Backgammon – 3 Main Strategies
In extraordinarily simple terms, there are three fundamental techniques used. You need to be able to switch techniques almost instantly as the action of the match unfolds.
The Blockade
This is comprised of assembling a 6-deep wall of checkers, or at a minimum as deep as you are able to achieve, to barricade in the competitor’s checkers that are located on your 1-point. This is considered to be the most acceptable tactic at the begining of the match. You can create the wall anywhere within your eleven-point and your two-point and then shift it into your home board as the match progresses.
The Blitz
This involves closing your home board as fast as possible while keeping your opponent on the bar. e.g., if your opponent rolls an early 2 and moves one checker from your one-point to your three-point and you then toss a 5-5, you will be able to play 6/1 6/1 eight/three 8/3. Your opponent is then in serious trouble since they have two pieces on the bar and you have closed half your inner board!
The Backgame
This plan is where you have 2 or higher pieces in your opponent’s inner board. (An anchor is a position consisting of at least two of your pieces.) It should be employed when you are significantly behind as this action greatly improves your chances. The better places for anchor spots are near your opponent’s lower points and also on adjoining points or with one point separating them. Timing is essential for an effective backgame: besides, there’s no reason having two nice anchors and a solid wall in your own inner board if you are then required to break apart this straight away, while your opposer is shifting their pieces home, owing to the fact that you don’t have any other additional checkers to move! In this case, it is more tolerable to have pieces on the bar so that you are able to preserve your position until your challenger gives you a chance to hit, so it can be an excellent idea to attempt and get your opposer to get them in this situation!