusting Checker Play to Match Score](https://thegammonpress.com/apr-15-2020-adjusting-checker-play-to-match-score/) - White - Pips 162 (+3) Black - Pips 159 (-3) Black to Play 3-1Black to play 3-1 in these situations: (A) Cash game, center cube. (B) Tournament match, double match point. (C) Tournament match, Black trails 3-4 to 5, Crawford Game. (D) Tournament match, Black leads 4-3 to 5, Crawford Game. When you have a White - Pips 162 (+3) Black - Pips 159 (-3) Black to Play 3-1Black to play 3-1 in these situations: (A) Cash game, center cube. (B) Tournament match, double match point. (C) Tournament match, Black trails 3-4 to 5, Crawford Game. (D) Tournament match, Black leads 4-3 to 5, Crawford Game. When you have a
- [How to Play the Opening in Backgammon (Book Excerpt)](https://thegammonpress.com/may-01-2020-how-to-play-the-opening-in-backgammon-bookexcerpt/) - Here is an excerpt from Bill Robertie's new book, How to Play the Opening in Backgammon, Part 1 -- A New Way of Thinking
- [Adjusting Checker Play to Match Score](https://thegammonpress.com/may-15-2020-adjusting-checker-play-to-match-score/) - In tournament backgammon, sometimes the correct checker play hinges on the match score. Here's a good example.
- [Blitz versus Back Game](https://thegammonpress.com/june-01-2020-blitz-versus-back-game/) - Sometimes in backgammon different game plans can coexist. Here's an example of a back game that also has blitzing chances.
- [Bearing Off Against Contact](https://thegammonpress.com/jun-15-2020-bearing-off-against-contact/) - In backgammon, when you're bearing off against contact you sometimes have to choose between playing to win and going for the gammon. Here are some guidelines.
- [Handling Six-Primes](https://thegammonpress.com/july-01-2020-handling-six-primes/) - Six-primes are the ultimate containment formation in backgammon, but even a six-prime is no guarantee of winning.
- [Adjusting to Tournament Play](https://thegammonpress.com/july-15-2020-adjusting-to-tournament-play/) - Tournament play in backgammon requires some adjustments if you're a money player. Here's a good example.
- [Blitz doubles in Tournament Play](https://thegammonpress.com/aug-01-2020-blitz-doubles-in-tournament-play/) - In this position we're still in the early part of the game. Both sides have one checker back. White has a somewhat impure structure with the ace-point already made, but he does have an extra inner point, plus a lot of checkers that can join in an attack. Black has only two inner points, but In this position we're still in the early part of the game. Both sides have one checker back. White has a somewhat impure structure with the ace-point already made, but he does have an extra inner point, plus a lot of checkers that can join in an attack. Black has only two inner points, but
- [Memories of Malcolm](https://thegammonpress.com/aug-15-2020-memories-of-malcolm/) - Malcolm Davis was one of backgammon's all-time greats. Here are some remembrances of his life.
- [Doubling at 2-away 4-away in Match Play](https://thegammonpress.com/sep-01-2020-doubling-at-2-away-4-away-in-match-play/) - In backgammon tournament play, many doubling decisions depend heavily on the match score. Here's some advice on handling the 2-away 4-away score
- [Doubling with a Big Lead in Match Play](https://thegammonpress.com/sep-15-2020-doubling-with-a-big-lead-in-match-play/) - In tournament backgammon, the score sometimes gets very lopsided in favor of one player. Here's how to adjust your doubling strategy in that case.
- [Mutual Holding Games](https://thegammonpress.com/oct-01-2020-mutual-holding-games/) - In backgammon, mutual holding games are fairly common. Here are some tips for how to play them.
- [Using Diversification](https://thegammonpress.com/oct-15-2020-using-diversification/) - In backgammon, you want to give yourself as many ways as possible to throw a good number next turn. Diversification is an excellent tactic for that purpose.
- [Preparing for a Shot](https://thegammonpress.com/nov-01-2020-preparing-for-a-shot/) - In backgammon, you have to be ready if your opponent is about to leave a game-winning shot. Here's how.
- [Off to an Early Lead](https://thegammonpress.com/nov-15-2020-off-to-an-early-lead/) - Sometimes in backgammon you get a big advantage quickly. Here's how to handle these positions.
- [Coming Home in a Holding Game](https://thegammonpress.com/dec-1-2020-coming-home-in-a-holding-game/) - In backgammon you will often have to get your checkers home while your opponent holds a point in your board. Here are some tips for getting home safely.
- [Studying Your Opponent's Position](https://thegammonpress.com/dec-15-2020-studying-your-opponents-position/) - Sometimes in backgammon, the way to find the right play is to look for the weaknesses of our opponent's position.
- [Playing a Blitz](https://thegammonpress.com/jan-01-2021-playing-a-blitz/) - This position shows an interesting blitz situation. Black’s been caught with a checker on the bar, another exposed blot in White’s home board, and a third blot in his own outfield. White has a three point board with a fourth point slotted, plus a few builders on hand. Money game, Black owns the cube, White This position shows an interesting blitz situation. Black’s been caught with a checker on the bar, another exposed blot in White’s home board, and a third blot in his own outfield. White has a three point board with a fourth point slotted, plus a few builders on hand. Money game, Black owns the cube, White
- [Playing a Blitz Part 2](https://thegammonpress.com/jan-15-2021-playing-a-blitz-part-2/) - Here we're returning to the theme of the previous post: a late game blitz with a choice of hitting outside or making a point inside. (In this case, making the inside point also has the nice advantage of putting a checker in the air at the same time.) These problems are inherently very difficult, and Here we're returning to the theme of the previous post: a late game blitz with a choice of hitting outside or making a point inside. (In this case, making the inside point also has the nice advantage of putting a checker in the air at the same time.) These problems are inherently very difficult, and
- [Creating Bad Numbers](https://thegammonpress.com/feb-01-2021-creating-bad-numbers/) - This next problem shows a somewhat unusual middle game position. White, with one checker in the air, has an outside prime with the 5-point slotted. Black has a bizarre position with four checkers back on his 24-point. His front game is normal enough, with the start of a little block. Last turn, White doubled from This next problem shows a somewhat unusual middle game position. White, with one checker in the air, has an outside prime with the 5-point slotted. Black has a bizarre position with four checkers back on his 24-point. His front game is normal enough, with the start of a little block. Last turn, White doubled from
- [Priming Games: Action versus Timing](https://thegammonpress.com/feb-15-2021-priming-games-action-versus-timing/) - The next position is an interesting problem with a few non-standard elements. On the one hand, it’s a prime versus prime problem; both sides have 5-point primes, and both sides have some escaping to do. On the other hand, it’s an action play problem. White is on the bar shooting at a couple of The next position is an interesting problem with a few non-standard elements. On the one hand, it’s a prime versus prime problem; both sides have 5-point primes, and both sides have some escaping to do. On the other hand, it’s an action play problem. White is on the bar shooting at a couple of
- [Priming Games - Escape or Attack](https://thegammonpress.com/mar-01-2021-priming-games-escape-or-attack/) - Money game, White owns the cube. White to play 4-1. This position is not difficult but it illustrates a key idea in priming games, whether prime against prime or prime against blitz: Do the hardest thing first, and force your opponent to do a hard thing in reply. By “hard thing” I mean anything that Money game, White owns the cube. White to play 4-1. This position is not difficult but it illustrates a key idea in priming games, whether prime against prime or prime against blitz: Do the hardest thing first, and force your opponent to do a hard thing in reply. By “hard thing” I mean anything that
