Backgammon – 3 General Techniques
In exceptionally simple terms, there are 3 general tactics employed. You need to be able to switch techniques quickly as the course of the match unfolds.
The Blockade
This comprises of assembling a 6-thick wall of checkers, or at a minimum as deep as you can achieve, to barricade in your opponent’s pieces that are located on your 1-point. This is considered to be the most acceptable strategy at the begining of the game. You can build the wall anyplace between your eleven-point and your 2-point and then move it into your home board as the game continues.
The Blitz
This consists of locking your home board as quickly as possible while keeping your competitor on the bar. For example, if your challenger tosses an early 2 and shifts one piece from your one-point to your three-point and you then toss a five-five, you are able to play six/one 6/1 8/3 8/3. Your competitor is then in big-time difficulty seeing that they have 2 pieces on the bar and you have locked half your inside board!
The Backgame
This tactic is where you have 2 or higher anchors in your competitor’s inner board. (An anchor spot is a point occupied by at least 2 of your checkers.) It would be used when you are decidedly behind as it much improves your chances. The strongest areas for anchors are near your opponent’s smaller points and either on adjoining points or with a single point separating them. Timing is integral for an effectual backgame: after all, there is no reason having two nice anchors and a complete wall in your own home board if you are then required to break down this right away, while your opposer is moving their checkers home, seeing that you do not have other extra checkers to move! In this situation, it is better to have checkers on the bar so that you are able to preserve your position until your competitor gives you a chance to hit, so it may be a great idea to attempt and get your competitor to get them in this case!