10 Best Backgammon Books for Beginners (October 2026) – Expert Reviews

Backgammon has been around for over 5,000 years, and it is still one of the most competitive two-player board games you can learn. I picked up my first backgammon set at a garage sale and had no idea what I was doing. That frustration sent me searching for the best backgammon books for beginners, and after reading through dozens of titles, I found the ones that actually help you improve fast.

The challenge most new players face is not learning the rules — you can pick those up in 10 minutes. The real difficulty is understanding strategy: when to hit, when to build a prime, and how to use the doubling cube without throwing away your equity. A solid beginner backgammon guide bridges that gap between knowing how to play and knowing how to win.

Our team reviewed 10 of the most recommended backgammon books available right now, comparing them for clarity, depth, production quality, and value. Whether you are an absolute beginner or someone who has played casually for years and wants to get serious, this list covers every learning style and budget.

Top 3 Backgammon Books for Beginners

Best Backgammon Books for Beginners in 2026

1. Backgammon For Dummies by Chris Bray – The Most Accessible Starting Point

When I first started learning backgammon, the “For Dummies” series was my go-to for any new subject, and this book by Chris Bray did not disappoint. The writing is warm and conversational, which makes absorbing opening rolls, checker play basics, and doubling cube strategy feel far less intimidating than it sounds. Bray organizes the material into logical chapters so you can work through the book start to finish or jump straight to a topic that confuses you.

What impressed me most is that Bray does not treat you like you are clueless. He respects your intelligence while still explaining fundamentals clearly. You get solid coverage of the doubling cube — a topic many beginner books gloss over — along with match equity concepts that prepare you for real-world play. With 523 reviews and a 4.5-star rating, the community has spoken: this is the gold standard entry point.

The 288-page length is just right for a beginner backgammon guide. Long enough to cover everything you need, short enough that you will actually finish it. I found myself referencing specific chapters weeks after my first read-through, especially the sections on race positions and bearing off techniques.

Who Should Read This Book

If you have never played backgammon before or you just know the basic rules and want a structured learning path, this is the book I would hand you first. It works equally well for casual players who have been playing for years without ever studying strategy. The logical chapter progression means you can pick up right where your knowledge ends.

This is also a great choice if you learn best through narrative explanations with diagrams rather than through problem-solving exercises. Bray walks you through concepts step by step with clear board illustrations that make abstract ideas concrete.

What to Keep in Mind Before Buying

The book was published in 2008, so some of the online resource links in the digital version no longer work. The core strategy content remains accurate and relevant, but if you want the latest computer-verified analysis using tools like eXtreme Gammon, you may want to pair this with a more modern title like Conquering Backgammon.

Expert players will find this too basic. If you already understand match equity tables and can hold your own in tournament play, look at the Robertie books further down this list instead.

2. Conquering Backgammon – 2nd Edition by Ed Rosenblum – The Premium Complete Guide

Conquering Backgammon sits at a higher price point than most books on this list, but the moment you open the hardcover, you understand why. Full-color illustrations, professional diagrams, and a layout that makes complex positions easy to parse — this is the best-produced backgammon book I have seen. Ed Rosenblum clearly invested in making every page visually clear, which matters enormously when you are staring at checker positions trying to decide whether to hit or anchor.

The real selling point for me is the use of modern computer analysis. Rosenblum verified positions using eXtreme Gammon (XG), so you are not just getting one player’s opinion — you are getting bot-confirmed correct moves. That matters because some classic backgammon books contain analysis that has since been disproven by neural net rollouts. With this book, you learn the right plays from the start.

At 280 pages with 125 reviews and a 4.8-star rating, this book has earned serious credibility in the backgammon community. Reddit users specifically mention it as a comprehensive option that works as both a beginner resource and a reference you return to as you improve.

Who Should Read This Book

This book works best for committed beginners who want a single comprehensive resource they will not outgrow quickly. The two-volume structure means you start with the fundamentals and naturally progress into advanced concepts like doubling tactics and match equity calculations. If you plan to take backgammon seriously — club play, tournaments, or just beating everyone at your weekly game night — this is worth the investment.

Visual learners will benefit enormously from the full-color diagrams and layout. If you have tried reading denser backgammon texts and struggled to follow the analysis, Rosenblum’s presentation style will feel like a breath of fresh air.

