Backgammon All About Backgammon

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In very simple terms, there are 3 main strategies employed. You must be able to hop between techniques quickly as the course of the game unfolds.

The Blockade

This is comprised of creating a 6-deep wall of checkers, or at a minimum as thick as you might manage, to block in your competitor's checkers that are located on your 1-point. This is judged to be the most adequate tactic at the start of the match. You can assemble the wall anywhere within your eleven-point and your two-point and then move it into your home board as the game continues.

The Blitz

This is composed of locking your home board as fast as as you can while keeping your competitor on the bar. i.e., if your competitor rolls an early two and moves one checker from your one-point to your 3-point and you then toss a 5-5, you can play six/one 6/1 8/3 8/3. Your challenger is now in serious difficulty considering that they have two checkers on the bar and you have locked half your home board!

The Backgame

This tactic is where you have 2 or more pieces in your opponent's home board. (An anchor is a position consisting of at least two of your checkers.) It must be employed when you are extremely behind as it much improves your chances. The better places for anchor spots are towards your opponent's smaller points and also on adjacent points or with a single point in between. Timing is critical 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 dismantle this right away, while your opposer is getting their pieces home, considering that you do not have any other additional checkers to move! In this situation, it is better to have checkers on the bar so that you might maintain your position until your challenger gives you an opportunity to hit, so it can be an excellent idea to try and get your competitor to get them in this case!