Paul Magriel (1946–2018): Backgammon expert, poker player, and author

Early life and academic career

Magriel studied mathematics and later served as a professor of mathematics at the Newark College of Engineering (now New Jersey Institute of Technology) from 1969 to 1973. His academic background informed his approach to probability, expected value and teaching: he favored clear rules and simple numerical reasoning when explaining complex positions.

Backgammon achievements and teaching

He rose to prominence in the backgammon world as both a top player and an influential teacher. Magriel published instructional material that became standard reading for serious players; his writing emphasized consistent principles over rote memorization of moves. He is credited with popularizing concise guidelines for opening play, bearing off, contact positions and cube decisions that remain part of backgammon pedagogy.

Poker and competitive play

In addition to backgammon, Magriel competed in high-level poker events. He placed second in a World Poker Tour event and finished eighth in the World Series of Poker in a notable showing that brought wider attention to his competitive versatility. He participated in both live and casino tournaments while continuing to teach and write about strategic games.

Style, publications and influence

Magriel's style as a teacher stressed transparency: explain assumptions, quantify advantages, and use the doubling cube as a tool to manage equity. His publications and articles remain reference points for players learning systematic decision-making in games of chance and skill. He influenced generations of players who adopted his emphasis on probability and clear decision rules.

Legacy and death

• Combined roles as competitor, teacher and writer to professionalize study of backgammon.
• Recognized for bringing mathematical clarity to practical play and cube strategy.
• Also active as a poker competitor who achieved strong tournament finishes.

Magriel died in Las Vegas, Nevada on March 5, 2018, of a suspected heart attack at age 71. His passing was noted across the backgammon and poker communities, and his instructional work continues to be recommended to new students of the games.

backgammon • professional backgammon player • poker • author • Brooklyn • New York • World Series of Poker • mathematics • professor