What to Keep in Mind Before Buying

The book can feel math-heavy in certain sections. If you prefer a more casual, narrative-driven approach to learning, you might find some chapters dry. I would suggest starting with Backgammon For Dummies and graduating to this one once you have the basics down.

Some readers report errata in the first printing, so check that you are getting the corrected second edition. The quality of the analysis is not in question — it is just a reminder to buy from a reputable seller.

3. Backgammon: From Basics to Badass by Marc Brockmann Olsen – Modern Strategies from a World-Class Player

Marc Brockmann Olsen is not just an author — he is a world-class backgammon competitor, and that expertise bleeds through every page. From Basics to Badass takes a modern approach to the game, incorporating bot-era strategies that older books simply do not cover. If you want to learn backgammon the way top players actually think about it today, this is your book.

The 320-page count gives Olsen room to cover everything from the most basic checker movements to advanced concepts like match equity tables and cube action in complex positions. I appreciated how he weaves real-life examples into the instruction. You are not just reading abstract theory — you are seeing how specific concepts play out in actual games.

With 230 reviews and a solid 4.6-star rating, this book has found a wide audience. It ranks as a best seller in the backgammon category for good reason. The scope is ambitious, covering beginner through advanced material in a single volume, and Olsen mostly succeeds at keeping all levels of reader engaged.

Who Should Read This Book

This is an excellent choice for players who want one book that will grow with them. You can start at the beginning as a complete novice and work your way through progressively harder material over months. It is also a strong pick for intermediate players who learned the game years ago and want to update their understanding with modern computer-verified strategies.

If you are the type of learner who likes understanding the “why” behind every recommendation rather than just memorizing rules, Olsen’s analytical approach will resonate with you. He explains the reasoning behind bot-verified plays so you can apply the same logic to positions not covered in the book.

What to Keep in Mind Before Buying

The grammar issues some reviewers mention are real but do not interfere with understanding the strategy content. If you are particular about polished prose, it might occasionally distract you. The binding has also been reported as weaker than average — handle this one with care if you want it to last through repeated reference sessions.

While the book covers all levels, absolute beginners might find the pace picks up quickly after the opening chapters. If you have zero backgammon experience, consider pairing this with a more basic introduction first.

4. 501 Essential Backgammon Problems by Bill Robertie – Problem-Based Learning at Its Best

Bill Robertie is a two-time world backgammon champion, and his teaching philosophy is simple: you learn backgammon by solving problems. 501 Essential Backgammon Problems puts that philosophy into practice across 31 chapters and 384 pages. Each problem presents a position, asks you to find the best move, and then explains the general rule behind the correct answer with multiple examples.

I found this format incredibly effective. Reading about strategy in the abstract is one thing, but forcing yourself to analyze a position before seeing the answer builds pattern recognition in a way that passive reading never will. The problems span every phase of the game — opening moves, middle-game strategy, bearing off, and doubling cube decisions.

At 87 reviews and a 4.6-star rating, the backgammon community considers this one of the most valuable training books available. Multiple reviewers call it the best value backgammon book you can buy, and I agree. For the page count and density of useful material, it is hard to beat.

Who Should Read This Book

This book works best for beginners who already know the rules and want to accelerate their improvement through active practice. If you have read through an introductory book like Backgammon For Dummies and want to test and sharpen your understanding, Robertie’s problem-based approach is the natural next step.

It is also ideal for self-study learners who enjoy working through exercises at their own pace. You can tackle a few problems each day and gradually build a mental library of correct positional play patterns.

What to Keep in Mind Before Buying

The book’s format requires you to flip between the problem page and the discussion page, which some readers find annoying. It is a deliberate design choice to prevent accidentally seeing the answer, but it does interrupt the flow if you are reading on a cramped commute or in poor lighting.

Some problems have been slightly outdated by newer computer rollouts, though the general principles remain correct. The revised edition addresses many of these issues. For most beginners, the conceptual learning far outweighs any minor technical inaccuracies.

5. Backgammon – Cube like a Boss by Marc Olsen and Joaquim Marques Nielsen – Master the Doubling Cube

The doubling cube is the part of backgammon that most beginners get wrong, and getting it wrong costs you games. Cube like a Boss by Marc Olsen and Joaquim Marques Nielsen dedicates 396 pages entirely to cube strategy — when to double, when to take, and when to drop. With 333 positions analyzed using XGR++ (the highest level of computer analysis available), this book fills a gap that most backgammon training materials leave wide open.

