Learn to play backgammon

[Michael Crane]

Would you like to learn how to play backgammon? If so, read on . . .

I have just finished writing a 'learning programme' for beginners. It is called, Beginner's Look! and is on a CD-ROM. It includes a history of the game, a 'primer' to get you started playing, a glossary of backgammon terms (so that you can understand what you're reading!), recommended reading - software - and web sites to improve your game, and a copy of JellyFish Lite - a powerful PC version of backgammon that you can play against to hone your skills.

I am looking for 5 'guinea pigs' who would like to 'test run' the CD and report back to me with their opinions.

If you'd like to learn to play backgammon and are willing to send me feedback then I will send you a free copy - simply email me your postal address to receive your copy.

Who knows, you might even ask for a backgammon board for Christmas when you become hooked on the game!

[gerry]

Michael,would be more than interested,but must warn you that im not a card player as such,so you would be dealing with a raw beginner,if this suits your experiment i,d be happy to be included,if not then good luck
gerry.

[Michael Crane]

Gerry, you're more than just a beginner . . . you're at a stage before that. Backgammon is a board game!!

Take a look at my website to see what it's about:
www.backgammon-biba.co.uk

If you're still interested send me your postal address.

Thanks for your interest.

[Ellie]

Michael,
Ive just told son Jamie of your request for 5 guinea pigs--and he is very interested in learning the game.
Like Gerry --hes a complete beginner with the game--he does play some card games like cribbage and Chinese patience--and he is quite a good chess player.
What does he have to do now that hes volunteered--over to you Michael

[Michael Crane]

Ellie, I'll need your address to send the CD to.

Also, if he has a backgammon board it would help. Often they are on the reverse of some draughts/chess boards.

[Ellie]

Michael
You could have been a bit more tolerant with your answer to Gerry---I often get in a muddle with cards and boardgames--thats why Im hopeless at them--we're not all "expert" at these things like some!
But-Im very good at "snap" --"find the old maid"----"tiddleywinks"--oh and the kids always beat me at "snakes and ladders"!
Come on then--are you going to take Jamie on--but I warn you-hes a "poor"postgraduate-so not much money--whats on offer?

[Michael Crane]

I was only fooling with Gerry, I didn't mean to come across as rude.

I apologise if he or anyone else thought this.

When you ask, whats on offer, what are you referring to? The CD?

Here's the 'Read Me' file off the CD:

[Release 1.00, December 2003]

This CD is designed to get you started playing backgammon. There are four folders containing:

Acrobat Reader
You will need this to read the next item (see below).

Beginner's Look!
The main aid is the pdf file, Beginner's Look!. I recommend that this is read first. It can be read using Acrobat Reader - a copy of which is also on the CD in its own folder - simply double click to instal directly off the CD if you don't already have a copy on your PC.

In Beginner's Look! you'll find everything you'll need to get started. Although the format is set-up for page-to-page reading, you can, using the Bookmarks, access any section you want.

Extras on the CD are:

Bibafax
A copy of the Nevember/December issue of the popular backgammon magazine. (needs Acrobat . . )

JellyFish 3.5 Lite
This is a 'full' working version of the neural net program, JellyFish. It will play at the same level that the full Analyser version will play at but all the 'extra' bits are greyed out. However, playing against JellyFish on its highest level is like playing against a World Champion backgammon player, so don't expect to win too many games or matches!

It is important that you open, READ THIS FIRST - JELLYFISH before installing the program. If you'd like to purchase the Tutor or Analyser versions and really improve your game, then look at page 73 of Beginner's Look!.

NB: The Player version is very similar to this Lite version and will not improve your game. At the very least you will need the Tutor version.

Snowie
This folder contains the entire match that is partially analysed in Beginner's Look!, page 34. It is run via Internet Explorer and you MUST read the READ THIS FIRST - SNOWIE document before attempting to open the html file. See pages 74 & 75 of Beginner's Look! for full details of Snowie.

Finally . . .
I would appreciate any feedback you might have on this CD and its contents. If you have any comments or suggestions regarding it, please email them to beginners-look@backgammon-biba.co.uk

I hope you enjoy it.

Michael Crane
Biba Director
December 2003

[gerry]

No offence taken.

My postal address is:
An Beal Bocht,
Faugheen,
Carrick-0n-Suir,
Co Tipperary
Ireland.


Gerry Cullen

[Michael Crane]

It'll be in the post this afternoon.

Hope you enjoy it.

[digger]

hello Michael, I’m game. I would love to receive one of your cd roms - if there's any left. I did play a little some years ago, but never really got the hang of it. And I will do my best with the feedback you are looking for.
I’m sending my postal address directly to you. I didn’t want to put it on here because I get embarrassed if I receive more Christmas cards than I send. digger

[Michael Crane]

Just got it. It'll be in the post later on.

[Michael Crane]

Well, folks. I've sent them all out. Sorry if you missed the freebie.

However, I am selling them (still in the test version) for just £1.50. This is just to cover materials, postage & packing - I'm not out to make a profit.

Email me if you want to purchase one and I'll tell you where to send the money.

Thanks to my guinea pigs. I'm looking forward to your comments.

Here's what you'll get for £1.50:

This CD is designed to get you started playing backgammon. There are four folders containing:

Acrobat Reader
You will need this to read the next item (see below).

Beginner's Look!
The main aid is the pdf file, Beginner's Look!. I recommend that this is read first. It can be read using Acrobat Reader - a copy of which is also on the CD in its own folder - simply double click to instal directly off the CD if you don't already have a copy on your PC.

In Beginner's Look! you'll find everything you'll need to get started. Although the format is set-up for page-to-page reading, you can, using the Bookmarks, access any section you want.

Extras on the CD are:

Bibafax
A copy of the Nevember/December issue of the popular backgammon magazine. (needs Acrobat . . )

JellyFish 3.5 Lite
This is a 'full' working version of the neural net program, JellyFish. It will play at the same level that the full Analyser version will play at but all the 'extra' bits are greyed out. However, playing against JellyFish on its highest level is like playing against a World Champion backgammon player, so don't expect to win too many games or matches!

It is important that you open, READ THIS FIRST - JELLYFISH before installing the program. If you'd like to purchase the Tutor or Analyser versions and really improve your game, then look at page 73 of Beginner's Look!.

NB: The Player version is very similar to this Lite version and will not improve your game. At the very least you will need the Tutor version.

Snowie
This folder contains the entire match that is partially analysed in Beginner's Look!, page 34. It is run via Internet Explorer and you MUST read the READ THIS FIRST - SNOWIE document before attempting to open the html file. See pages 74 & 75 of Beginner's Look! for full details of Snowie.

Finally . . .
I would appreciate any feedback you might have on this CD and its contents. If you have any comments or suggestions regarding it, please email them to beginners-look@backgammon-biba.co.uk

I hope you enjoy it.

Michael Crane
Biba Director
December 2003

[djprescott]

Hi Michael, just to let you know CD arrived yesterday in the post. Will let you know how we get on in due course.

Thanks.

Dave

[Michael Crane]

Good luck

[gerry]

ditto