Backgammon – 3 Basic Schemes
In very general terms, there are 3 main techniques employed. You need to be agile enough to switch game plans instantly as the action of the game unfolds.
The Blockade
This comprises of creating a 6-deep wall of checkers, or at least as deep as you might achieve, to lock in the opponent’s checkers that are located on your 1-point. This is considered to be the most suitable tactic at the begining of the match. You can assemble the wall anywhere within your eleven-point and your two-point and then move it into your home board as the game continues.
The Blitz
This is composed of closing your home board as quick as as you can while keeping your competitor on the bar. i.e., if your challenger rolls an early two and moves one checker from your one-point to your 3-point and you then roll a 5-5, you will be able to play 6/1 six/one eight/three 8/3. Your opponent is then in big-time calamity seeing 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 more checkers in your competitor’s inner board. (An anchor spot is a position occupied by at a minimum two of your pieces.) It would be employed when you are significantly behind as it greatly improves your circumstances. The better locations for anchors are near your opponent’s lower points and either on adjoining points or with one point separating them. Timing is critical for an effectual backgame: besides, there is no point having two nice anchor spots and a solid wall in your own home board if you are then required to dismantle this right away, while your opponent is shifting their checkers home, because you don’t have any other additional pieces to move! In this situation, it’s better to have pieces on the bar so that you can preserve your position up till your opposer gives you a chance to hit, so it can be a great idea to attempt and get your opponent to hit them in this case!