I spent about three weeks working through this book, and my cube decisions improved noticeably in online play. The positions are organized to build intuition gradually, starting with clear-cut scenarios and progressing to complex borderline decisions. Each position teaches a pattern you can recognize in your own games.

The book has earned 120 reviews and a 4.4-star rating, with many reviewers calling it essential for serious players. One reviewer described it as “filling a void in cube handling literature,” and I think that is spot on. No other book in this price range gives you this much dedicated cube content.

Who Should Read This Book

This book is for players who already understand the basics of backgammon and want to master the doubling cube specifically. If you have been playing for a few months and find yourself unsure when to offer or accept a double, this targeted resource will sharpen those decisions fast.

It is also valuable for intermediate players preparing for tournament or club play, where cube errors are the most common way players lose equity. Even a small improvement in cube accuracy translates to winning significantly more games over time.

What to Keep in Mind Before Buying

The grammar and punctuation issues are a recurring complaint. The strategic content is excellent, but the writing quality does not match the professional level of the analysis. If polished prose matters to you, be prepared for some rough sentences.

This is not a general backgammon strategy book — it focuses specifically on doubling cube decisions. If you need a comprehensive beginner guide, start with one of the earlier books on this list and add Cube like a Boss once you have the fundamentals down.

6. Backgammon Foundations by Lee Walkden – The Quick-Start Beginner Guide

At just 56 pages, Backgammon Foundations is the shortest book on this list by a wide margin — and that is exactly the point. Lee Walkden wrote this for people who want a fast, confidence-building introduction without committing to a 300-page textbook. Published in January 2026, it is also the most current title here, with modern terminology and a fresh perspective on how beginners learn the game today.

Walkden uses memory hooks and practical tricks to help you internalize opening strategies and basic positional concepts. I found these mnemonics surprisingly effective — simple phrases that stick in your head during live play when you do not have time to calculate everything from scratch. For a complete newcomer, this approach builds confidence quickly.

The book ranks well in the backgammon bestseller category and carries a 4.4-star rating across 18 reviews. Reviewers consistently praise its friendly tone and accessibility. It does exactly what it promises: gets you from “what are these triangles” to “I can play a competent game” in a single afternoon.

Who Should Read This Book

Absolute beginners who want the fastest possible on-ramp to backgammon should start here. If you just bought your first set and want to understand what is happening on the board before diving into deeper strategy books, Walkden gives you that foundation without overwhelming you.

This is also a good gift book for someone who has expressed casual interest in backgammon but is not ready to commit to serious study. The short page count and approachable tone make it feel like an invitation rather than homework.

What to Keep in Mind Before Buying

You will outgrow this book quickly — possibly within a few days of focused reading. At 56 pages, it simply cannot cover the depth that most players need to improve beyond beginner level. Plan to follow up with a more comprehensive title from this list.

Some reviewers note the lack of depth even for beginners. If you are the type of person who likes to understand every nuance before making a move, you might find the explanations too brief. Consider it an appetizer rather than a full meal.

7. Backgammon for Losers: Updated Edition by Simon Hill – Learn Strategy with Humor

Do not let the title fool you — Backgammon for Losers is not about accepting defeat. Simon Hill wrote this for players who keep losing and want to figure out why. The tone is warm, funny, and packed with anecdotes that make the strategy lessons memorable. Out of all the books I read for this review, this one felt the most like sitting across from a patient friend who happens to be really good at backgammon.

The 266-page updated edition covers beginner and intermediate strategy with practical advice you can apply immediately. Hill includes historical photos, tips on using backgammon software to practice, and concrete suggestions for avoiding the most common mistakes new players make. The software tips alone are worth the read if you plan to practice online.

With 212 reviews and a 4.4-star rating, this book has built a loyal following. Reviewers consistently praise the balance between entertainment and education. You genuinely learn while being entertained, which is rare in board game instruction books.

Who Should Read This Book

Beginners and intermediate players who find traditional backgammon books too dry or academic will love Hill’s approachable style. If you have tried reading denser strategy texts and lost interest, the humor and storytelling in this book will keep you engaged through the challenging material.

