Backgammon Strategy Backgammon Strategy for Dummies

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In extraordinarily simple terms, there are 3 main game plans used. You want to be agile enough to hop between tactics almost instantly as the action of the game unfolds.

The Blockade

This involves building a 6-thick wall of pieces, or at least as deep as you might manage, to lock in your competitor's pieces that are located on your 1-point. This is judged to be the most adequate procedure at the start of the match. You can assemble the wall anywhere inbetween your 11-point and your 2-point and then shuffle it into your home board as the match advances.

The Blitz

This involves closing your home board as quick as as you can while keeping your challenger on the bar. e.g., if your challenger tosses an early 2 and shifts one checker from your one-point to your three-point and you then roll a five-five, you will be able to play 6/1 six/one 8/3 eight/three. Your opposer is then in serious difficulty due to the fact that they have two checkers on the bar and you have closed half your home board!

The Backgame

This strategy is where you have two or more anchors in your opponent's home board. (An anchor spot is a position filled by at least 2 of your checkers.) It would be played when you are extremely behind as it greatly improves your circumstances. The strongest areas for anchors are close to your competitor's smaller points and either on abutting points or with one point separating them. Timing is integral for an effectual backgame: after all, there's no point having two nice anchors and a complete wall in your own inner board if you are then required to dismantle this straight away, while your opposer is getting their checkers home, because you don't have any other extra checkers to shift! In this situation, it's more tolerable to have pieces on the bar so that you are able to preserve your position until your opposer provides you a chance to hit, so it will be a good idea to attempt and get your opponent to get them in this situation!