Backgammon – 3 Basic Strategies
In very general terms, there are 3 basic tactics used. You want to be agile enough to hop between strategies instantly as the course of the game unfolds.
The Blockade
This involves creating a 6-thick wall of checkers, or at a minimum as deep as you might manage, to block in your opponent’s checkers that are on your 1-point. This is deemed to be the most acceptable strategy at the begining of the match. You can build the wall anyplace inbetween your 11-point and your 2-point and then move it into your home board as the match advances.
The Blitz
This consists of locking your home board as quickly as possible while keeping your competitor on the bar. For example, if your competitor tosses an early 2 and moves one checker from your 1-point to your 3-point and you then toss a five-five, you are able to play six/one 6/1 eight/three 8/3. Your opposer is now in serious calamity due to the fact that they have two pieces on the bar and you have locked half your home board!
The Backgame
This tactic is where you have 2 or more pieces in your competitor’s home board. (An anchor spot is a point consisting of at a minimum two of your checkers.) It must be used when you are significantly behind as this strategy greatly improves your opportunities. The strongest places for anchor spots are close to your competitor’s lower points and either on abutting points or with one point in between. Timing is integral for an effectual backgame: besides, there’s no reason having 2 nice anchors and a complete wall in your own home board if you are then forced to break down this right away, while your opponent is getting their pieces home, taking into account that you do not have any other spare pieces to move! In this situation, it is more favorable to have pieces on the bar so that you might preserve your position up until your competitor provides you an opportunity to hit, so it may be a good idea to attempt and get your opposer to get them in this situation!