- [Bearing Off Against Contact](https://thegammonpress.com/mar-15-2021-bearing-off-against-contact/) - Cash game, Black owns a 2-cube. White to play 4-1. Back at World Cup VI, in 1998, Kent Goulding and I introduced a ‘Quizgammon’ contest, consisting of a set of 30 problems taken from all phases of the game. Everyone who was interested paid an entry fee of $20 and sat down for an hour Cash game, Black owns a 2-cube. White to play 4-1. Back at World Cup VI, in 1998, Kent Goulding and I introduced a ‘Quizgammon’ contest, consisting of a set of 30 problems taken from all phases of the game. Everyone who was interested paid an entry fee of $20 and sat down for an hour
- [The Squat Zone](https://thegammonpress.com/apr-01-2021-the-squat-zone/) - In the 1970s, the New Yorkers invented a term for the new style of backgammon they were playing, a style based upon aggressive hitting and slotting. They called it pure play. The essence of pure play was the willingness to take risks in the race to build a crushing prime quickly. If the plays worked, In the 1970s, the New Yorkers invented a term for the new style of backgammon they were playing, a style based upon aggressive hitting and slotting. They called it pure play. The essence of pure play was the willingness to take risks in the race to build a crushing prime quickly. If the plays worked,
- [Root Numbers](https://thegammonpress.com/apr-15-2021-root-numbers/) - Cash game, White owns the cube. White to play 5-1. Root Numbers In backgammon, a root number is just a dice throw that damages or destroys your position. We mostly encounter these by accident, when we throw an awkward shot that can’t be played except by wrecking our inner board or leaving a bunch of Cash game, White owns the cube. White to play 5-1. Root Numbers In backgammon, a root number is just a dice throw that damages or destroys your position. We mostly encounter these by accident, when we throw an awkward shot that can’t be played except by wrecking our inner board or leaving a bunch of
- [Slotting in the Middle Game](https://thegammonpress.com/may-01-2021-slotting-in-the-middle-game/) - Slotting is an easy idea to understand in the opening. When we slot the 5-point with an opening 2-1, we threaten to make a very strong point while unstacking a big stack. Since our opponent has no board, getting hit is just a minor inconvenience. Although it’s not a hugely correct play (splitting our back Slotting is an easy idea to understand in the opening. When we slot the 5-point with an opening 2-1, we threaten to make a very strong point while unstacking a big stack. Since our opponent has no board, getting hit is just a minor inconvenience. Although it’s not a hugely correct play (splitting our back
- [Holding Games with Stragglers](https://thegammonpress.com/june-01-2021-holding-games-with-stragglers/) - One of the most common middle game structures in backgammon is the holding game, where at least one side has made an advanced anchor, and the other side has to get his checkers home while leaving as few shots as possible. Holding games are even more common now than previously, because of the tendency to One of the most common middle game structures in backgammon is the holding game, where at least one side has made an advanced anchor, and the other side has to get his checkers home while leaving as few shots as possible. Holding games are even more common now than previously, because of the tendency to
- [Game Planning in the Middle Game](https://thegammonpress.com/jun-15-2021-game-planning-in-the-middle-game/) - (A) Cash game, center cube. Should White double? Should Black take if doubled? (B) Assume White doubles and Black takes. White to play (b1) 55 (b2) 33 (b3) 53 (A) Cube action? This problem is a more or less common middle game position with some interesting move choices coming up. First, however, White has to (A) Cash game, center cube. Should White double? Should Black take if doubled? (B) Assume White doubles and Black takes. White to play (b1) 55 (b2) 33 (b3) 53 (A) Cube action? This problem is a more or less common middle game position with some interesting move choices coming up. First, however, White has to
- [Cracking a 6-Prime](https://thegammonpress.com/jul-01-2021-cracking-a-6-prime/) - Cash game, White owns the cube. White to play 6-1. In this position, Black has managed to build a full 6-prime, and White has one checker trapped behind it. A single checker behind a full prime is normally a pretty bad position. If Black could escape all his back checkers and arrange them on top Cash game, White owns the cube. White to play 6-1. In this position, Black has managed to build a full 6-prime, and White has one checker trapped behind it. A single checker behind a full prime is normally a pretty bad position. If Black could escape all his back checkers and arrange them on top
- [Holding Game -- Building the Board](https://thegammonpress.com/aug-01-2019-holding-game-building-the-board/) - Cash game, center cube. White to play 1-1. This position shows a slightly unusual mutual holding game structure. Both sides have anchors, White on his 21-point and Black on his 18-point. Right now White trails in the race by 16 pips (123 to 107), but trailing in the race isn’t much of a disadvantage in Cash game, center cube. White to play 1-1. This position shows a slightly unusual mutual holding game structure. Both sides have anchors, White on his 21-point and Black on his 18-point. Right now White trails in the race by 16 pips (123 to 107), but trailing in the race isn’t much of a disadvantage in
- [Three Interesting Problems](https://thegammonpress.com/aug-15-2021-three-interesting-problems/) - Here are three problems the early stages of a long match. Try your hand and see how you do. (A) Match, score 0-0 to 17, center cube. White to play 3-1. (B) Match, White leads 1-0 to 17, center cube. White to play 5-4. (C) Match, White leads 1-0 to 17, center cube. Should White Here are three problems the early stages of a long match. Try your hand and see how you do. (A) Match, score 0-0 to 17, center cube. White to play 3-1. (B) Match, White leads 1-0 to 17, center cube. White to play 5-4. (C) Match, White leads 1-0 to 17, center cube. Should White
- [Playing Blocking Games](https://thegammonpress.com/sep-01-2021-playing-blocking-games/) - Cash game, center cube, White on roll. Part (a): White to play 4-3. Part (b): White to play 5-1. Both sides have anchors on the opposing 3-points, and both sides have established a few points in front of the enemy anchor. I like to call these ‘Block versus Block’ positions, to distinguish them from Cash game, center cube, White on roll. Part (a): White to play 4-3. Part (b): White to play 5-1. Both sides have anchors on the opposing 3-points, and both sides have established a few points in front of the enemy anchor. I like to call these ‘Block versus Block’ positions, to distinguish them from
- [Playing for a Decisive Advantage](https://thegammonpress.com/sep-15-2021-playing-for-a-decisive-advantage/) - Cash game, center cube. Black to play 6-1. This position is somewhat unusual. We have a roughly balanced middle game in which both sides have moderately strong home boards. Black has only one man back, and as a result White trails in the pip count by 15 pips (136 to 121). White’s roll, 6-1, is Cash game, center cube. Black to play 6-1. This position is somewhat unusual. We have a roughly balanced middle game in which both sides have moderately strong home boards. Black has only one man back, and as a result White trails in the pip count by 15 pips (136 to 121). White’s roll, 6-1, is
- [Doubling an Early Position](https://thegammonpress.com/oct-01-2021-doubling-an-early-position/) - Cash game, center cube. White on roll. (a) Should White double? (b) If doubled, should Black take, drop, or beaver? Early game doubles cover a wide variety of positions, but in general they can be spotted by analyzing three key aspects of the game: race, position, and threats. Many years ago, Joe Sylvester (a Cash game, center cube. White on roll. (a) Should White double? (b) If doubled, should Black take, drop, or beaver? Early game doubles cover a wide variety of positions, but in general they can be spotted by analyzing three key aspects of the game: race, position, and threats. Many years ago, Joe Sylvester (a
