Backgammon: From Basics to Badass

I don't mind about the typos or grammatical errors. I am not an english native speaker either. This is basically THE book to buy if you are approaching this beautiful game for the first time. It will bloody open your mind about this game!

Expert opinions on backgammon strategy have changed in recent years due to the advances in computer software. This book takes account of the latest developments and has something for everyone, from beginner to expert. As a relative beginner I found this book extremely useful. It's not a cheap book, but it is written by one of the world's top players.

I have read a lot of Backgammon books and this is the best that I have read for an Intermediate player wanting to improve. If you have been playing for a while and are making moves that your gut tells you are wrong but you don’t know why, after reading this book you will realise why you have been going wrong. It is well structured focussing on key concepts. Makes the points with out the waffle.

I like this book very much. The first half is a lovely tight little manual which lists basic backgammon strategy, and helps you consolidate all your "bread and butter" techniques. It's very enjoyable, and really nice to go over this, with a fresh look following an expert guide. By fine tuning everything, and choosing the correct checker play you can fine tune your style and make some seriously good plays ! I recommend this book !

Highly recommend this comprehensive and detailed guide to Backgammon. My game has improved considerably since reading. Covers just about every aspect of how to play, whether the die are going your way or against you.

Easy to read and explains all aspects of the game very well. Ideal for a beginner like me.

Helped me elevate my game. Writen in a very basic language, goes straight to the point. Has lots of examples and strategies depending on the situation.

I could not get to grips with this one at all. The book reads like a set of lecture notes someone has taken down on bg strategy. (It isn’t, of course - Olsen is obviously a fine player). But that wasn’t the reason I threw it away; it was the persistent use of exclamation marks in almost every paragraph. Eventually, I started to wonder, if everything is such a ****ing surprise, then am I actually learning anything? Surely there ought to be some progression from principles to their application, rather than just this constant astonishment at every position? I threw it in the bin. There is probably material of value in there so it seems unfair to mark it too low (though it doesn’t seem like a beginners book to me).His book on doubling is much better; I keep it by my bed. (Though there are still a few too many excalamation marks for my taste.)

Don’t buy this because I don’t want you to be able to beat me. It’s a great book!

The content was quite clear

I've read half a dozen backgammon books, and consider myself to be a serious player. This book is without a doubt the best I've ever read. It's been a game-changer for me, and has clarified a number of concepts for me. Now I can effortlessly shift into a back game or a blitz and actually know what I'm doing. I win WAY more games since reading this exceptional book and return to it again and again. If you're a pretty good player, this book will live up to its title, and you'll be a backgammon Bad Ass.

Mats gets to the point fast. Good exercises. Learned lots.

Muy buen libro, para jugadores desde un ni el básico a avanzado. Ayuda a tener una comprensión más profunda del juego. En definitiva aprendes a jugar mejor. Libro ameno.