Backgammon

Read more about the
Las Vegas 2024 Super
Bowl Streaker!

In very general terms, there are three chief strategies employed. You need to be able to hop between techniques instantly as the action of the game unfolds.

The Blockade

This consists of assembling a 6-deep wall of pieces, or at least as deep as you are able to achieve, to barricade in the competitor’s pieces that are located on your 1-point. This is considered to be the most adequate tactic at the start of the match. You can assemble the wall anywhere between your 11-point and your two-point and then move it into your home board as the game continues.

The Blitz

This consists of locking your home board as quick as possible while keeping your challenger on the bar. For example, if your opponent tosses an early 2 and moves one piece from your one-point to your 3-point and you then roll a 5-5, you can play six/one 6/1 eight/three 8/3. Your competitor is now in big-time dire straits because they have two checkers on the bar and you have locked half your inner board!

The Backgame

This course of action is where you have two or higher checkers in your opponent’s inner board. (An anchor is a position consisting of at least 2 of your checkers.) It must be played when you are significantly behind as this plan much improves your opportunities. The strongest locations for anchors are towards your competitor’s lower points and also on adjacent points or with one point separating them. Timing is crucial for an effectual backgame: after all, there’s no point having two nice anchor spots and a complete wall in your own home board if you are then forced to break down this right away, while your opposer is shifting their pieces home, because you don’t have any other additional pieces to move! In this situation, it is better to have checkers on the bar so that you are able to preserve your position up till your challenger gives you an opportunity to hit, so it can be an excellent idea to try and get your opponent to get them in this situation!