New &
Noteworthy
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
Bill's Latest
Blog
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) Positional advantage (board strength, primes)
(2) The race
(3) Threats
A solid lead in two out of three areas usually translates into a good initial double. A lead in all three guarantees a good double and brings the take into question. Let’s look at all three features of the position in light of Sylvester’s Law and see what we get.
(1) Positional advantage. No one really has a priming structure yet. White has one more home board point and one more outfield point, but Black has his 5-point. Slight edge to White.
(2) Race. Huge edge for White, who leads in the pip count, 118 to 152.
(3) Threats. Another big edge for White, who has five crushing doubles (1-1, 2-2, 3-3, 4-4, and 6-6) plus another six rolls that make the 4-point (6-4, 6-2, 4-2). In addition, White can at least hit loose with most of his other numbers.
A big edge in two out of three categories certainly implies White can double. At the same time, Black has a pretty easy take. White only has three really crushing numbers (2-2, 4-4, and 6-6). Everything else gives Black a chance to anchor on his next turn, with a long game in progress. And of course, Black does have his 5-point, which is a big asset in his favor.
Guest Appearances
USBGF Women of Backgammon Federation: Q&A with Bill Robertie
Bill Robertie meets with the USBGF Women of Backgammon group for an informal Q&A session. Founded, and directed by women, the USBGF Women of Backgammon provides support and resources to girls, women, and gender minorities seeking to get involved in the game.
Backgammon Galaxy: Backgammon Podcast #3
In this episode of the Backgammon Podcast, Marc has a deep conversation with the Backgammon legend, author and double world champion Bill Robertie. The conversation includes:
- Bill's career as a player and author.
- The evolution of backgammon theory.
- The difference between backgammon and chess.
- Writing the best-selling poker books "Harrington on Hold'em" series.
- Bill's "new way of thinking" about backgammon philosophy.
The opening rolls are not often at the top of the heap of things to hone as we improve our play. Automatic right? Not so much, Bill Robertie, two-time World Champion, pulls out four, yes, just four, plays to discuss and everyone there found the discussion riveting. One master player said it was a great learning lesson for beginners and for advanced players. So, whatever your level of play, don't miss this. And for those who remember backgammon in the 70's, Bill's anecdote about Paul Magriel is a heart-warmer.
Featured
Backgammon Books
A good book by a backgammon expert can provide game-changing information at a reasonable price which players can absorb at their own pace. The Gammon Press store stocks essential 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.