Backgammon – Three Basic Schemes

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In extraordinarily general terms, there are 3 main strategies employed. You need to be able to switch game plans almost instantly as the course of the game unfolds.

The Blockade

This involves building a 6-deep wall of pieces, or at least as thick as you are able to achieve, to lock in your competitor’s checkers that are located on your 1-point. This is considered to be the most adequate procedure at the begining of the match. You can create the wall anyplace between your eleven-point and your two-point and then shuffle it into your home board as the match continues.

The Blitz

This involves locking your home board as quickly as possible while keeping your opposer 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 toss a five-five, you are able to play six/one six/one eight/three 8/3. Your competitor is then in serious trouble because they have two pieces on the bar and you have closed half your home board!

The Backgame

This tactic is where you have 2 or more checkers in your opponent’s home board. (An anchor spot is a point filled by at least two of your checkers.) It would be played when you are decidedly behind as it greatly improves your chances. The best areas for anchors are towards your opponent’s lower points and also on adjoining points or with a single point in between. Timing is essential for a competent backgame: besides, there is no reason having 2 nice anchors and a solid wall in your own inner board if you are then required to dismantle this straight away, while your challenger is shifting their pieces home, considering that you don’t have other extra checkers to shift! In this situation, it is better to have pieces on the bar so that you might preserve your position up till your opponent gives you a chance to hit, so it may be a great idea to attempt and get your opponent to get them in this situation!