Backgammon – 3 Basic Plans

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In astonishingly simple terms, there are 3 fundamental techniques employed. You need to be able to switch strategies instantly as the action of the match unfolds.

The Blockade

This comprises of assembling a 6-deep wall of checkers, or at least as deep as you can achieve, to barricade in the competitor’s pieces that are located on your 1-point. This is judged to be the most acceptable procedure at the start of the game. You can create the wall anywhere inbetween your 11-point and your 2-point and then shuffle it into your home board as the match progresses.

The Blitz

This consists of locking your home board as quick as possible while keeping your opposer on the bar. For example, if your opponent rolls an early two and moves one piece from your one-point to your three-point and you then toss a 5-5, you can play six/one six/one 8/3 8/3. Your competitor is now in serious trouble since they have two checkers on the bar and you have closed half your inside board!

The Backgame

This plan is where you have two or higher anchors in your competitor’s inner board. (An anchor spot is a position consisting of at a minimum 2 of your pieces.) It needs to be employed when you are significantly behind as this strategy much improves your chances. The best areas for anchors are towards your opponent’s smaller points and either on adjacent points or with one point separating them. Timing is critical for a powerful backgame: besides, there’s no reason having two nice anchors and a solid wall in your own inner board if you are then required to dismantle this straight away, while your challenger is shifting their pieces home, seeing that you do not have any other extra pieces to move! In this situation, it’s better to have checkers on the bar so that you can maintain your position until your challenger gives you a chance to hit, so it can be an excellent idea to attempt and get your opponent to hit them in this situation!