- [Hit Loose or Play Quietly?](https://thegammonpress.com/oct-15-2021-hit-loose-or-play-quietly/) - Cash game, center cube. White on roll. White to play 5-3. Many backgammon problems boil down to a simple question: hit, or don’t hit. In essence, backgammon is a pretty simple game. In general, you want to make points, and in general, you want to hit. When you can hit a checker on your opponent's Cash game, center cube. White on roll. White to play 5-3. Many backgammon problems boil down to a simple question: hit, or don’t hit. In essence, backgammon is a pretty simple game. In general, you want to make points, and in general, you want to hit. When you can hit a checker on your opponent's
- [Hit Loose or Split in the Opening](https://thegammonpress.com/nov-15-2021-hit-loose-or-split-in-the-opening/) - Cash game, center cube. White on roll. White to play 3-1. Here’s the same position from the last blog post, but this time White has a different roll to play: 3-1. Here the choice is a little different from before. The only available hit, Bar/24 6/3*, is now a horrible blunder. It has all the Cash game, center cube. White on roll. White to play 3-1. Here’s the same position from the last blog post, but this time White has a different roll to play: 3-1. Here the choice is a little different from before. The only available hit, Bar/24 6/3*, is now a horrible blunder. It has all the
- [Split or slot in the Opening](https://thegammonpress.com/dec-01-2021-split-or-slot-in-the-opening/) - Cash game, White owns the cube. White on roll. White to play 2-1. Slotting to make a key point and splitting your back checkers are two tactical ideas that dominate early-game play when more obvious choices like hitting blots and making points aren’t available. The 1970s and 1980s were the heyday of slotting. The preferred Cash game, White owns the cube. White on roll. White to play 2-1. Slotting to make a key point and splitting your back checkers are two tactical ideas that dominate early-game play when more obvious choices like hitting blots and making points aren’t available. The 1970s and 1980s were the heyday of slotting. The preferred
- [Late Game Blitzes](https://thegammonpress.com/dec-15-2021-late-game-blitzes/) - Cash game, White owns the cube. White on roll. (a) Should White double? (b) If doubled, should Black take, drop, or beaver? Among the many relatively unexplored position types in backgammon is one I call the “Late Game Blitz”. The general idea is pretty simple. One side has a blitz in progress. The other side, Cash game, White owns the cube. White on roll. (a) Should White double? (b) If doubled, should Black take, drop, or beaver? Among the many relatively unexplored position types in backgammon is one I call the “Late Game Blitz”. The general idea is pretty simple. One side has a blitz in progress. The other side,
- [Taking Your Last Chance](https://thegammonpress.com/jan-01-2022-taking-your-last-chance/) - Cash game. Black owns the cube. White on roll. White to play 5-1. One of the most dangerous positions in backgammon is that of the out-timed and rapidly deteriorating position. This problem is a good example. These overstretched positions usually arise when one side (here White) has built a great front position quickly, but at Cash game. Black owns the cube. White on roll. White to play 5-1. One of the most dangerous positions in backgammon is that of the out-timed and rapidly deteriorating position. This problem is a good example. These overstretched positions usually arise when one side (here White) has built a great front position quickly, but at
- [When You're Desperate...](https://thegammonpress.com/jan-15-2022-when-youre-desperate/) - Cash game. White owns the cube. White on roll. White to play 5-3. A lot of backgammon positions are pretty simple: the right play is either forced or completely obvious. Many others involve a clear decision between two very different alternatives. These problems may be hard to solve, but at least the choices are clear. Cash game. White owns the cube. White on roll. White to play 5-3. A lot of backgammon positions are pretty simple: the right play is either forced or completely obvious. Many others involve a clear decision between two very different alternatives. These problems may be hard to solve, but at least the choices are clear.
- [The Tempo Hit](https://thegammonpress.com/feb-01-2022-the-tempo-hit/) - Cash game. Center cube. White on roll. Position 1: White to play 5-2. Position 2: White to play 4-2. In backgammon, most hits are done for one of two reasons: to gain ground in the race, or to attack a key point. A rarer (but still important) use of the hit is a defensive idea Cash game. Center cube. White on roll. Position 1: White to play 5-2. Position 2: White to play 4-2. In backgammon, most hits are done for one of two reasons: to gain ground in the race, or to attack a key point. A rarer (but still important) use of the hit is a defensive idea
- [Aggressive Early Doubles](https://thegammonpress.com/feb-15-2022-aggressive-early-doubles/) - Cash game. Center cube. White on roll. Part (a): Should White double? If White doubles, should Black take, drop, or beaver? Part (b): Should White double? If White doubles, should Black take, drop, or beaver? When contemplating a middle game double, don’t make the mistake of looking only at your position. Remember to look Cash game. Center cube. White on roll. Part (a): Should White double? If White doubles, should Black take, drop, or beaver? Part (b): Should White double? If White doubles, should Black take, drop, or beaver? When contemplating a middle game double, don’t make the mistake of looking only at your position. Remember to look
- [Make a Key Point or Hit?](https://thegammonpress.com/mar-01-2022-make-a-key-point-or-hit-2/) - Cash game. Center cube. White on roll. Position (a): White to play 5-1. Position (b): White to play 5-1. In the opening, plays that hit blots or make key points tend to easily dominate all other maneuvering plays. Interesting choices, however, arise when both plays are available. Do you hit, or do you make a Cash game. Center cube. White on roll. Position (a): White to play 5-1. Position (b): White to play 5-1. In the opening, plays that hit blots or make key points tend to easily dominate all other maneuvering plays. Interesting choices, however, arise when both plays are available. Do you hit, or do you make a
- [Backgame Timing](https://thegammonpress.com/mar-15-2022-backgame-timing/) - Cash game. Center cube. White on move. Part (a): Should White double? Should Black take if doubled? Part (b): Should White double? Should Black take if doubled? Part (c): Should White double? Should Black take if doubled? One note before we begin. When I said ‘Cash game’, I meant ‘Cash game with the Jacoby Rule Cash game. Center cube. White on move. Part (a): Should White double? Should Black take if doubled? Part (b): Should White double? Should Black take if doubled? Part (c): Should White double? Should Black take if doubled? One note before we begin. When I said ‘Cash game’, I meant ‘Cash game with the Jacoby Rule
- [Mobility](https://thegammonpress.com/apr-01-2022-mobility/) - Cash game. Center cube. Black on move. Part (A): Black to play 6-2. Part (B): Black to play 5-4. In both positions, White’s game suffers from a serious flaw: the big stack of checkers on the 20-point. Stacks are always bad, but in the late middle game they become even worse because so many checkers Cash game. Center cube. Black on move. Part (A): Black to play 6-2. Part (B): Black to play 5-4. In both positions, White’s game suffers from a serious flaw: the big stack of checkers on the 20-point. Stacks are always bad, but in the late middle game they become even worse because so many checkers
