Backgammon All About Backgammon

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In extraordinarily general terms, there are three main strategies used. You want 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 a minimum as thick as you are able to manage, to lock in the opponent's pieces that are located on your 1-point. This is considered to be the most suitable strategy at the begining of the match. You can build the wall anyplace inbetween your 11-point and your 2-point and then shift it into your home board as the match progresses.

The Blitz

This consists of locking your home board as quickly as possible while keeping your opponent on the bar. e.g., if your challenger rolls an early 2 and shifts one checker from your one-point to your three-point and you then toss a five-five, you are able to play six/one six/one 8/3 eight/three. Your competitor is then in serious trouble since they have two pieces on the bar and you have locked half your inner board!

The Backgame

This strategy is where you have two or more anchors in your opponent's home board. (An anchor is a position filled by at a minimum two of your checkers.) It would be played when you are decidedly behind as it greatly improves your opportunities. The better locations for anchor spots are towards your opponent's lower points and also on abutting points or with one point in between. Timing is integral for a powerful backgame: after all, there is no point having two nice anchor spots and a complete wall in your own inner board if you are then forced to break apart this straight away, while your opponent is shifting their pieces home, because you do not have other additional checkers to shift! In this situation, it's more favorable to have pieces on the bar so that you might maintain your position until your competitor provides you a chance to hit, so it may be a wonderful idea to attempt and get your competitor to get them in this case!