After ten years I was finally running out of printed copies of my first book "Backgammon - An Independent View" and of course I knew there were a number of errors in the book. Some of these errors were my own analytical errors, others were highlighted as backgammon theory changed with the advent of the bots.

I published an addendum in 2005 but that is a bit unsatisfactory. With the advent of print-on-demand websites such as www.lulu.com it has been relatively easy to create an updated version of the book and that is exactly what I have done. I have released the book on general availability today. It features a new introduction and all the errors (at least the ones that I can find!) have been corrected. Rather than rewrite the erroneous articles I have left them in place and added an Author's Note to explain the changes. This gives people a chance to see how the game has evolved.


 

Since the addendum in 2005 two more errors have come to light. One of them is a very well known position below. In this position from the 1979 World Championship blue leads white (Luigi Villa) 21-13 in a match to 25. For years it was thought he should have played his 31 by moving 6/5, 6/3 thus removing the danger of double shots. (His next roll was 65 leaving a double shot, Villa hit both blots with 41, closed them out and won a gammon and later on the match).
 

In fact 7/3, the move played at the time, is correct. 7/3 wins 5% more gammons but loses only 1% more games and at 21-13 the gammon is especially useful! It's good to set the record straight on this position after nearly 30 years!

I don't expect the second edition to be a big seller (which backgammon books are??) but at least a 'correct' version is now available for those who want it.

It can be found on www.lulu.com at £13 or $24.


With Kind Regards

Chris Bray
 

Published 18th September 2008