- [Two Backgame Problems](https://thegammonpress.com/apr-15-2022-two-backgame-problems/) - Cash game. White owns the cube. Part (A): White on move. White to play 2-2. Part (B): Black on move. Black to play 4-2. Back games are among the most interesting, and the most difficult, of backgammon game types. In a true back game, one player makes two or three points in his opponent’s Cash game. White owns the cube. Part (A): White on move. White to play 2-2. Part (B): Black on move. Black to play 4-2. Back games are among the most interesting, and the most difficult, of backgammon game types. In a true back game, one player makes two or three points in his opponent’s
- [A couple of Proto-Backgame Positions](https://thegammonpress.com/may-01-2022-a-couple-of-proto-backgame-positions/) - Cash game. Center cube. White on move. Position (A): White to play 2-1. Position (B): White to play 6-5. We’ve talked a little in previous posts about proto-backgames, those transitional positions that lie between ‘normal’ backgammon and true backgames. Here are our first couple of examples of proto-backgame positions, so let’s pause for a bit Cash game. Center cube. White on move. Position (A): White to play 2-1. Position (B): White to play 6-5. We’ve talked a little in previous posts about proto-backgames, those transitional positions that lie between ‘normal’ backgammon and true backgames. Here are our first couple of examples of proto-backgame positions, so let’s pause for a bit
- [Creating Mobility](https://thegammonpress.com/may-15-2022-creating-mobility/) - Cash game. Center cube. White on move. White to play 6-4. This is a comparatively easy problem if you can properly balance the key features of the position. Let’s step back for a second and look at just what is happening, before we try to evaluate the different choices. The race: White will trail in Cash game. Center cube. White on move. White to play 6-4. This is a comparatively easy problem if you can properly balance the key features of the position. Let’s step back for a second and look at just what is happening, before we try to evaluate the different choices. The race: White will trail in
- [Improving Your Technique](https://thegammonpress.com/june-01-2022-improving-your-technique/) - Cash game. Center cube. White on move. White to play 2-2. The advent of the bots in the late 1990s enabled players to solve a myriad of small technical plays that recurred frequently but couldn’t really be tackled with hand rollouts or pure reasoning. Hand rollouts were so slow that they really had to be Cash game. Center cube. White on move. White to play 2-2. The advent of the bots in the late 1990s enabled players to solve a myriad of small technical plays that recurred frequently but couldn’t really be tackled with hand rollouts or pure reasoning. Hand rollouts were so slow that they really had to be
- [Split or Run?](https://thegammonpress.com/jun-15-2022-split-or-run/) - Cash game. Center cube. White on move. White to play 5-2 The early part of a backgammon game is dominated by two key goals: hit blots and make points. The easy moves are the ones where you can only do one good thing. The hard moves are those where you can do two good things, Cash game. Center cube. White on move. White to play 5-2 The early part of a backgammon game is dominated by two key goals: hit blots and make points. The easy moves are the ones where you can only do one good thing. The hard moves are those where you can do two good things,
- [Bearing In Against the Ace-Point](https://thegammonpress.com/july-01-2022-bearing-in-against-the-ace-point/) - Cash game. Black owns the cube. White on move. White to play 5-1. When bearing in against an ace-point or other low anchor game, you generally have two goals in mind. The first is safety; you want to create formations that are less likely to leave blots as you bear off. The second is winning Cash game. Black owns the cube. White on move. White to play 5-1. When bearing in against an ace-point or other low anchor game, you generally have two goals in mind. The first is safety; you want to create formations that are less likely to leave blots as you bear off. The second is winning
- [A Post-Ace-Point Game Problem](https://thegammonpress.com/oct-15-2022-a-post-ace-point-game-problem/) - Cash game. White owns the cube. White on move. (a) White to play 5-1. (b) White to play 5-1. These two positions take us into the fun world of post-ace-point games. “Post-ace-point” is a little bit of a misnomer. These positions can be reached from ace-point games, but also from deuce-point games, or back games, Cash game. White owns the cube. White on move. (a) White to play 5-1. (b) White to play 5-1. These two positions take us into the fun world of post-ace-point games. “Post-ace-point” is a little bit of a misnomer. These positions can be reached from ace-point games, but also from deuce-point games, or back games,
- [Two Middle Game Doubles](https://thegammonpress.com/nov-01-2022-two-middle-game-doubles/) - Cash game. Center cube. White on move. (a) Should White double? If he doubles, should Black take or drop? (b) Should White double? If he doubles, should Black take or drop? These two positions show a couple of very typical middle game doubles. In each case we’re six to eight moves into the game, one Cash game. Center cube. White on move. (a) Should White double? If he doubles, should Black take or drop? (b) Should White double? If he doubles, should Black take or drop? These two positions show a couple of very typical middle game doubles. In each case we’re six to eight moves into the game, one
- [Holding Game Doubles](https://thegammonpress.com/nov-15-2022-holding-game-doubles/) - Cash game. Center cube. White on move. Should White double? If he doubles, should Black take or drop? Here’s an interesting cube position. Black has an anchor on White’s 5-point. White’s ahead in the race by 21 pips, 117-138. White also has a pretty good 4-point board. Black’s remaining checkers are in play and his Cash game. Center cube. White on move. Should White double? If he doubles, should Black take or drop? Here’s an interesting cube position. Black has an anchor on White’s 5-point. White’s ahead in the race by 21 pips, 117-138. White also has a pretty good 4-point board. Black’s remaining checkers are in play and his
- [Where to Leave Blots](https://thegammonpress.com/july-15-2022-where-to-leave-blots/) - Both positions: Cash game. Center cube. White on move. (a) White to play 5-4. (b) White to play 6-2. In Problem 140A, White has no way to safety the blot on his 16-point. In fact, he can’t avoid creating a second blot as well. He has a few reasonable plays: 13/4, 16/11 13/9, 16/11 6/2, Both positions: Cash game. Center cube. White on move. (a) White to play 5-4. (b) White to play 6-2. In Problem 140A, White has no way to safety the blot on his 16-point. In fact, he can’t avoid creating a second blot as well. He has a few reasonable plays: 13/4, 16/11 13/9, 16/11 6/2,
- [Blitz or Consolidate?](https://thegammonpress.com/aug-01-2022-blitz-or-consolidate/) - Cash game. Black owns the cube. White on move. White to play 3-3. White’s off to a good start in this position. He’s already made a three-point board, whereas Black hasn’t yet made a new point, and White has hit a blot, leaving him 17 pips ahead in the race. Black, meanwhile, is still scrambling Cash game. Black owns the cube. White on move. White to play 3-3. White’s off to a good start in this position. He’s already made a three-point board, whereas Black hasn’t yet made a new point, and White has hit a blot, leaving him 17 pips ahead in the race. Black, meanwhile, is still scrambling
- [Playing Against a Busted Back Game](https://thegammonpress.com/aug-15-2022-playing-against-a-busted-back-game/) - Cash game. Black owns the cube. White on move. White to play 4-3. Something a little different this time. Identify the worst of these three plays: (a) 11/7 5/2 (b) 11/4 (c) 7/4 6/2. This one is actually pretty easy. The worst play is the only completely safe play for this turn, 11/7 5/2. Cash game. Black owns the cube. White on move. White to play 4-3. Something a little different this time. Identify the worst of these three plays: (a) 11/7 5/2 (b) 11/4 (c) 7/4 6/2. This one is actually pretty easy. The worst play is the only completely safe play for this turn, 11/7 5/2.
