Backgammon – Three Main Plans

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In very simple terms, there are three basic game plans used. You need to be able to switch strategies quickly as the action of the match unfolds.

The Blockade

This comprises of assembling a 6-thick wall of pieces, or at a minimum as deep as you can achieve, to barricade in your opponent’s pieces that are on your 1-point. This is deemed to be the most suitable procedure at the begining of the game. You can build the wall anyplace inbetween your 11-point and your two-point and then move it into your home board as the game advances.

The Blitz

This is composed of locking your home board as quick as possible while keeping your challenger on the bar. i.e., if your competitor rolls an early two and shifts 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 eight/three 8/3. Your opposer is now in serious dire straits considering that they have 2 checkers on the bar and you have closed half your inner board!

The Backgame

This strategy is where you have 2 or higher checkers in your competitor’s inner board. (An anchor is a position consisting of at least 2 of your pieces.) It should be used when you are decidedly behind as this action much improves your opportunities. The strongest areas for anchor spots are close to your competitor’s lower points and also on adjacent points or with one point separating them. Timing is integral for a competent backgame: after all, there’s no reason having 2 nice anchor spots and a complete wall in your own inner board if you are then required to break down this right away, while your competitor is getting their checkers home, because you do not have any other spare pieces to shift! In this situation, it’s more tolerable to have checkers on the bar so that you are able to maintain your position until your competitor provides you an opportunity to hit, so it will be a good idea to attempt and get your opponent to get them in this case!