Backgammon Information

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In extraordinarily general terms, there are 3 basic tactics employed. You need to be able to hop between game plans almost instantly as the course of the match unfolds.

The Blockade

This involves creating a 6-deep wall of checkers, or at a minimum as deep as you might manage, to lock in your opponent’s checkers that are located on your 1-point. This is deemed to be the most suitable tactic at the begining of the game. You can create the wall anywhere between your 11-point and your 2-point and then move it into your home board as the game advances.

The Blitz

This involves closing your home board as quickly as as you can while keeping your opponent on the bar. i.e., if your challenger rolls an early two and shifts one checker from your one-point to your 3-point and you then toss a five-five, you will be able to play 6/1 6/1 8/3 8/3. Your competitor is now in serious calamity due to the fact that they have two checkers on the bar and you have locked half your home board!

The Backgame

This tactic is where you have 2 or higher anchors in your competitor’s home board. (An anchor is a position filled by at least 2 of your pieces.) It would be employed when you are significantly behind as this strategy greatly improves your chances. The best locations for anchor spots are near your competitor’s lower points and also on abutting points or with a single point in between. Timing is important for an effectual backgame: besides, there is no reason having 2 nice anchor spots and a solid wall in your own inner board if you are then required to break up this straight away, while your opponent is getting their pieces home, because you don’t have any other additional checkers to shift! In this case, it is better to have checkers on the bar so that you are able to maintain your position until your challenger provides you an opportunity to hit, so it may be an excellent idea to attempt and get your challenger to get them in this situation!