Backgammon

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In very simple terms, there are three fundamental plans employed. You need to be able to hop between techniques instantly as the course of the game unfolds.

The Blockade

This is composed of assembling a 6-deep wall of pieces, or at least as deep as you might manage, to block in the opponent’s pieces that are located on your 1-point. This is considered to be the most acceptable course of action at the begining of the game. You can create the wall anyplace inbetween your 11-point and your 2-point and then move it into your home board as the game advances.

The Blitz

This is composed of closing your home board as fast as possible while keeping your competitor on the bar. i.e., 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 are able to play six/one 6/1 8/3 8/3. Your challenger is then in big-time calamity since they have 2 checkers on the bar and you have closed half your inside board!

The Backgame

This tactic is where you have two or higher anchors in your competitor’s inner board. (An anchor spot is a point filled by at least two of your pieces.) It would be used when you are extremely behind as it much improves your opportunities. The best areas for anchors are close to your competitor’s smaller points and also on abutting points or with one point separating them. Timing is essential for a competent backgame: besides, there is no point having 2 nice anchors and a solid wall in your own home board if you are then forced to dismantle this right away, while your opposer is getting their pieces home, taking into account that you do not have other extra pieces to move! In this case, it is better to have pieces on the bar so that you are able to preserve your position up till your competitor provides you a chance to hit, so it can be a wonderful idea to attempt and get your opponent to hit them in this situation!