Backgammon Strategy Backgammon Strategy for Dummies

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In astonishingly general terms, there are three general game plans used. You must be able to switch game plans quickly as the action of the game unfolds.

The Blockade

This comprises of assembling a 6-thick wall of pieces, or at a minimum as deep as you are able to manage, to block in the competitor's checkers that are located on your 1-point. This is considered to be the most acceptable course of action at the start of the match. You can create the wall anywhere inbetween your eleven-point and your 2-point and then shuffle it into your home board as the match progresses.

The Blitz

This is comprised of locking your home board as quick as possible while keeping your opposer on the bar. For example, if your opposer rolls an early two and shifts one checker from your one-point to your 3-point and you then roll a five-five, you can play six/one six/one 8/3 eight/three. Your competitor is then in serious trouble because they have two pieces on the bar and you have closed half your inner board!

The Backgame

This plan is where you have two or more anchors in your competitor's home board. (An anchor is a point consisting of at least 2 of your checkers.) It needs to be used when you are significantly behind as this strategy much improves your chances. The strongest areas for anchor spots are near your opponent's smaller points and either on adjacent points or with a single point in between. Timing is important for an effective backgame: after all, there is no point having two nice anchors and a complete wall in your own inner board if you are then required to break apart this straight away, while your challenger is moving their pieces home, because you don't have any other spare checkers to shift! In this situation, it's more favorable to have checkers on the bar so that you are able to preserve your position up till your challenger provides you a chance to hit, so it can be a good idea to attempt and get your opponent to get them in this situation!