Backgammon

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In exceptionally general terms, there are 3 fundamental tactics employed. You need to be able to switch strategies almost instantly as the action of the game unfolds.

The Blockade

This comprises of creating a 6-deep wall of checkers, or at a minimum as thick as you can manage, to lock in the opponent’s pieces that are on your 1-point. This is judged to be the most adequate tactic at the start of the game. You can assemble the wall anyplace within your eleven-point and your two-point and then shuffle it into your home board as the match continues.

The Blitz

This consists of closing your home board as quickly as possible while keeping your opponent on the bar. e.g., if your competitor tosses an early two and shifts one checker from your 1-point to your three-point and you then toss a five-five, you are able to play six/one six/one 8/3 8/3. Your opponent is now in big-time difficulty since they have 2 checkers on the bar and you have closed half your inside board!

The Backgame

This plan is where you have 2 or higher checkers in your competitor’s home board. (An anchor spot is a point consisting of at a minimum two of your pieces.) It must be employed when you are decidedly behind as this plan greatly improves your opportunities. The better locations for anchor spots are towards your competitor’s lower points and either on abutting points or with one point in between. Timing is essential for an effectual backgame: after all, there is no point having 2 nice anchor spots and a solid wall in your own inner board if you are then required to break down this straight away, while your competitor is moving their pieces home, taking into account that you don’t have any other extra checkers to move! In this situation, it’s more favorable to have pieces on the bar so that you are able to maintain your position until your challenger gives you an opportunity to hit, so it will be a great idea to attempt and get your opponent to hit them in this case!