Backgammon All About Backgammon

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In extraordinarily simple terms, there are 3 general plans used. You must be able to switch strategies almost instantly as the action of the game unfolds.

The Blockade

This involves creating a 6-thick wall of checkers, or at a minimum as deep as you can manage, to block in the opponent's checkers that are on your 1-point. This is judged to be the most acceptable strategy at the begining of the match. You can build the wall anyplace inbetween your eleven-point and your 2-point and then move it into your home board as the game advances.

The Blitz

This involves locking your home board as quick as as you can while keeping your opponent on the bar. e.g., if your competitor rolls an early two and moves one piece from your 1-point to your three-point and you then roll a five-five, you can play six/one 6/1 eight/three 8/3. Your opponent is then in big-time difficulty due to the fact that they have 2 pieces on the bar and you have closed half your inside board!

The Backgame

This plan is where you have two or higher checkers in your opponent's inner board. (An anchor is a point consisting of at least two of your checkers.) It should be used when you are significantly behind as it greatly improves your opportunities. The better areas for anchors are near your opponent's smaller points and either on adjoining points or with a single point separating them. Timing is integral for a competent backgame: at the end of the day, there's no reason having 2 nice anchor spots and a complete wall in your own home board if you are then forced to break down this right away, while your challenger is getting their pieces home, because you do not have other spare pieces to shift! In this situation, it is more tolerable to have checkers on the bar so that you can preserve your position up until your opposer gives you a chance to hit, so it may be a great idea to attempt and get your competitor to hit them in this case!