Backgammon – Three Basic Techniques

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In extraordinarily general terms, there are three basic tactics used. You must be able to hop between strategies instantly 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 block in the competitor’s checkers that are located on your 1-point. This is judged to be the most suitable strategy at the begining 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 match advances.

The Blitz

This is composed of closing your home board as fast as as you can while keeping your opponent on the bar. For example, if your opposer rolls an early 2 and shifts one piece from your one-point to your three-point and you then toss a 5-5, you can play 6/1 6/1 8/3 eight/three. Your challenger is then in serious trouble since they have 2 pieces on the bar and you have closed half your inner board!

The Backgame

This tactic is where you have 2 or higher anchors in your competitor’s inner board. (An anchor is a position filled by at a minimum 2 of your pieces.) It needs to be employed when you are extremely behind as this plan much improves your circumstances. The best places for anchors are towards your competitor’s smaller points and either on adjacent points or with a single point separating them. Timing is crucial for an effectual backgame: besides, there is no point having 2 nice anchors and a complete wall in your own inner board if you are then forced to break down this straight away, while your challenger is shifting their pieces home, because you do not have other extra pieces to shift! In this situation, it is more tolerable to have checkers on the bar so that you are able to maintain your position until your competitor gives you a chance to hit, so it may be a good idea to attempt and get your opponent to hit them in this situation!