Backgammon – Three Main Strategies

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In exceptionally general terms, there are three main plans used. You need to be agile enough to switch game plans instantly as the action of the match unfolds.

The Blockade

This is comprised of creating a 6-deep wall of checkers, or at least as thick as you can achieve, to block in the competitor’s checkers that are located on your 1-point. This is considered to be the most adequate strategy at the start of the match. You can build the wall anyplace inbetween your eleven-point and your 2-point and then shift it into your home board as the game advances.

The Blitz

This involves closing your home board as quickly as possible while keeping your opponent on the bar. e.g., if your challenger tosses an early 2 and moves one checker from your 1-point to your 3-point and you then toss a 5-5, you are able to play six/one six/one 8/3 eight/three. Your opponent is now in serious trouble due to the fact that they have 2 pieces on the bar and you have closed half your inner board!

The Backgame

This course of action is where you have two or higher checkers in your opponent’s inner board. (An anchor spot is a point consisting of at a minimum two of your pieces.) It needs to be employed when you are extremely behind as this strategy much improves your chances. The strongest places for anchors are towards your competitor’s smaller points and either on adjacent points or with one point in between. Timing is integral for a competent backgame: besides, there is no reason having 2 nice anchors and a solid wall in your own inner board if you are then required to dismantle this right away, while your competitor is shifting their pieces home, considering that you don’t have other extra pieces to shift! In this case, it’s better to have pieces on the bar so that you are able to maintain your position up till your competitor provides you a chance to hit, so it may be a good idea to try and get your competitor to get them in this case!