Backgammon Information

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In extraordinarily simple terms, there are three fundamental tactics used. You want to be agile enough to switch tactics instantly as the action of the match unfolds.

The Blockade

This consists of creating a 6-deep wall of checkers, or at a minimum as thick as you are able to manage, to barricade in your competitor’s checkers that are on your 1-point. This is deemed to be the most adequate strategy at the begining of the match. You can build the wall anywhere within your 11-point and your 2-point and then move it into your home board as the match continues.

The Blitz

This is comprised of locking your home board as quick as possible while keeping your challenger on the bar. For example, if your opponent tosses an early two and moves one checker from your 1-point to your three-point and you then toss a five-five, you will be able to play 6/1 six/one 8/3 8/3. Your opponent is then in big-time dire straits due to the fact that they have two pieces on the bar and you have locked half your inner board!

The Backgame

This strategy is where you have two or higher anchors in your opponent’s inner board. (An anchor is a position filled by at a minimum 2 of your pieces.) It would be played when you are significantly behind as this strategy greatly improves your circumstances. The strongest areas for anchors are close to your opponent’s lower points and also on abutting points or with a single point in between. Timing is crucial for an effectual backgame: besides, there’s no point having 2 nice anchor spots and a complete wall in your own inner board if you are then forced to dismantle this right away, while your opposer is moving their pieces home, because you don’t have any other extra pieces to shift! In this situation, it is better to have pieces on the bar so that you can preserve your position up until your challenger gives you an opportunity to hit, so it may be a good idea to try and get your opposer to get them in this situation!