- [When Your Opponent is About to Crunch](https://thegammonpress.com/sep-01-2022-when-your-opponent-is-about-to-crunch/) - Cash game. White owns the cube. White on roll. Should White double? If White doubles, should Black take or drop? In this position, White took an early cube based on his ownership of Black’s 2-point and the fact that Black still had a checker left to escape. After that, the game developed almost perfectly for Cash game. White owns the cube. White on roll. Should White double? If White doubles, should Black take or drop? In this position, White took an early cube based on his ownership of Black’s 2-point and the fact that Black still had a checker left to escape. After that, the game developed almost perfectly for
- [Handling a Proto-Back Game](https://thegammonpress.com/sep-15-2022-handling-a-proto-back-game/) - Cash game. White owns the cube. White on move. White to play 2-2. First, let’s try to orient ourselves. White looked like he might get stuck in some sort of miserable ace-point game, but has just thrown a fantastic shot, 2-2, which is so good it actually lets him pursue a few different options. Cash game. White owns the cube. White on move. White to play 2-2. First, let’s try to orient ourselves. White looked like he might get stuck in some sort of miserable ace-point game, but has just thrown a fantastic shot, 2-2, which is so good it actually lets him pursue a few different options.
- [Prime versus Prime Tactics](https://thegammonpress.com/oct-01-2022-prime-versus-prime-tactics/) - Cash game. White owns the cube. White on move. White to play 2-2. This problem is an example of a somewhat rare breed, a true prime against prime game. Although we talk about priming games a lot, real priming battle don’t arise all that often. Much more common are positions where one side has a Cash game. White owns the cube. White on move. White to play 2-2. This problem is an example of a somewhat rare breed, a true prime against prime game. Although we talk about priming games a lot, real priming battle don’t arise all that often. Much more common are positions where one side has a
- [Priming Games: Escape or Build Structure?](https://thegammonpress.com/dec-01-2022-priming-games-escape-or-build-structure/) - Cash game. Center cube. White on move. (A) White to play 6-1. (B) White to play 6-1. One of the most difficult choices in the early and middle stages of a backgammon game is the choice between creating structure (a blocking prime) and attending to issues on the other side of the board. Those issues Cash game. Center cube. White on move. (A) White to play 6-1. (B) White to play 6-1. One of the most difficult choices in the early and middle stages of a backgammon game is the choice between creating structure (a blocking prime) and attending to issues on the other side of the board. Those issues
- [A Back Game with Questionable Timing](https://thegammonpress.com/dec-15-2022-a-back-game-with-questionable-timing/) - Cash game. White owns the cube. White on move. White to play 4-3. This isn’t a particularly hard position when presented as a problem. The right play is 8/5 13/9, keeping both back points, slotting the 5-point, and playing 13/9 so as to create two cover numbers for the 5-point. Over the board, with no Cash game. White owns the cube. White on move. White to play 4-3. This isn’t a particularly hard position when presented as a problem. The right play is 8/5 13/9, keeping both back points, slotting the 5-point, and playing 13/9 so as to create two cover numbers for the 5-point. Over the board, with no
- [Asset or Liability?](https://thegammonpress.com/jan-01-2023-asset-or-liability/) - Cash game. Black owns the cube. White on move. White to play 6-2. Extreme Gammon (XG) is the most useful tool ever invented for improving at backgammon. It’s both the strongest commercially available backgammon software, and, when used properly, the best teacher. Getting the most out of XG’s teaching ability, however, requires a little Cash game. Black owns the cube. White on move. White to play 6-2. Extreme Gammon (XG) is the most useful tool ever invented for improving at backgammon. It’s both the strongest commercially available backgammon software, and, when used properly, the best teacher. Getting the most out of XG’s teaching ability, however, requires a little
- [Back Games: When to Redouble](https://thegammonpress.com/jan-15-2023-back-games-when-to-redouble/) - Cash game. White owns the cube. White on move. Should White double? If he does, should Black take, drop, or beaver? Positions like this are fairly commonplace when playing back games, and they're tricky enough to lead many players astray. White has played a 5-2 back game and has just gotten a double shot. Cash game. White owns the cube. White on move. Should White double? If he does, should Black take, drop, or beaver? Positions like this are fairly commonplace when playing back games, and they're tricky enough to lead many players astray. White has played a 5-2 back game and has just gotten a double shot.
- [Back Games: Redoubling and Taking](https://thegammonpress.com/feb-01-2023-back-games-redoubling-and-taking/) - Cash game. White owns the cube. White on move. Should White double? If he does, should Black take, drop, or beaver? In our last problem we looked at a back game where the back game player got a double shot, but still couldn't double until he actually hit the shot. While that's a generally good Cash game. White owns the cube. White on move. Should White double? If he does, should Black take, drop, or beaver? In our last problem we looked at a back game where the back game player got a double shot, but still couldn't double until he actually hit the shot. While that's a generally good
- [How Match Score Affects Early Game Play](https://thegammonpress.com/mar-15-2023-how-match-score-affects-early-game-play/) - Center cube. Black on move. Black to play 3-3 (a) in a cash game. (b) at double match point. (c) trailing 1-2 in a 5-point match. (a) Cash game. As a cash game play, this position has an interesting history. When I started playing serious backgammon in the late 1970s, the game was dominated by Center cube. Black on move. Black to play 3-3 (a) in a cash game. (b) at double match point. (c) trailing 1-2 in a 5-point match. (a) Cash game. As a cash game play, this position has an interesting history. When I started playing serious backgammon in the late 1970s, the game was dominated by
- [Balanced and Unbalanced Positions](https://thegammonpress.com/apr-15-2023-balanced-and-unbalanced-positions/) - Center cube. Money game. White on move. Should White double? If he doubles, should Black take, drop, or beaver? White seems to be doing pretty well in this position. He has a 4-point board, while Black as yet has no new home board points made. Black doesn’t have an anchor yet. White can hit on Center cube. Money game. White on move. Should White double? If he doubles, should Black take, drop, or beaver? White seems to be doing pretty well in this position. He has a 4-point board, while Black as yet has no new home board points made. Black doesn’t have an anchor yet. White can hit on
- [Hit or Make a Point?](https://thegammonpress.com/may-01-2023-hit-or-make-a-point/) - Cash game, center cube. (a) White to play 3-1. (b) Same position, White to play 3-2. Here we see a typical sort of early game position where neither side has made much progress yet. Black has played a 5-3 and a 6-3, making the 3-point and running a checker into the outfield. White has rolled Cash game, center cube. (a) White to play 3-1. (b) Same position, White to play 3-2. Here we see a typical sort of early game position where neither side has made much progress yet. Black has played a 5-3 and a 6-3, making the 3-point and running a checker into the outfield. White has rolled
- [Hit or Make a Point?](https://thegammonpress.com/may-15-2023-hit-or-make-a-point/) - Cash game, White owns the cube. White to play 3-1. White has a simple choice in this position: hit with 13/9*, or wait and make a point with 15/12 13/12. Last time we looked at some choices between hitting a blot or making a point in the context of early game play. This position occurs Cash game, White owns the cube. White to play 3-1. White has a simple choice in this position: hit with 13/9*, or wait and make a point with 15/12 13/12. Last time we looked at some choices between hitting a blot or making a point in the context of early game play. This position occurs
