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BOOKS: "Phillip Martyn on Backgammon"

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Steve Brorens

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Nov 17, 1996, 3:00:00 AM11/17/96
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This is the book that I learnt bg from and I thought it the best of the
half-dozen or so in my local library for the clear presentation and range
of information.

The others in that library include books by Clay, deJong and Magreil (the
short version).

Of course this book was written in the 70's and I'm sure has many
technical deficiencies, but I'd be intersted to see other comments on the
book or its author.

PS: Anyone know what became of PM?


snorri on FIBS
- fighting my way back up to 1500...

Albert Steg

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Nov 19, 1996, 3:00:00 AM11/19/96
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> Of course this book was written in the 70's and I'm sure has many
> technical deficiencies, but I'd be intersted to see other comments on the
> book or its author.

This book is extremely rare in the US. The copy I found in a used
bookstore is the only copy I've ever seen, so my guess is that few people
on the list will have read it.

My recollection is that the technical content is nothing extraordinary,
even for 70's standards (Magriel is much better), but that the sections on
cube handling, gambling strategy, and general bg "psychology" make it a
really interesting marker of the "state" of the game as played by
"serious" players back then. By today's standards, the advice is pretty
vague and impressionistic. If I had the time I'd dig it up and give some
examples. Alas.

Albert

Marc Gray

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Nov 22, 1996, 3:00:00 AM11/22/96
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In article <asteg-19119...@asteg.tiac.net>, as...@tiac.net (Albert
Steg) wrote:

--> > Of course this book was written in the 70's and I'm sure has many
-->> technical deficiencies, but I'd be intersted to see other comments on
the
-->> book or its author.
-->
-->This book is extremely rare in the US. The copy I found in a used
-->bookstore is the only copy I've ever seen, so my guess is that few people
-->on the list will have read it.
-->
-->My recollection is that the technical content is nothing extraordinary,
-->even for 70's standards (Magriel is much better), but that the sections on
-->cube handling, gambling strategy, and general bg "psychology" make it a
-->really interesting marker of the "state" of the game as played by
-->"serious" players back then. By today's standards, the advice is pretty
-->vague and impressionistic. If I had the time I'd dig it up and give some
-->examples. Alas.
-->
-->Albert

I have a copy. Its content isn't impressive at all, although for a novice
player it might be of value.

Marc FlashGammon Gray
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