Backgammon All About Backgammon

Read more about the
Las Vegas 2024 Super
Bowl Streaker!

In exceptionally simple terms, there are three basic strategies employed. You must be agile enough to switch techniques almost instantly as the course of the match unfolds.

The Blockade

This comprises of creating a 6-thick wall of pieces, or at least as thick as you can achieve, to barricade in your opponent's checkers that are on your 1-point. This is considered to be the most adequate tactic at the start of the match. You can assemble the wall anyplace between your eleven-point and your 2-point and then shuffle it into your home board as the game progresses.

The Blitz

This involves closing your home board as fast as possible while keeping your opponent on the bar. i.e., if your opponent rolls an early 2 and shifts one piece from your one-point to your 3-point and you then toss a 5-5, you will be able to play 6/1 6/1 eight/three eight/three. Your competitor is now in big-time calamity taking into account that they have 2 checkers on the bar and you have closed half your inner board!

The Backgame

This strategy is where you have two or higher anchors in your opponent's home board. (An anchor spot is a position consisting of at least two of your pieces.) It must be employed when you are decidedly behind as it greatly improves your opportunities. The best areas for anchors are close to your opponent's lower points and also on adjacent points or with a single point separating them. Timing is essential for a competent backgame: besides, there is no reason having 2 nice anchor spots and a complete wall in your own home board if you are then forced to dismantle this straight away, while your competitor is getting their checkers home, taking into account that you don't have any other extra pieces to move! In this case, it is better to have pieces on the bar so that you are able to preserve your position up until your opponent provides you a chance to hit, so it will be a great idea to attempt and get your challenger to get them in this situation!