Backgammon – 3 Main Plans
In exceptionally general terms, there are 3 basic techniques used. You want to be able to hop between techniques almost instantly as the course of the match unfolds.
The Blockade
This is composed of creating a 6-thick wall of checkers, or at a minimum as thick as you might manage, to block in your opponent’s checkers that are on your 1-point. This is deemed to be the most suitable strategy at the begining of the game. You can assemble the wall anyplace within your 11-point and your two-point and then shuffle it into your home board as the game continues.
The Blitz
This consists of closing your home board as quick as possible while keeping your competitor on the bar. For example, if your competitor rolls an early two and shifts one piece from your one-point to your 3-point and you then roll a 5-5, you are able to play 6/1 6/1 8/3 8/3. Your challenger is then in big-time dire straits due to the fact that they have two checkers on the bar and you have locked half your home board!
The Backgame
This strategy is where you have 2 or higher checkers in your competitor’s inner board. (An anchor spot is a point consisting of at least two of your pieces.) It must be used when you are significantly behind as it greatly improves your chances. The best areas for anchor spots are towards your opponent’s lower points and either on adjoining points or with one point in between. Timing is critical for a powerful backgame: besides, there is no reason having 2 nice anchors and a solid wall in your own inner board if you are then required to break up this straight away, while your competitor is getting their pieces home, owing to the fact that you do not have any other additional pieces to shift! In this situation, it’s more favorable to have checkers on the bar so that you might maintain your position up till your opponent gives you an opportunity to hit, so it will be a good idea to attempt and get your competitor to hit them in this case!