Backgammon Strategy Backgammon Strategy for Dummies

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In extraordinarily general terms, there are 3 general game plans used. You need to be agile enough to hop between game plans almost instantly as the course of the match unfolds.

The Blockade

This consists of building a 6-deep wall of pieces, or at least as deep as you can achieve, to block in your opponent's pieces that are on your 1-point. This is judged to be the most acceptable tactic at the begining of the match. You can assemble the wall anywhere inbetween your 11-point and your 2-point and then shuffle it into your home board as the match progresses.

The Blitz

This is comprised of locking your home board as quickly as possible while keeping your opposer on the bar. For example, if your opponent rolls an early 2 and shifts one piece from your one-point to your three-point and you then roll a five-five, you will be able to play 6/1 6/1 8/3 8/3. Your opponent is then in big-time trouble since they have 2 checkers on the bar and you have locked half your inner board!

The Backgame

This plan is where you have 2 or higher checkers in your competitor's home board. (An anchor is a position occupied by at least two of your checkers.) It should be played when you are extremely behind as this plan greatly improves your chances. The better locations for anchor spots are close to your competitor's smaller points and also on adjoining points or with one point in between. Timing is integral for a competent backgame: after all, there is no point having 2 nice anchors and a complete wall in your own inner board if you are then required to dismantle this right away, while your challenger is moving their pieces home, taking into account that you don't have other spare pieces to move! In this case, it's more favorable to have checkers on the bar so that you are able to maintain your position up until your competitor provides you a chance to hit, so it may be a wonderful idea to try and get your opposer to hit them in this situation!