Backgammon – 3 Main Schemes

by Erin on August 28th, 2015

[ English ]

In exceptionally simple terms, there are 3 main techniques used. You want to be agile enough to switch tactics almost instantly as the course 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 might achieve, to block in your competitor’s pieces that are located on your 1-point. This is judged to be the most acceptable procedure at the start of the match. You can create the wall anywhere inbetween your 11-point and your 2-point and then move it into your home board as the game progresses.

The Blitz

This consists of closing your home board as fast as possible while keeping your opposer on the bar. For example, if your challenger tosses an early two and moves one piece from your 1-point to your 3-point and you then toss a 5-5, you will be able to play 6/1 six/one eight/three eight/three. Your competitor is now in serious trouble due to the fact that they have two pieces on the bar and you have closed half your home board!

The Backgame

This course of action is where you have 2 or higher anchors in your competitor’s home board. (An anchor spot is a point occupied by at a minimum 2 of your checkers.) It needs to be played when you are extremely behind as it greatly improves your circumstances. The best areas for anchors are towards your competitor’s smaller points and either on abutting points or with one point in between. Timing is important for a competent backgame: after all, there’s no reason having two nice anchor spots and a complete wall in your own home board if you are then required to dismantle this right away, while your opponent is getting their checkers home, owing to the fact that you do not have any other extra checkers to move! In this case, it’s more favorable to have checkers on the bar so that you can maintain your position up till your opponent gives you a chance to hit, so it will be a wonderful idea to try and get your opposer to hit them in this case!

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