Backgammon is one of the oldest games in the world, the origins of which date back some 5000 years – and it’s still going strong. It enjoyed a huge resurgence in the 1970s, and then again in the 1990s with the popularity of the Internet, where millions of people play tournaments online every day.

Today, backgammon’s following in the UK is huge, with a dedicated British Isles Backgammon Association, and hundreds of face-to-face tournaments taking place across the UK every year.

In this book, backgammon expert Chris Bray walks you through the basics of setting up a board, opening strategies, middle and end-game tactics, and tips on when to make key moves. You’ll also get to grips with basic probabilities, the doubling cube and the 25% rule. And if you want to take your gaming further, there’s plenty of advice to get you started in tournament backgammon, as well as playing online.

Suitable for both beginners and experienced player looking for more tips and techniques, Backgammon For Dummies includes coverage on:

• Starting and Playing the Game
• Handling the Middle Game
• Bearing Off (The Last Lap)
• Varying the Play
• About the author

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Want to play chess like a champ? Dummies can help.

From Netflix’s “The Queen’s Gambit” to podcasts, virtual and mobile gaming, and beyond, chess is back in a big way. But, with all those kings, queens, and knights, chess can be a royal pain to grasp. Chess For Dummies is here to help beginners wrap their minds around the rules of the game, make sense of those puzzling pieces, and sharpen their chess strategy such that even Paul Morphy would be impressed. You’ll learn the laws of chess, its lingo, and engage in the art of the attack with the easy-to-follow, step-by-step explanations found in the latest edition of Chess For Dummies.

Whether you’re playing chess online, in a tournament, or across the dining room table with a family member or friend, this hands-on guide is sure to capture your interest (and your opponent’s queen), getting you up to speed on the game and its components and giving you the know-how you need to put the principles of play into action from the opening to the endgame.

• Grasp the rules of play and the nuances of each phase of the game
• Familiarize yourself with the pieces and the board
• Pick the perfect chess set and chessboard for you
• Get to know each of the pieces and their powers

If you feel like you’re in a stalemate before you even begin a game, Chess For Dummies is your guide to forcing moves, raking bishops, and skewering your opponents like a true champion.

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