Backgammon Information

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In astonishingly general terms, there are 3 fundamental plans used. You need to be able to switch game plans instantly as the course of the match unfolds.

The Blockade

This comprises of building a 6-deep wall of pieces, or at least as thick as you can achieve, to barricade in the competitor’s pieces that are located on your 1-point. This is considered to be the most suitable course of action at the start of the match. You can assemble the wall anyplace inbetween your 11-point and your 2-point and then shift 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. i.e., if your opposer tosses an early 2 and moves one piece from your one-point to your 3-point and you then roll a five-five, you will be able to play 6/1 six/one 8/3 8/3. Your challenger is now in serious trouble since they have two pieces on the bar and you have closed half your home board!

The Backgame

This strategy is where you have two or higher anchors in your competitor’s home board. (An anchor is a position consisting of at a minimum 2 of your checkers.) It would be employed when you are significantly behind as this strategy greatly improves your circumstances. The better locations for anchors are towards your opponent’s smaller points and also on adjacent points or with a single point separating them. Timing is important for an effectual backgame: after all, there’s no point having 2 nice anchors and a solid wall in your own home board if you are then forced to dismantle this right away, while your competitor is getting their pieces home, because you do not have any other spare checkers to shift! In this situation, it is more tolerable to have checkers on the bar so that you are able to preserve your position until your opposer gives you an opportunity to hit, so it can be a good idea to try and get your opponent to get them in this case!