Backgammon Strategy Backgammon Strategy for Dummies

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In very simple terms, there are 3 general game plans used. You want to be agile enough to switch techniques instantly as the action of the game unfolds.

The Blockade

This is comprised of assembling a 6-thick wall of pieces, or at a minimum as thick as you are able to manage, to lock in the competitor's checkers that are located on your 1-point. This is judged to be the most adequate strategy at the begining of the match. You can assemble the wall anywhere inbetween your eleven-point and your two-point and then shuffle it into your home board as the game advances.

The Blitz

This consists of locking your home board as quickly as as you can while keeping your challenger on the bar. e.g., if your opponent tosses an early two and shifts one piece from your one-point to your 3-point and you then toss a five-five, you will be able to play six/one six/one 8/3 eight/three. Your opposer is now in big-time calamity because they have two pieces on the bar and you have closed half your inside board!

The Backgame

This strategy is where you have two or more pieces in your opponent's home board. (An anchor is a position consisting of at least two of your checkers.) It would be employed when you are decidedly behind as this strategy greatly improves your circumstances. The best places for anchors are near your competitor's lower points and also on adjoining points or with a single point in between. Timing is integral for a powerful backgame: after all, there is no reason having two nice anchors and a complete wall in your own home board if you are then forced to dismantle this straight away, while your competitor is moving their checkers home, seeing that you do not have any other extra pieces to move! In this situation, it is better to have pieces on the bar so that you can maintain your position until your challenger provides you a chance to hit, so it can be a good idea to try and get your competitor to get them in this case!