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Opening Concepts
(Backgammon Odyssey Series - Book 1)
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Beginner/Intermediate - Advanced
pub. 2017, pages 238.
by Michihito Kageyama and Roland Herrera.

Price UK: £40.00 includes FREE 1st. class postage
EU/Europe: €52.00 includes FREE airmail postage.
Denmark: kr 390.00 includes FREE airmail postage.
Price Rest of the World: $65.99 includes FREE airmail postage.

About the Authors
Michihito Kageyama (aka Michy): Professional backgammon player ranked number 2 in Giants of Backgammon 2015.
Roland Herrera: Professional Violinist and Renaissance Man. Backgammon World Championship Semi-Finalist 2009

About the book by Roland Herrera:
This book is designed to improve your Backgammon skills by using proverbs made up by myself. They represent the basic concepts in backgammon and play a major role in the book. You solve problems by applying suitable proverbs, then you will find the essence of the positions. In chapter 1 & 2, Beginner level, announcing 12 basic proverbs, which I really hope you will memorize. In chapter 3 & 4, Intermediate level, introducing you to 6 advanced proverbs. Together, these 18 proverbs cover most of the opening phase. In chapter 5, 6 and 7, Advanced level, I confront another 3 important concepts, tough even for advanced players. Appendix, Basics: If you are a new comer, you really should start from this chapter. I explain the basic and important three actions in backgammon. In my opinion, the more you understand Backgammon, the more you will enjoy it. I really hope this book helps you feel better while playing Backgammon, an unbelievably well-crafted game.

What's been said:
L D Jones - The book is amazing full of strategic and tactical pointers with explanations on every move going to help me become a dangerous fox.

Simonetta Barone - This Book is a "Must have" for all intermediate and advanced Backgammon players who are eager to improve their game and take it to the next level. The authors give serious in-depth knowledge of the game in a clear and structured way, not forgetting to add a touch of humour with the endearing cartoon character Nono, who pops up now and then in the book illustrating various concepts . I truly learnt a lot from this excellent publication and I thoroughly recommend it.

Chris Rogers - A Wonderful Read for All Levels of Backgammon Players! I can thoroughly recommend this excellent book. Whilst it initially appears to be directed towards beginners and intermediate players, it contains some advanced concepts which should appeal to even the most expert of readers. Highly enjoyable, and I cannot wait for the sequel!

Herb Roman - The book’s title says it all, as one of the world’s top players takes the reader through early game checker positions in a unique way that I’ve never seen in any of the more than two dozen backgammon books in my library. Each position is not only clearly and concisely analyzed to determine the rationale behind the correct play, but is linked to specific, clever proverbs that enables the reader to go beyond just memorizing distinct reference positions. The proverbs, along with some cute sketches, provides an easy guide to apply the concepts to a whole range of similar positions. There’s something for everyone in this book, from beginners to world class players. Michy, as he’s known by players from around the world, along with Roland Herrera's assistance, gives away secrets that can quickly improve a player’s skills. Opening Concepts belongs on the bookshelf of all serious backgammon players.

More comments:
So you have memorized all the 2nd moves. Great. Now how about moves 3, 4, 5... Hit loose, split, run, make a point??? It is not always easy to know what to do in the early stages of the game. This book will help you learn those plays. I especially liked the sections on splitting and priming. But the whole book was excellent. As noted in another review, this book has a unique way of guiding you through the thought process. I found that to be it biggest strength. Similar problems can be found in other books. But learning how to think through these early game decisions will really help improve your game.

This book is excellent. It is great for all backgammon players beginners and advanced. Easy reading for learning all types of positions. The second book of the series I understand is coming out in March of 2018.Be sure you get that book also. Michy is one of the greatest backgammon players all over the world and I hope that everyone who wants to improve their game reads both books. Thank you, Michy for such a wonderful book.

I guess i would say 3.5 to 4 stars but to take on such a project and come at the game in a completely new way....That is really giving back to the backgammon community. I'm not sure it suits my style of learning but it's a valuable addition to the very mathy rollout intensive set of books out there.

The book’s title says it all, as one of the world’s top players takes the reader through early game checker positions in a unique way that I’ve never seen in any of the more than two dozen backgammon books in my library. Each position is not only clearly and concisely analyzed to determine the rationale behind the correct play, but is linked to specific, clever proverbs that enables the reader to go beyond just memorizing distinct reference positions. The proverbs, along with some cute sketches, provides an easy guide to apply the concepts to a whole range of similar positions. There’s something for everyone in this book, from beginners to world class players. Michy, as he’s known by players from around the world, along with Roland Herrera's assistance, gives away secrets that can quickly improve a player’s skills. Opening Concepts belongs on the bookshelf of all serious backgammon players.

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