Casual players who want to improve without feeling like they are studying for an exam will find this the most enjoyable path to better play. It is also a strong choice for social players who compete mostly with friends and want to hold their own without becoming tournament-level students of the game.

What to Keep in Mind Before Buying

Advanced players seeking rigorous mathematical analysis or bot-verified positions should look elsewhere. Hill prioritizes accessibility over technical depth, which is the right call for his target audience but leaves serious competitive players wanting more precision.

The book was published in 2016, so some software references may be slightly dated. However, the strategic principles are timeless, and the software tips remain useful as general guidance for incorporating practice tools into your study routine.

8. Backgammon for Serious Players by Bill Robertie – Tournament-Level Analysis

Bill Robertie’s Backgammon for Serious Players takes a different approach from his problem book. Instead of 500 practice positions, you get annotated analysis of international tournament games played by world-class competitors. Robertie breaks down each game move by move, explaining the thinking behind every checker decision and cube action.

This book earns the highest individual rating on this list at 4.9 stars, though from a smaller pool of 18 reviews. Every single reviewer highlights the quality of the tournament analysis. Robertie does not just tell you what the right play is — he explains the strategic framework that top players use to arrive at their decisions. That framework is what makes this book transformative for the right reader.

The revised edition from Cardoza Publishing keeps the content fresh while maintaining the classic structure. At 224 pages, it is a focused read that respects your time. Robertie’s two world championship wins give him the credibility to teach at this level, and the book reflects a player who understands both the game and how to communicate it.

Who Should Read This Book

This book is ideal for players who already know the basics and want to understand how experts think during real games. If you have been playing for several months, understand checker play fundamentals, and want to see those concepts applied in high-level competition, Robertie’s annotated games are an invaluable learning tool.

Players preparing for their first tournament or joining a backgammon club will benefit enormously from seeing how world-class competitors handle pressure situations. The move-by-move commentary teaches you to think several rolls ahead.

What to Keep in Mind Before Buying

The title is not kidding — this is not for beginners. If you do not already understand basic strategy, primes, anchors, and the doubling cube, you will struggle to follow the analysis. Start with Backgammon For Dummies or From Basics to Badass first.

Some readers note that while the analysis is excellent, the book could benefit from more board diagrams to illustrate specific positions. If you learn primarily through visual aids, you may need to set up the positions on a physical board as you read.

9. Backgammon for Serious Player (Kindle Edition) by Bill Robertie – Digital Tournament Analysis

This is the Kindle edition of Robertie’s tournament analysis book, and it offers the same excellent strategic content in a portable digital format. Having this on my tablet meant I could study annotated games during commutes or travel without carrying a physical book. For players who prefer digital reading or want to study backgammon tactics on the go, this format has real advantages.

The content focuses on annotated games from world-class players with move-by-move analysis. Robertie teaches you to evaluate positions the way a professional does — considering equity, timing, and future rolls rather than just the immediate play. That shift in thinking is what separates intermediate players from advanced ones.

With 111 reviews and a 4.0-star rating, the Kindle edition is slightly lower rated than the print version, primarily due to formatting issues. The strategic content is identical, but the digital presentation has some rough edges.

Who Should Read This Book

Digital readers who want to study tournament-level analysis on their Kindle, tablet, or phone will find this the most convenient way to access Robertie’s expertise. If you commute, travel frequently, or simply prefer reading on a screen, the Kindle edition puts serious backgammon training in your pocket.

Intermediate players who want to understand how professionals think about the game will benefit from the annotated game approach. Each game is like a private lesson with a world champion, walking you through the decision-making process in real competitive situations.

What to Keep in Mind Before Buying

Several reviewers mention formatting errors between moves and illustrations in the Kindle version. The board diagrams do not always render perfectly on smaller screens, which can make following specific positions frustrating. If you have a larger tablet, the experience will be better than on a phone or basic Kindle.

Like the print version, this is not a beginner book. You need a solid understanding of backgammon fundamentals to follow the analysis. Some reviewers also note that the book could go deeper technically — it is more of a guided tour of expert thinking than a comprehensive technical manual.