- [Early Blitz Cube - Take or Drop?](https://thegammonpress.com/june-01-2023-early-blitz-cube-take-or-drop/) - Cash game, Center cube. Should White double? If he does, should Black take, drop, or beaver? In this position we have an opening blitz with a few little twists we don’t always see in such situations. Let’s quickly review the features of the position and look at which are important and which are not. White Cash game, Center cube. Should White double? If he does, should Black take, drop, or beaver? In this position we have an opening blitz with a few little twists we don’t always see in such situations. Let’s quickly review the features of the position and look at which are important and which are not. White
- [Which Point to Break?](https://thegammonpress.com/jun-15-2023-which-point-to-break/) - Cash game, Black owns the cube. White to play 6-2. This isn't a terribly tough problem but it does contain an interesting point. First, let's note that all the reasonable plays start with 23/17. Abandoning the checker on the 23-point by playing 17/11 can't be right in any universe I know about, so let's play Cash game, Black owns the cube. White to play 6-2. This isn't a terribly tough problem but it does contain an interesting point. First, let's note that all the reasonable plays start with 23/17. Abandoning the checker on the 23-point by playing 17/11 can't be right in any universe I know about, so let's play
- [Make Point or Hit Twice?](https://thegammonpress.com/jul-01-2023-make-point-or-hit-twice/) - Cash game, center cube. White to play 4-1. Is backgammon a simple game? No, not at all. There's a lot you have to know, a lot of technique you have to master, a few formulas to memorize. But some elements of backgammon are easy. At bottom, backgammon's about hitting blots, making points, and winning the Cash game, center cube. White to play 4-1. Is backgammon a simple game? No, not at all. There's a lot you have to know, a lot of technique you have to master, a few formulas to memorize. But some elements of backgammon are easy. At bottom, backgammon's about hitting blots, making points, and winning the
- [Holding Game: Leave Anchor or Not?](https://thegammonpress.com/jul-15-2023-holding-game-leave-anchor-or-not/) - Cash game, center cube. White to play 5-2. Here we have a position from the tail end of a mutual holding game. These positions typically arise as follows: > Both sides make an advanced anchor in the opening. > Both sides bring down some builders from the midpoint and make a few blockading points. Neither Cash game, center cube. White to play 5-2. Here we have a position from the tail end of a mutual holding game. These positions typically arise as follows: > Both sides make an advanced anchor in the opening. > Both sides bring down some builders from the midpoint and make a few blockading points. Neither
- [Split to the 18-Point or Something Else?](https://thegammonpress.com/aug-01-2023-split-to-the-18-point-or-something-else/) - Cash game, center cube. White to play 6-3. This position shows one of the most commonly misplayed early game situations. White opened with a 43 and made the building play, 13/9 13/10. It’s the most aggressive choice for an opening 43, designed to make a prime quickly and create a complicated position. Black responded with Cash game, center cube. White to play 6-3. This position shows one of the most commonly misplayed early game situations. White opened with a 43 and made the building play, 13/9 13/10. It’s the most aggressive choice for an opening 43, designed to make a prime quickly and create a complicated position. Black responded with
- [Doubling Blitzes](https://thegammonpress.com/aug-15-2023-doubling-blitzes/) - Cash game, center cube. Cash game, center cube. Should White double? If he doubles, should Black take or drop? We're in the early stages of the game and White is contemplating a double. Some time ago Joe Sylvester developed a rule for evaluating early doubles. Sylvester advocated looking at three aspects of the position: (1)
- [Action Doubles](https://thegammonpress.com/sep-01-2023-action-doubles/) - Cash game, center cube. Should White double? If he doubles, should Black take or drop? This position shows a pretty interesting middle game position. Both sides have an anchor, and some points scattered around. White, however, is on roll and shooting at a bunch of blots. He has a total of 27 hits: all sixes, Cash game, center cube. Should White double? If he doubles, should Black take or drop? This position shows a pretty interesting middle game position. Both sides have an anchor, and some points scattered around. White, however, is on roll and shooting at a bunch of blots. He has a total of 27 hits: all sixes,
- [Benchmark Doubling Positions](https://thegammonpress.com/sep-01-2023-benchmark-doubling-positions/) - Cash game, center cube. Should White double? If he doubles, should Black take or drop? A key idea in understanding the proper use of the doubling cube on a practical level is that of the “benchmark” position. A benchmark cube situation is a position where one of the decisions (doubling or taking) is a toss-up, Cash game, center cube. Should White double? If he doubles, should Black take or drop? A key idea in understanding the proper use of the doubling cube on a practical level is that of the “benchmark” position. A benchmark cube situation is a position where one of the decisions (doubling or taking) is a toss-up,
- [Early Doubles](https://thegammonpress.com/oct-01-2023-early-doubles/) - Cash game, center cube. Should White double? If he doubles, should Black take or drop? In the last post we talked about the importance of cube benchmark positions -- positions where one of the cube decisions (either doubling or taking) was perfectly marginal, while the other was completely clear. Learning typical benchmark positions gives us Cash game, center cube. Should White double? If he doubles, should Black take or drop? In the last post we talked about the importance of cube benchmark positions -- positions where one of the cube decisions (either doubling or taking) was perfectly marginal, while the other was completely clear. Learning typical benchmark positions gives us

## Pages

- [The Gammon Press - The premier source for backgammon books, lessons, and blog problems.](https://thegammonpress.com/) - The premier source for backgammon books, lessons, resources, & Bill Robertie's backgammon blog. Online home of two-time World Backgammon Champion Bill Robertie.
- [Backgammon Resources](https://thegammonpress.com/backgammon-resources/) - A quick guide to some of the most useful backgammon resources online including backgammon forums, backgammon tournament schedules and backgammon equipment.
- [Shop](https://thegammonpress.com/shop/) - The Gammon Press store stocks essential backgammon reads by Bill Robertie and Kit Woolsey, along with the works of Bob Wachtel, Peter Bell and others. If you want to improve your backgammon game, this is the place to start.
- [Privacy Policy](https://thegammonpress.com/privacy-policy/) - The Gammon Press Privacy Policy page.
- [Bill Robertie's Blog](https://thegammonpress.com/blog/) - Bill Robertie shares his knowledge of backgammon with all player skills. He publishes set and equipment reviews, quiz contests and free lessons including his Robertie’s Rules!
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- [Newsletter](https://thegammonpress.com/backgammon-newsletter/) - Get the "Better Backgammon" e-Newsletter with the latest strategies, quizzes, beginner tips and more free quarterly from backgammon champion Bill Robertie.
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- [Backgammon Books](https://thegammonpress.com/backgammon-books/) - The Gammon Press sells the best backgammon books - for beginners to advanced players - by the best backgammon writers, including Bill Robertie, Kit Woolsey, Paul Magriel and Bob Wachtel.
- [About](https://thegammonpress.com/about/) - All about two-time World Backgammon Champion Bill Robertie.

