Backgammon Information

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In astonishingly general terms, there are 3 main plans used. You must be able to switch tactics instantly as the course of the game unfolds.

The Blockade

This involves building a 6-thick wall of checkers, or at least as thick as you are able to achieve, to block in the opponent’s checkers that are located on your 1-point. This is judged to be the most acceptable tactic at the begining of the match. You can build the wall anywhere inbetween your eleven-point and your two-point and then shift it into your home board as the game progresses.

The Blitz

This involves closing your home board as fast as possible while keeping your opponent on the bar. i.e., if your competitor tosses an early two and moves one checker from your 1-point to your three-point and you then roll a five-five, you can play six/one 6/1 8/3 eight/three. Your opponent is then in big-time trouble due to the fact that they have 2 pieces on the bar and you have locked half your inner board!

The Backgame

This tactic is where you have two or higher pieces in your competitor’s home board. (An anchor is a point occupied by at a minimum two of your pieces.) It should be employed when you are extremely behind as it greatly improves your chances. The best areas for anchors are near your competitor’s smaller points and also on adjacent points or with a single point separating them. Timing is important for an effectual backgame: at the end of the day, there’s no reason having 2 nice anchors and a solid wall in your own home board if you are then required to break up this right away, while your opposer is shifting their checkers home, considering that you do not have other additional checkers to move! In this case, it’s better to have pieces on the bar so that you might maintain your position until your competitor provides you a chance to hit, so it may be a wonderful idea to attempt and get your challenger to hit them in this case!