Backgammon Strategy Backgammon Strategy for Dummies

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In exceptionally general terms, there are 3 main techniques employed. You want to be able to hop between techniques almost instantly as the action of the match unfolds.

The Blockade

This involves building a 6-thick wall of checkers, or at a minimum as thick as you might manage, to block in the competitor's pieces that are on your 1-point. This is deemed to be the most suitable course of action at the start of the match. You can create the wall anyplace between your eleven-point and your two-point and then shift it into your home board as the match progresses.

The Blitz

This is composed of closing your home board as quick as as you can while keeping your challenger on the bar. For example, if your challenger tosses an early two and shifts one piece from your one-point to your three-point and you then toss a 5-5, you are able to play 6/1 6/1 eight/three eight/three. Your challenger is now in big-time calamity due to the fact that they have 2 checkers on the bar and you have locked half your inside board!

The Backgame

This plan is where you have two or higher checkers in your competitor's home board. (An anchor is a position filled by at a minimum 2 of your pieces.) It must be played when you are extremely behind as it greatly improves your opportunities. The better areas for anchors are near your opponent's lower points and either on adjoining points or with a single point in between. Timing is important for an effectual backgame: besides, there's no point having 2 nice anchors and a solid wall in your own inner board if you are then required to break down this right away, while your opposer is getting their checkers home, considering that you don't have any other extra checkers to shift! In this situation, it is better to have checkers on the bar so that you are able to preserve your position up until your opponent gives you an opportunity to hit, so it can be a good idea to attempt and get your competitor to get them in this situation!