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## Products

- [Backgammon](https://thegammonpress.com/product/backgammon/) - Paul Magriel and Renee Magriel Roberts Backgammon is the classic textbook by Paul Magriel and Renee Magriel Roberts that teaches the fundamentals of backgammon in a clear, easy-to-understand, yet profoundly deep manner. Chapters include: The Basics, Builders and Flexibility, Duplication and Diversification, Modern Opening Theory, Safe Play vs. Bold Play, Slotting, Action Plays, One Man Back, The Golden Point, Splitting, Doubling Theory, Priming and Blocking, Outfield Control, Timing, Holding Games, and Backgames. Level: Beginner/Intermediate Info: 404 pages, softbound Price: $75 + S/H
- [Greiner versus Marmorstein](https://thegammonpress.com/product/greiner-versus-marmorstein/) - Kit Woolsey Do you lose heart when your opponent picks off the first few games of a match? Can you squeeze an opponent playing conservatively to protect a lead, or do you make matters easy for him with overeager doubling? In this 25-point match from the finals of the British Championship of 1991, Greiner jumps off to an early 9-0 lead. Through adroit use of the cube, Marmorstein puts maximum pressure on his opponent, and is eventually able to whittle down the lead. In addition to commenting on the entire match, Woolsey’s explanations show the difference between strong pressure doubles from the trailer and loose, inaccurate doubles. About the players: Philip Marmorstein rose to prominence in the late 1980s and won the World Championship in 1988. He has since won many events in Europe (including the tournament from which this match is taken) and was generally considered the best European player for many years. Michael Greiner was one of the best German players in the 1990s. Level: Intermediate/advanced Info: 240 pages, softbound Price: $25 + S/H
- [How to Play the Opening in Backgammon/Part 2 – Everything Matters](https://thegammonpress.com/product/how-to-play-the-opening-in-backgammon-part-2-everything-matters/) - Bill Robertie How to Play the Opening in Backgammon/Part 2 – Everything Matters continues the explanation of opening play, this time moving on to two new topics: plays involving the low points in the home board and plays where hitting one or two blots in the board are possibilities. What causes many players to stall out in their backgammon development is the idea that backgammon is governed by a few simple rules. If you learn and follow these rules – like “Make the 5-point if you can” or “Never make the ace-point” – then you’re supposed to become a good player. But the reality isn’t that simple, and many other features of the position – stacks, stripped points, and the race (for instance) will have a powerful influence on whether plays are right and wrong. A careful study of How to Play the Opening in Backgammon/Part 2 – Everything Matters will help you develop a sense of how these different positional features will help guide your play. Putting these pieces together combined will let you take a big step toward playing better backgammon. Level: Intermediate/Advanced Info: 168 pages, 258 diagrams, softbound Price: $50 + S/H
- [How to Play Tournament Backgammon](https://thegammonpress.com/product/how-to-play-tournament-backgammon/) - Kit Woolsey "I’m a damn good money player, but I just don’t seem to catch a break in tournament play." Does this sound like you? It might not be bad luck -- tournament play requires very different skills from money play. Up to now there’s been no single source for learning the special features of backgammon tournament play that make it so different from normal heads-up or chouette. Now that’s changed. In How to Play Tournament Backgammon, world-class player and tournament theoretician Kit Woolsey covers everything you need to know to be a successful tournament player. Here’s a partial list of topics: Checker Strategy in the Crawford Game -- Post Crawford Play -- The New Match Equity Table and How to Learn It -- Janowski’s Formula -- The Doubling Window -- Using Gain-Loss Tables -- Cube Leverage in Gammonish Positions -- and a lot more. Level: Intermediate/Advanced Info: 50 pages, softbound Price: $20 + S/H
- [Backgammon for Winners](https://thegammonpress.com/product/backgammon-for-winners/) - Bill Robertie Do you have a friend who wants to learn how to play backgammon? Do you want to brush up on some of the basics yourself? Backgammon for Winners is the perfect introduction to this fascinating game. Two-time World Champion Bill Robertie shows you how to set up the board, move the pieces, block your opponent, and finally bear off all your checkers to win. You’ll learn about good and bad opening rolls and how best to play them. The highlight of the book are three sample games that show you how to win using three different game plans: the race, the blitz, and the dreaded back game. Backgammon for Winners is written in an easy, entertaining style and it’s a great starting point for someone who wants to learn backgammon the right way. Level: Beginner Info: 192 pages, softbound Price: $13 + S/H
- [501 Essential Backgammon Problems, 3rd Edition](https://thegammonpress.com/product/501-essential-backgammon-problems/) - Bill Robertie This massive collection of problems shows you what good backgammon looks like and gives you the tools you need to become a formidable player. Two-time World Champion Bill Robertie breaks backgammon down into 31 chapters, each covering a different phase of the game. Robertie shows how top players think, how they plan their strategy from the opening roll, and how they react to potentially decisive opportunities. You’ll learn how to play openings, middle games, and endings; how to conduct a blitz; how to handle priming and blocking games; how to maneuver in holding games; how to squeeze the maximum out of a good back game, and how to handle the doubling cube in all phases. In each phase of the game you’ll learn the subtle themes and ideas that will allow you to outplay your opponents. You’ll also learn the key reference positions that all players need to know. It’s an essential part of any backgammon library, and the best-selling backgammon book of the last 25 years. (3rd Edition with 30 problems updated.) Level: Intermediate/Advanced Info: 384 pages, softbound Price: $35 + S/H
- [Backgammon for Serious Players](https://thegammonpress.com/product/backgammon-for-serious-players/) - Bill Robertie How do the top players create positions where they can outplay their opponents? They can’t simply drift with the dice into simple positions that anyone can play well. Instead, they have to spot their opportunities for creating complex play which at the same time keep other options open. Using examples from recent master games, Bill Robertie shows the secrets behind creating and winning the sort of complex, double-edged games that are the heart of modern backgammon. The book contains plenty of advice on handling double-anchor holding games, back games, and games where both sides are simultaneously priming their opponent while keeping backgame options alive. You’ll learn how and when to recirculate checkers, the strengths and weaknesses of the outside prime, and proper technique after hitting a late shot. If you have a basic understanding of backgammon but want to see how the masters weave their magic, this book will help you take your game to the next level. Level: Intermediate Info: 256 pages, softbound Price: $20 + S/H
- [How to Play the Opening in Backgammon/Part 3 – Order From Chaos](https://thegammonpress.com/product/how-to-play-the-opening-in-backgammon-part-3-order-from-chaos/) - How to Play the Opening in Backgammon/Part 3 – Order from Chaos covers some key opening concepts that weren’t discussed in Books 1 and 2 and sheds some light on some situations that haven’t really been described in the literature at all. The third chapter, for example, talks about the Outfield. When do you run to the outfield, and when don’t you? But even more important, what do you do when you run to the outfield and don’t get hit? Do you quickly run that blot to safety, or do you recognize that the blot is now as much an asset as a liability, and leave him where he is? The last chapter discusses doubling in the very early part of the game, in positions which aren’t blitzes. Such doubles not only exist, but are much more common than you might think. The book lays out some examples and rules of thumb for identifying these doubles. And the chapter concludes with some advice for avoiding that most dreaded of opening traps – the horrific Blockhead Blockchain! Level: Intermediate/Advanced Info: 142 pages, 223 diagrams, softbound Price: $50 + S/H
- [How to Play the Opening in Backgammon/Part 1 - A New Way of Thinking](https://thegammonpress.com/product/how-to-play-the-opening-in-backgammon-part-1-a-new-way-of-thinking/) - How to Play the Opening in Backgammon is the first book of a three-book series. The goal is to explain opening play in terms of assets and liabilities, rather than strict rules.
