Backgammon – 3 Basic Plans

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In very simple terms, there are 3 fundamental strategies used. You must be agile enough to switch tactics instantly as the action of the match unfolds.

The Blockade

This is composed of building a 6-thick wall of checkers, or at a minimum as deep as you might achieve, to barricade in the opponent’s checkers that are located on your 1-point. This is judged to be the most acceptable procedure at the begining of the game. You can assemble the wall anywhere between your 11-point and your two-point and then shuffle it into your home board as the game progresses.

The Blitz

This consists of locking your home board as fast as as you can while keeping your challenger on the bar. For example, if your opposer rolls an early two and shifts one checker from your 1-point to your 3-point and you then roll a five-five, you can play six/one 6/1 eight/three eight/three. Your challenger is now in serious calamity seeing that they have 2 pieces on the bar and you have locked half your inner board!

The Backgame

This strategy is where you have two or more checkers in your competitor’s home board. (An anchor is a point filled by at least 2 of your pieces.) It should be used when you are significantly behind as this action much improves your chances. The best areas for anchor spots are close to your competitor’s lower points and either on adjacent points or with a single point in between. Timing is integral for a competent backgame: after all, there is no reason having 2 nice anchors and a complete wall in your own home board if you are then forced to break apart this right away, while your challenger is shifting their pieces home, taking into account that you don’t have any other additional pieces to move! In this case, it is more tolerable to have pieces on the bar so that you are able to preserve your position until your opponent gives you a chance to hit, so it can be a great idea to attempt and get your challenger to get them in this case!