10. How to Beat Your Friends at Backgammon by Tue Rasmussen – The Ultra-Quick Intro

At 48 pages, How to Beat Your Friends at Backgammon is the most concise book in this roundup. Tue Rasmussen wrote it for one specific audience: people who just bought a backgammon set, have never played before, and want to learn enough to start a game tonight. If that describes you, this book delivers exactly what you need without any fluff.

The book covers basic rules, simple rules of thumb, and a handful of beginner-friendly positions. Rasmussen keeps everything conversational and avoids jargon, which makes the book accessible to anyone regardless of their board game experience. I found the rules of thumb genuinely useful for absolute newcomers — simple heuristics like “when in doubt, make your home board points.”

With 58 reviews and a 3.9-star rating, the reviews tell an honest story. Readers who expected a quick introduction rate it highly. Readers who wanted substantive strategy feel disappointed. The book does what it says on the cover, but the cover promises a fairly thin slice of the backgammon learning pie.

Who Should Read This Book

Absolute beginners who want the cheapest, fastest way to learn the rules should consider this book. If you are buying a backgammon set as a gift and want to include a simple instruction booklet, this fits the bill perfectly. It is also useful for players who tried learning from online videos and found the pace too fast or the explanations too sparse.

The title promises to help you beat your friends, and if your friends also do not know how to play, the book delivers on that promise. The basic strategies it teaches will give you an edge over other complete beginners.

What to Keep in Mind Before Buying

Most players will outgrow this book within a week of regular play. The 48 pages simply do not contain enough material to take you beyond the most basic level. If you know you want to get serious about backgammon, invest a few more dollars in one of the comprehensive guides higher on this list instead.

Several reviewers describe the strategy explanations as vague. The book tells you what to do in general terms but does not always explain why, which limits your ability to apply the concepts to situations not explicitly covered. For deeper understanding, pair this with a more thorough resource.

How to Choose the Right Backgammon Book

Picking the right backgammon book depends on three things: where you are right now, how you learn best, and what your goals are. I bought several of these books in the wrong order and ended up frustrated — so let me save you that experience.

Match the Book to Your Skill Level

If you have never played backgammon, start with Backgammon Foundations (56 pages, fast read) or Backgammon For Dummies (the most thorough beginner introduction). Both assume zero prior knowledge and build from the ground up. Do not skip ahead to Robertie’s tournament books — you will be lost within the first chapter.

Intermediate players who understand the rules and have played casually for a few months should look at From Basics to Badass, 501 Essential Backgammon Problems, or Conquering Backgammon. These books teach strategy and positional thinking that will immediately improve your win rate.

Consider Your Learning Style

Problem-based learners should gravitate toward Robertie’s 501 Essential Backgammon Problems. The exercise format forces active engagement and builds pattern recognition faster than passive reading. If you prefer reading narrative explanations with diagrams, Conquering Backgammon or Backgammon For Dummies will suit you better.

Visual learners should prioritize Conquering Backgammon for its full-color illustrations and professional layout. The difference between trying to parse a black-and-white diagram and a full-color one is significant when you are learning complex positions.

Budget and Format Considerations

Backgammon books range from under six dollars to around fifty dollars. The cheapest option on this list — How to Beat Your Friends at Backgammon — costs less than a coffee and teaches you enough to start playing tonight. The most expensive — Conquering Backgammon — delivers a premium hardcover experience with full-color printing that justifies the higher price.

Digital readers should check the Kindle edition of Robertie’s Serious Player book, but be aware of formatting issues. For most books on this list, the physical edition provides a better reading experience, especially when you need to reference diagrams and board positions.

Frequently Asked Questions About Backgammon Books

Final Thoughts on the Best Backgammon Books for Beginners

Finding the best backgammon books for beginners comes down to matching your current level with the right resource. If you are starting from scratch, Backgammon For Dummies gives you the most solid foundation. Players ready to invest in a single comprehensive guide should look at Conquering Backgammon for its production quality and modern analysis. Budget-conscious learners will get tremendous value from From Basics to Badass or 501 Essential Backgammon Problems.

My honest recommendation: pick one book, read it cover to cover, and practice what it teaches before buying another. The worst thing you can do is stack up five books and skim each one. Backgammon improvement comes from focused study and active practice — not from owning every title on the shelf. Start with the book that fits your level today, and you will be winning more games within weeks.