Backgammon Strategy Backgammon Strategy for Dummies

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In exceptionally general terms, there are 3 main plans used. You want to be agile enough to switch techniques quickly 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 are able to manage, to block in the opponent's checkers that are on your 1-point. This is deemed to be the most adequate tactic at the start of the match. You can create the wall anywhere within your eleven-point and your 2-point and then move it into your home board as the game continues.

The Blitz

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

The Backgame

This course of action is where you have two or higher anchors in your opponent's home board. (An anchor is a point occupied by at least 2 of your checkers.) It must be used when you are decidedly behind as this strategy greatly improves your opportunities. The best areas for anchors are towards your opponent's smaller points and either on adjacent points or with a single point separating them. Timing is critical for a powerful backgame: at the end of the day, there's no reason having two nice anchors and a complete wall in your own home board if you are then required to dismantle this straight away, while your challenger is getting their checkers home, considering that you do not have any other spare pieces to move! In this situation, it is better to have pieces on the bar so that you can maintain your position until your competitor gives you an opportunity to hit, so it will be a great idea to try and get your competitor to get them in this case!