Backgammon Strategy Backgammon Strategy for Dummies

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In exceptionally general terms, there are three general strategies used. You must be agile enough to switch techniques almost instantly as the action of the game unfolds.

The Blockade

This comprises of creating a 6-deep wall of pieces, or at least as thick as you might achieve, to lock in the competitor's checkers that are on your 1-point. This is considered to be the most suitable strategy at the begining of the match. You can build the wall anyplace within your eleven-point and your two-point and then shift it into your home board as the match continues.

The Blitz

This is comprised of locking your home board as quick as as you can while keeping your opponent on the bar. e.g., if your competitor rolls an early two and shifts one checker from your 1-point to your 3-point and you then roll a 5-5, you are able to play six/one six/one eight/three 8/3. Your challenger is now in big-time difficulty due to the fact that they have 2 pieces on the bar and you have closed half your inner board!

The Backgame

This strategy is where you have two or higher pieces in your opponent's inner board. (An anchor is a position consisting of at least two of your checkers.) It must be employed when you are significantly behind as this strategy much improves your circumstances. The strongest areas for anchor spots are close to your opponent's smaller points and either on abutting points or with one point separating them. Timing is crucial for an effectual backgame: besides, there is no reason having two nice anchors and a solid wall in your own inner board if you are then forced to break up this right away, while your opposer is getting their pieces home, taking into account that you do not have any other spare pieces to move! In this situation, it's better to have pieces on the bar so that you can preserve your position up till your challenger gives you an opportunity to hit, so it can be an excellent idea to try and get your challenger to hit them in this situation!