For centuries, countless thousands of chess and checker players have gazed absently at the other side of the board, never wondering what it was all about. It never occurred to most of them that they already had in their possession most of the basic implements for one of the keenest games of all time, a game which not only deserves to be ranked with checkers and chess, but has some fascinating an unusual points of its own: Backgammon. We say "most" because a few additional items are needed-half a dozen extra checkers and a pair of dice. With these at hand you can start Backgammoning at once, but if you prefer more elaborate accoutrements, you will find them readily available. These range from fancier boards to special tables; they include an array of Backgammon pieces, or "stones" as they are traditionally called; they come with two pairs of dice and dice cups; and a more modern device called a "doubling cube" is considered essential when the game is played for high stakes. All of this means that Backgammon is not only here to stay, but is likely to go places as well. This comprehensive book will guide the uninitiated through all the basic rules, regulations and concepts of the game; to the fine points of strategy; attack and defense, and odds. For the player already familiar with the rudiments, the scores of diagrams of actual playing situations will sharpen up his skill to the heights of mastery that only a game such as Backgammon can provide. Yes, the Backgammon revival is sweeping the country! Join the millions who have already rediscovered it-and let Walter Gibson, through the medium of his incredible new book, show you how to be a winner.