Backgammon Strategy Backgammon Strategy for Dummies

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In extraordinarily general terms, there are three main plans used. You must be able to switch tactics quickly as the action of the game unfolds.

The Blockade

This is comprised of building a 6-deep wall of checkers, or at a minimum as thick as you are able to achieve, to barricade in the opponent's pieces that are located on your 1-point. This is judged to be the most adequate strategy at the begining of the match. You can create the wall anyplace within your 11-point and your two-point and then move it into your home board as the match advances.

The Blitz

This involves locking your home board as quickly as as you can while keeping your opposer on the bar. i.e., if your challenger rolls an early 2 and moves one piece from your one-point to your 3-point and you then toss a 5-5, you can play six/one six/one 8/3 8/3. Your competitor is now in serious calamity taking into account that they have 2 checkers on the bar and you have closed half your inside board!

The Backgame

This tactic is where you have 2 or higher anchors in your competitor's inner board. (An anchor is a position consisting of at a minimum two of your checkers.) It needs to be used when you are decidedly behind as this strategy greatly improves your chances. The best areas for anchor spots are towards your competitor's lower points and also on adjoining points or with one point in between. Timing is integral for a competent backgame: after all, there's no point having two nice anchors and a complete wall in your own inner board if you are then forced to break down this right away, while your opposer is moving their checkers home, owing to the fact that you do not have any other additional checkers to shift! In this situation, it is more tolerable to have pieces on the bar so that you can maintain your position up till your competitor provides you a chance to hit, so it will be a great idea to try and get your challenger to get them in this situation!