Backgammon Strategy Backgammon Strategy for Dummies

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In exceptionally general terms, there are three basic strategies used. You want to be able to switch game plans instantly as the course of the match unfolds.

The Blockade

This is comprised of creating a 6-deep wall of checkers, or at least as thick as you can achieve, to block in the opponent's pieces that are on your 1-point. This is deemed to be the most adequate tactic at the begining of the game. You can build the wall anywhere between your 11-point and your 2-point and then move it into your home board as the game progresses.

The Blitz

This is composed of closing your home board as fast as possible while keeping your competitor on the bar. For example, if your challenger rolls an early 2 and shifts one piece from your one-point to your three-point and you then toss a five-five, you can play six/one 6/1 8/3 8/3. Your opponent is now in big-time calamity seeing that they have two pieces on the bar and you have closed half your home board!

The Backgame

This course of action is where you have 2 or more pieces in your opponent's inner board. (An anchor spot is a point filled by at a minimum 2 of your checkers.) It would be employed when you are decidedly behind as it greatly improves your opportunities. The best locations for anchors are towards your opponent's smaller points and also on abutting points or with one point separating them. Timing is important for an effective backgame: at the end of the day, there is no reason having two nice anchor spots and a solid wall in your own home board if you are then required to break apart this straight away, while your challenger is moving their pieces home, seeing that you don't have other additional checkers to move! In this situation, it is more tolerable to have pieces on the bar so that you are able to maintain your position up until your opposer provides you a chance to hit, so it will be a great idea to try and get your challenger to hit them in this case!