Dirk Schiemann

The Theory of Backgammon

. . . one of the most influential books on the game ever published.

Dirk Schiemann

The Theory of Backgammon

Mathematics, Logic, and Intuition

hardcover with dust jacket 

374 pages 

99,– € (plus shipping)

published by Sciwie Verlag

Wilcox Snellings

Dirk Schiemann

The Theory of Backgammon

Mathematics, Logic, and Intuition

hardcover with dust jacket 

374 pages 

99,– € (plus shipping)

published by Sciwie Verlag

The Theory of Backgammon will soon be regarded as one of the most influential books on the game ever published. Dirk Schiemann has been an elite backgammon player overlapping many of my active years, and is now the 2021 UBC Contender Champion. He has a full package of strong math skills, a serious understanding of the range of our game, a fierce work ethic and obviously the care, patience and communication skills to write such a brilliant book. If the reader honors this gift with the corresponding thoroughness, patience and application... the rewards will be tremendous!

Wilcox Snellings

The Theory of Backgammon is a master-piece.

Thomas Tenland

If there is anything you have ever wondered about backgammon equity, the odds are that you will find the clearly explained answer in this book. 


Schiemann approaches theoretical and practical problems with curiosity, humility and pragmatism. The resulting book is the work of a true professional: accurately and intelligently written. Its concept definitions and formulae establish a framework for deconstructing mysteries related to the doubling cube, and will be natural parts of discussions and over-the-board analyses for the foreseeable future.


The Theory of Backgammon is a masterpiece.

Thomas Tenland

the book

The Theory of Backgammon is a comprehensive, meticulous and sharply insightful examination of the theoretical structure which underlies all aspects of the game. Moving from a careful development of necessary concepts to a wide-ranging, novel approach to advanced topics and problems, the book presents the intricate complexities of backgammon in surprising clarity. Along the way, the Theory of Backgammon offers groundbreaking insight into what gives rise to optimal checker play and cube decisions, and how to find them over the board.

I wanted to write the book that I myself would have needed to speed up my learning process when I started playing backgammon again in 2017.


Dirk Schiemann

Circle Right order your copy 

Circle Right content

Circle Right rollouts

This website uses cookies. / Diese Website verwendet Cookies. 

deny / Verweigern 

OK