Backgammon – Three Main Schemes

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In extraordinarily simple terms, there are three general game plans employed. You need to be agile enough to switch techniques quickly as the action of the match unfolds.

The Blockade

This involves creating a 6-deep wall of checkers, or at least as deep as you are able to achieve, to lock in the opponent’s pieces that are on your 1-point. This is judged to be the most suitable tactic at the begining of the match. You can assemble the wall anywhere inbetween your 11-point and your two-point and then shift it into your home board as the game advances.

The Blitz

This is composed of closing your home board as quickly as as you can while keeping your competitor on the bar. i.e., if your challenger rolls an early two and moves one piece from your one-point to your three-point and you then roll a five-five, you can play 6/1 six/one eight/three eight/three. Your opposer is then in serious trouble seeing that they have 2 checkers on the bar and you have closed half your inner board!

The Backgame

This course of action is where you have two or more pieces in your competitor’s inner board. (An anchor is a point occupied by at least two of your checkers.) It must be played when you are extremely behind as this action much improves your opportunities. The best areas for anchor spots are towards your competitor’s smaller points and also on adjoining points or with one point in between. Timing is essential for an effectual backgame: besides, there is no reason having 2 nice anchors and a solid wall in your own home board if you are then forced to break apart this right away, while your opposer is moving their checkers home, because you do not have other extra checkers to move! In this case, it’s more favorable to have checkers on the bar so that you might maintain your position up till your opponent provides you an opportunity to hit, so it will be an excellent idea to attempt and get your opposer to get them in this situation!