Backgammon

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In astonishingly simple terms, there are three basic techniques used. You must be able to hop between game plans almost instantly as the course of the match unfolds.

The Blockade

This comprises of creating a 6-deep wall of pieces, or at a minimum as thick as you can achieve, to block in the opponent’s pieces that are on your 1-point. This is considered to be the most suitable tactic at the begining of the game. You can assemble the wall anyplace inbetween your 11-point and your two-point and then move it into your home board as the match continues.

The Blitz

This consists of closing your home board as quick as as you can while keeping your opposer on the bar. e.g., if your challenger rolls an early 2 and moves one checker from your one-point to your three-point and you then roll a five-five, you will be able to play six/one six/one eight/three 8/3. Your opponent is now in big-time calamity seeing that they have two checkers on the bar and you have locked half your inside board!

The Backgame

This strategy is where you have two or more checkers in your competitor’s home board. (An anchor is a point consisting of at least 2 of your pieces.) It would be employed when you are significantly behind as it much improves your circumstances. The strongest places for anchor spots are close to your opponent’s smaller points and also on adjacent points or with a single point in between. Timing is critical for an effectual backgame: besides, there is no point having two nice anchors and a complete wall in your own inner board if you are then forced to break up this right away, while your opposer is shifting their checkers home, because you do not have any other spare checkers to move! In this situation, it’s more favorable to have pieces on the bar so that you might preserve your position up till your opposer gives you an opportunity to hit, so it can be a good idea to try and get your opponent to get them in this case!