- [In the Game Until the End: Winning in Ace-Point Endgames](https://thegammonpress.com/product/in-the-game-until-the-end-winning-in-ace-point-endgames/) - Bob Wachtel You’ve played an ace-point game; your opponent is down to his last few checkers. Should you run? Should you stay? If your opponent wants to settle, what’s your game worth? How aggressively should you try to pick up a second checker? If you don’t know the answers to these and other ace-point game questions, you’ll want this book. In Chapter 4, for instance, you’ll discover the secrets of the famous “Tino Road Position”, an endgame so complicated that you can, once you know how, play the position from either side and win! Olympiad Champion Bob Wachtel has thoroughly analyzed hundreds of ace-point game positions to generate a complete picture of what's really happening in these common situations. Level: Advanced Info: 110 pages, softbound Price: $25 + S/H
- [Winning with the Doubling Cube](https://thegammonpress.com/product/winning-with-the-doubling-cube/) - Peter Bell This is the first book from the Gammon Press devoted entirely to the proper use of the doubling cube. Players have long understood that mastery of the cube is the key difference between top pros and struggling amateurs. In this book, Peter Bell explains the secrets behind the doubling strategy of the masters. He shows how to evaluate positions, when to double, when to take or drop, and how to adjust your cube strategy to take advantage of your opponent’s weaknesses. Winning with the Doubling Cube is an easy introduction to a part of the game that perplexes many beginners and intermediates. Level: Beginner/Intermediate Info: 196 pages, softbound Price: $30 + S/H
- [Master versus Amateur Volume 1](https://thegammonpress.com/product/master-versus-amateur-volume-1/) - Kit Woolsey Kit Woolsey's book analyzes an 11-point match between Kit and the readers of his online magazine "GammOnLine". The readers voted on all interesting plays for their side, and the consensus choice was the play actually made. Kit explains the logic behind both sides' play in great detail, focusing especially on the proper handling of the cube in match play. Level: Intermediate/Advanced Info: 90 pages, softbound Price: $20 + S/H
- [Learning from the Machine](https://thegammonpress.com/product/learning-from-the-machine/) - Bill Robertie TD-Gammon was an experimental neural network program developed at IBM's research labs in the late 1980s. TD-Gammon taught itself to play starting only with a knowledge of the rules of the game. After playing thousands of games against itself, the program reached strong Open player level. Within months it approached what the developers thought was world-class play. To evaluate TD-Gammon, the developers invited Bill Robertie to travel to White Plains and play an exhibition match against the program. Learning from the Machine is the story of that match, which lasted 31 games. The neural net technology developed in that project eventually led to the development of Jellyfish, Snowie, and Extreme Gammon, the commercial backgammon bots of today. Level: Intermediate/Advanced Info: 51 pages, softbound Price: $20 + S/H
- [Inside Backgammon 1992](https://thegammonpress.com/product/inside-backgammon-1992/) - Edited by Bill Robertie and Kent Goulding Inside Backgammon was published from 1991 to 1998 and was considered by many to be the best backgammon magazine ever. It featured annotated games, problems, theory, and instructional articles. Inside Backgammon issues varied in length from 24 to 64 pages, and contained backgammon articles by top players including Bill Robertie, Kent Goulding. Kit Woolsey Bob Wachtel and many more plus computers like TD-Gammon and Jellyfish. Back issues are available while supplies last and are sold by the year only. Specify year (1992-1996) when ordering. NOTE: The oldest issues are in the shortest supply. When supplies are exhausted, no more will be printed; 1991, 1997, and 1998 are already out of print. Volume 2, 1992 Info: 6 issues, 166 total pages Price: $50 S/H
- [Inside Backgammon 1993](https://thegammonpress.com/product/inside-backgammon-1993/) - Edited by Bill Robertie and Kent Goulding Inside Backgammon was published from 1991 to 1998 and was considered by many to be the best backgammon magazine ever. It featured annotated games, problems, theory, and instructional articles. Inside Backgammon issues varied in length from 24 to 64 pages, and contained backgammon articles by top players including Bill Robertie, Kent Goulding. Kit Woolsey Bob Wachtel and many more plus computers like TD-Gammon and Jellyfish. Back issues are available while supplies last and are sold by the year only. Specify year (1992-1996) when ordering. NOTE: The oldest issues are in the shortest supply. When supplies are exhausted, no more will be printed; 1991, 1997, and 1998 are already out of print. Volume 3, 1993 Info: 6 issues, 148 total pages Price: $40 S/H
- [Inside Backgammon 1995](https://thegammonpress.com/product/inside-backgammon-1995/) - Edited by Bill Robertie and Kent Goulding Inside Backgammon was published from 1991 to 1998 and was considered by many to be the best backgammon magazine ever. It featured annotated games, problems, theory, and instructional articles. Inside Backgammon issues varied in length from 24 to 64 pages, and contained backgammon articles by top players including Bill Robertie, Kent Goulding. Kit Woolsey Bob Wachtel and many more plus computers like TD-Gammon and Jellyfish. Back issues are available while supplies last and are sold by the year only. Specify year (1992-1996) when ordering. NOTE: The oldest issues are in the shortest supply. When supplies are exhausted, no more will be printed; 1991, 1997, and 1998 are already out of print. Volume 5, 1995 Info: 6 issues, 172 total pages Price: $40 S/H
- [Inside Backgammon 1996](https://thegammonpress.com/product/inside-backgammon-1996/) - Edited by Bill Robertie and Kent Goulding Inside Backgammon was published from 1991 to 1998 and was considered by many to be the best backgammon magazine ever. It featured annotated games, problems, theory, and instructional articles. Inside Backgammon issues varied in length from 24 to 64 pages, and contained backgammon articles by top players including Bill Robertie, Kent Goulding. Kit Woolsey Bob Wachtel and many more plus computers like TD-Gammon and Jellyfish. Back issues are available while supplies last and are sold by the year only. Specify year (1992-1996) when ordering. NOTE: The oldest issues are in the shortest supply. When supplies are exhausted, no more will be printed; 1991, 1997, and 1998 are already out of print. Volume 6, 1996 Info: 5 issues, 160 total pages Price: $40 S/H
- [Backgammon Problems](https://thegammonpress.com/product/backgammon-problems/) - Mike Corbett Mike Corbett’s fascinating book might equally well be entitled “Backgammon Estoterica”. It’s a look at some of the weird and fascinating back alleys of backgammon – positions where broken points, strung-out blots, and a general disregard for safety dominate the mundane ideas of hitting blots and making points. Your backgammon education will always be a little bit incomplete until you’ve wrestled with the curious and paradoxical positions in this book. Level: All Info: 206 pages, softbound Price: $30 S/H

## Categories

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- [Backgammon Books](https://thegammonpress.com/product-category/backgammon-books/) - One way to become a winner at backgammon is to study the best books by the best players. A good book can bring mountains of information at a reasonable price and that’s what we have at the Gammon Press, with our collection of books by players like Bill Robertie and Kit Woolsey. If you want to improve your backgammon this is the perfect starting place.
- [Other Authors](https://thegammonpress.com/product-category/other-authors/) - Other backgammon authors.
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