Backgammon Information

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In very simple terms, there are three basic tactics used. You want to be agile enough to switch game plans quickly as the course of the match unfolds.

The Blockade

This is composed of building a 6-deep wall of pieces, or at least as deep as you are able to manage, to lock in your opponent’s pieces that are on your 1-point. This is deemed to be the most adequate strategy at the start of the match. You can create the wall anywhere within your 11-point and your 2-point and then move it into your home board as the game progresses.

The Blitz

This consists of closing your home board as quickly as as you can while keeping your opposer on the bar. e.g., if your competitor rolls an early two and moves one piece from your 1-point to your 3-point and you then roll a 5-5, you are able to play six/one 6/1 8/3 8/3. Your opponent is now in serious calamity due to the fact that they have two checkers on the bar and you have locked half your inside board!

The Backgame

This strategy is where you have two or more checkers in your competitor’s home board. (An anchor spot is a position filled by at least two of your pieces.) It must be employed when you are decidedly behind as it much improves your chances. The best areas for anchor spots are towards your opponent’s lower points and also on abutting points or with a single point separating them. Timing is essential for an effective backgame: after all, there’s no reason having 2 nice anchor spots and a solid wall in your own home board if you are then forced to break down this right away, while your opponent is getting their pieces home, because you do not have any other extra pieces to shift! In this situation, it is more favorable to have pieces on the bar so that you are able to maintain your position until your opponent provides you an opportunity to hit, so it can be a great idea to attempt and get your opponent to hit them in this case!