Bill Robertie

Brunson's Super System is widely regarded as the poker Bible, but I'd recommend this book over Super System for the player who knows the basics, is already pretty good, and is looking to get better. It's well organized, balancing discussion of strategy with examples of specific hands, and is interesting from cover to cover. Super System covers other poker games in more detail than I was interested in. For NL Hold'em players, this is the one to read. (Doyle's got better anecdotes though.)

This book presents 5 or so top level backgammon games, annotated by Bill Robertie, one of the game's top players. Each game focuses on some strategic consideration, such as when to take a double, how to play in the opening, how to time your back game and so on.

I would definitely recommend it, but it does lack structure a bit. It almost seems as if the five games were selected at random, then strategy behind the moves and the turning of the cube were explained as necessary, rather than that show more these games were picked because they highlight some important strategical concepts of modern backgammon. One can still learn a lot, though. show less

Once you have a solid limit understanding, it's time for no-limit and tournaments. These books provide great no limit tournament strategy in a really easy to read style (a heck of a lot easier than Sklansky). There are two volumes here but most people tell you to read the second one. I liked the first one a lot and, since they are a two part series (v1 is about early and mid tourney play, vII is about late tourney play) you shouldn't overlook it. After I finished the second one, I cashed in show more two straight public casino tourneys and went on a tear online. Good news, there's a third volume on the way. show less

Backgammon for Winners greatly improved my backgammon game. I went from being a complete beginner (having played only enough times to have synthesized the rules, but not to gain strategy) to winning against nearly every opponent I play (from beginner to nearly-advanced, I would garner). I also understand how to continue improving in the future if I choose to take the time to do so.