Backgammon – 3 Basic Strategies
In extraordinarily general terms, there are 3 basic tactics used. You need to be agile enough to hop between strategies almost instantly as the action of the match unfolds.
The Blockade
This comprises of building a 6-deep wall of checkers, or at a minimum as thick as you are able to achieve, to barricade in your competitor’s checkers that are located on your 1-point. This is judged to be the most acceptable tactic at the start of the match. You can assemble the wall anywhere within your 11-point and your two-point and then shuffle it into your home board as the match continues.
The Blitz
This consists of closing your home board as fast as possible while keeping your opponent on the bar. e.g., if your challenger rolls an early two and shifts one piece from your 1-point to your three-point and you then roll a five-five, you will be able to play six/one 6/1 8/3 8/3. Your opposer is then in big-time dire straits due to the fact that they have two pieces on the bar and you have locked half your inner board!
The Backgame
This course of action is where you have 2 or more anchors in your opponent’s home board. (An anchor spot is a point consisting of at least two of your checkers.) It needs to be used when you are extremely behind as it greatly improves your chances. The best areas for anchor spots are close to your opponent’s smaller points and also on adjoining points or with one point separating them. Timing is essential for a powerful backgame: besides, there’s no reason having two nice anchors and a solid wall in your own home board if you are then required to break apart this right away, while your competitor is getting their checkers home, taking into account that you do not have any other additional checkers to shift! In this case, it is better to have pieces on the bar so that you might maintain your position up until your opponent gives you an opportunity to hit, so it may be an excellent idea to try and get your opposer to get them in this case!
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