Beginner Backgammon Advice

Fiona · Joined: 14 Jun 2007 Posts: 16

I am as green as they come to the game of backgammon! I think that I have the potential to be a good player but I honestly need some direction on where to start. All this talk of doubling cubes, strategies and the likes are scaring me off and I don’t want to go about it the wrong way. What’s a good beginning?

Maverick · Joined: 14 Jun 2007 Posts: 15

You’ll see this advice come up time and time again to the same question in a different format, but it is basically the best way to go about learning how to play backgammon beyond the ‘race you to the end’ way.

The first thing you need to do is read as much as you can about the game, especially those texts geared towards beginners.
For example, you can start off with a series on BaggonLife called “Beginners Please”. Also, don’t skip the two absolute must-haves for backgammon beginners, namely Paul Magriel’s “Backgammon” and Walter Trice’s “Backgammon Boot Camp”.

Secondly, get the GNUbg software and train with it, especially since it has a built in teacher feature. There are tutorials on this program available on the internet. Also, use and study the hint features after every move.

Thirdly, don’t be shy to use forums to ask your questions, no matter how silly they seem. There are always a couple of experts to world-class players lurking on these lists who are generous with their advice.

Finally, if you have the money to spare, get a really good player to give you one on one tutorial. The player must be good enough for you to feel that you are advancing in the game, otherwise it’s money wasted. However, if you can find such a teacher, the chances are that you will be able to absorb the lessons better. Good luck..!