Backgammon Strategy Backgammon Strategy for Dummies

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

The Blockade

This consists of assembling a 6-thick wall of checkers, or at least as thick as you are able to achieve, to block in the competitor's pieces that are on your 1-point. This is deemed to be the most suitable tactic at the start of the match. You can assemble the wall anyplace inbetween your eleven-point and your 2-point and then shift it into your home board as the game progresses.

The Blitz

This is comprised of locking your home board as quickly as as you can while keeping your competitor on the bar. For example, if your opposer rolls an early 2 and moves one checker from your 1-point to your 3-point and you then toss a five-five, you are able to play six/one six/one 8/3 8/3. Your challenger is now in serious calamity since they have 2 checkers on the bar and you have locked half your inner board!

The Backgame

This tactic is where you have 2 or higher pieces in your competitor's inner board. (An anchor spot is a point consisting of at a minimum 2 of your checkers.) It needs to be employed when you are extremely behind as this strategy greatly improves your chances. The strongest places for anchor spots are near your competitor's lower points and either on adjoining points or with one point separating them. Timing is important for a powerful backgame: at the end of the day, there is no point having two nice anchor spots and a solid wall in your own home board if you are then forced to break down this right away, while your challenger is moving their pieces home, seeing that you don't have any other additional pieces to shift! In this case, it is more favorable to have checkers on the bar so that you can preserve your position up till your opponent gives you a chance to hit, so it can be a wonderful idea to try and get your opponent to get them in this case!