Backgammon – Three Basic Techniques

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In exceptionally general terms, there are 3 basic strategies employed. You want to be agile enough to switch tactics quickly as the action of the match unfolds.

The Blockade

This consists of creating a 6-deep wall of pieces, or at least as deep as you are able to manage, to barricade in the opponent’s checkers that are located on your 1-point. This is deemed to be the most suitable tactic at the begining of the game. You can create the wall anyplace between your eleven-point and your 2-point and then move it into your home board as the game advances.

The Blitz

This is comprised of locking your home board as quick as possible while keeping your opposer on the bar. For example, if your opposer rolls an early 2 and moves one checker from your one-point to your 3-point and you then roll a 5-5, you will be able to play six/one six/one 8/3 eight/three. Your challenger is now in serious dire straits taking into account that they have two pieces on the bar and you have locked half your home board!

The Backgame

This plan is where you have two or more checkers in your competitor’s inner board. (An anchor is a point occupied by at a minimum 2 of your pieces.) It must be played when you are significantly behind as it greatly improves your chances. The best locations for anchors are close to your competitor’s lower points and also on abutting points or with one point in between. Timing is crucial for an effectual backgame: besides, there is no reason having two nice anchor spots and a complete wall in your own inner board if you are then forced to break apart this straight away, while your opposer is moving their pieces home, considering that you don’t have other spare checkers to move! In this case, it’s more favorable to have pieces on the bar so that you might preserve your position up until your challenger gives you a chance to hit, so it will be a great idea to attempt and get your challenger to get them in this case!