Introduction 1

Part 1: Starting and Playing the Game 5
CHAPTER 1: Tackling the Basics of Backgammon 7
CHAPTER 2: Playing the Game 19
CHAPTER 3: Looking at Basic Backgammon Tactics 33
CHAPTER 4: Making the Opening Move 53

Part 2: Handling the Middlegame 73
CHAPTER 5: Upping the Stakes by Doubling 75
CHAPTER 6: Progressing to Advanced Doubling 91
CHAPTER 7: Planning Tactics for the Middlegame 109
CHAPTER 8: Discovering Strategies 121
CHAPTER 9: Advanced Tactics 139

Part 3: Bearing Off (The Last Lap) 147
CHAPTER 10: Bearing Off without Contact 149
CHAPTER 11: Bearing Off against Contact 157

Part 4: Varying the Play 167
CHAPTER 12: Looking at Complex Endings 169
CHAPTER 13: Entering the Chouette 189
CHAPTER 14: Playing Tournament Backgammon 203
CHAPTER 15: Using Computers and Online Play 227

Part 5: The Part of Tens 245
CHAPTER 16: The Ten Commandments of Backgammon 247
CHAPTER 17: Ten Useful Backgammon Resources 259

Index 263