Backgammon – Three General Techniques
In extraordinarily simple terms, there are 3 basic plans employed. You want to be able to switch techniques instantly as the action of the match unfolds.
The Blockade
This is comprised of creating a 6-thick wall of checkers, or at least as deep as you can manage, to block in the opponent’s checkers that are on your 1-point. This is considered to be the most adequate strategy at the begining of the match. You can create the wall anyplace within your 11-point and your two-point and then shift it into your home board as the match continues.
The Blitz
This consists of closing your home board as quickly as possible while keeping your opponent on the bar. e.g., if your competitor tosses an early two and moves one checker from your one-point to your three-point and you then roll a 5-5, you will be able to play 6/1 6/1 eight/three eight/three. Your challenger is now in big-time dire straits considering that they have 2 pieces on the bar and you have closed half your home board!
The Backgame
This plan is where you have 2 or more pieces in your competitor’s home board. (An anchor spot is a point consisting of at a minimum 2 of your checkers.) It would be employed when you are decidedly behind as this action greatly improves your chances. The best areas for anchor spots are towards your competitor’s lower points and also on adjoining points or with a single point separating them. Timing is integral for an effectual backgame: after all, there is no point having 2 nice anchors and a complete wall in your own home board if you are then required to break apart this straight away, while your opposer is shifting their pieces home, taking into account that you don’t have any other extra checkers to shift! In this situation, it is better to have pieces on the bar so that you are able to preserve your position up until your opposer provides you a chance to hit, so it may be a wonderful idea to try and get your opponent to hit them in this situation!
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