Backgammon All About Backgammon

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In very simple terms, there are 3 general techniques employed. You need to be able to switch techniques almost instantly as the course of the game unfolds.

The Blockade

This comprises of building a 6-deep wall of pieces, or at a minimum as thick as you might manage, to lock in the competitor's checkers that are on your 1-point. This is deemed to be the most adequate tactic at the begining of the game. You can build the wall anyplace within your 11-point and your 2-point and then shift it into your home board as the game progresses.

The Blitz

This involves locking your home board as quickly as as you can while keeping your opponent on the bar. e.g., if your challenger tosses an early two and shifts one checker from your 1-point to your three-point and you then toss a five-five, you are able to play 6/1 6/1 8/3 8/3. Your opposer is then in big-time trouble due to the fact that they have 2 pieces on the bar and you have closed half your home board!

The Backgame

This strategy is where you have 2 or more anchors in your competitor's home board. (An anchor is a position filled by at least two of your checkers.) It must be used when you are decidedly behind as this action much improves your circumstances. The best areas for anchor spots are towards your competitor's smaller points and also on abutting points or with one point separating them. Timing is essential for an effectual backgame: besides, there is no point having two nice anchors and a solid wall in your own inner board if you are then forced to break apart this straight away, while your opposer is getting their checkers home, considering that you don't have any other additional pieces to move! In this case, it's better to have pieces on the bar so that you are able to maintain your position up till your opponent gives you a chance to hit, so it can be an excellent idea to try and get your competitor to get them in this situation!