Backgammon Information

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In exceptionally simple terms, there are three chief plans used. You need to be able to hop between game plans almost instantly as the course of the game unfolds.

The Blockade

This is comprised of assembling a 6-thick wall of pieces, or at least as thick as you can manage, to barricade in the opponent’s pieces that are located on your 1-point. This is judged to be the most suitable tactic at the begining of the game. You can build the wall anyplace between your 11-point and your two-point and then move it into your home board as the game continues.

The Blitz

This consists of closing your home board as fast as possible while keeping your opposer on the bar. e.g., if your opposer rolls an early two and shifts one piece from your one-point to your three-point and you then roll a five-five, you can play six/one six/one 8/3 eight/three. Your competitor is then in serious calamity because they have 2 pieces on the bar and you have closed half your inside board!

The Backgame

This course of action is where you have 2 or more anchors in your opponent’s inner board. (An anchor spot is a point consisting of at least 2 of your pieces.) It must be played when you are significantly behind as it much improves your opportunities. The best areas for anchor spots are towards your opponent’s smaller points and also on adjoining points or with a single point in between. Timing is integral for a competent backgame: after all, there is no reason having 2 nice anchors and a solid wall in your own home board if you are then required to break apart this straight away, while your opposer is shifting their pieces home, because you don’t have any other spare checkers to move! In this situation, it is better to have pieces on the bar so that you are able to maintain your position up till your opponent gives you an opportunity to hit, so it may be a wonderful idea to attempt and get your opponent to get them in this situation!