Backgammon Strategy Backgammon Strategy for Dummies

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In extraordinarily general terms, there are three fundamental tactics employed. You want to be able to switch game plans almost instantly as the course of the match unfolds.

The Blockade

This involves creating a 6-deep wall of checkers, or at a minimum as thick as you can achieve, to barricade in the competitor's checkers that are on your 1-point. This is deemed to be the most adequate procedure at the start of the game. You can create the wall anyplace between your eleven-point and your two-point and then shift it into your home board as the game continues.

The Blitz

This is comprised of closing your home board as quick as as you can while keeping your opposer on the bar. For example, if your opponent tosses an early 2 and shifts one checker from your one-point to your 3-point and you then toss a 5-5, you will be able to play six/one 6/1 8/3 eight/three. Your opposer is then in serious trouble seeing that they have 2 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 checkers in your opponent's home board. (An anchor is a point occupied by at least two of your pieces.) It needs to be used when you are significantly behind as it much improves your circumstances. The better locations for anchor spots are towards your opponent's smaller points and either on adjoining points or with a single point separating them. Timing is critical for a competent backgame: after all, there's no point having 2 nice anchor spots and a solid wall in your own inner board if you are then forced to break up this straight away, while your opposer is moving their pieces home, considering that you don't have any other spare checkers to move! In this situation, it's better to have checkers on the bar so that you are able to maintain your position until your challenger gives you an opportunity to hit, so it can be a wonderful idea to try and get your competitor to get them in this case!