Backgammon – Three Basic Schemes
In astonishingly general terms, there are three fundamental techniques used. You need to be able to switch strategies instantly as the action of the match unfolds.
The Blockade
This consists of building a 6-deep wall of pieces, or at a minimum as thick as you can achieve, to barricade in your opponent’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 anyplace inbetween your eleven-point and your two-point and then shuffle it into your home board as the game advances.
The Blitz
This is comprised of locking your home board as fast as possible while keeping your competitor on the bar. For example, if your challenger tosses an early two and moves one piece from your 1-point to your 3-point and you then roll a 5-5, you will be able to play six/one 6/1 8/3 8/3. Your competitor is now in serious trouble since they have 2 checkers on the bar and you have locked half your home board!
The Backgame
This tactic is where you have two or more anchors in your opponent’s home board. (An anchor spot is a point consisting of at least 2 of your pieces.) It would be employed when you are decidedly behind as it much improves your opportunities. The best places for anchor spots are close to your competitor’s smaller points and also on adjoining points or with one point separating them. Timing is integral for an effectual backgame: besides, there’s no point having two nice anchors and a complete wall in your own inner board if you are then forced to break up this right away, while your competitor is getting their pieces home, because you don’t have other extra checkers to shift! In this case, it is better to have pieces on the bar so that you are able to preserve your position up till your challenger gives you an opportunity to hit, so it will be a wonderful idea to attempt and get your opposer to get them in this situation!