Backgammon Strategy Backgammon Strategy for Dummies

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In astonishingly simple terms, there are three fundamental tactics employed. You want to be able to switch game plans quickly as the action of the match unfolds.

The Blockade

This consists of assembling a 6-thick wall of pieces, or at a minimum as deep as you are able to achieve, to block in your competitor's checkers that are on your 1-point. This is judged to be the most adequate course of action at the begining of the match. You can create the wall anyplace inbetween your eleven-point and your two-point and then move it into your home board as the game progresses.

The Blitz

This is comprised of locking your home board as quick as possible while keeping your opposer on the bar. e.g., if your opposer tosses an early two and shifts one piece from your 1-point to your 3-point and you then roll a 5-5, you will be able to play six/one 6/1 8/3 eight/three. Your opposer is then in big-time trouble seeing that they have two pieces on the bar and you have closed half your inner board!

The Backgame

This plan is where you have 2 or more anchors in your competitor's home board. (An anchor is a position consisting of at least two of your checkers.) It should be used when you are significantly behind as it greatly improves your chances. The best places for anchor spots are towards your competitor's smaller points and also on adjoining points or with one point separating them. Timing is crucial for an effectual backgame: after all, there's no reason having two nice anchor spots and a complete wall in your own home board if you are then forced to break apart this straight away, while your competitor is moving their checkers home, because you don't have any other spare pieces to move! In this case, it's more favorable to have pieces on the bar so that you can preserve your position up till your opponent provides you an opportunity to hit, so it may be a wonderful idea to try and get your opponent to hit them in this situation!