Backgammon All About Backgammon

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In extraordinarily general terms, there are 3 fundamental tactics used. You need to be able to switch tactics instantly as the action of the game unfolds.

The Blockade

This consists of assembling a 6-thick wall of checkers, or at a minimum as deep as you might achieve, to lock in the competitor's pieces that are located on your 1-point. This is judged to be the most acceptable course of action at the start of the match. You can build the wall anywhere between your 11-point and your two-point and then shuffle it into your home board as the match progresses.

The Blitz

This consists of locking your home board as fast as possible while keeping your competitor on the bar. For example, if your opposer tosses an early 2 and moves one checker from your one-point to your 3-point and you then roll a 5-5, you can play six/one 6/1 eight/three 8/3. Your competitor is then in big-time trouble considering that they have 2 checkers on the bar and you have closed half your home board!

The Backgame

This course of action is where you have 2 or more pieces in your competitor's home board. (An anchor is a point consisting of at a minimum two of your pieces.) It needs to be used when you are extremely behind as it much improves your opportunities. The best locations for anchors are towards your competitor's lower points and either on abutting points or with one point in between. Timing is integral for an effectual backgame: besides, there is no point having 2 nice anchor spots and a solid wall in your own inner board if you are then required to dismantle this straight away, while your opposer is moving their checkers home, considering that you do not have any other additional pieces to shift! In this situation, it is more favorable to have pieces on the bar so that you might preserve your position up till your challenger provides you a chance to hit, so it may be a great idea to attempt and get your opposer to hit them in this case!