Backgammon Strategy Backgammon Strategy for Dummies

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In very simple terms, there are three main game plans used. You must be able to hop between game plans instantly as the action of the game unfolds.

The Blockade

This involves building a 6-deep wall of checkers, or at least as deep as you can achieve, to lock in your opponent's checkers that are located on your 1-point. This is considered to be the most suitable procedure at the start of the match. You can create the wall anyplace between your 11-point and your two-point and then move it into your home board as the game progresses.

The Blitz

This is composed of locking your home board as quickly as as you can while keeping your competitor on the bar. e.g., if your competitor tosses an early two and shifts one piece from your one-point to your three-point and you then toss a five-five, you are able to play six/one 6/1 8/3 eight/three. Your opposer is now in big-time dire straits seeing that they have two pieces on the bar and you have closed half your home board!

The Backgame

This strategy is where you have two or higher pieces in your competitor's inner board. (An anchor is a position occupied by at least 2 of your checkers.) It must be played when you are extremely behind as this action greatly improves your chances. The better places for anchor spots are close to your competitor's smaller points and either on adjoining points or with a single point separating them. Timing is critical for a powerful backgame: after all, there is no point having 2 nice anchors and a solid wall in your own inner board if you are then forced to break up this right away, while your challenger is shifting their checkers home, because you do not have any other additional pieces to shift! In this case, it's more tolerable to have pieces on the bar so that you are able to maintain your position until your opposer gives you an opportunity to hit, so it can be a great idea to attempt and get your challenger to get them in this case!