Backgammon Strategy Backgammon Strategy for Dummies

Read more about the
Las Vegas 2024 Super
Bowl Streaker!

In very general terms, there are 3 general tactics employed. You must be able to switch tactics quickly as the action of the match unfolds.

The Blockade

This involves building a 6-thick wall of pieces, or at a minimum as deep as you might achieve, to lock in the competitor's pieces that are on your 1-point. This is judged to be the most adequate procedure at the start of the match. You can assemble the wall anyplace inbetween your 11-point and your 2-point and then move it into your home board as the match continues.

The Blitz

This is comprised of locking your home board as quick as possible while keeping your opponent on the bar. For example, if your competitor tosses an early two and shifts one piece from your one-point to your 3-point and you then roll a five-five, you are able to play 6/1 six/one 8/3 8/3. Your opposer is then in serious trouble considering that they have two checkers on the bar and you have closed half your inside board!

The Backgame

This strategy is where you have 2 or more checkers in your competitor's inner board. (An anchor is a position consisting of at least 2 of your checkers.) It would be used when you are extremely behind as it much improves your chances. The strongest places for anchor spots are close to your opponent's smaller points and either on adjoining points or with one point in between. Timing is integral for a competent backgame: after all, there is no point having two nice anchor spots and a solid wall in your own home board if you are then required to break up this straight away, while your challenger is moving their pieces home, seeing that you don't have other additional pieces to move! In this situation, it's better to have checkers on the bar so that you can preserve your position up until your competitor provides you an opportunity to hit, so it will be a wonderful idea to try and get your opponent to get them in this situation!