Chris Bray is the backgammon columnist for The Independent newspaper in London and has been playing and studying the game for over thirty years. In this anthology of his most recent Independent articles he traces the further development of many aspects of the game. Backgammon is changing rapidly and much of it is now played on-line which requires some different skills. In tournament backgammon clocks are becoming the norm which means that a premium is now placed on the ability to yse accurately at speed. Computers continue to get faster and backgammonÐplaying programs continue to improve which can only help the average player to improve his game as well. The timeless characters who make up ChrisÕs menagerie continue to paint a vibrant picture of life in the high stakes chouette Ð the very lifeblood of backgammon. Sherlock Holmes and Doctor Watson are also on hand to lend instruction.