Backgammon Strategy Backgammon Strategy for Dummies

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In exceptionally general terms, there are 3 chief tactics used. You need to be able to switch strategies almost instantly as the course of the game unfolds.

The Blockade

This is composed of creating a 6-deep wall of checkers, or at a minimum as deep as you can achieve, to block in the opponent's pieces that are located on your 1-point. This is deemed to be the most suitable course of action at the begining of the match. You can assemble the wall anyplace inbetween your eleven-point and your 2-point and then move it into your home board as the game continues.

The Blitz

This is composed of locking your home board as quickly as as you can while keeping your challenger on the bar. e.g., if your challenger tosses an early two and shifts one checker from your one-point to your three-point and you then roll a five-five, you are able to play six/one 6/1 eight/three eight/three. Your challenger is then in big-time dire straits since they have 2 checkers on the bar and you have locked half your home board!

The Backgame

This strategy is where you have 2 or higher checkers in your competitor's home board. (An anchor spot is a position filled by at least two of your checkers.) It needs to be used when you are decidedly behind as it much improves your circumstances. The best places for anchor spots are towards your opponent's lower points and also on abutting points or with a single point separating them. Timing is critical for an effectual backgame: besides, there's no reason having two nice anchor spots and a solid wall in your own home board if you are then forced to dismantle this right away, while your opposer is shifting their pieces home, seeing that you do not have any other extra pieces to shift! In this situation, it's better to have checkers on the bar so that you can preserve your position until your competitor gives you a chance to hit, so it can be a good idea to attempt and get your competitor to get them in this case!