Backgammon All About Backgammon

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In exceptionally simple terms, there are three main plans used. You must be able to hop between strategies almost instantly as the course of the match unfolds.

The Blockade

This is composed of creating a 6-thick wall of checkers, or at a minimum as thick as you might achieve, to barricade in the competitor's checkers that are located on your 1-point. This is considered to be the most acceptable course of action at the start of the match. You can assemble the wall anywhere between your 11-point and your two-point and then shuffle it into your home board as the game advances.

The Blitz

This consists of closing your home board as fast as possible while keeping your opponent on the bar. For example, if your opposer rolls an early two and moves one piece from your 1-point to your 3-point and you then roll a 5-5, you can play six/one 6/1 8/3 eight/three. Your competitor is then in big-time difficulty taking into account that they have two checkers on the bar and you have locked half your home board!

The Backgame

This strategy is where you have 2 or more pieces in your competitor's home board. (An anchor is a point consisting of at least two of your pieces.) It should be employed when you are significantly behind as it much improves your chances. The better locations for anchor spots are close to your competitor's lower points and also on abutting points or with a single point separating them. Timing is integral for a powerful backgame: after all, there is no point having two nice anchor spots and a solid wall in your own home board if you are then forced to break up this straight away, while your challenger is shifting their checkers home, considering that you do not have other spare pieces to move! In this situation, it's better to have checkers on the bar so that you can maintain your position up until your challenger gives you an opportunity to hit, so it may be a good idea to attempt and get your opponent to hit them in this situation!