Backgammon

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In very general terms, there are 3 general plans used. You must be able to hop between strategies quickly as the course of the match unfolds.

The Blockade

This comprises of assembling a 6-thick wall of checkers, or at least as deep as you are able to manage, to barricade in your opponent’s checkers that are located on your 1-point. This is judged to be the most suitable tactic at the start of the match. You can create the wall anyplace between your 11-point and your 2-point and then shift it into your home board as the match progresses.

The Blitz

This is comprised of locking your home board as fast as as you can while keeping your opponent on the bar. For example, if your opponent rolls an early two and shifts one checker from your one-point to your three-point and you then roll a 5-5, you will be able to play six/one six/one 8/3 8/3. Your competitor is now in serious dire straits taking into account that they have two checkers on the bar and you have closed half your inside board!

The Backgame

This course of action is where you have two or more pieces in your opponent’s home board. (An anchor is a point filled by at a minimum two of your pieces.) It must be used when you are decidedly behind as this plan much improves your opportunities. The better places for anchor spots are close to your competitor’s smaller points and also on adjoining points or with one point in between. Timing is important for an effective backgame: besides, there’s no point having 2 nice anchor spots and a solid wall in your own home board if you are then required to break up this straight away, while your opponent is shifting their pieces home, owing to the fact that you do not have any other extra pieces to move! In this situation, it’s more favorable to have pieces on the bar so that you are able to preserve your position up until your competitor gives you a chance to hit, so it can be a good idea to attempt and get your competitor to hit them in this case!