Backgammon All About Backgammon

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In exceptionally simple terms, there are 3 general tactics used. You need to be able to hop between tactics almost instantly as the course of the match unfolds.

The Blockade

This comprises of creating a 6-deep wall of checkers, or at a minimum as thick as you can manage, to block in the opponent's pieces that are on your 1-point. This is considered to be the most adequate tactic at the begining of the game. You can build the wall anyplace inbetween your 11-point and your 2-point and then shuffle it into your home board as the match advances.

The Blitz

This involves closing your home board as fast as possible while keeping your opposer on the bar. i.e., if your competitor rolls an early 2 and moves one checker from your one-point to your 3-point and you then toss a five-five, you will be able to play 6/1 six/one 8/3 8/3. Your opponent is now in big-time trouble since they have 2 checkers on the bar and you have closed half your inside board!

The Backgame

This tactic is where you have 2 or higher checkers in your competitor's inner board. (An anchor is a point occupied by at a minimum two of your pieces.) It needs to be employed when you are extremely behind as it much improves your opportunities. The better locations for anchors are towards your competitor's smaller points and also on adjoining points or with one point in between. Timing is important for a competent backgame: after all, there is no reason having two nice anchors and a solid wall in your own home board if you are then required to break up this straight away, while your opposer is getting their checkers home, owing to the fact that you don't have any other extra pieces to shift! In this case, it is more tolerable to have pieces on the bar so that you are able to preserve your position until your opposer provides you an opportunity to hit, so it may be a great idea to attempt and get your opposer to hit them in this situation!