Backgammon Information

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In very simple terms, there are three basic game plans used. You want to be agile enough to switch techniques almost instantly as the action of the match unfolds.

The Blockade

This is composed of assembling a 6-thick wall of pieces, or at least as deep as you can achieve, to barricade in the competitor’s checkers that are on your 1-point. This is considered to be the most suitable course of action at the begining of the match. You can assemble the wall anywhere inbetween your eleven-point and your two-point and then shift it into your home board as the match progresses.

The Blitz

This is comprised of closing your home board as fast as as you can while keeping your opposer on the bar. For example, if your opponent tosses an early 2 and shifts one checker from your one-point to your 3-point and you then toss a five-five, you are able to play 6/1 six/one 8/3 8/3. Your competitor is then in serious trouble because they have 2 checkers on the bar and you have closed half your inner board!

The Backgame

This tactic is where you have 2 or higher pieces in your competitor’s inner board. (An anchor is a point occupied by at least two of your checkers.) It needs to be played when you are extremely behind as this strategy much improves your circumstances. The best places for anchors are near your opponent’s smaller points and also on abutting points or with a single point in between. Timing is essential for a competent backgame: after all, there is no reason having two 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 competitor is moving their checkers home, owing to the fact that you don’t have any other extra checkers to shift! In this case, it is more favorable to have pieces on the bar so that you are able to maintain your position up till your opposer gives you a chance to hit, so it may be a great idea to attempt and get your challenger to hit them in this case!