Backgammon Strategy Backgammon Strategy for Dummies

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In exceptionally general terms, there are three basic game plans employed. You need to be able to hop between strategies instantly as the action of the match unfolds.

The Blockade

This comprises of creating a 6-deep wall of checkers, or at least as deep as you might achieve, to barricade in your competitor's pieces that are on your 1-point. This is judged to be the most suitable course of action at the start of the game. You can build the wall anyplace between your eleven-point and your two-point and then move it into your home board as the game continues.

The Blitz

This is comprised of locking your home board as quick as possible while keeping your opposer on the bar. i.e., if your opposer rolls an early two and moves one checker from your 1-point to your three-point and you then roll a 5-5, you will be able to play six/one six/one eight/three eight/three. Your challenger is now in serious dire straits because they have two checkers on the bar and you have locked half your inner board!

The Backgame

This plan is where you have two or more anchors in your competitor's home board. (An anchor spot is a position consisting of at a minimum 2 of your pieces.) It should be used when you are extremely behind as this action greatly improves your chances. The best places for anchors are towards your opponent's lower points and either on adjoining points or with one point in between. Timing is essential for a powerful backgame: after all, there is no point having two nice anchors and a solid wall in your own inner board if you are then required to dismantle this right away, while your opponent is shifting their pieces home, considering that you do not have other spare checkers to move! In this situation, it's more favorable to have checkers on the bar so that you might preserve your position up until your opposer gives you a chance to hit, so it can be a great idea to try and get your challenger to get them in this case!