Backgammon Strategy Backgammon Strategy for Dummies

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In exceptionally simple terms, there are three main game plans used. You need to be able to switch techniques instantly as the course of the match unfolds.

The Blockade

This is composed of assembling a 6-deep wall of checkers, or at least as deep as you might manage, to lock in the competitor's checkers that are located on your 1-point. This is considered to be the most adequate procedure at the begining of the game. You can assemble the wall anywhere between your eleven-point and your two-point and then shift it into your home board as the game advances.

The Blitz

This is composed of closing your home board as fast as possible while keeping your opponent on the bar. e.g., if your opposer tosses an early 2 and moves one checker from your 1-point to your 3-point and you then roll a 5-5, you are able to play 6/1 six/one 8/3 eight/three. Your challenger is then in big-time trouble since they have two pieces on the bar and you have closed half your inside board!

The Backgame

This course of action is where you have 2 or higher pieces in your competitor's inner board. (An anchor spot is a point consisting of at a minimum 2 of your pieces.) It should be played when you are decidedly behind as this strategy greatly improves your chances. The better areas for anchors are near your opponent's smaller points and either on abutting points or with a single point in between. Timing is crucial for a powerful backgame: after all, there's no point having 2 nice anchors and a complete wall in your own inner board if you are then required to break apart this right away, while your challenger is shifting their checkers home, considering that you don't have other extra checkers to move! In this case, it is more tolerable to have pieces on the bar so that you are able to maintain your position up till your opposer provides you an opportunity to hit, so it can be an excellent idea to attempt and get your opponent to hit them in this case!