Improving your backgammon skills is a long process. You need to play a lot of games to recognize patterns and positions on the board. Experience is the cornerstone of improvement — but there’s absolutely nothing wrong with getting help from players who have already mastered the game.
One of the best ways to do that is by reading backgammon books written by top players and theorists.
There are countless books about backgammon on the market, which makes it hard to know where to start. That’s why we put together this curated list of the best backgammon books, based on experience, clarity, and long-term value.
Backgammon — Paul Magriel
This book is considered by many players to be the Bible of backgammon.
Paul Magriel, also known as X-22, was the father of modern backgammon theory. The ideas and concepts introduced in this book were revolutionary at the time, and while many of them have since been expanded by other authors, it’s still essential to build your backgammon culture from this foundation.
Backgammon by Paul Magriel deserves a place on the bookshelf of every serious player, regardless of level.
👉 Check Backgammon by Paul Magriel on Amazon
501 Essential Backgammon Problems — Bill Robertie
This is the first backgammon book I ever bought, and it had a huge impact on my understanding of the game.
Written by two-time world champion Bill Robertie, this book covers every phase of a backgammon game — from opening to bearing off. The explanations are clear, precise, and force you to think deeply about every roll and cube decision.
One of the best things about this book is that you never really finish it. I still open it regularly to solve a few problems and keep my mind sharp.
I recommend 501 Essential Backgammon Problems to players of every level.
👉 Check 501 Essential Backgammon Problems on Amazon
Opening Concepts & Endgame Technique — Michihito Kageyama
Michihito Kageyama, also known as Michi, is one of the most respected and beloved players in the backgammon world.
As their names suggest, these two books focus on specific phases of the game:
- Opening Concepts
- Endgame Technique
Michi teaches decision-making through short proverbs he created himself — and surprisingly, they work extremely well. After a while, you’ll catch yourself applying those proverbs automatically in real games.
Both books are easy to read and often humorous, thanks to the recurring mascot Nono. If you want to improve your opening play and learn how to bear off like a pro, these books are a sure bet.
👉 Check Opening Concepts by Michihito Kageyama on Amazon
👉 Check Endgame Technique by Michihito Kageyama on Amazon
From Basics to Badass — Marc Brockmann Olsen
Marc Brockmann Olsen is a backgammon grandmaster, one of the creators of Backgammon Galaxy, and a highly respected author.
In From Basics to Badass, he guides new players from the very first rules of the game to advanced strategic concepts. The progression is extremely well thought out, and every chapter is detailed and clearly illustrated with diagrams.
By the time you finish this book, you’ll have a solid and complete understanding of backgammon fundamentals.
👉 Check From Basics to Badass on Amazon
Cube Like a Boss — Marc Brockmann Olsen
In his second book, Cube Like a Boss, Marc Brockmann Olsen focuses on one of the most difficult aspects of backgammon: cube handling.
When should you double?
When should you pass?
When is a position too good to double?
Cube decisions are often what separate a good player from a great one, and this book does an excellent job explaining the strategic implications behind every choice.
If you’re serious about improving and want to take your game to the next level, this is a book you should own.
👉 Check Cube Like a Boss on Amazon
Final Thoughts
Books won’t replace experience at the board — but they can dramatically accelerate your progress if you study them seriously.
If you’re just starting out, begin with Magriel or From Basics to Badass.
If you want to sharpen your decision-making, Robertie and Michi are invaluable.
And if cube play still feels mysterious, Cube Like a Boss will change how you see the game.
Every book on this list has earned its place over time.
