Backgammon – 3 Main Techniques
In very simple terms, there are 3 general tactics employed. You must be able to switch strategies quickly as the course of the match unfolds.
The Blockade
This is composed of assembling a 6-deep wall of checkers, or at least as deep as you are able to manage, to block in the competitor’s checkers that are located on your 1-point. This is considered to be the most acceptable strategy at the begining of the match. You can create the wall anyplace inbetween your 11-point and your 2-point and then shuffle it into your home board as the game advances.
The Blitz
This consists of closing your home board as quickly as possible while keeping your opponent on the bar. For example, if your competitor rolls an early two and shifts one piece from your one-point to your three-point and you then toss a five-five, you will be able to play six/one 6/1 8/3 eight/three. Your challenger is then in big-time difficulty seeing that they have 2 pieces on the bar and you have locked half your inside board!
The Backgame
This plan is where you have 2 or more checkers in your competitor’s inner board. (An anchor spot is a position consisting of at least two of your pieces.) It must be used when you are extremely behind as this plan much improves your opportunities. The best places for anchor spots are near your opponent’s lower points and either on adjacent points or with one point separating them. Timing is essential for a powerful backgame: after all, there’s no point having 2 nice anchor spots and a complete wall in your own home board if you are then required to break apart this right away, while your competitor is moving their checkers home, considering that you do not have any other extra checkers to shift! In this situation, it is more favorable to have checkers on the bar so that you might maintain your position up till your competitor provides you an opportunity to hit, so it can be an excellent idea to attempt and get your challenger to get them in this case!
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