Backgammon Information

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In extraordinarily simple terms, there are 3 chief game plans employed. You want to be able to switch strategies quickly as the action of the match unfolds.

The Blockade

This is comprised of building a 6-thick wall of checkers, or at a minimum as deep as you might manage, to lock in your competitor’s pieces that are on your 1-point. This is judged to be the most adequate tactic at the begining of the match. You can assemble the wall anywhere between your eleven-point and your 2-point and then shift it into your home board as the match continues.

The Blitz

This is comprised of locking your home board as fast as as you can while keeping your competitor on the bar. e.g., if your opponent rolls an early 2 and moves one checker from your one-point to your three-point and you then roll a 5-5, you will be able to play six/one 6/1 8/3 8/3. Your challenger is then in big-time trouble seeing that they have two checkers on the bar and you have closed half your home board!

The Backgame

This plan is where you have 2 or more anchors in your opponent’s inner board. (An anchor spot is a point consisting of at least 2 of your pieces.) It must be played when you are decidedly behind as it much improves your circumstances. The best areas for anchor spots are close to your competitor’s smaller points and also on adjacent points or with one point separating them. Timing is essential for a powerful backgame: after all, there’s no point having two nice anchors and a complete wall in your own inner board if you are then required to break down this straight away, while your competitor is shifting their checkers home, seeing that you do not have any other additional checkers to move! In this situation, it is more tolerable to have pieces on the bar so that you are able to maintain your position up till your competitor gives you an opportunity to hit, so it can be a wonderful idea to attempt and get your challenger to get them in this situation!