Backgammon Strategy Backgammon Strategy for Dummies

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In exceptionally simple terms, there are 3 fundamental tactics employed. You want to be able to switch strategies almost instantly as the action of the match unfolds.

The Blockade

This is comprised of assembling a 6-thick wall of checkers, or at least as deep as you can manage, to block in the opponent's checkers that are located on your 1-point. This is judged to be the most acceptable course of action at the start of the game. You can build the wall anywhere within your eleven-point and your two-point and then shift it into your home board as the game advances.

The Blitz

This is composed of closing your home board as fast as as you can while keeping your competitor on the bar. e.g., if your competitor rolls an early 2 and shifts one checker from your one-point to your 3-point and you then roll a five-five, you can play 6/1 six/one 8/3 8/3. Your competitor is then in serious dire straits because they have 2 checkers on the bar and you have locked half your home board!

The Backgame

This plan is where you have two or higher pieces in your opponent's home board. (An anchor spot is a point consisting of at least two of your checkers.) It needs to be used when you are significantly behind as this strategy much improves your circumstances. The strongest places for anchors are close to your opponent's lower points and also on adjacent points or with one point in between. Timing is integral for an effectual backgame: after all, there's no reason having two nice anchors and a complete wall in your own inner board if you are then required to break up this right away, while your challenger is shifting their pieces home, considering that you don't have any other additional 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 provides you an opportunity to hit, so it may be a good idea to try and get your opposer to get them in this situation!