I've just noticed that Amazon have an updated edition of Magriel's book with a new foreword and cover. This particular edition seems cheaper than the original 1976 version I've seen elsewhere, and I'm just wondering why?

Does anyone know if there is any difference other than the cover and foreword? Obviously if not then I'll buy the newer, cheaper version.

Secondly, given the number of backgammon books available nowadays, is Magriel's still worth buying? Are his recommendations still valid today, given what we know now about the game?

Edit: Another point, Robertie's book contains over 500 problems grouped by theme and is very highly thought of. Yet it costs less than half the price of Magriel's book. Why?

Yes, there is an important difference between the "new edition" and previous editions: Paul gets no royalties from this edition, and has asked backgammon retailers not to stock it. The Gammon Press doesn't carry it for that reason. We sell the original version, last printed a few years ago.

The content is very good and still holds up well. As with all books written before the Jellyfish/Snowie era, there are a few errors, but not consequential ones.

Thank you for the explanation Mr R, I didn't realize that. Backgammon books are so expensive (I assume due to small print runs in general), so I'm having to be choosy about which I buy.

I didn't know this, I bought the book a few weeks ago.

The price listed there at Amazon UK is not right for the hardcover version. According to the seller, who is Renee herself, Amazon has listed the books incorrectly. The hardcover is £35.98, it's the paperback that's £30. If you go to the new and used area, there's a note about it there.

I of course didn't see all this and originally ordered the paperback version, so I had to cancel and reorder the hardcover.

At the time I thought it strange that this supposed listings error had occurred. It now seems even stranger. You'd think the seller would be on at Amazon to have it corrected - if it is indeed their doing.

As for the book itself, it's very very good imo.

Thanks, in fact looking at that page it appears that Amazon have made the correction. The paperback is listed at $30 and the hardback at $35.98.

What is it about the book that makes it so good? Is it the quality of the explanation and instruction? Is it aimed at complete beginners or intermediate players? I'm interested to know why it's regarded as the 'bible'... Thanks

The book is very well written, you're not battling against a convoluted writing style. There are many explanations and examples, everything is presented in a clear, readable way. I think it's good for either complete beginners or intermediate players. It'll give you a solid grounding in backgammon.

Thanks for that, this book will be the next on my list.

What is it about the book that makes it so good? Is it the quality of the explanation and instruction? Is it aimed at complete beginners or intermediate players? I'm interested to know why it's regarded as the 'bible'...Thanks

This may be out of date- sadly Paul Magriel passed away recently- but I must comment. With all respect to the gracious host Bill Robertie, who has been a brilliant, tireless exponent of backgammon theory for decades (even post-bot) and whose work remains a must-read for experts- the Magriels' 1976 book is in a class by itself.

I read it as an intermediate and it made me an expert. Indeed, many of the solutions have been deemed incorrect by later computer rollouts. But the book's illustration of subtle themes- and advance of theories- using simple, clear examples, is astonishing.

Nobel winner Richard Feynman was renowned for his ability to explain physics to 'art students'. The 11th Century Torah scholar "Rashi" is said to have set out to create a guide that a child could follow to help give context to the text. His commentary is still included in footnotes across the spectrum of Jewish congregations- (though often updated or "corrected").

For its lucidity and structured logical analysis- if not for mathematical accuracy- Magriel's Backgammon may always be "the bible".

I'll only add to this that a huge amount of credit should be given to Renee Magriel, Paul's wife at the time. Without her efforts the book would never have been completed or published.