Backgammon Strategy Backgammon Strategy for Dummies

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In astonishingly simple terms, there are 3 general plans employed. You must be able to switch techniques almost instantly as the course of the match unfolds.

The Blockade

This involves creating a 6-thick wall of checkers, or at least as deep as you might manage, to block in the competitor's checkers that are located on your 1-point. This is judged to be the most suitable tactic at the start of the game. You can build the wall anyplace inbetween your 11-point and your 2-point and then move it into your home board as the game continues.

The Blitz

This involves closing your home board as quickly as possible while keeping your opposer on the bar. For example, if your competitor rolls an early 2 and shifts one piece from your one-point to your 3-point and you then roll a five-five, you will be able to play six/one six/one 8/3 8/3. Your opponent is then in serious difficulty taking into account that they have two checkers on the bar and you have locked half your inside board!

The Backgame

This tactic is where you have two or more anchors in your opponent's home board. (An anchor is a point occupied by at a minimum 2 of your checkers.) It should be used when you are significantly behind as this action greatly improves your circumstances. The strongest locations for anchors are towards your opponent's smaller points and also on abutting points or with one point in between. Timing is integral for a powerful backgame: besides, there is no point having two nice anchors and a complete wall in your own home board if you are then required to break down this right away, while your challenger is getting their checkers home, considering that you do not have any other extra checkers to move! In this case, it is more tolerable to have checkers on the bar so that you can maintain your position up until your opposer gives you a chance to hit, so it can be an excellent idea to attempt and get your opposer to hit them in this case!