Best Way to Learn Backgammon: Books or Software?

joliver · Joined: 14 Jun 2007 Posts: 32

OK, I’ve been hearing conflicting advice here so I hope someone can help. I’m very new to backgammon and I really want to get started on the right foot. I’ve been reading some tips and some say that the best way to learn backgammon is with computer software, while other say through books that are aimed at new players like me. So would you suggest that I use one resource, or both? I really want to understand WHY I need to make particular moves. Thanks.

yendi · Joined: 14 Jun 2007 Posts: 16

Hi there. I would say that the best move would be to purchase one or two truly good, classic books that deal with beginner backgammon such as Peter Magriel’s textbook, “Backgammon”. At the same time, you can download a good backgammon software program such as GNUbg (that is free), Jellyfish or Snowie. The idea is that you have both resources available at hand.
I would then start reading the books and progress by playing very basic beginner games with the software to apply what you have learned. While software tutors can teach you the concepts, remember that there are quite a lot of concepts to be learned and the bots won’t explain WHY a certain move is considered the best move. You’ll learn an awful lot if you read the books and then compare them to the bot evaluations.

An additional supplement of information would be the great online material that is available for free on good backgammon portals.