Endgame Technique (Backgammon Odyssey)

I've played backgammon for many years. The tips and techniques in this book are very useful to improve playing style, and the style of writing is unique, which makes it easier to remember for me.

This book is so potent that on almost every new page it presents a new insight.It tackles all kinds of scenarios in different endgame positions.Generally, players tend to not think much while making moves in endgames. This book will change your mindset. Before reading this book, I could never have imagined how deep an endgame analysis could be!Nono is less comical and more profound this time.

Nice book for intermediate players I’m sure but not what I was looking for or thought it would be. Returned

Presents many concepts in a digestible, simple and crystal clear format. It provides clarity on "rules of thumb" you may have deduced, as well as will educate on new and insightful positions.Quote of the book: "the best things in life are wine, dine, and prime"Couldn't agree more - indispensable for backgammon players of all skill levels. Deserves it's place in the pantheon along with Marc Olsens' books, 501 Problems, and Magriel. It's that good.

As in chess the deep understanding of the endgame is very important and leads to mastery. GM Michy explains the concepts and tactics in a clear and simple way which makes it understandable for any level of player, even in the most difficult concepts. This is a great BG book

Very helpful techniques for staying out of trouble, as much as possible, during bear off.

With the help of Roland Herrera and translator Ayako Odate, Giant of Backgammon Michy Kageyama has added another chapter to the Backgammon Bible. Now there are Proverbs 1 and Proverbs 2!As in Michy's first book, Opening Concepts, the rules of thumb in Endgame Technique are not literally proverbs. But who cares about the nomenclature--they're useful aids to choosing the right play in endgame positions. They help us play well in closeout positions, and against anchors on our 1, 2, or 3 point. Some post-contact endgame positions are also covered (and quite well), and also some other situations.This book is worth the investment. For those who learned a lot from Opening Concepts, Endgame Technique will likely be even more helpful. It covers more ground.The book is targeted primarily to novices and intermediates, but stronger players may also learn something. Five stars.Other observations:The teaching assistant Nono (an intelligent alien) has returned in this book, accompanied by companion Yeye ("a little creature that came to Earth to find Nono"). This time the darker side of gentle Nono is shown, emphasizing the competitive aspect of backgammon with the metaphor of war. For any reader disturbed by this, I say, Aaaaaah, fuhgeddaboudit. The metaphor abounds in competitive games. I think Barclay Cooke would quote Clausewitz.The English is better in Endgame Technique than in Opening Concepts. Translator Ayako Odate is to be commended. But hammer this concept in your head: none of the language issues in either book (and there are no big ones in Endgame Technique) distracted me at all, and I don't think they'll faze the typical native English speaker who is focused on learning backgammon.

I thought this book much more helpful than the author's volume on the opening concepts. The endgame often leads me into misplacing checkers because I don't have the necessary detailed knowledge - after learning lessons from this book I hope XG doesn't get so annoyed with me! All aspects of endgame play are covered under the two main categories of bearing in and bearing off. It's still a slim volume like the first but it packs more of a punch, so I don't feel so aggrieved about the high price of the book.

Another wonderful book from Michy! It covers every kind of endgame including with and without contact and how to play after hitting a shot in the endgame. Michy teaches fundamental rules and proverbs for different kinds of endgames. I learned a lot, particularly about ace point and deuce point endgames. I was surprised how different correct play against each of these is. Thanks very much, Michy, I'm looking forward to further books in the series.

Some interesting concepts for handling those awkward closing scenarios successfully. Well worth spending the time to study

This is the second book in Michy’s odyssey of learning backgammon. I loved Opening Concepts, and Endgame Technique has helped me so much in understanding how and why to play those difficult dice!!I love the series, and can’t wait until the next one comes!The authors have managed to take Michy’s wonderful positive spirit onto the pages, and have inspired me to be like Nono!!Keep writing Michy and Roland, and thank you for sharing your ideas and zest for life!!Huge fan

This book covers the technical aspects of bearing in/off against an anchor or while a closeout. It's very well structured and gives fundamentals and proverbs to each aspect.It also has an advanced section redarding influence of timing, breaking anchor, amoeba play etc.Everything presented with a very logical structure and useful proverbs. Highly recommended.